Silent Night...Holy Night...

"Silent night, Holy night,
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia;
Christ the Saviour, is born!
Christ the Saviour, is born!"

Its almost 24 hours since Xmas day passed and I am a little late in putting this up here. But the blame goes to Jim Reeves and Boney M. Yes, I ushered in Christmas with Carols sung by these 2 legends and for once I didn't miss going to the church for the midnight mass this year.

In the last few years, I have had the good fortune to visit churches quite frequently, thanks to my friends in Bangalore. For me a visit to the church for a mass is synonymous with music. I have always been enchanted by the Choir, the Hymns and the Prayers. After all, music as a means to reach out to the divine is an age old concept in our country, isn't it?

To reach out to the divine through music is one thing. Instances are abundant. Saint Thyagaraja, AaNdaaL Naachiyaar, Maanicka Vaachagar and the list goes on. But there is this man, who through his music has reached out to an entire generation of music lovers, to the extent that he is treated no less than god by a sizeable population of his fans. Irrespective of what one feels, he is undoubtedly blessed and so are we, to be born in an era of such greatness. The one and only Maestro Isaignaani ILaiyaraaja!

"Unaroo" is a 1984 MalayaLam film directed by Mani Rathnam starring Mohanlal and Deepa (aka Unni Mary). This only direct Malayalam movie that Mani Rathnam directed, dealt with trade unions and labour party issues in Kerala.

The song that I wish to share is sung by "Gaana Gandharvan" Dr.Kattassery Joseph Yesudas. The song starts with a jazzy saxophone followed by a peppy humming by Dr.Yesudas. The sax now picks up the pep and leads us to the rendering of "VeLaankanni PaLLiyilae Kanni ThirunaaLu".

Towards the end of the Pallavi the chorus pitches in wishing 'Mary's Little Boy Child' a Happy Birthday! The guitar and the saxophone interwine in the first interlude as we rejoice the birth of the king.

The CharaNam is pure bliss. The fun continues with Dr.Yesudas singing "PaavanangiLi PoovanangiLi" which is repeated by the chorale. In the second interlude, the tabla and the Gada Singaari beats give way to the flute that belts out a fabulous folkish melody. The celebration continues with the yummy second charanam that goes, "Thaen Ozhuganam, Paal Ozhuganam, Paayasam Venam".

The bells chime, the angels sing and the celebrations continue into the wee hours as it is joy to this world!

"Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh"

Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!

Listen to it here!

ஞாபகம் வருதே! ஞாபகம் வருதே!

"Memory" in psychology is "an organism's ability to store, retain and recall information". (Thanks Wikipedia!)

I referred the wikipedia page thrice atleast before I wrote the above properly. (Ability to store, retain and recall! huh!!). But I have this uncanny ability to remember names and phone numbers (no one asks me any definitions these days!).

'To Memorize' (Dabba adikkaradhu-nnu solluvaangale) has always been an integral part of our educational system, irrespective of whether one understood the essence of what he/she is studying (rather 'reading' in most cases).

I vividly remember my elder brother trying to memorize the Silappadhigaaram poem (தேரா மன்னா செப்புவதுடையேன்!) during his 10th standard (Thamizh was not his most favorite subject then). I used to pick up those poems quite effortlessly and as a matter of fact remember that till date. (Its a different story that his grades were always better than mine. He scored good marks in all other subjects unlike me!).

In 2005, Blessy adapted a short story by Director Padmarajan and made Thanmaathra, a movie that depicted the effects of Alzheimer's on an individual and his family. The movie starred Mohanlal (in a stellar and what I consider his best performance till date), Nedumudi Venu and Meera Vasudevan. The short story was aptly titled 'Orma'.

The same year, Sanjay Leela Bhansali made 'Black', starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee and Ayesha Kapoor, that also dealt with Alzheimer's.

Both movies had great performances, but somehow the former has managed to stay closer to my heart for a stupendously realistic portrayal of the sufferings of a middle aged man who aspires and prepares his son (with emphasis on memory techniques) for the administrative services exams. Needless to say, it is one of my all time favorite movies.

So what?? Yes, I 'remember' that this post is supposed to be about Raaja's music. Ormai undu! :)

Hence without much ado (ennadhu?) let me divulge the song. It is "OrmagaLaai Koode Varoo" (Idhukkuthaanaa!!) from Oomakkuyil, starring YG Mahendran and Poornima Jayaram (Bhagyaraj). I had earlier posted the song "Thaazhampoo ThaaLil" from the same movie. This movie as many might know is the remake of Kokila, which was subsequently remade in Hindi as "Aur Ek Prem Kahani" starring Ramesh Arvind and Heera.

A beautiful duet by KJ Yesudas and S.Janaki, this song depicts the heroine reminiscing the beautiful days she shared with her beloved (who was a paying guest in her house), after he absconds and all efforts to trace him remain futile.

Picturized in typical Balu Mahendra style, the Piano at the very beginning coupled with the strings, capture the girl's misery simultaneously transporting the listener to the flashback portion. The violin conversations in the prelude say it all!

The flute makes a brief and beautiful entry, in the first interlude dominated by the guitar. The charaNams take a splendid turn at the phrase, 'snehikkyuvaanaai' to complete the cycle. awesome stuff! Yesudas and Janaki are at their best, as always.

Great Composition! Happy Listening!

Listen to it here!


Youtube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWeXKRrcvUc

PAA PAA pa pa PAA!!

2 (or more) reasons why you should watch Paa!

1. The Shahenshah: The Big B is amazing and adorable as 'Auro' and every accolade going his way is well deserved. Period.

2. The Raaja: There is a writing on Auro's wall that says "Behind every monkey there is a man called Auro". And behind Auro is the great Raaja! This is one background score I enjoyed thoroughly and loved to bits after Naan Kadavul. The background score is this movies biggest strength (apart from Auro, of course).

and the few more..

3. Balki: Great Job! Neat screenplay devoid of the cliche's (Mangalam Bhagwan Vishnu...?!). Deserves a special bouquet for his visualization and execution of Auro. Superb dialogues!

4. Near Perfect Casting: Vidya Balan is outstanding (and looks quite ravishing in the flashback portions :p) and is brilliantly supported by AB Jr., Arundathi 'Bum' Nag and Paresh Rawal (in an extended cameo). Auro's friends are as adorable as Auro himself.

5. Technically Good: Kudos to PC Sreeram and Anil Naidu (editor) for their lovely work.

Could anything have been better??

- The Doordarshan episode I thought could have been a li'l better.
- The Delhi Metro train as a location and the bond Amol develops for Auro in a matter of days was a bit puzzling to me.

For Raaja fans: You have to be content with the full version of 'Gumm Summ' (and 'Hichki' to an extent) in the Audio CD. I am not complaining!




My Verdict: Watch it for the 'Shahenshah' and the 'Raaja'! (you will discover 'the few more' on the way..)

Its more of a "Mom-Son-Daughter-Mom" relationship that you end up watching!



[P.S. I am an ardent ILaiyaraaja fan.But my comments about the music above are honest words and not biased in any way :)]

வானத்துத் தாரகைகள்!

நாள்தோறும்,
மாலை வந்ததும்,
வான வீதியில்,
நிலவுத் தெருவிளக்கின் கீழ்,

மேக ஊர்தியில் வரும் எந்த ஆடவனை
கண்ணடித்து அழைக்கின்றனவோ?!
இந்தச் சிங்கார
வானத்துத் தாரகைகள்!

Random Click

Pazhassi Raja is a must watch!

Reasons:
1. It is technically brilliant..cinematography in specific

2. For a 3 and half hr movie there is no point where you get bored or does the screenplay slacken. The narration is good too.

3. Brilliant performances from the lead characters. Sarath Kumar shines in the tailor-made, author-backed essay of Edachena Kunkan. Kaniha and Padmapriya play their parts well. Mammukoya, Nedumudi Venu and Thilakan score irrespective of their blink-and-you-miss roles. Manoj K Jayan, Suman and Suresh Krishna are apt. (Do I need to say about Mammootty's acting)

4. Maestro and his music. The songs are picturized neatly. IR fans may miss the brilliant Ambum Kombum (comes partly in the BGM. I felt it was a forced inclusion in the BGM. Its very difficuly not to include such a magnificient song) and the melodic Odathandil (doesnot feature and I am not complaining).

In certain places, especially war/fight scenes and some forest scenes, I felt that the BGM was numbed to an extent by the sound recording (sound of swords, guns, horses etc).

Use of Harness in some fight scenes looked artificial. (but the hanging scenes have been picturized brilliantly)

Mammootty speaking in English towards the climax doesn't gel well.

All said and done its a really good movie. Guys! Go Watch It!

Paarththadhil Pidiththadhu!

I saw this digital painting on a CRY greeting card..

Manjal Veyyil Maalayilae..

Blink & Sleep!

I was discussing with my friend from Delhi (native of Agra), on how he is placed to attend a friends wedding in Kerala next month.

I told him that weddings in Kerala are largely one day affairs unlike in other parts of the country where festivities and rituals are spread over even a week or more.

I have observed in the few Malayali weddings that I attended that rituals are very limited and the actual wedding ceremony gets over in a matter of minutes.

And hence I told this friend that you might end up missing the wedding if you happen to blink at the wrong moment. Quite spontaneouly he remarked "in ours, you wouldn't miss anything even if you sleep for a day".

Auto strike in Bangalore

LOL! Look at the way the meter is covered..fearing someone might ask to go by the meter. I was one of the many Bangalorean's that couldn't go to work normally due to the auto strike...ended up working from home.

Needless to say fleecing was at its best..my friend paid 350 bucks for a ride from Domlur to BTM!

At Capital Village, Coorg..

Sunset @ Talakkad

From the banks of river Cauvery...

Regards
Chandra Sekar.T.V

<Sent from my MotoQ>

Gaganchukki falls..shivana samudra.

A lazy friday evening in Bangalore!

I shot this just outside my office complex a few weeks ago..Nature's Palette so beautiful!

படித்ததில் பிடித்தது 1

வானமாய் இரு!

பகலும்
இரவும்
வேண்டாமா?
சூரியனாய் இரு!

பிறப்பும்
இறப்பும்
வேண்டாமா?
வானமாய் இரு!

-'இசைஞானி' இளையராஜா.

தேடியது கெடச்சாலே....

The above is a take off from one of my favorite bit songs composed by Raaja sir. This was for the film Mahaanadhi and it goes "தேடியது கெடச்சாலே சந்தோசப் படும் மனசு" (“Thaediyadhu Kedachchaalae Sandhosap Padum Manasu”) which means “When you attain/get something that you have been searching for, your heart will feel happy”

Happy?! I would feel ecstatic if I happen to get something that I have been searching for long. If getting something that you were expecting makes you feel elated what if you weren’t expecting one in the first place!

This forum has given us a lot of things that we have been searching for, for years, without much success. For some, it has provided unexpected things in the form of information, songs and good-like-minded friends. So true, isn’t it? Frankly, when I joined this forum, I never expected such a windfall of information and so many hidden treasures.

So here we are on a search.. a treasure hunt, alongwith P.Susheela, who is voicing a search of a different kind (when you listen to this song you will agree why it is a treasure).

For some, this song might be one that you have been searching for some time. For me it’s the other case. When I got this recorded last month, I never expected this unreleased movie to have such brilliant numbers and so naturally I am overwhelmed.

The song is "Ezhaip Poo Unai" from the unreleased Pudhiya AdimaigaL.

Listen to the prelude and you will know what this song is all about. As you can imagine, it mirrors the loneliness of the girl as she laments for her man’s arrival.

The first interlude signifies her wandering in search, her long wait and the pain.

When Susheela sings 'உன் முகம் பார்க்கவே உள்ளம் ஏங்குதே' ( “Un Mugham Paarkkavae ULLam Aengudhae”) you feel the pain and the longing.

The wait continues as the monsoons arrive and still there is no sight of the beloved.

It is but natural that when the going gets tough one starts to dream/think about the positive/nicer aspects of life. Our ஏழைப் பூ (‘Ezhai Poo’) hence starts dreaming. The second CharaNam is on a positive note where she says மார்கழி போனதும் மாலை சூடுவோம் (“Maargazhi Ponadhum Maalai Sooduvom”), meaning ‘lets tie the knot once this month of Maargazhi is over’. (In Thamizh culture, no auspicious events are held during the month of Maargazhi.)

…and the search continues.

தேடியது கெடச்சாலே சந்தோசப் படும் மனசு! இல்லையா?

Link to the search of the 'Ezhai Poo': http://music.cooltoad.com/music/song.php?id=447571

Happy Listening!

இன்று போய் நாளை வா! (Bon Voyage!)

(இது, திருமணமாகி தன் கணவனிடம் சேர, வெளிநாடு செல்லும் என் தோழிக்காக நான் வரைந்த வாழ்த்து!)

சென்று வா தோழி
உலகம் சுற்றி வா!

நின்று திரும்பிப் பார்க்கிறேன்
இன்று தான் சந்தித்தது போல் இருந்தாலும்
எத்தனை வேக வேகமாய்
இத்துணை ஆண்டுகள் ஓடி விட்டன!

அன்று ஆரம்பித்த அரட்டைகள்
நன்றாய் என்றும் தொடரும்.
தொலைவால் தொலைந்து போகாது.
வலை இருக்கிறது. வா வம்படிக்கலாம்!

என்று திரும்புவாய் என்ற ஏக்கத்தோடு,
எல்லோரும் காத்திருப்போம் என்றாலும்
உளமார வாழ்த்தி அனுப்புகிறோம்,
உன் கண்ணாளனின் காதல் ரோஜா காத்திருக்கிறது.

சென்று வா தோழி!
உலகம் சுற்றி வா!

A 'Bit' of Bliss!

My mobile has been chiming non-stop since last night with “Happy Friendship Day” messages. It didn’t stop there. Scraps, status updates, offline messages and what not!

Oh yes! It’s the first Sunday of August. (Did you know, that this tradition(?!), first started in the US in 1935 and ‘Winnie the Pooh’ is the UN Ambassador of Friendship?)

This was a non-event in India a few years back, when I was in college and has grown leaps and bands (oops! bounds..) in the last few years. Again, one of those sure-fire hit formula for the service providers, gift shops, fancy/novelty stores. Marketing Gimmick?? Too much commercialization of a noble relationship??

Either way, the only thing that we need is a reason to celebrate..Celebrate Maestro’s Music!

This concept has been a favourite recipe for our film-makers too (albeit with a bit of added masala) for years. Be it ThaLabathi, Pithaamagan, Nilave Mugham Kaattu, Kuselan or the most recent Naadodigal, the friendship band has held a lot of scripts together and also has helped drag the masses to the theatre. One of my personal favorite depictions of a friend is, enacted by Ben Affleck, in the highly acclaimed Hollywood flick Good Will Hunting. (Examples are abundant. I have listed only the movies that came to my mind as I was writing this paragraph).

In 2001, Vijay & Surya starred in ‘Friends’, a remake of the Malayalam blockbuster ‘chala chithram’ of the same name. Jayaram and Mukesh (alongwith the super talented Sreenivasan) played the lead roles in the 1999 original. Siddique (of Siddique-Lal fame) and ‘Maestro’ Isaignani ILaiyaraaja, respectively, directed and scored music for both versions. True to his genius, the tunes and feel that Raaja provided were totally different in each of the version to suit the tastes of the targeted audience and fans.

There is a hilarious sequence in the movie, where the friends go as ‘apparasandigal’ (apprentices) for the renovation work of a palatial bungalow. Our hero breaks into a song while working (or whiling away) and that is enough for cupid to strike! Jayaram crooned while Vijay had to hum. The song that Jayaram lip-synced to is what I term “a bit of bliss”. (Yes! It lasts just over a minute and twenty seconds)

Sreekuttan (as MG Sreekumar is fondly addressed in the music circle) sang this mind blowing piece that leaves you craving for more, precisely the reason why you will invariably end up playing it again (Like ‘No one can eat just one’-you just can’t stop after listening to this once!).

Right from the beautiful humming, the song engulfs you and you just lose yourself, as I am currently lost….for words!

It’s on loop and I am lovin’ it!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzNkMwIAD2o

Isn’t this a reason to celebrate? Happy Listening!

Aettande Nenjin Thaaraattu!

I guess the above means "The Lullaby of a Brother's Heart". Yes. This song as you would have guessed by now is another gem that epitomizes the Brother-Sister relationship.

Raj had recently dedicated the lovely "Oru Thanga Radhatthil" and had written in detail about how Raaja has captured varieties of 'Paasam'(affection) in his compositions. The song I plan to share here adds another dimension to this entire discussion.

Brother-Sister paasam has been one of those sure-fire success formulae of our film makers till about a few years ago. Starting from Paasa Malar (ஏதோ எனக்கு தெரிஞ்ச வரைக்கும்!) to Chinna Thambi it has raked in the moolah time and again.

It has impacted our daily lives so much that we use the term 'Paasa Malar' synonymously with a brother-sister relation. (I tease my Dad and Aunt all the time with this!).

The filmmakers of Mollywood have also churned out movies woven on 'this' sentiment thread. .I personally feel that some of the best scripts written these days (or for quite sometime) are from God's own country (Its strictly a personal opinion. No offence meant).

In 1997, a movie starring Mammootty and (Baby) Shalini was released that depicted the relationship of a Brother and his Sister who is sick and disturbed.Shobana played Mammooty's love interest in the film. Needless to say Raaja helmed the music department. The movie is Kaliyoonjal.

This movie had some brilliant songs, the most famous being "Saaradhendhu Paadi" (one version by G.Venugopal & another by KJ Yesudas) and "Varnna Vrundavanam" by Chinnakuil Chitra (There is also a male version of the latter sung by the Maestro himself).

"Manikkutti Kurumbulla" in the golden voice of Dr.KJ Yesudas is picturized on Mamootty and Shalini and drips with the affection that we are talking about.

The song starts off with KJY's voice followed by a crisp flute bit that reflects the beckoning of the brother. The guitar shows you glimpses of the siblings as they sway and swing (along with us!) holding each other's hands.

The next 10 seconds summarize the mood of the song, by way of the humming, as you sit up and take note.

The first interlude is typical Raaja, that starts of with the serene piano bit followed by the divine veena that merges into a sea of violins.

Listen to the flute bit that follows the first line of the CharaNam (if possible with a pair of headphones). Goose Bumps!

The CharaNam's drip with affection (பாசத்த பிழிஞ்சு குடுக்கறதுன்னு சொல்லுவாங்களே!) as the brother sings paeans of his darling sister-his world-his everything.

What a composition!(again!).

In the first CharaNam there is a line "Nee Ende Aathmaavin Aanadha Madhuram". How true!

Raaja! Nee Ende Aathmaavin Aanandha Madhuramalle!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXRr93Xlmqo

Happy Listening!

P.S.: Thanks to Sriram, without whom I wonder when I would have discovered this gem.

The Power of Honey!

Does it sound like a tagline for a biscuit/cereal ad?! Read on...

One thing that is common in all of us is invariably our lives daily pass by with great music.

Today for a change, I am surrounded by some great thoughts as well..in the form of books. Books written by Maestro ILaiyaraaja.

Kavignar Vaali mentioned during the Andrum..Indrum..Endrum concert that ILaiyaraaja is in a way his guru as it was he who taught him the simpler way to write a VeNbaa (வெண்பா).

(VeNbaa is a form classical Thamizh Poetry consisting of between 2 to 12 lines).

Raaja has the knack of choosing Shlokas and poems/literature and incorporating them in his compositions in a way that it elevates the song to another level.

Instances are abundant.

The one's that immediately come to my mind are

'Vaaranam Aayiram' from AandaaL's Naacchiyaar Thirumozhi used in Hey Ram and Keladi Kanmani

'Naayagi Naanmughi' from 'Abhiraami Andhaadhi' used in Guna

'Avidhyaanaam Anthasthimira Mihira" (Aadi Shankara's Soundarya Lahari) in the song Nadhiyil Aadum Poovanam from Kaadhal Oviyam

'Naveva Shashaanka Lekha' used in the song Thendralai KandukoLLa-Movie:Nilave Mugham Kaattu (Is this from Soundharya Lahari again?)

'Kunittha Puruvamum' used in ThaLapathi and so on.

Raaja has also used lot of Bharathiar Songs in his compositions, the latest being in the OLi Tharum Sooriyanum song in Vaalmiki, that Raj has discussed in his latest post.

Who can forget the Chinnanjiru Kiliyae BGM in Azhaghi (when Nandhitha Das gives Paarthiban's child a bath) or the short and scintillating 'Manadhil Urudhi VeNdum' in Sindhu Bhairavi or the heart tugging "Nalladhor Veenai" rendition of S.Janaki in Marupadiyum.

Do I even need to mention the compositions for the film on the Mahakavi himself?!

Today (July 15)is the Birth Anniversary of the man affectionately known as the Gandhi of the South (தென்னகத்து காந்தி) K.Kamaraj.

In 2004, his life was documented on celluloid in the form of the movie 'Kamaraj'. The film sank without much of a trace though it was granted Tax Exemption by the Government of Thamizhnaadu.

I remember reading a review in a weekly magazine that hailed the background score and the song "Naadu Paartthadhunda".

But the song that I feel went unnoticed is the brilliantly orchestrated "Senthamizh Naadennum Podhinilae".

I remember listening to the rendition of this song by Maharajapuram Santhanam during my school days and it remained my favorite rendition till the moment I heard this composition.

I am at loss of words to describe the prelude (அது ஒரு பிரவாகம்!) that gushes akin the 'Kaadhil Vandhu Paayum Thaen'. (Bharathi starts of by saying "When someone even utters the name Thamizhnaadu, it feels like honey gushing into the ears")

The violins, flute and the rhythm ooze energy into your senses (மூச்சில் மட்டும் அல்ல, ஐம்புலனிலும் சக்தி பிறக்கும்).

The flute interludes take you by your hand on a guided tour of the great qualities of ThamizhNaadu and its people in the form of Kavi Chakravarthi Kamban, Poetry, Literature, selflessness etc.

Bharathi was a Prophet (தீர்க்கதரிசி). He lays out a list of things that he says would be accomplished including erecting factories & plants,manufacturing, setting up schools etc.

Check out the shift in orchestration (at around 2:40) that elevates this thought/dream of the Mahakavi. Mind Boggling!

The song ends with a beautiful piece hailing Kamaraj as a boon to the nation (which applies to the Maestro himself anyway)

A song full of energy that gives me goose bumps everytime.

இங்கிவரை யாம் பெறவே என்ன தவம் செய்து விட்டோம்!

Happy Listening!

Link to song: http://www.mediafire.com/?mhm2iyjhyzn

Nannavaru!

It was abt when I came to Bangalore(2005)..I had no idea abt Ilaiyaraaja's Kannada songs etc..(my collection & knowledge (?!) was limited to popular tamil hits of his)

I was in this auto from BTM to MG road & the autowaalah was blurting out his FM. Quite a few songs played during that travel of mine, of which I had no clue.

Suddenly this song caught me by surprise. I had never lent my ear to a Kannada song before..This song was so attractive that I even asked the autowaalah if he knew which movie this song was in. But beyond all that something told me that it had something to do with Ilaiyaraaja...

The first 2 words (it turned out to be only the 2nd) of the song was what I could register in all the traffic and the noise around..and I understood it to be Deva Hoovaagidhe...

Immediately on reaching office I googled and google threw up the suggestion Jeeva Hoovaagidhae and to my surprise of surprises there was Ilaiyaraaja's name tagged to it...There was still a doubt lingering...and I got my answer when I reached hostel that evening. The first thing I did was to open raaga.com listen to Dr.Raj go Jeeva Hoovaagidhae in the company of the evergreen S.Janaki.

Is this a very important anecdote? Yes it is..to me..coz this incident gave me the confidence that all the songs of Ilaiyaraaja that I had listened to in the past had not gone in vain and I could identify and connect to a song he had composed, though the language was greek and latin to me at that time. More than an anecdote it turned out to be an experience that continues till date and is etched in my memory. Starting with this song I have now accumulated over 70 of his Kannada compositions...and its growing day by day..

Especially 2009 has been a feast with a windfall of releases. 3 of his Kannada albums are already out and atleast 2 more are expected to be out before end of the year. Looking forward to them and many more..

Thanks to the autowaalah and the FM station..

anyway let me stop here n give the link to this wonderful composition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHFkMXDTpx0

Happy Listening..all over again..Cheers...

Love All

No. This post has nothing to do with Tennis or any other sport.

Raaja's music was a major reason that contributed to the success of the Rajnikanth starrer "Shree Raghavendrar". Raama Namam,Aadal Kalayae and Azhaikkiran Madhavan are probably the more famous songs and oft heard/repeated. Of course Black Eyed Peas'"The Elephunk Theme" helped us realise the hip-hop in "Unakkum Enakkum".

But the song I wish to share is (as far as I recollect is not part of the movie) a real gem and am not sure how many of you have tried this. The movie features only the sloka like rendition at the beginning of the song. (Does that make it a rare gem?? [:)])

The song praises Sree Raghavendra and his principles starting with how love can unite everyone. Malaysia Vasudevan carries the message in splendid fashion.

The song starts with the sunrise (பார்த்தே ரொம்ப நாள் ஆச்சு!) and a description of the early morning atmosphere.

From start to finish it feels like a river in full flow (சலனமற்ற நதி போல) and a walk on the banks is worth it. The interludes are dominated by the Veena and violins. Make sure you do not miss the Jalatharangam bits.

When on the river bed how about a cool breeze?! Check out the flute bit in the second interlude.Magical stuff from the Maestro!

I love the 2nd stanza "Ksheththiram pala Naadi" that culminates in a lovely chorus.

The chorus at the very end evokes the feeling of sitting in front of the Brundavanam at the time of an 'Aarthi' and that state of unison (கடல் சேரும் நதி போல..).

Great Song! Divine Feel!

இசை எனும் அற்புதம்!
அதில் அன்பு எனும் மந்திரம்!

Link: http://www.mediafire.com/file/glykemgz4y4/Anbu Enum Oru Mandhiram.MP3

Happy Listening..Love All!!

This is it... (1958-2009)

Its a sad day in the history of world music as it dawned with the news of the passing away of the 'King of Pop'.

It was shocking to say the least and highly untimely.

Shocking coz this was not how hoards of his fans wanted to see him go. The wait for that one final performance and glimpse of the 'Moonwalk' was never to be...

Check this out for a record...

- 13 Grammy's
- Two time induction to the Rock n Roll 'Hall of Fame'
- 13 No.1 Singles
- 750 Million records sold worldwide

and most of all
- a US patent for the "Anti Gravity Lean" that was immortalized in the 'Smooth Criminal' video

Extremely Untimely coz the end came 18 days shy of his comeback bid with the 50 date sell-out "This is it" concert.

The concerts were scheduled from the 13th of July and only the first 10 concerts would have reportedly earned the debt-stricken Jacko 50 Mn pounds.

Its a colossal loss to the Music world, the innumerable fans and above all the promoters of this tour. Lets see why..

- More than a million people were expected to turn up for the concert series, what MJ called his 'Final Curtain Call'
- Tickets that had not been printed were on sale on eBay for over 300 pounds
- 16000 applications per Second were received on the concert website
- Over a Million people registered for pre-sale tickets enough to fill the venue 5 times over
- and in a space of about 2 hours all 190,000 tickets were gone

and the following records were either broken/meant to be broken
- Fastest ticket sale in history
- Biggest audience ever to see an artist in one city
- Most amount of people to attend a series of concert shows

Beyond this, 'This is it' was expected to provide a much needed thrust to the British economy. It was expected to generate over a billion pounds for the economy.

Imagine the plight of the promoters, who as I type this have reported that they are not insured for non-appearance.

All said and done, arguably one of the greatest entertainers of all time will be missed badly.

There's A Place In
Our Heart
And you Know That It Is Love
And This Place Would
Be Much
Void Than Yesterday!

RIP Michael (Mikaeel) Joseph Jackson!

"This is it...This really is it..The final curtain call"- Michael Jackson at the press conference announcing his final concert series at O2 arena, March 05, 2009

எனக்கு பிடித்த பாடல்கள்

I am listening(watching) to some music videos since morning and the lineup is quite interesting. For a change, these are not Ilaiyaraaja's compositions.

The list was something like this..

It started with the playful "Manjil Kulikkum Raaverayay" from Veruthe Oru Bhaarya, composed and sung by Shyam Dharman. The highlight of this track are the antics of Jayaram, where he impersonates various Malayalam actors. Amazing & Hilarious stuff..

Continuing with the list(??)
Chella Kurinji-Mullavalliyum Thenmaavum-Ousepacchan-Unni Menon & Sujatha [Song--->Movie--->Composer--->Singer(s)]. This is a 'anytime-listen' romantic song complete with nice picturization and a beautiful looking Chaya Singh.

Next in line were the 2 beautiful songs from "Karuttha Pakshigal", Mazhyil Raathri Mazhyil and Venmukiledho. Manjari & Jayachandran are just awesome in their respective songs. Mohan Sithara continues his good work from Thanmathra adding some soul to this movie with his compositions (these are the only 2 songs in the album, though there is also a female version of Venmukiledho by Sheela Mani).

Mazhayil:

Venmukil:

Mohanlal starrer Photographer may have been a dud at the box office, but the song "Ende Kannanu Karuppu Niram" is a marvellous duet between 'கந்தர்வ குரலோன்' K J Yesudas and the supremely talented Manjari.

All of us have appreciated the super hit "Ente Khalbile" sung by Vineeth Srinivasan. But my favorite in the 2006 flick Classmates is "Kaathirunna PeNNallae". Alex Paul infuses such a marvellous feel to this song with the chorus that sings some folkish melodies. Jyotsna, Devanand and Soniya render the lead vocals in this melody.

Currently, it is "Sangeetha Swarangal" from Azhagan thats on a loop. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't like this song by Maragadha Mani. SPB and Sandhya are brilliant to say the least. But the best part of the song are the lyrics, I thought.

Check this out for a conversation...

ஆண்: நெஞ்சில் என்னவோ நெனச்சேன்
பெண்: நானும் தான் நெனச்சேன்
ஆண்: ஞாபகம் வரல
பெண்:யோசிச்சா தெரியும்
ஆண்: யோசனை வரல
பெண்: தூங்குனா விளங்கும்
ஆண்: தூக்கம் தான் வரல
பெண்: பாடுறேன் மெதுவா..உறங்கு!

Hats off to Pulamai Pitthan and of course, KB for the situation and the picturization.

Its still on loop..and I am loving it.

Oomai Vizhigal!

I have always been amazed at the Maestro's compositions for movies wherein the protagonist was a musician.

Whether it is Mohan invariably with a microphone or Balachander's JKB or Bilahari Maarthaandam Pillai (& family),

Whether it is Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal or Enga Ooru Paattukkaaran, Kalaignan or Kaadhal Oviyam, Raaja has always struck the right chord, Marupadiyum, Marupadiyum! (again & again)

All of us loved his compositions for the blind violinist. But what I am gonna talk about today is the one for the blind singer.

No, its not Kaasi. It is Ramu!

When director Vinayan chose to recreate his highly appreciated 'Vaasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Nyaanum' in Tamil, he went to the Maestro to provide the soul.

The same year (2003), Sandalwood made an attempt to recreate the magic, with Darshan in the lead. I am not sure how much magic the movie managed to create, but the music left an indelible mark.

Raaja who chose Hariharan to be the voice of Kaasi included Udit Narayan as well, apart from himself, to croon for Ramu.

Namma Preethiya Ramu sang six songs in all. Of the six, Raaja let Ramu borrow a couple of enchanting tunes from Kaasi (the beautiful & quite popular title track, Naan Kaanum, sung in Kannada by Udit and En Mana Vaanil).

My pick is the song that replaced "Aathorathilae Aalamaram". All of us know the situation. The poor visually challenged singer is ecstatic on the thought that he is getting back his gift of vision.

He shares his joy with his beloved who is speech impaired. But he is unaware of the grief she is in after having been molested by the village chieftain who is facilitating his gift of vision.

His excitement is voiced in Hariharan's superb humming. You feel like jumping alongside Ramu in ecstacy.

The beginning of the first interlude provides a glimpse of the tragedy that his beloved is gone thru. But immediately she decides to bury her sorrow so that his dreams are not shattered..and the dream continues with the shehnai followed by the flute.

The guitar joins in to indicate what he has never experienced before and he is on cloud nine.

The guitar rules the second interlude before the strings and chorus take over and show the level of 'roller-coaster' excitement. But in all his excitement he doesn't realise the silent suffering of the poor mute girl, signified by the solo violin that concludes the second interlude.

The musician-lover goes on... telling her that if he had 2 voices, he would have given her one and listened to her sing all his life and they would be entwined like 'Naadha' and 'Raaga' for the ensuing 7 births.

The underlying sorrow overshadowed by ecstacy is brilliantly showcased by the Maestro in this spectacular composition.

I am unable to choose between this and "Aathorathilae Aalamaram". It is like choosing between "Poongaatru" in Moondraam Pirai and "Ae Zindagi" in Sadma. Tough isn't it?

Either ways enjoy this classy composition! Cheers!

Link to song: http://www.mediafire.com/file/mztnzzznt3m/Joly Jokkaali.mp3

Happy Listening!