Pristine !!

A beautiful person doesn't need any jewels.

A beautiful voice doesn't need any music.
A beautiful art doesn't need any explanation.

Focus on New Words

This being a post on lyrics, my hearty congrats to Vairamuthu for winning his nth National award for Thenmerku ParuvakAtru!

Though it has been 4 years since I wrote this post comparing Tamil & Hindi lyricists, whenever I hear a recent hit Hindi song, I try to understand its meaning and find that, more often than not, it has some good lyrics, but new/hard words are quite uncommon. For someone like me who is still on the learning curve of Hindi, I can still make out the meaning of most of the words. For example, the beautiful song "Pee Loon" of last year has some lines

"Sham Ko Milu Jo Main Tujhe,
To Bura Subha Na Jane
Kiyun Kuch Maan Jalati hai Yeh,
Har Lamha Har Ghari Har Pahir,
Bhi Teri Yadon Se Tadpa Ke.
Mujhko Jalati Hai Yeh"

Some lovely lines they are, but quite understandable even for a layman. Nothing wrong in it. Just a comment, not a judgment.

Sometime ago, I was listening to 'Ennamo edho' from "Ko". I must say, it was an 'active listening' without any parallel processing going on. So, I heard these lines carefully for the first time:
"EdhO kuviyamillA kuviyamillA oru kAtchi pezhai"
"ஏதோ குவியமில்லா குவியமில்லா ஒரு காட்சிப்பேழை"

Kuviyam!! Wow. How many decades since I heard that word!! In optics, studying about lenses. For non-tamilians, Kuviyam=focus, pezhai=display/portrait and the above line roughly translates into
"Some focusless view of display".

Lyrics by Jr. Vairamuthu, who writes as if the late Sujatha has ventured into penning the songs.
Considering the profession of the protagonist (photographer), the lines nicely fit to him. Rather than being quite generic for any longing hero in the lyrics, such personal touches would make the songs special.

Update: I am too late blogging about these lines! In addition to a few blog entries, you can also hear it from the horse's mouth. Watch/read Karky's interview here, in which he says "A photographer’s confusion can best be described in his own work jargon as ‘kuviyamila’ or ‘out of focus’. Kaatchi Pezhai describes a display unit such as a TV monitor or a PC monitor. The photographer sees his entire world in the display unit in which nothing seems to be in focus and he questions the reason for this in the song."

Great pieces of BGM

Listen to the following treasures I plucked with some difficulty. Hope you can guess what these are. If so, write to me which bit comes when and where. Next, based on bloggers'request, I will post more lovely music files which would give more clues about the source, for those who cant figure out what these musical bits are, &/or if you want to hear all the treasures. Enjoy listening!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

Aaromale translation

After listening to the songs of Ravanan and Enthiran, my earlier belief that 'Vinnai thaandi varuvaayaa' is a truly special musical by AR Rahman only got stronger. Listening to VTV's songs brought back nostalgic memories of 90's when Rahman's albums had all the songs competing with one another to be the top song of the album.

Thamarai had done a wonderful job with the lyrics of VTV's songs, but the most unique song is 'Aaromale' which was like something never heard before. Wonderfully sung by Alfons, I didnt have a clue on what the song meant. Thanks to a blogger 'wersp', I got the lyrics, which I found were wonderful. I think they warrant a subtitle in the movie. Such lovely lyrics going largely unnoticed is nearly a crime.. Also I observed that, when I read the lyrics, much of it is understandable.

Mamalayeri varum thennal
(A breeze which blows in through the mountains)

Pudhu manavaalan thennal
(The breeze, which is [decked up] like a bridegroom)

Palli medayae thottu thalodi kurushil thozhudhu varumbol
(When it arrives after worshipping the Holy cross at the altar)
Varavelpinu malayalakara manasammadham choriyum
(This land of Kerala will grant permission for a warm welcome)

Aaromale.....
(O, beloved!)


Swasthi Swasthi sumuhurtham
(This is a very auspicious occasion)

Sumangali bhava, manavatti
(O bride, may you be blessed with a long wedded life!)

Shyama rathri than aranmanaiyil
(In the inner sanctum of the dark night)
Maari nilkayo tharakame
(Oh star, why are u keeping away?)

Pulari manjilay kathiroliyai
(Like a ray of light in the morning mist)

Akayae nilkayo penmaname
(Are you standing afar, my lady?)

Chanju nikkuma chillayil nee, chila chilambiyo poonkuyile..
(On the bough that is bent, O cuckoo bird, did u sing sweetly?)

Manchiragile marayoliyae thediyathiyo poorangal
(Did the festivities come in search of the everlasting flame in the eastern lamp?)


Kadalinae karayodiniyum paadan snehamundo?
(Does the sea still possess the love to serenade the shore?)

Mezhuguthirigalai urugavidinyum pralayam manasil undo?
(Is there still love in the heart, to be melted like wax?)

Aaromale
(Oh, beloved!!)

SabAsh.. SariyAna POtti!

In the middle of getting continuously frustrated with a-nice-but-being-spoilt-by-partial-judges-show 'Airtel Super Singer 2008', something good happened this week. This is the week of 'Unplugged' songs, and the acoustic musician who came to accompany the contestants was one Mr. Stephen Devassy. Oh boy, wasnt he fabulous.. For tamil cinema viewers who haven't heard of him, just remember the piano bit before the second charanam in 'Kaatrin mozhi' - the one where Prithviraj, Prakashraj and Swarnamalya dance on a zebra crossing as if playing the keyboard.. that bit was played by none other than Stephen.

You can google and get loads of impressive info on this 27-year old; I was totally taken aback by his talent on this week's show. And then I came to know that he has already been an integral part of a similar talent-hunt show in the Malayalam channel 'Amrita', called Superstar Global, searching about which I came across this singer Roopa Revathi, who would put the super singer contestants into shame. Watch especially for this video below wherein she sang 'SingAra vElanE' song, with Stephen playing the piano, in front of S. Janaki, no less.


I became a huge fan of Stephen, the major reason for which is the performance below. No wonder he is the best Asian student ever at the famous London Trinity college of music.


I have noticed in the recent months that the new talent in Kerala is amazing. Considering the legends like Balamurali Krishna, KJY, Janaki,Chitra, Sujatha and Jency, I should have known sooner. I first saw some shows of Idea star singer,the first Malayalam singer-hunt show which is currently running in Asianet. Several of the contestants sing tamil songs, that too very well, with near-perfect diction. Looking at this kind of abundant talent in TN and Kerala, I wonder how there can be a place for someone like Madhusree in Tamil cine music.

Song of the month - Mundhinam

Another quick and unjustifiably crude translation of a recent song which has captivated my heart.
M: ஹாய் மாலினி!
I'm கிருஷ்ணன்.
நான் இதை சொல்லியே ஆகணும்;
நீ அவ்ளோ அழகு!
எவனும் இவ்ளோ அழகா ஒரு ......
இவ்ளோ அழகைப் பார்த்திருக்க மாட்டாங்க
and I am in love with you....

After introducing himself, he says that no one would have seen such a beautiful.... (pause and a chuckle) such a beauty. What a way to say that she is the most beautiful (not just woman, but in the) whole world. Considering that this is their first meeting, that is a very powerful statement (albeit praising her external beauty) to flatter her.

முன்தினம் பார்த்தேனே பார்த்ததும் தோற்றேனே
சல்லடைக் கண்ணாக நெஞ்சமும் புண்ணானதே
I saw you yesterday and as soon as I saw, I lost (to you).
My heart was wounded like the eyes of a sieve.

Traditionally, the sight of a woman is compared to the arrow; so, it is as if so many of such arrows attacked his heart and wounded him, that his heart has thousands of such tiny holes.

இத்தனை நாளாக உன்னை நான் பாராமல்
எங்குதான் போனேனோ நாட்களும் வீணானதே

All these days, without seeing you
where (the hell) did I go? Oh, all (my) days have been a waste..

When a person meets someone and falls in love, he/she wishes that they spent all their goneby days with that person. It is not only the happiness of the present, and a dream for the future, but a frustration for the past too.

வானத்தில் நீ வெண்ணிலா ஏக்கத்தில் நான் தேய்வதா
இப்போழ்தே என்னோடு வந்தாலென்ன
ஊர் பார்க்க ஒன்றாக சென்றாலென்ன

(முன்தினம்)

You are like a moon on the sky; I wane due to longing (for you)
What if you come with me now?
What if we go out, with the world watching (or what if we go sight-seeing)?

Yeah, the last line can be taken in both the ways. The first one is about the Hindu tradition of going on a procession after the marriage, so that the neighborhood can see who has got married. The latter is about the wish of a person to roam around the world with his lover.

துலாத்தட்டில் உன்னை வைத்து
நிகர் செய்யப் பொன்னை வைத்தால்
துலாபாரம் தோற்காதோ பேரழகே?

After placing you on a weighing balance,
if gold is placed to equalize with you,
wont the balance lose, my beauty?

He is not talking about the shape of his girl (pun unintended); he compares the beauty of her with the beauty of gold. He says that she is so beautiful that, a balance designed to weigh human-like fairly large objects will still be too small to accomodate the enormous gold required to compensate for her beauty. Considering the density differences between gold and human, this is a huge claim indeed.. ;), and his girl is such a beauty.

F: முகம் பார்த்துப் பேசும் உன்னை
முதல் காதல் சிந்தும் கண்ணை
அணைக்காமல் போவேனோ ஆருயிரே

How will I not hug you, who looks at my face and talks
and from whose eyes the first love is oozing out?

Women respect and like men who look at their face and talk, bcos a large chunk of the men have been notorious in that aspect. Also, the girl's instant appeal with someone who is giving his heart for the first time to a woman is given importance. Also, this is the first response of the woman after hearing what the man has said. She just reciprocates to his feelins saying that she likes to hug him.

M: ஓ... நிழல் போல விடாமல் உன்னைத் தொடர்வேனடி
புகை போலப் படாமல் பட்டு நகர்வேனடி
வினா நூறு கனாவும் நூறு.. விடை சொல்லடி

I will follow you like (your) shadow; I will touch you delicately and move away from you as how the smoke does. (I have) hundreds of questions, and hundreds of dreams; pl. give (me) an answer.

The desperation of the hero is very much evident from these lines. He is already dreaming of her and a life with her. All he wants is the answer.. Of course he wants 'yes' to be that answer. One can compare this Q&A to the western culture of the woman answering the man 'yes' when he proposes, and during the wedding when she says 'yes, I do!'. 

(முன்தினம்)

F: கடல் நீலம் மங்கும் நேரம்

அலை வந்து தீண்டும் தூரம்

மனம் சென்று மூழ்காதோ ஈரத்திலே

When the blueness of the sea dims,
the waves touch the far end (of the shore).
Wont the heart immerse (itself) in the wetness (of love)?

M:தலை சாய்க்கத் தோளும் தந்தாய்
விரல் கோர்த்துப் பக்கம் வந்தாய்
இதழ் மட்டும் இன்னும் ஏன் தூரத்திலே

You gave (me your) shoulder (for me) to put (my) head on..
You came near me holding my hands..
why are your lips still far away?

F:பகல் நேரம் கனாக்கள் கண்டேன் உறங்காமலே
உயிர் ரெண்டு உராயக் கண்டேன் நெருங்காமலே
உனை அன்றி எனக்கு ஏது எதிர்காலமே

I had day-dreams without sleeping
I saw two souls frictioning (against each other), without coming closeby
What is my future without you?
Only in the ultimate line of the charanam, she opens out her heart and gives the real answer that he wants to hear. By saying that there is no future for her without him, all the ambiguities of dating and courting relationship are removed and the love now reaches the mutually agreed state.

(முன்தினம்)

KannE KalaimAne - Song of the Month

Last year, some blogger had requested for a translation of 'Kanne kalaimAne' from 'Moondram Pirai' after reading my analysis of the title of the movie. Superband soulful rendition by KJY, very melodious music of IR and great but simple lyrics by Kannadasan make it one of the best melodies ever in Tamil film music. That made me twitter 14 months ago about the concept of the 'Song of the Month'. I had planned to include the songs which I never discussed in my blog. Only now, in the death anniversary month of the great lyricist Kannadasan, I got a chance to write about his last song, which has been in three of my lists so far. Better late than never, so here we go:

Pallavi:

கண்ணே கலைமானே கன்னி மயிலெனக் கண்டேன் உனை நானே 0.1

அந்தி பகல் உனை நான் பார்க்கிறேன் ஆண்டவனை இதைத்தான் கேட்கிறேன் 0.2

ஆரிராரோ ...

(கண்ணே)

kannae kalaimaanae kanni mayilena-k-kandaen unai naanae

andhi pagal unai naan paarkkiraena andavanai idhaiththaan kaetkiraen

aariraaro ...

Most of you know the context in which this song appears in the movie. The hero has fallen love with the mentally retarded heroine whom he is sheltering, without knowing anything about her history.

0.1: Kannae and kalaimaane are the common ways of chweetly calling one's love.. Kan is eye and kalaimaan is one kind of deer, and mayil is peacock. He pretty much praises her.

0.2: I see you in dawn (andhi) and noon (pagal); I wish/ask for just this from the God (andavan).

Charanam 1:

ஊமை என்றால் ஒரு வகை அமைதி 1.1

ஏழை என்றால் ஆதிலொரு அமைதி 1.2

நீயோ கிளிப்பேடு பண் பாடும் ஆனந்தக் குயில் பேடு 1.3

ஏனோ தெய்வம் சதி செய்தது பேதை போல விதி செய்தது 1.4

oomai enraal oru vagai amaidhi

aezhai enraal adhil oru amaidhi

neeyo kilippaedu pan paadum aanandak kuyil paedu

aeno dheyvam sadhi seydhadhu paedhai poala vidhi seydhadhu

1.1: It is becalming if you are dumb (oomai)

1.2: It is becalming if you are poor (ezhai)

1.3: (But) you are a female parrot (kilippaedu), a happy female Nightingale (kuyil paedu) who sings songs (pan paadum)

1.4: Don't know why but the God created a conspiracy (sadhi); fate (vidhi) made you mentally unstable (paedhai).

Charanam 2:

காதல் கொண்டேன் கனவினை வளர்த்தேன் 2.1

கண்மணி உனை நான் கருத்தினில் நிறைத்தேன் 2.2

உனக்கே உயிரானேன் எந்நாளும் எனை நீ மறவாதே 2.3

நீ இல்லாமல் எது நிம்மதி நீதான் என்றும் என் சந்நிதி 2.4

kaadhal kondaen kanavinai valarththaen

kanmani unai naan karuththinnil niraiththaen

unakkae uyiraanaen ennaalum enai nee maravaadhae

neeyillaamal edhu nimmadhi needhaanae en sannidhi

2.1: I am in love with you; I planted (valarthaen) dreams (kanavinai).

2.2: (Kanmani: Pupil of the eye) Oh dear, I have filled (niraithaen) you in my thoughts (karuthinil).

2.3: I have become your soul (uyiraanen); Never ever forget me (maravaadhae)

2.4: What is peace (nimmadhi) without you (neeyillaamal)? You are forever (endrum) like my (holy) sanctum sanctorum (sannidhi).

I know that the sweetness of the song is lost in translation. And also my translation can be improved.. consider it as a maiden n crude effort.

Male melodies

When I wrote on female melodies, I wanted to write no my favorite solos of male singers as well. The number is really a huge one.. so I have listed the best songs by each male singer that I cherish listening to most..

1) Hariharan: 'Oru poyyAvadhu sol' from Jodi

I got a chance to listen to it first time only when I watched the movie a couple of years ago. I had seen the female version of the song on TV but wasnt greatly influenced by it. But, Hariharan's version is simply superb. Apart from one minor blip when he pronounces 'kallukkum' instead of 'kaLLukkum', it is a near perfect song. AR Rahman has used Hindustani music to good effect, knowing that Hariharan's voice would blend well with it.

2) SPB: 'En kAdhalE' from Duet

Among his thousands of solo songs, it was quite difficult to pick one, but the above number is indeed a very special one; a superb blend of SPB's soothing voice and Kadri Gopalnath's sax make the song an evergreen melody.

3) KJ Yesudas: 'AarArirAro' from Ram

Listen to this song and you wont believe that the voice is that of a 65 year old. After early 90's, Tamil cinema has under-utilized his voice; this one song is a solid proof for that. In addition to his unique metallic voice, one can feel his longing for motherly love in the song. Hats off to the legend, and to Yuvan for choosing KJY to sing this fantastic lullaby.

4) Shankar Mahadevan: 'Manasu rendum pArkka' from KAdhal koNdEn

The uniqueness of this song is in the passion and obsession the boy has on the girl, which is superbly brought out by Shankar Mahadevan. His voice modulations gel nicely with Yuvan's music and this tricky number manges to rise much above its level thanks to Shankar's great rendition.

5) Karthik: 'Oru ooril' from KAkha kAkha

I haven't listened to any other song which is fully dedicated to praising a girl's beauty as graciously as this one. Karthik simply mesmerizes with his exuberant voice.

6) Srinivas: 'Muzhu mathi' from JodhA Akbar

I dont know how many of you have managed to listen to the Tamil version of this great album by AR Rahman. If not, please do it now.. Srinivas's nice voice does full justice to the ever-reliable Rahman-Vairamuthu Na.Muthukumar combo. What a song!! This song alone deserves a full post. (Thanks to Anand of Stony Brook for exposing me to this song).

I have chosen only these six singers because they have consistently delivered over a very long period. Among others, the solo songs that I love are: KAtrin mozhi (Mozhi) by Balaram, KAdhal vandhAl (Iyarkai) by Tippu, Pul vezhi (Aasai) by Unni Krishnan and 'NadhiyE' (Rhythm) by Unni Menon.

Satham Podathey - Songs

Yuvan teams up again with one of the first directors he worked with - Vasanth. This album is like 7G Rainbow Colony; some songs have the same 'haunted' feeling and remind in tunes, of the songs of 7G. Nevertheless, they are very good. I started liking them from the very first time I heard 'em. Na. Muthukumar has recreated the magic with Yuvan. So far the best album of Yuvan in this year.

1) Pesugiren - Neha Bhasin:

After Anushka, Yuvan introduces another member of the famous 'VIVA' group of girls to Tamil. To her credit, she has sung beautifully; despite being from North. The saxophone and guitar bits in the interludes, especially in the second interlude, are great. Somehow the voice can be easily related to that of Padmapriya. Superb song. 95%.


2) Azhagu kutti chellam - Shankar Mahadevan:

If it was 'Aarariraro' as the best song of the decade for mother, this song is for a toddler. The beat of the song, which is a combo of 'Thavil' and some 'kilukiluppai' is surely foot-tapping, and gels well with the mood of the song. The lyrics are cute too.

Unakku therindha mozhiyile enakku pesa theriyale
Enakku therindha baashai pesa unakku theriyavillai

Lots of 'konjalgal' in the song; very well rendered by Shankar Mahadevan. 90%.

3) Endha Kuthiraiyil - Shreya Ghoshal and Rahul Nambiar:

This reminds me of 'January madham' from 7G.. but the fast beats and some catchy lyrics makes the song likable. Shreya is awesome, as usual. After several generations one can hear 'Praananaatha' in a Tamil song.. :) 90%.

4) KAthal periyatha - Sudha Raghunathan:

Yes, you read it right.. After 'Ivan', she is back.. The 'Krishna Krishna' bit used is a surprise piece and Yuvan has blended it very well with the song. This competes with the first song for the my vote for the most favorite song of the album, thanks to the clever innovations spread throughout the song. I wish Sudha sings more songs for Tamil films.. 'Kadalil kulikkumbodhu' part also suddenly pops up and amuses, as does the short punjabi folk bit used subtly. 95%.

5) Oh Indha Kadhal - Yuvan and Adnan Sami:

This song surely sounds familiar, donno which song though.. Adnan manages to pronounce Tamil better than Yuvan, especially the 'La'. Just a routine song, IMHO.. 70%.

Overall, a must-hear album.

PS: Watched 'Koffee with Anu' in which Kadri Gopalnath and Vinayakaram were the guests. Nostalgia time, listening to Kadri's sax.. which made me change my current fav video to 'En Kadhaley' from Duet.. Kadri was just awesome in that, esp. in this song and in 'Naan Paadum Sandham'... An unforgettable song!! Another 'Anjali' memory.. :)

Enakku oru ummai therinjaaganum...

There are some tamil song lyrics which are quite difficult to understand at times. I am not talking about dubakoor second grade songs, but some top-class songs written in 'good tamil'. If you can throw some light on these, I will rest in peace.. :)

1) 'KanAkANum kAlangaL' (7G RC):

NadaipAthai kadaiyil un peyar padithAl

NenjukkuL EnO mayakkangaL piRakkum

What is the relationship b/w platform shop and her lover's name?

2) 'VeNNilavE' (VV):

VaNNangaL vaNNangaLatra vazhiyil vazhiyil silar nadakkiRAr nadakkiRAr

ManjaLum pachaiyum koNdu peyyuthu peyyuthu mazhai nanaikirAr nanaikiRar

In the first line, does he mean a life that is not colorful? And, in the second, what is the yellow-and-green rain? Rain falling at the backdrop of colored lights? And, what is the link b/w the two lines? Engeyo udhaikkira madhiri irukkey..

3) 'KaNNukkuL nooRu nilavA' (Vedam puthithu):

Aanin thavippu adangividum

pennin thavippu thodarndhuvidum

When I heard this song for the first time ages ago, it appeared as if Vairamuthu talks about something sensual, so I left it like that... Recently, I was discussing about this song with a friend and for sometime, when I think about the lyrics, it means nothing obviuos. Considering the next line (Ullam enbadhu uLLavaraikkum inbam thunbam ellamey iruvarukkum), the above dont sound like anything sexual. What is she trying to convey by such a statement? What 'thavippu' (or quest) does she talk about which is different for men and women?

Weekend melodies: Unakku 2; Enakku 1.

Missing you so much this weekend... so some songs dedicated to our memories..

1) Kanmani...
Though this song as a whole is classic, my favorite moments lie in the first minute.. As the saying "Well begun is half done" goes, it lives upto the expectations generated by those lil moments..

* First, a chuckle before the song begins.. and another small one as Kamal asks her to write..

* Oru 'kadaikkaN pArvai' as Kamal says 'Kanmani'.. and as he says 'kadhalan', another glance and a smile after nodding 'aan'..

* When he says 'naan', she too whispers 'naan', and when he says 'padi', a deep but short look at him as she starts singing.. Her head nods were soo cute and natural. Where did you go, Roshini???



An unforgettable song..

2) Kannaley..
What to say of this one? I started liking it from the very first time I heard it in 1992.. and it wont be an understatement to say that I went to watch the movie especially for this song. Didnt get disappointment with the picturization.. White angels.. Sensuously sung by Yesudoss and Janaki.. beautiful camera work by Madhu Ambat. I lovvvvvvvve singing the song everyday.. :)



Now, my choice.. ;)

3) Vennilave...
How can I leave out my all-time favorite song? I can go on and on about this one, but I better shut up and let you see and enjoy the magic of full moon.. :)

வேட்டையாடு விளையாடு - பாடல்கள்

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1) நெருப்பே - சௌம்யா ராவ் & சாய்

பாடலின் ஆரம்பம் 'ஐயோ பத்திக்கிச்சு' போல இருக்கிறது. 'தூது வருமா' போன்ற க்ளப் பாடலாக இருக்கலாம்.. ஆனால் சௌம்யாவின் நளினமான குரலும் ('களுக்' சிரிப்பு அட அட அட..) சாயின் கெட்டியான, கார்த்திக்-போன்ற குரலும் (நடுவில் வரும் ஊளை வித்தியாசமான முயற்சி..) இதை ஒரு அருமையான பாடலாக மாற்றுகின்றன. 2:45 முதல் 3:24 வரை வரும் ஜுகல்பந்தி பாடலின் ஹைலைட்.

80% மதிப்பெண்.

2) உயிரிலே - மஹாலக்ஷ்மி ஐயர் & ஸ்ரீநிவாஸ்

உயிர் உருவாகும் இதயத்துடிப்போடு ஆரம்பிக்கிறது.. மிகக் குறைவான இசையோடு பாடகர்களின் வருகை. இரவில் தூக்கத்திற்கு முன்பு கேட்கக்கூடிய பாடல். பாடலாசிரியர், பாடியவர்கள் மற்றும் இசையமைப்பாளர் பெருமைப்பட்டுக்கொள்ளக்கூடிய ரகம். சில இடங்களில் 'காதலா காதலா' (அவ்வை சண்முகி) நினைவுக்கு வந்தாலும் அதை விட இன்னும் இனிமையானது.

90% மதிப்பெண்.

3) வெண்ணிலவே/மஞ்சள் வெயில் - ஹரிஹரன்

விஜய்/நகுல் மெதுவாக ஆரம்பித்துவைக்க இசை மற்றும் ஹரிஹரனின் உச்சஸ்தாயி குரலில் உடனே சூடுபிடிக்கிறது. 'என்னைக் கொஞ்சம்' & 'ஒரு மாலை' போல முதல்முதலில் காதல்வயப்பட்ட ஒருவனின் உணர்வுகள் தாமரையின் வரிகளில் உணர்வுபூர்வமாக வெளிப்படுகின்றன.

உதா:
'உலகத்தின் கடைசிநாள்
இன்றுதானோ என்பதுபோல்
பேசிப்பேசித் தீர்த்தபின்னும்
ஏதொ ஒன்று குறையுதே..' :-)

எனக்கு மிகப் பிடித்த பாடல்.

96% மதிப்பெண்.

4) பார்த்த முதல்நாளே - 'பாம்பே' ஜெயஸ்ரீ & உன்னி மேனன்

கௌதம் "'சுட்டும் விழி' போல ஒரு பாட்டு போட்டுக் கொடுங்க" என்று ஹாரிஸைக் கேட்டிருப்பார் போல.. அந்தப் பாடலை நினைவுபடுத்தினால் கூட இதில் சிறப்பு என்னவென்றால் கணவன் -மனைவி காதலை மிக இனிமையாகச் சொல்லும் அர்த்தம் பொதிந்த கவிதையான பாடல்..

உதா:
உன்னை மறந்து நீ தூக்கத்தில் சிரிப்பாய்
தூங்காமல் அதைக் கண்டு ரசிப்பேன்..
தூக்கம் மறந்து நான் உனைப் பார்க்கும் காட்சி
கனவாக வந்ததென்று நினைத்தேன்..

புல்லரிக்குதுங்கோ..

95% மதிப்பெண்.

5) கற்க கற்க - தேவன் & திப்பு

கமலுக்குக் கிடைத்த மிகச் சிறந்த அறிமுகப் பாடல். அமெரிக்க சாயலில் 'ராப்' இசையைப் பயன்படுத்துவதில் யுவனை மிஞ்சிவிட்டார் ஹாரிஸ்.. திறமை வாய்ந்த, நேர்மையான ஒரு காவல்துறை அதிகாரியைப் பற்றிப் புகழும் பாடல்.

80% மதிப்பெண்.

மொத்தத்தில் இந்த வருடத்தில் இதுவரை வந்த படங்களில் #1 ஆல்பம். புதுப்புது சத்தங்களை அறிவுபூர்வமாக பயன்படுத்தியுள்ளார் ஹாரிஸ்.ஹாரிஸ்-கௌதம் கூட்டணி இம்முறையும் வெற்றிவாகை சூடியுள்ளது. படமும் வெற்றி பெற வாழ்த்துக்கள்..


Happy Holi to those of you who celebrate it!! (Colors not allowed to be sold in US, so no real holi this time..)

Also, Happy Birthday to Aamir Khan !! How would it be when Aamir 'dances' to the tune of 'Suttum vizhi' for the Hindi version of Ghajini?
(Khoon se holi math khel naa..) :-)

Unique albums

Most of the tamil film music albums are monotonous nowadays.. with a 'kuthu' paattu, item number, duets, 'hero-worship' song and some senti ones. I have found a few albums quite unique in this sense..

1) Kadhal Desam: All the songs were by male singers; in all the songs, both the heroes, Abbas and Vineeth appeared. One of the singers, SPB, who sang a passionate song for both the heroes (Ennai kaanavillaiye) also acted as the heroine's father. And, I think it is the only movie so far in which AR Rahman has sung two full songs.

2) Snehithiye: Just opposite to Kaadhal Desam.. all female singers.

3) Rhythm: Each of the five songs had a theme based on five elements of nature.

4) Minsara Kanavu: 3 National awards for this single movie - Chithra, SPB and AR Rahman.

5) Hey, Nee Romba Azhaga Irukke: Five songs - each composed by different music directors (all debuting).

Best theme music scores

While listening to Pudhupettai, I realized that it had an unusual number of 'music only' bits which were so far referred to as 'Theme music' or 'Spirit of -----' (movie name) etc. I think the first movie to have a separate theme bit was Punnagai Mannan, in which Ilayaraja had used not one but two bits.. AR Rahman, probably thanks to his association with Ilayaraja during Punnagai Mannan, realized its novelty and potential and started applying the concept for his movies more.. Here are my favorite theme musical scores:

1) Bombay: The flute bit is the best I have heard so far.. though the song 'MalarOdu malar indru..' comes much later, the music until then is mesmerizing...

2) Punnagai mannan: The part Ilayaraja had used from 'Nothing but wind' was very famous and sounded 'different' those times.. First time computer-generated music in Tamil cinema..(or Indian cinema itself?)

3) Rangeela: It was called the 'Spirit of Rangeela'.. What a beat it was.. RG Varma had to use 'slow motion' in the movie to rescue his choreographer.

4) 7G Rainbow Colony: Though Yuvan seemed to have been inspired from Spanish music, the score had enough variations and it was interesting..

5) Taal: Beat of passion.. starts slowly and gradually picks up momentum and ends up with a scream (unnecessary and lousy part though)..

The others I have liked are from Anniyan, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kadhal Kondenn and Pudhupettai.

Top 10 Tamil Songs

It is a time for everyone choosing their own top 10.. best movies or best albums.... Here is my list of top 10 tamil songs that I loved... it is an ardous task for sure.. but it gives you an opportunity to go back different time periods in your life and think which songs had an impact on you the most.. so, here it goes.. forget the order, after the first one, guys..

1) Vennilave.. (Minsara Kanavu) This is indeed the most favorite song ever for me... I have never heard any other song so many times thus far.. What did Hariharan and Sadhna think they were doing? I thought They were just playing with the mind of the people listening to the song.. When he sings "Ada ulagai rasikka vendum naan unn pondra pennodu.." What a proposal... sabash, Vairamuthu... To listen, click here.

2) Enn Veettu Thottathil.. (Gentleman) People said it was inspired from a Malayalam devotional song.. who cares.. Again SPB and Sujatha.. terrific combo.. nice duet.. To listen, click here.

3) Nila kayum neram ...(Chembaruthi) Mano and Janaki's slow melodious duet soothens anytime I listen .. Ilayaraja's use of violin in the interlude is awesome.. To listen, click here

4) Kallellam manicka... (Alayamani) My parents said the maid used this as the lullaby to put me to sleep when I was a toddler.. Beeeeautiful song.. Viswanathan-Ramamurthy-Kannadasan trio's unforgettable masterpiece.. TMS's strong metallic voice and LR Eswari's unique melody blended to perfection.. To listen, click here

5) Meenamma... (Aasai) I have heard someone telling this was inspired from some western album.. Nevertheless, I thought Deva did a good job with this.. I started liking Anuradha Sriram after this one.. she must have been smiling all through while singing this song.. Nice lyrics by Vairamuthu and good picturization too.. with Raju Sundaram & co. dancing behind a screen.. to listen, click here

6) Paadariyenn.. (Sindhu Bairavi) Do I need to say why? To listen, click here. Didnt maestro and Chitra win the national award for this one? Rarely have I heard Chitra in a more commanding voice. To listen, click here.

7) Kadhal Rojave ... (Roja) SPB's expressive voice for the soul-stirring lyrics of Vairamuthu, with Sujatha Singing the lalala... Different music by ARR.. To listen, click here

8) Ennulle.. (Valli) Excellent beginning to the song with a Bharatanatyam piece.. then a slow guitar.. (Wah.. IR).. then comes Swarnalatha.. expressing all of a woman's feeling in the way only she can.. Vaali can be real proud of this one.. To listen, click here

9) Manam virumbudhe... (Nerukku Nerr) Harini at her best.. A rare song by Deva based on a karnatic raagam. The same version sung by Unnikrishnan was lovely too. To listen, click here.

10) Konjum Manjal.. (Ullasam) I think this is the best song by Karthik Raja so far.. Slow buildup to the song was a good piece.. nice beat.. I thought this would be a turning point for KR.. Hariharan-Harini's one of the best duets.. To listen, click here.

If the list can be extended to top-25, then my other favorites are 11) Devathaiyai kandenn.. (Kadhal kondenn); 12) Sangeetha swarangal (Azhagan); 13) Enn kadhalae (Duet); 14) Minnale.. (May madham); 15) Ennavale.. (kadhalan); 16) Thandatti.. (Kadhal); 17) Athangarai (Kizhakku Seemaiyile); 18) Vayadhu vaa (Thulluvatho Ilamai); 19) Edhedho (Punnagai Mannan); 20) Oyila (Seevalaperi Pandi); 21) Amaidhiyana.. (Andavan Kattalai); 22) Azhagiya kanne (Udhiripookkal); 23) Sendhazhampoovil (Mullum malarum); 24) Nallavarkkellam (Thyagam) and 25) Adhisaya ragam (Apoorva Ragangal).

New Singers Galore

For the past few weeks, I have been listening to three albums - Yuvan's "Arindhum Ariyadhadhum" and "Daas" and Harris's "Anniyan"... Can't help noticing so many new singers being used by leading music directors nowadays.. A refreshing change from the old time of "Mano and Chitra" and "SPB and Janaki" announcements in radio. But, too many spices spoil the taste of food, right? Nowadays, it is hard to differentiate between the singers' voices. It is almost impossible for me to differentiate between Kavita Krishnamoorthy and Mahalakshmi Iyer.
Apart from the few well-established ones like Hariharan and Shankar Mahadevan, there are some 'irregulars' like Karthik, Srinivas or Tippu. It is a huge list in the case of female singers in the last 3 years or so. For the music directors, it not only bring fresh voice and variety but also they can be paid quite cheap.. so economical too!! But, in this flood of fresh blood, most are washed off after a handful of songs while only a few stay. Is it good or bad?