Avan Ivan by Yuvan Shankar Raja - Music Preview

A reason to revive this blog :)

Expectations are high on this Avan Ivan music as Bala has come back to Yuvan after doing two films with Ilayaraja. It's a well known fact that Yuvan is capable of delivering great tracks for unusual, offbeat scripts.

A few days ago, Amazon and Sony Music released 30 sec samples of Avan Ivan tracks. You may listen to the samples here.

My expectations have gone high after listening to these samples.

Of the five songs, Rasathi, Oru Malayoram are going to be my picks I believe. Dia Dole has good drum beats while Avana pathi, folk song brings 'Paruthiveeran' Yuvan back. Couldn't make any guess on the pathos "Mudhal Murai". But, going by Yuvan's tweet, in which he mentioned "It's intense", I think this will be a haunting number. Yuvan also wrote that he had used 40 live drums for one of the songs. I guess it is Dia dole or Avana pathi.

Eagerly waiting for the songs. Should be out by April 18th! Get ready folks!

Vinith...

Tags: Avan Ivan Yuvan, Bala, songs.

Yuvan's Boss engira Baskaran - Music review

Just before we could finish enjoying the songs of Naan Mahan Alla, we have got the next album from Yuvan. Oh man! He is like a machine. Churning out album after album. So quick and fast. Way to go yuvan! His latest album Boss Engira Bhaskaran is however a mediocre album.

'Yaar indha pen thaan' is the pick of the album. A scintillating melody with lovely interludes and feel good lyrics by Na. Muthukumar. Haricharan gives the best when it comes to this kind of romantic melodies. He does it again. Tamil audience may get ready for another 'Thuli thuli'.

'Thathi thavum paper' is a song which Yuvan usually reserves for himself. This time, he has handed over the job to talented Karthi, who has done a good job. Despite the impeccable orchestration with lovely sax interludes, the song fails to instantly catch you, coz of the weak lyrics. Lyrics are pretty average and dud.

Ayile ayile (ilo iloo) is just another passable track while the other two tracks 'Mama mama' and the title song 'ada boss bossu' are of run-of-the-mill standard.

Overall, I personally rate Boss Enkira Baskaran above the team's last album "Siva Manasula Sakthi". Yar intha pen is enough to fight against all the songs in SMS. ;-)

Regards,
Vinith

Boss engira baskaran songs review, album review, arya, raajesh, rajesh, nayan, nayanthara, music review, yar andha ponnu song.

Nan Mahan Alla by Yuvan

One of the much awaited albums of the year. Nan Mahan Alla. Karthi-Yuvan, the magical combo of "Paiya" is back

There are only four songs in the album, plus a second version of Va Va nilava, which is as same as the first version.

Hyper catchy "Va Va Nilva" will go well with the audience. A nice song with poetic lyrics and flute interludes. Can't wait to see the picturization. Kids' chorus add a special charm at the end.

Even though parts of orchestration in "Oru Maalai neram" is inspired from Masakkali (Delhi 6, AR Rahman), the song doesn't fail to impress you. A lovable duet, grows better after few listens. Javed Ali and Shilpa being the wrong choices especially Shilpa's rendition is soulless.

Yuvan's innovation comes to the fore with "Iragai Pole". A trendy song with thumping orchestration. It's high time Yuvan stops using the "Auto Tune" which plays the spoilsport.

Madhu Balakrishnan replaces Ilaiyaraja in "Theivam illai" who is Yuvan's regular choice to sing pathos. A passable track with noteworthy lyrics by Yuga Barathi.

Overall, Yuvan never ceases to surprise us with trendy music. Last time it was "Oh Shala" in Kadhal solla vandhen and this time it is "Iragai Pole". Three out of four songs get distinction marks. Nan Mahan Alla is said to be an intense thriller. Songs will gel well with the script.

Regards

Vinith...

Tags: Naan mahaan alla music, songs review, nan mahan alla music review, yuvan shankar raja, karthi, suseendhran, vennila kabadi kuzhu, susindhran, nan mahaan alla album.

Kadhal Solla Vanthen - Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja

Kadhal Solla Vandhen, is an upcoming movie directed by Bhoopathy Pandiyan that has Balaji of Kana Kaanum Kalangal in the lead. The film was earlier titled Naan Avalai sandhitha pozhudhu.

There are totally five tracks.

"Oh Shala" song is the best in this album. A scintillating song with foot tapping beats. Lyrics by Saradhi (newbie?), seamlessly blend with the tune. Yuvan's rendition enhances the charm of the song. If picturized well, the song can become a massive hit among the audience. The song is simple with three basic notes in the pallavi. Yuvan has beautifully shuffled the tunes to form Charanam. First interlude is noteworthy.

Enna Enna aagiren sung by Vijay Yesudoss is an excellent melody with nice lyrics. "Kadhal Silai ondru........." part in Enna aagiren song is awesome. The song has the potential to become super hit. Oru Vanavillin a passable track is completely spoiled by Udit.

Charanam parts in "Anbulla Sandhiya" more than compensate for it's lackluster start in Pallavi. This song is supposed to give a haunting feel to the listeners, but fails miserably.

Experimental track of this album arrives with "saami varugdhu kadhal samy varugudhu", a thiruvizha kind of song (not exactly of this genre) sung by poosari. The song reminds us of various Iyappan songs that we get to hear in during the season. Make no mistake. Only the use of Udukkai makes you feel so. This song has ultimately funny lyrics. Selecting a real Poosari to render this song is a good move. The song can rock B and C center audience.

Yuvan's score for this less popular movie is excellent. Two great songs. Worth going for!

Tags: nan avalai sandhithabodhu, naan avalai sandhitha pozhuthu, kaadhal solla vanthen, kathal solla vandhen, yuvan shankar raja, oh shalla, bhupathy pandian, boopathi pandiyan, balaji.

Baana - Yuvan Shankar Raja

A Yuvan album after a long time!

'Thaakudhe kan thakkudhe' sung by Yuvan himself, is peppy song with very good music. This is not Yuvan's usual way of singing. He has tried something different here. Lyrics by Vaali deserves a special mention.

The best song in the album is "Paithiyam pudikkudhu penne". A lovely melody with beautiful lyrics. However, the feel of the song is completely spoiled by the use of 'auto tune'. The CD Cover says that the song is sung by Karthik. But one can hardly recognize his voice. Singer Karthik is known for the 'feel' adds to melodies. That's completely missing here. The Piano bits in the prelude, interlude and postlude is awesome.

'En nenjil', sung by Sadhana Sargam is just an ordinary song. The tune isn't really Yuvan'ish. Though Sadhana has done her part well, I personally feel, Shreya Goshal would have been a better choice for this song.

Kuppathu rajakkal is very average and that reminds you of Goa title track. The insane lyrics in the item number 'Ullara poondhu paaru', sung by Roshini, can easily turn you off.

Overall: Not a convincing album. I'm disappointed. Yuvan could have done it better.

Regards,
Vinith...

Keywords, tags: Bana kathadi, baana kaathadi, kaathaadi, yuvan shanker raja, album, songs review, music review, album review, paithiyam pidikkudhe, oru naal.

Madharasapattinam - Music by GV Prakash

Madharasapattinam, is a period film that is set in the backdrop of pre-independence India. Considering the fact that period films are rare in Tamil Industry, the expectations for this album was really high. Here's my take on this album.

'Vamma Duraiamma' sung by Udit Narayanan, Cochin Hanifa (late), is a hilarious song where Udit explains an English woman (Amy Jackson), the tradition, practices, and kindness of Tamilnadu and Tamilians, while Haneefa (sounds like a tourist guide) takes care of translating it to Amy. The highlight of this song is clearly the 'literal' translation of Haneefa. Thoroughly enjoyable. This song should rock once the movie releases. We miss you Hanifa sir :-(

With a lengthy flute interlude and impeccable orchestration, lovely melody 'Pookkal Pookum tharunam', easily becomes the pick of the album. Roopkumar, though gives an excellent feel, is yet to get his diction fully right. OTOH, Harini rocks. The sudden shift to English verse (sung by Andrea) is noteworthy. 'Thaana thom thanana' piece is the highlight of this song.

'Kaatrile katrile', sung by Hariharan fails to impress despite the neat fusion of (old) 'Vandhe matram' in the interlude. The choice of singers in 'Megame Meghame' (sung by MSV, Vikram & Nasser) evokes an interest but the song falls flat.

Aaruyire Aaruyire is yet another beautiful melody with soulful rendition from Sonu Nigam and Saindhavi. The orchestration reminds me of some ARR works (though, there is nothing direct).

The 'Dance Theme', with the strains of "pookkal pookum' is likable while the other theme 'Feel of Love' is simply mesmerizing.

Talking about the Lyrics department, Na. Muthukumar (one of my favorite lyricists) has penned all the songs. Not outstanding. There are hardly any new lyrics in the songs. How many times are we gonna hear 'nee illaiyel nan illaiyE, nee pOgum anbe, nAn saagiren' kind of lyrics. Wake up Muthu ;) You can do better. I know ;) .

Verdict: A decent soundtrack. GV Prakash Kumar, could have worked more to make it a memorable album. Period film gives a wonderful opportunity to experiment and explore. GVP has not used this opportunity to the full extent.

Regards,
Vinith....

Keyword: Madharasapattinam songs review, madarasapattinam music, madharaspattinam album review, songs review, gv prakash kumar, madraspattinam review.

Vinnai Thandi Varuvaaya - Music by AR Rahman

Sorry for the delay writing this. Few songs took time to grow. I was initially very much disappointed. But now, I'm feeling much better though I feel that the album is not very addictive as I expected it to be.

What ARR has done in Vinnai Thandi Varuvaya is, he has gone beyond the boundary of regular Tamil albums and has given us some fresh sounds and music. Or I can even say that there are some new genre of music. This is not a run-of-the-mill romantic album which we expect from Goutham Menon movies. This is something different.

Delightful Hosanna with catchy rap bits from Blaze and fantastic rendition by Vijay Prakash (Man, he will head towards a great success if utilized properly by Tamil composers), peppy Omana penne with magical Nadaswaram sound in the background that showcases ARR's creativity and the adorable chorus which is quite usual in all ARR albums, are certainly treat to ears.

The magical Aromale which is sung by Alphonse is yet another unusual song with Malayalam lyrics written by Kaithapram. This one seems to be a marriage song. So get ready for a visual treat when it comes on the screen. The chorus "Swasthi swathi" has the stamp of AR Rehman.

It is Shreya's divinely voice that impressed me first in Mannippaya song. Rahman, beautifully incorporates couple of Thirukkural in this song. However, the way they've been tuned isn't completely satisfying. I would say that ARR has not sung his parts well. This is certainly a stunner.

Anbil Avan is good with the traditional while Kannukkul sounds average to me except the catchy chorus that chips in. Vinnai thandi varuvaya, the title track sung by Karthi is the only song that did not impress me even after multiple listening. Felt like the song was merely dragging even though Karthi has sung it soulfully.

Every song has some magic in it which is sure to attract the audience.

Overall - I'm very much confused whether to call it an outstanding album or an above average album. Torn between.

Regards,
Vinith...

Keyword: vinnai thaandi varuvaaya, vinnai thandi varuvaya music, arr, gvm, goutam menon, gowtham vasudev menon, ar rahman, rehman, vtv songs review, music review, simbu, trisha, harris,

Gorgeous, Overwhelming, Astonishing 'Goa' - Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja

One of the most awaited soundtracks is out. Yuvan-Venkat Prabhu combo is back with a bang.

The breezy duet "Idhu Varai" has a gorgeous tune to it, superbly sung by Andrea and Ajeesh, the winner of Airtel Super Singer 2009. A striking melody with a mind-blowing orchestration and scintillating interludes, that showcase Yuvan's versatility.

"Kadhal endral" sung by composer himself is a shorter version of "idhu varai". Yuvan, the king of bit songs, proves it again here. This song has an interesting Violin prelude and has soothing keyboard in the background. The peppy title track "Goa" has youthful feel to it with a flawless music arrangement. The club mix version is equally appealing, however, i did not listen to the club mix version as I'm addicted to the original version.

"Ezhezhu Thalamurai", the village, folk'ish track is overwhelming. Yuvan has done an Ilayaraja in this song. The foot tapping thiruvizha song "adida naiyandi" is another IR'ish track with lively orchestration that adds charm. SPB Charan and Yugendhiran have done their part well in this song. The pathos song "Ooru nalla ooru" sung by Ilayaraja isn't that appealing except for the orchestration and the flute interlude that make it worth listening.

Creative hunger Yuvan arrives with the astonishing "Idai Vazhi", one of the most experimental tracks in recent times. A fast paced erotic song with incredibly brilliant orchestration and excellent vocals by Mamta Mohandas and Benny Dayal. The former does it with perfection.

Thanks to Yuvan for bringing the veterans SPB, IR and Chitra together in the peppy song "Valiba va va". The song so beautifully switches to classical music in the second half. The "na na na na" humming that comes in between is hyper-catchy.

Verdict: What an album to start the year! Yuvan starts 2010 with an extraordinary note. Looking forward to more and more.

Regards,
Vinith...

Keywords: Goa songs review, goa music review, yuvan shankar raja, venkat prabhu, ilayaraja, karthik raja, premgi amaren, goa album.

Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai music is Brilliant and Innovative, yet, Average

With a mysterious prelude and astonishing vocals of Vijay Yesudoss and Vinaitha, 'En Asai ethiraliye' easily becomes the pick of the album along with Poo Muthal sung by the composer himself. The mysterious feel continues to haunt in the former while interesting lyrics and cool rendition from Yuvan elevate the latter. Yuvan clearly brings the attitude of a playboy in this voice.

However, the most innovative track of this album is, "En jannal vandha katre" sung by three female singers. With the same base tune, Yuvan gives three different styles of music to explain the character of each girl in this movie. Starts off with a gorgeous melody (with interesting anu pallavi), that soon changes to a hip-hop kind of song then ends with a rocking kuthu song. The music during the transition of each song is simply brilliant and doesn't affect the flow. That's Yuvan for you!

Despite the brilliant vocals from Ranjith and interesting interludes, the melody "Oru punnagai thaane" fails to make an impact as the main tune is boring and flows aimlessly. You really do not get hooked to the title song even despite it's groovy orchestration.

The short "Introduction" is all about Yuvan's music for this movie. Aah.. This is something new that no one else has tried before. Thumbsup Yuvan.

Overall, a satisfactory album for Yuvan fans. We have to wait and see if our audience will prefer it. Brilliant and innovative. Yet, fails to create a big impact.


Tags: Theeratha vilayattu pillai music review, theeradha vilayaattu pillai songs review, theeradha vilayaattu pillai, yuvan, vishal, thiru, yuvan shankar raja, neetu

Music Review: Paiya - A Yuvan Musical

//Click here for Paiyaa movie review//

Wow............................

Well, this is how I can begin.. I'm so excited after listening to Paiya songs. A beautiful album filled with romantic melodies.

Beautiful Guitar opens up the lilting melody "Thuli Thuli mazhaiyai", so beautifully rendered by the upcoming young talent Haricharan (Yeah. The voice that we heard in "arabu naadE" song). The tune and Na. Muthukumar's lyrics complement each other. 'Sel sel avaludan sel' part is too good in this song and that's the highlight of this song.

"Suthudhe Suthudhe bhoomi" starts off pretty ordinarily but soon picks up and enthralls you as it progresses. What else can I say when there is Karthik? He definitely elevates the song to greater heights. The lines "ra ra ra radhE, radhE, azhagiya raadhE" are sure to be hummed by the audience in the coming days.

"En Kadhal solla" sung by composer himself is another brilliant melody with excellent rhythm. Yuvan, as usual, excels in orchestration particularly in the first interlude. The chorus/humming part that comes mildly in the background in between is addictive. I have not been a big fan of Yuvan's rendition rather I complaint a lot. LOL. But this time, I must say that Yuvan has improved a lot in rendition. He has given a very good feel especially in the charanam parts. Do not miss to observe the way he sings 'Yaarum paarkkamal enai paarkkiren' in the second stanza. Mesmerizing. Touches my soul!

There isn't anything new in "Adada Mazhai da" song. It simply gives you the feel of listening to "Dhavani potta" song. Tried and tested orcehstration. Yuvan simply recycles his earlier works in this. But, the song sounds good and creates a peppy mood. Rahul nambiyar's rendition is too good and Saindhavi's rendition towards the end is another highlight of this song.

The only song that failed to impress me is "Poongatre poongatre" sung by Benny Dayal. Not a bad one though. A passable track with very less innovations.

Overall, Paiya is an instantly likable album. Linguswamy has extracted some excellent melodies from Yuvan. Yuvan, who usually goes overboard in orchestration even for a simple melody has refrained from it in Paiya. Orchestration here is very simple and catchy. The songs are sure shot winner. Barring the few recycling works, the album is very much satisfactory. Go get it. Drench in the rain!

PS: Writing a very detailed review after a long time. This is purely because of the excitement that I got after listening to the songs. Except 'Poongatre" all other songs are in loop for since Saturday. Just cant get me out of this. Very addictive!

PS2: Yeah, I know, some of you may feel that I'm overrating this album. LOL. Just my opinion. At least for next few months I will be madly listening to the songs. Isn't that enough? He... He...

Keywords: Paiya music review, payya, paiyya songs review, paiya yuvan songs, paiya linguswamy karthi album review, yuvan shankar raja paiya.

//Click here for Paiyaa movie review//

Regards,
Vinith.

Music Review: Yogi by Yuvan Shankar Raja

At last the wait ends. Yogi album is out. Soundtrack has 6 tracks in total including two theme music.

Yogi theme in Sarangi is the pick of the album. A brilliant music with wonderful orchestration. Ustad's vocals that comes in between, leaves us haunted. Another amazing number is Yaaradu Yaaro sung by Yuvan himself which has outstanding orchestration with mind-blowing Sarangi interludes and meaningful lyrics by Snehan.

Despite the aversion I have for folk/kuthu songs, I liked the remix (of various old songs) Seermayvum Koovathila, sung by Lyricist Snehan. It's the change in the beats, thappu sound that impressed me. The short "Yogi theme" proves that Yuvan is the king of theme music. Another feather in his cap.

The hero glorifying number Yogi yogi thaan (Ver I and Ver II) is the only track that did not invoke any interest even though they are good orchestration wise. It may take sometime grow I believe.

Overall, Yuvan has given what Yogi needs. Yuvan's idea of using Sarangi as the main instrument in all songs (in BGM also if my guess is right) is laud-worthy. Hats off!

Yogi - A must buy!

Share your thoughts,
Vini...

Keywords: Yogi music review, Yogi songs review, Yogi album, Yuvan shankar raja, snehan song, yogi Ameer, ameer sultan.

Aayirathil Oruvan - Music Review

Music of "Aayirathil Oruvan", one of the much awaited movies of the year is out and is outstanding. Young composer GVP's compositions in Ayirathil Oruvan is extraordinary. With 10 tracks (including one club mix), the album is definitely a treat to music lovers.

Both the versions of "Thaai thindra Manne" stand out. GV Prakash's knowledge in classical music comes to fore in these songs. Extraordinary compositions with mindblowing lyrics by Vairamuthu. One version is sung by Vijay Yesudoss and the other version is by Vijay Yesudoss and Nithyashree. Singers have added a speacial touch to these songs. Words fail me to describe the pleasure of listening to these songs.

Another such a master piece is "Pemmane" which is absolutely haunting with amazing vocals by Bombay Jayashree and Veteran PB Srinivas. This song gives a mysterious feel especially the laughing sounds of female in the interludes. I got carried away.

You should not just listen to these songs. Experience them. Lyrics of these three songs simply took me to Chola Period. I'm presenting parts of "Pemmaane" lyrics here.

வாழ்ந்தாலும்,
சந்ததிகள் வீழ்ந்தாலும்,
தாய் மண்ணில் சாகாமல்,
சாகமாட்டோம்......

--
புலம் பெயர்ந்தோம்...
பொலிவிழந்து புலன் கழிந்தோம்...
அழுதழுது உயிர் கிழிந்தோம்...
--
என் தஞ்சை,
யாம் பிறந்த பொன் தஞ்சை,
விரல் ஐந்தும் தீண்டாமல்,
வேக மாட்டோம்....

These lines brought tears in my eyes. Hats off to Vairamuthu.

Selva Raghavan's lyrics in the breezy, romantic number "Maalai Neram" outstands. Andrea's rendition fits the mood (just bear her diction in few places). I loved this song mainly for its lyrics.

ஓடும் காலங்கள்,
உடன் ஓடும் நினைவுகள்,
வழி மாறும் பயணங்கள்,
தொடர்கிறதே....
--
உன் கரம் கோர்க்கையில்,
நினைவு ஓராயிரம்,
இரு கரம் பிரிகையில்,
நினைவு நூறாயிரம்
--

"Indha Paadhai", sung by composer himself is astonishing with amazing guitar works. GVP does a pretty neat job in singing too. Do not miss the violin that comes for a short duration in the second interlue. Amazing composition.

Theme music kinda stuffs "King Arrives" and "Celebration of Life" are truly master piece from GVP. Wonderful.

The club number "Oh Eesa" starts off well but soon turns out to be noisy. Composer's idea of mixing the tune of "Srinivasa Govinda, Sri venkatesa Govinda" doesn't really sound good. And the hip hop type "Un Mela aasathan is "adada va asathalam" song of Sarvam (which was originally composed by Yuvan for Selvah).

This is certainly one of the BEST ALBUMS in recent years. Stunning from this young chap. GV Prakash, you've made it man. Bow. Kudos to the team. Credits to Selva for extracting the best out of GVP. Eagerly awaiting the movie release. Just cannot wait for it.

Regards,
Vinith...

Keywords: Aayirathil Oruvan review, Aayirathil oruvan music review, Aayirathil oruvan songs review, Selvaraghavan, GVP, GV Prakashkumar, GV Prakash Kumar PB Srinivas, Ayirathil oruvan album, Andrea.

And the winner is.....

Airtel Super Singer show has been the talk of the town in last few months. The grand Finale took place in Chennai today and the three finalists "Renu", "Ajish" and "ravi" performed live.

To put it in a nut shell, it was mind blowing. And the winner of the title is,

Super Singer,

"Ajish".

Of course, this is what many of us would have predicted.

There were two rounds today.

1st round:

Ajish - Ninaithu Ninaithu (7G), Renu - Nenjodu Kalandhidu (Kadhal Konden) and Ravi - Kan munne (Thulluvadho Ilamai). All three performed really well and Renu's song selection wasn't appealing even though she sang it really well.

2nd round:

Ajish - Sangeetha Jaadhi mullai (Kadhal Oviyam), Renu - Hairama (Rangeela) and Ravi - Kallai mattum kandal (Dasa).

Ravi's performance in this round was definitely not his best and it is mainly because of song selection i guess. I was not impressed. But Renu, with her honey soaked voice sang Hairama so so beautifully. It was out-of-the-world singing. Ajish - Wow.... Mind blowing... I would rate his singing in this round as his best till date. Everything was perfect in his singing this time. I usually get disappointed with his voice (nasal voice. Not open singing). But he excelled in this round. Kudos!!!

What disappointed me here was Renu finishing at 3rd place. Even though I knew that she cannot be the winner, i expected her to be the runner. But Ravi took that spot!! However, Ravi deserved that spot for his consistence. He has been the only singer to be consistent throughout the show. Thumbs Up!!!

So what else... We soon can hear Ajish's voice in Yuvan's album.

Congratulations Ajish!! Wish you all the best!!!

Going by what people on the stage spoke, I guess all three finalists would get a chance to sing in Tamil Films. If so, I'm very much happy and i'm eager to hear Renu's voice! Yes, she was my favorite! :-)

Regards,
Vinith...

Keywords: Airtel super singer finals, finale, renu, ravi, ajish, ajeesh, vijay tv super singer, grand finale

Music Review: Kandhaswamy

Kandhasamy is one of the much awaited movies of the year and so is its music. The album has eight tracks in total out of which only two of them are good (not outstanding :P ).

"Excuse Me Mr. Kandhasamy", sung by Suchithra and Vikram is very catchy, mainly for the funny lines and Vikram's rendition. This song is more like a conversation. "Allegra" is more like an English song which is good in terms of music.

"Miya miya poona" is more like rhymes while "idhellm dupe" is nothing but recitation of a written essay. "India ponnu", "Pambara kannale remix (aka en peru meenakumari)", "Mambo Mamiya", "Kantha Kanthasamy" are plain annoying.

I may sound a bit harsh. But then, I wish to share what I feel. Devi Sri Prasad has always been a wrong choice for Tamil Film Music. I loved hardly a few compositions of him in Tamil. Kanthasamy is just another album in that list.

Regards,
Vinith...

(Keyword: Kandhasamy songs review, kanthasamy music reivew, kanthaswamy songs reivew, kandhaswamy review, Vikram, Shriya, Devi Sri Prasad, Devi sriprasad)

Modhi Vilayadu, music by Colonial Cousins Hariharan, Leslie

Colonial Cousins Hariharan and Leslie's debut as Music Directors is quite promising.

Peppy "Otrai Varthayil" turns out to be pick of the album. Shaan's rendition definitely elevates the song while the duration is the only complaint. The song has only one charanam. Melody "Paadhi Kadhal" is too good with Bombay Jayashree's sweet vocals. Somehow, Sunitha Sarathi's part did not appeal to me even though she has sung it well. Composers' idea of using two female singers did not work for me. Well, I cannot take a call on this without whatching the situation for which this song has been composed. However, the song is good with good lyrics.

Both the above mentioned songs forgo the regular beats that we get to hear from other composers. The background music for these two songs are fresh that makes them instantly likeable.

"Vellaikkari", despite the good charanam parts, failed to impress me. Too many singers for this song creates a mess. Orchestration too is noisy at times. This song may go well with masses, but did not impress me. Fast paced "Sikki mukki" too is an average track. Title track "Modhi Vilayadu" abides by the standard rule "title song should be a noisy kuthu song". Hariharan has roped in Composer Deva to sing along with him, but that doesn't help.

"Latcham Varthaigal", sung by Ranjani, another version of "Otrai Varthaiyil" has got some change in the orchestration, particularly in the interlude. Nice keyboard usage in the interlude. The lyrics have been changed beautifully to fit the situation. Look how beautifully the lyrics convey two different situations.

In the first version (for hero), "Otrai varthayil, otrai vArthayil, uLLE uLLadhai sonnAl enna" while in the second version, heroine sings "Latcham vArthaigal, latcham vArthaigaL, muttrum theerndhana ingE ingE" . Great. Isn't it? I guess the hero version is on a happy note while the latter is on a sad note.

Overall, Modhi Vilayadu gives me a private album like feel. That's good change actually. Two songs stand out while the rest are average.

Regards,
Vinith...

(Keywords: Modhi vilayadu review, modhivilayadu music review, modhi vilayadu songs review, modhi vilayadu hariharan, colonial cousins, saran, hariharan lesley, leslie)

Music Review: Muthirai (Yuvan Shankar Raja)

Muthirai album was released without any ad / information that eventually made me not to expect much from this album. Surprisingly the album turns out to be a pretty decent album. Usually Yuvan shines well in three/four numbers and falters in the rest. But in Muthirai almost all the songs are good.

With Naresh Iyer's and Manjari's melting vocals, the melody "Azhagana Neeyum" turns out to be the pick of the album. Absolutely delightful song with good lyrics. Manjari's rendition and smooth vocals definitlely add a good feel to the song. Next good number is "Om Shanthi Om", a rock base club number. Powerful orchestration and the superb singing by Neha Bashin makes this song stand out. What surprises me here is the core melody of this club number is too good. Wonderful composition.


"July Maadhathil" sung by Md Aslam, Rahul, Thanvi and "Uyire Uyire" sung by Javed Ali, Madhushree are equally competitive melodies. What makes the latter score low is the singer selection. Javed ali has sung it neatly with only few errors while Madhushree...hmmm.

Swetha shines well in "Nenjukkulla" but the song is too short to make an impact. Another club number "Night is still young" is the only song that did not appeal to me. Not to mistake. Give it a listen. You may like it. :)

All songs in Muthirai have the stamp of Yuvan. A very much satisfying album. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!

Regards,
Vinith...

Keywords: Muthirai music review, Muthirai yuvan shankar raja, muththirai songs review, muththirai yuvan, director jeeva, aneez jeeva, srinath

Music Review: Angai Theru - GV Prakash, Vijay Antony

The poetic title "Angadi Theru" says it all. A breezy album with lilting songs. Four of six songs are composed by GV Prakash while the rest two are composed by Vijay Antony.

My Pick of the album is "Aval Appadi Ondrum Azhagillai" by Vijay Antony. A breezy number with poetic lyrics by Na. Muthukumar. Song opens with a beautiful Keyboard and Flute music. That sets the tone for this soothing song. Singer Karthik at his best once again. "Enge Poveno" is a slow number by Vijay antony. That's a passable track as it has nothing fresh to offer.

Among GVP's composition, "Un Perai Sollum" is the pick. A swingy melody with excellent rendition by Naresh Iyer and Shreya Goshal. Na. Muthukumar excels in lyrics once again. A feel good song. "Kathaigalai Pesum" is another beautiful peppy melody with superb vocals of Benny and Hamzika. GVP's singing in "Kannil Theriyum" is truly great. He has sung it so well like a professional singer. The song is good but reminds me of ARR's composition. And the worst track of the album is "Karungali Naaye" with disgusting lyrics. I just ignored it.

Overall, Angadi Theru is a fantastic album. Both the composers have done a commendable job. Along with GVP and VA, it is poet Na. Muthukumar who deserves equal credits for penning beautiful lyrics.!

Regards,

Vinith...

(Keywords: Angadi theru music review, angaadi theru music review, angadi theru songs, angadi theru review, angadi theru vasantha balan, g v prakash, gvp, vijay antony)

Playlist 0409

List of songs that I've been listening to!

Katrukulle (Sarvam), Nee Thane (Sarvam), Adada (Sarvam), Siragugal (Sarvam) - Sarvam is one helluva album from Yuvan.

Vamanan Songs: Oru Devadhai, Yaarai Ketpadhu and Yedho Seigirai. All three melodies are equally good. Yaarai Ketpadhu being my pick. Stunning melodies from Yuvan.

Anbale Azhagana Veedu and Oru Vetkam from Pasanga. Fantastic melodies with excellent vocals. James Vasanthan, you are not a one hit wonder!

Many songs from Pokkisham. Just cannot pick one as Favorite. A very good album from Sabesh-Murali.

Regards,
Vinith...

Music Review: Vamanan by Yuvan Shankar Raja

Another superb album from Yuvan. A must listen.

Orchestration is truly good in Edho Seigirai. It is male singer's rendition which spoils this beautiful melody. Yes, it is the same Javed Ali who killed the beautiful song "siragugal" in Sarvam. Female singer Sowmya sounds too good in this song. Roopkumar is better than Javed Ali in "Oru Devadhai", a beautiful ghazal type melody. Use of Solo violin in pre, inter and postludes is catchy. Singer's voice is good but pronunciation really sucks. Nevertheless, this is one heck of song.

"Enge Povadhu" is another melody orchestrated with minimal music. Soulful singing of Vijay Yesudoss elevates this song. A slow number that grows in you after few listens.

Club number "Lucky Star" sounds better than the fast paced "Money Money". Lucky star sung by Blaze may go well with the masses.

"Edho Seigirai", "Enge Povadhu" and "Oru Devadhai" are on the loop in my play list. Addictive melodies from Yuvan.

It's high time that Yuvan realizes how important singer selection is to make an album successful. What in Roopkumar makes him feel better that our Hariharan. Why can't he prefer our talented singer Karthik to Javed Ali???

Overall, Vamanan is on par with Sarvam. Of course, Sarvam is his best in recent times!

Regards,
Vinith

Keywords: Vamanan songs review, vamanan music review, vamanan yuvan shankar raja, actor jai, vaamanan

Song Review

Well, it's been months since I wrote song reviews. Here is one for you :) :)

Is this a soothing melody? - No
Has this song got beautiful lyrics? - Hmmm. Not really.
Is this song a good duet? - Never.
Has it got good vocals? - Yes.
Has this song got a good orchestration? - Yes. Pretty good.
Is orchestration the only reason I love this song? - Not exactly.
Then what makes me write a review for this song??????? :x

The way the composer fuses an old melody song in this fast paced number. That is not an easy task at all!!! The fast paced number "Sutta Suriyanai" song in Sarvam is the one I'm talking about. Yuvan amazingly fuses "Megam Karukkudhu Mazhai vara paakudhu" song at 2.25 when the song is going on a fast paced note. Well done. This is one main reason I love this song despite its run-of-the-mill tune. Listen to it. You will like it....

Regards,
Vini...