Thursday, September 25, 2014

Music Review (Tamil) :Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe

Music Review (Tamil) :Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe
Music Composer: Madley Blues


Hey suttrum Bhoomi, breezy guitar riffs, sleek rendition by Mili Nair, light drums in the middle, rustic Harish Venkat along with inspiring Na.Muthukumar lyrics  everything concocts excellently results in the perfect start to the soundtrack. Karigalan, folk- rock fusion starts with pastoral thiyaru's lyrics and then ever dependable Shankar Mahadevan prods the energetic song forward. Madley Blues arrangement is top notch with addictive energetic guitar riffs throughout the song adorned by Thavil-Nadhaswaram combo in the course of the song. Another rock based yaar with classically oriented tune and the proficient Nandini Srikar (Next song after brilliant one in Moondru Per Moondru Kadhal) in the vocals, hardly song can go wrong. Madley blues packed the song with spirited guitar and heavy drumming. Nandini should sing more in Tamil. Next song is the soundtrack's best Yaarum Paakatha, already released as a single for the promotion of the movie. Guitar and drumming aside, sensual violin along with Chinmyai's changeover voice is a highlight of the track.

Verdict: Madley Blues sophomore track after Sutta Kadhai for Lakshmi Ramakrishnan is eclectic at its best. Four songs being the only apprehension.

My rating:8.5/10

Pick of the Album: All songs

You can listen to the songs here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spi9d5tZMpw - Yaar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJMZhLTPLek - Kaligalaam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBi7eUZEb18 - Hey suttrum Bhoomi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_D58zPLl18 - yaarum Paakatha



Friday, September 19, 2014

Music Review (Telugu): Rowdy Fellow

Music Review (Telugu): Rowdy Fellow
Music Composer: M R Sunny

Rowdy starts with ding dong cantillation and effective guitar hooks nevertheless there are some similarities with Swamy ra ra in the orchestration. The way Aditi Singh sharma's vocal introduced after heavy guitar riffs is a nice touch and Arijit singh pulled off this song at ease. Yedo, a laid back melody again guitar plays an extensive role in the arrangements and violin to some extent. Harmaan Malik and Harshika Gudi of Uyyala Jampala fame has done a fabulous job on vocals. M R Sunny extend the soft rock guitar based tune  in Aa Seetadevi adorned with video game sounds towards the end. Composer ropes in ever dependable Arjith singh for this dulcet which is quite contrast to Rowdy-energetic number by arijit itself. Yentha Varu gani, reworked version of the old song with the same lyrics in Nakash Aziz and Natasha Pinto in vocals dominated by guitar cum drums  and the remix is exceptionally pleasing rather than usual jarring sounds. Red and Yellow starts like what to do from Aiyya  and Shalmali Kholgade auto tune voice also sounds similar . However veena-guitar fusion is enticing despite the odd tune. Call of Rowdy, ends the soundtrack in style with short, unconventional number and Sunny mixes the sounds of guitar and drums deftly.

Verdict: M R Sunny continues his splendid work after Swamy Ra Ra and Uyyala Jampala by giving new sounds to Telugu music industry.

My rating:8/10

Pick of the Album: Rowdy, Yedo, Aa Seetadevi

Music Review(Tamil) - Kaththi

Music Review(Tamil) - Kaththi
Music Composer: Anirudh


Pakkam Vandhu, Anirudh- Hip hop tamizha combo comes back for their regular techno party song  adorned with interesting nadhaswaram and Hip hop tamizha fares exceptional than Anirudh with his rap portions nevertheless song didn't pave the way for multiple listens. Next comes already leaked song selfie pulla, starts with catchy kuthu guitar riffs and Madhan Karky's use of colloquial lyrics will allure new age internet youths for sure. Vijay and Sunidhi chauhan vocals makes the required impact for this middling kuthu song. Vishal Dadlani join hands with Anirudh for the second time in Aathi and did a wothy job with his vocals for the guitar dominated energetic song.Composer handles the mandolin deftly in the first interlude and Hip Hop Tamizha rap portions are catchy enough to make this song hit. Anirudh tries multi genre fusion of folk, kuthu and carnatic in Paalam backed by the brass band orchestration for folk and kuthu one and regular instruments for carnatic portions. Both Shwetha Mohan and Shankar Mahadevan are splendid in singing. Yaar petra magano nee, a pathos by K J Yesudas has a lovely tune backed by guitars, wonderful flute in first interlude and other instruments sets the required tone for the song. Anirudh came back with wonderful theme tracks. Bad eyes Villain theme is simply mind blowing for its Veena and flute usage and nicely mixed the splashes of water sounds.Second one, Kathi theme rides on energizing guitar enhanced by sword clank sound  and chanting of Kathi towards the end.

Verdict: Anirudh came back after line of middling albums and good that he uses other singers rather than singing himself. Sure Kathi will satiate vijay fans.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Yaar petra, Aathi, Theme tracks

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Music Review (Telugu): Govindudu Andari vadele


Music Review (Telugu): Govindudu Andari vadele
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Neeli Rangu cheerolana, folky tune with heavy percussions is lovable, simple, catchy krishna vamsi styled melody handled well by Hariharan and Yuvan Shankar Raja's interludes are instantly likeable. Gulabi Kallu rendu mullu, techno-pop number sung well by Javed Ali and again Yuvan's arrangements are quite interesting, especially violin portions in the second interlude and towards the end. The semi-classical melody Ra Rakumara by Chinmayi is the soundtrack best and Krishna Vamsi is best in extracting these type of songs from his music directors. Chinmayi aces the song with her exquisite rendition and Yuvan spruces up the beautiful tune with enticing orchestration especially veena. Prathichote Naake swagatham, with interesting techno sounds, but tune remains routine telugu one. Bhavagari choope, a listenable predictable templatized tune with heavy percussions. Ranjith stands out among the list of singers with his usual verve. Kokokodi, weakest one in the soundtrack and the tune seems to be bland.

Verdict: Soundtrack has less number of  Krishna Vamsi styled melodies, but Yuvan shankar raja made the songs listenable with his arrangements.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the album: Ra Rakumara, Gulabi Kallu rendu mullu, Neeli rangu cheerolana

Monday, September 15, 2014

Music Review(Tamil) : I

Music Review(Tamil) : I
Composer: A R Rahman

Aila Aila, works mainly because of grand orchestration, Opera styled fusion and some interesting beats. Aditya Rao and Natalie Di Luccio vocals apt for this song nevertheless Natalie's fangled tamil rendition irks at some places. Overall good experimentation in terms of the arrangement, but tune is average. Ladio, heavy on electronic sounds to scorch the dance floors but not for an casual listener. Madhan Karky lyrics overshadowed by techno beats and Nikitha gandhi vocals tandem with the mood of the song. Mersalayitaen, with its electronic beats and local lyrics sound bland without any imagination. Only interesting part is violin in the second interlude.The remix version better can be avoided as it offers nothing new. Soundtrack's best are the remaining melodies.

Ennodu Nee Irundhal, starts with a piano superseded by light drums throughout the song and the arrangement culminates with thumping guitar cum drum and heavy chorus. Sid Sriram has done his part well, but still Adiye remains his best. The reprise version of the song sounds better because of Chinmayee's breezy voice and pitch perfect tamil rendition compared to Sid Sriram. Pookale opens with enticing guitar hooks along with Haricharan's clear voice and Shreya's wonderful singing makes this melody instantly likeable. Sure chartbuster material and the second interlude reminds sahana from Sivaji.

Verdict: AR Rahman- Shankar's much hyped album is surely subpar compared to Rahman's work in 2014 nevertheless Shankar may spruce up the songs with visuals.

My Rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Pookale, Ennodu Nee Irundhal (reprise), Aila Aila

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Music Review (Hindi) : Haider

Music Review (Hindi) : Haider
Composer : Vishal Bharadwaj

Bismil, two minute video footage already created waves among the fans for its interesting depiction of movie story in a song and also waiting for the full version. Composer uses a Rubab, native kashmiri instrument as a main hook accompanied by percussions and strings gives the wonderful effect. Sukhwinder excels in singing, which undergoes many radical changes culminates with Jhelum Jhelum Laal Laal hua. Gulzar deserves a special mention for wonderfully worded lyrics. Another version of the song Ek aur Bismil is considerably better than the original version for its arabic fused instrumentation (love to know the instruments used) though the main tune and singer retained as in original one.However mood of the song seems to be less serious compared to the original song.

Aao na, rock tune rides mainly on the Vishal Dadlani sprightly rendition about attaining eternal sleep and Bharadwaj's wonderful guitar cum drums combination. So Jao, uses the dredging sound throughout the song as background and impressive guitar. Composer creates the dark mood of the song with the line of singers Bashir Lone, Bashir Bhawani, Muzamil Bhawani and Mayukh Sarkar. Composer ropes Suresh wadkar and Shraddha kapoor for the laid back melody,Do Jahaan with minimal guitar and piano chords nevertheless tune drabs too much and fails to clasp the listener. Aaj Ke Naam, is as usual Rekha Baradwaj flaunts her prowess in the Ghazal backed melody. Though she is impeccable in her rendition, this too fizzle as Do Jahaan.

Another Dark song, Jhelum, serene singing by composer itself. Vishal arranges the song with string instruments, especially violin and santoor gives the thrilling experience in addition to the river sounds apt to the title of the song.Vishal Bharadwaj gave the remaining two tracks to Arijith Singh, current favourite of every composer and this man pulls off the song in his own way. Khul kabhi To instantly likeable melody with enticing string instruments,piano and minimal beats. Ghulab mein Rang bhare traverses mainly on the soulful rendition by Arijith and Vishal kept the orchestration to minimum allowing Arijith to take the spotlight.

Verdict: Overall, Haider soundtrack is worth for a wait and it adds to the another best soundtrack in Vishal Bharadwaj - Gulzar combo's repertoire.

My Rating:8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Bismil (both versions), Jhelum, Aao Na, Khul Kabhi To

Friday, September 12, 2014

Music Review (Tamil): Jeeva

Music Review (Tamil): Jeeva
Composer: D Imman

Netru Naan traverses mainly on wonderful guitar, but the orchestration in the second half seems to be similar to Imman's previous work and Sathya Prakash apt for this short neat melody. Oru Rosa has witty lyrics by Karky who is best for these type of songs and Imman arranged the song with nice sounds though the tune is middling. Anthony Dasan vocals are quite custom-fit for this genre only apprehension is A V Pooja voice used just for auto tuned humming purpose. Next track Sangi mangi is a typical party song and orchestration confided to EDM framework but for the second interlude. however tune is average at best. The soundtrack turns from decent to awesome with the remaining melodies.

Ovvondrai Thirudugirai starts with lyrical note and Imman creates the rainy atmosphere. Bhavya Pandit and Karthik complement each other in this carnatic influenced melody. Imman packed this song with intriguing guitar, drums and wonderful violin in the second interlude. Overall wonderful composition from Imman. The next best song in the album is Oruthi Mellae, acapella by Abhay Jodhpur, with his velvety voice suited for this simplistic catchy tune. El fe Choir amalgamates well with the genre of the song. Once again Imman arrangements are top notch, Mouth organ, strings and piano makes this song interesting. Yengae Ponai, reminds paradesi composition, but Imman's orchestration Veena, sweeping strings, especially emotional overture stand out in this pathos. SPB aces the song with his poignant rendition.  

Verdict: Imman came back to his form and in Jeeva experimented to come out of his Ilayaraja'sh melodies.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Ovvondrai Thirudugirai, Oruthi mellae, Yengae ponai 

Monday, September 8, 2014

Music Review: Enakkul Oruvan

Music Review: Enakkul Oruvan
Composer: Santosh Narayanan

Endi Ippadi, starts like mild down version of ding dong in Jigarthanda and traverses with quirky Santosh Narayanan vocals. Composer adorned the arrangements with oboe/clarinet, percussion instrument by 4 idiots group,guitars and interestingly conceived auto tuned humming throughout the song. Kutti Poochi, trademark Santosh Narayanan's eclectic sounds nadhaswaram being the highlight surpass Manicka Vinayagam's folky raw vocals. Prabalamagavey starts with heavy beats in MJ's style along with trippy guitars and Siddharth pulls off the rocky tune well but heavy techno sounds make this song middling listen. Yaar, short pathos song adorned with initial piano, dreamy guitar sounds and light percussions in pleasant Dhibu Ninan Thomas vocals is an interesting listen. Santosh Narayanan gives the soundtrack best Poo Avizhum Pozhuthil to his regular Pradeep Kumar and he aces the dreamy tune in his usual way. Composer kept the arrangement, minimal with light beats, wonderful guitar riffs and occasional whistling.Especially en moochil nuzhaindaen hook is a nice touch.

Verdict: Santosh Narayanan continues his successful year with offbeat sounds and Enakkul Oruvan too offer some good tunes.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the album: Poo Avizhum Pozhuthil, Yaar, Endi Ippadi

Friday, September 5, 2014

Recent Listens

Recent Listens:

  • Mahabalipuram(Tamil): Usure nee has a gorgeous tune sung impeccably by Shakthishree gopalan and Imman aided her well. Loved the whistle sound and violins in first and second interlude respectively. Aathadi yenna solla starts something like Onnum puriyala from Kumki with haricharan rendering the Ilayaraja'ish tune but true highlight of the song is brilliant violins which rules the song from start to end.Fabulous listen for the violin itself.
  • Meeghamaan (Tamil) :Yaen Ingu vandhai surprise from Thaman and beautifully sung by Pooja AV.
  • Mary Kom (Hindi): Energetic Ziddi Dil and Charao, a lullaby by Priyanka Chopra is an interesting listen.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Music Review (Telugu) - Aagadu


Music Review (Telugu) - Aagadu
Composer: Thaman

Aagadu, Thaman's usual Percussion dominated arrangements packed with energetic Shankar Mahadevan voice and pretty similar to Dookudu's title track. Thaman's routine associate Rahul Nambiar comes for the mild track Aaja Saroja but conventional tune fails to evoke any interest. Next comes line of typical telugu tracks Junction lo by Shruthi Hassan, Naari Naari by composer itself and Bhel Poori, which are tried and tested tracks which lack any imagination and confined to Thaman's previous works. Next comes the soundtrack's best Theme of aagadu with Mahesh Babu's witty dialogues and engaging arrangements by Thaman.

Verdict: Expected the better sountrack than Thaman-Mahesh Babu -Srinu Vaitla Trio's previous outing Dookudu, but Thaman unable to create the magic again.

My rating:6/10

Pick of the album: Theme of Aagadu , Aagadu

You can listen to the songs here

Music Review (Tamil): Oru Oorla Rendu Raja

Music Review (Tamil): Oru Oorla Rendu Raja
Composer: D Imman

Kukkuru Kukkuru, is an engaging tune sung well by Lakshmi menon's boyish vocals  and the usage of folky stringed instrument is an additional asset to the track. MazhaKaatha has the sounds associated with Imman in his previous works along with catchy nadaswaram and tune has classical 80's Ilayaraja's stamp all over it. Singers vocals gave the ample support to lead the song especially pleasing Vandana Srinivasan voice. Odum Rayilai again carries the Raja's tune but expertly by Abhay Jodhpur. Imman's arrangement is well within his recent hit territory like melliflous flute and exhaustive usage of strings.Sundari Penne another beautiful  ghazal melody by Shreyagoshal for Imman. The arrangements are quite enthralling with tabla especially second interlude. Imman goes for Ooru vittu Ooru vandhu kind of track for the title kuthu song and singers Jayamoorthy and MK Balaji carried the song well.The only concern is song is old fashioned but still lovable for its classical guitar (or veena?) usage.

Verdict: Imman for sure fared better than previous debacles with his recent formula but its time for him to avoid repetitive tunes.

My rating:8/10

Pick of the album: Sundari Penne, Odum Rayile, MazhaKaatha