Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Kadavul Irukaan Kumaaru

Music Review (Tamil): Kadavul Irukaan Kumaaru
Music Composer: GV Prakash Kumar

Nee Pona Theruvula's strictly functional tune is mauled by the autotuned GV Prakash's vocals where MC Vickey and VishnuPriya pitches up with their brief vocal portions. The only highlight being the Kalyan and Sasi's solo violin in the second interlude and brief flute piece by Navin Iyer. Gum zaare is the typical GV Prakash Kumar foot tapping melody and the song is adequately listenable in the vocals of GV Prakash Kumar and Al Rufian. Malavika Sundar easily scores over the other two singers with the most enticing portions in the tune. The background rhythms are catchy and faux Hindustani elements easily segue into the base tune.

Hey Paathu Podi is another passable track which has nothing new to offer and the colloquial lyrics might entice for the first listen. However, the tune has very less shelf life and GV Prakash's vocals alone unable to elevate the song from mediocre level. Iravinil Aattam benefits from the classic Tamil song initial stanza and GV Prakash gives the haunt gloomy tone to the song. The arrangements are done pretty neat with grungy electric guitars by Keba Jeremiah and occasional Seenu's mandolin cues amidst the punchy percussions. Locality boys try hard to be foot tapping kuthu but turns out to be a dud with the melange of random sounds. Ken, Grace and Karunas maintain the energy throughout the track, however, the tune is banal and barely interesting.

Verdict: Kadavul Irukkaan Kumaaru joins in the list of insipid albums from GV Prakash Kumar and apart from occasional sparks in the album, the songs are tried and tested ones.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Gum Zaare, Iravinil Aattam, Nee Pona Theruvula

Music Review (Tamil): Rubaai

Music Review (Tamil): Rubaai
Music Composer: Imman

Asathuthe is adequately enjoyable thanks to the lovely nostalgic guitar strums and Imman aces the tune backed by stupendous guitar strums throughout the track. Imman spruces up the tune with quite an enticing interludes and it reaches crescendo especially in the fabulous usage of accordion and latino styled guitars in the second half. Unkooda Pesathaane starts off with gospel-styled chorus and the tune shift towards the expected melody territory in the ever-reliable vocals of Shreya Goshal. Though the tune fares notch below the latest Shreya Goshal- Imman combo tracks, the melody and the vocals are adequately engaging till the song lasts.

Paathukuren's 90 style melody didn't hit the mark and the languishing tune is made listenable by Sathyaprakash's engaging vocals. The rhythms and interludes by Imman also sound staid without any spark. However the brief flute portion in the second interlude is pleasant to hear and makes this song works partially. Dukkum Dukkum is an another mediocre song in the soundtrack and the soundscape is on the lines of Soi Soi from Kumki and Pom Pom from Desingu Raja. Anitha Venkat's rustic vocals sounds apt, however it's difficult to brush aside the sound cues from the composer's earlier works.

Verdict: Imman's latest album Rubaai falls short of the engaging set of tunes in contrast to his previous couple of releases and the album works partially for few nifty touches.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Asathuthe, Unkooda Pesathaane

Music Review (Tamil): Kathi Sandai

Music Review (Tamil): Kathi Sandai
Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

In Naan Konjam Karuppu thaan, Hip Hop Tamizha's functional vocals aside, the composer's engaging arrangements filled with enjoyable middle-eastern tinge in the percussions and Nadhaswaram hooks especially towards the end keeps the track afloat. Composer builds the tune with the synthesised sounds base and the song work more for its arrangements than as a standalone tune. The title track has the pedestrian tune and the hackneyed techno sounds didn't elevate the song to any level. The stylish vocals of Hip Hop Tamizha and Sniggy unable to salvage this functional tune replete with the heard sounds.

Idhayam Idhayam fares better among the other vocal songs in the soundtrack and the composer brilliantly infuses Nadhaswaram hooks, trumpets and brief fabulous slide guitar solo towards the end. Khareesma Ravichandran sounds adequate as usual and the minor grouse being that rhythm dominating the vocals intermittently. Ellame Kaasu is another mediocre composition from Hip Hoop Tamizha where once again EDM sounds fall under the templatized pattern. The rap portions by Mark Antony also sounds underwhelming while the subtle enjoyable guitar strums are dominated by cacophonic sounds throughout the track. Hiphop Tamizha scores easily in the Kathi Sandai theme where catchy violin is followed by brilliant usage of the mandolin. Overall the arrangements are engaging with violin notes utilised in right places to create an engrossing effect for the theme.

Verdict: Passable soundtrack from Hip Hop Tamizha and composer needs to reinvent and broaden his musical horizons.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kathi Sandai Theme,  Idhayam Idhayam


Friday, October 21, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Bruce Lee

Music Review (Tamil): Bruce Lee
Music Composer: GV Prakash Kumar and Ganesh Sekar

Naan Thaan Goppanda composed by GV Prakash's assistant Ganesh Sekar and the trendy hip-hop beat along with the kids initial portion has an uncanny resemblance to Soulja Boy Tell'em - crank that.  M Reigo is fabulous with the rap portions while Arunraja Kamaraj aces with his energy as always. The base tune and rhythm rip off aside, Ganesh Sekar spruces up the song with techno kuthu in the mid-way.

Sugar Mintu-Kari comes off as a lively song especially for its jubilant horn sections and the jazz touches in the arrangements. GV Prakash exuberant vocals along with the breezy melodic twist by M M Mansi intermittently makes this one easily best one in the album in strictly comparative manner. The humming deserves special mention which entices the listener while Manikandan and Vairachandran penned easily accessible as well as at times an awry lyrics. Sumar Moonji Kumar composed by Ganesh Sekar is an another mediocre song from the composer and STR vocals comes off as a forced one and the singer tries hard to make the song work. The rhythm section and the arrangements are random sounds and overall turn out to be weak kuthu song where both vocals and music turns out to be a lackluster affair from the composer.

Verdict:  Short soundtrack rides on the GV Prakash's solo song and the album has punch only in the title of the tracklist not in the tunes.

My Rating: 6/10

Pick of the Album: Sugar Mintu-kari
  
P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.





Monday, October 17, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Kavalai Vendaam

Music Review (Tamil): Kavalai Vendaam
Music Composer: Leon James

Inno Genga's mangled Tamil rendition aside, En Pulse Yethittu Poriye is an adequately trendy upbeat techno dominated track where Andrea Jeremiah and ADK's rap easily scores over the male singer. Overall Leon James delivered the breezy track which works for its easy-going rhythms and catchy title hook.Un Kadhal Irundhaal Podhum is another breezy melody where Leon James impresses with quite an enticing arrangements and Shashaa Tripathi's entry with the tinge of classical humming is splendid after the techno dominated portion by quite effectual Armaan Malik, singer's second track in Tamil after Yaar Indha Muyalkutty. The arrangements feature lovely continuum fingerboard by the composer in the first interlude and enticing percussions by Krishna Kishore.

Nee Tholaindhai is the soundtrack's highlight and the relaxed melody is crooned effortlessly by another proficient singer Sid Sriram. The ease with which the singer handles the high pitch portions is astounding and the composer complements the underlying melody with alluring arrangements. Omkar Dhumal's Shenai in the interlude is the fabulous addition to the song. The intrinsic melody in Un Kadhal Irundhaal Podhum's comes out beautifully in the song's reprise version where Vandana Srinivasan's incredible rendition along with Leon James minimally orchestrated arrangements dominated by Piano makes this version arresting listen.

Verdict: Leon James continues to showcase promise in his sophomore album after Ko-2. The tunes are enchanting and beautiful with instant appeal factor throughout the album.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Nee Tholaindhai, Un Kadhal Irundhaal Podhum, Un Kadhal (Reprise version)

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Yaakai

Music Review (Tamil): Yaakai
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

         Nee En Kannil sounds pleasant and the upbeat electronic rhythm works to the song's favor. However, Yuvan Shankar Raja's edgy vocals and the cluttered arrangements especially towards the end is incongruous to the overall flow of the song. The familiarized Yuvan's tune keeps the song afloat in an otherwise passable opening number from the composer. Sollitholaiyaen Ma starts off well with an engaging Vijay's flute and string section, however, the song meander towards the techno dominated song. Though Dhanush sounds like Yuvan at times, he pulled off the Vignesh Shivan's youth friendly lyrics exceptionally well. Overall, easily accessible lyrics and vocals make this one listenable till it lasts.

         Naan Ini Kaatril is easily best one in the album, sweeping melody sung effortlessly by ever reliable Chinmayi and the composer itself. The highlight is undeniably the lovely arrangements where serene piano cum string and an upbeat electronic rhythm interspersed in a fabulous manner throughout the song. Vijay's brief flute in the second interlude is the standout piece in the track.Yuvan ends the soundtrack in style with the haunting immersive melody Ennulle crooned by Tanvi Shah and the string sections along with the chorus complements the mood of the song. The symphonic classical arrangements and the Tanvi Shah's attitude elevate the level of the song.

Verdict: Yaakai has the right mix of Yuvan's likable stamp tunes and the pleasant breezy melodies from the composer.

My Rating: 7.5/10

My Rating: Naan Ini Kaatril, Ennulle, Sollitholaiyaen Ma

P.S You can listen to the songs in Youtube.



Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Chennai-28 Second Innings

Music Review (Tamil): Chennai-28 Second Innings
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja

       Boys are back is a passable electronic dominated sound and the hummable tune makes this one enjoyable till it lasts. Yuvan Shankar Raja's vocals and Madurai Souljour's Rap portions sound apt as well as hold the listener's interest throughout the song. However, the techno rhythms are completely predictable bogs this one at times.Nee Kidaithai is an engaging melody sung effortlessly by the ever-reliable Haricharan and Chinmayi while Yuvan loads the song with neat arrangements dominated by an enticing guitar strum by Amalraj. The folk percussion rhythm gels well with the trademark Yuvan Shankar Raja tune. 

       Soppana Sundari starts off in a curious manner with iconic Goundamani's dialogue, however the wacky lyrics and the kuthu comes off as the pedestrian one. The string of singers Karthik Raja, Venkat Prabhu, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Premji tries hard to spruce up the mediocre kuthu while Yuvan Shankar Raja throws adequately enjoyable arrangements in the interludes. Soppana Sundari Remix with Kabali rehash dialogue in the start doesn't elevate the level of the song despite the energetic electronic mix and Premji's vocals. Idhu Kadhaiya benefits largely from the minimal orchestration in the first half and the tune is adequately enjoyable in the vocals of Khareshma Ravichandran while Sean Roldan rocks in the second half. Overall, Yuvan Shankar Raja delivers the fine melody in the form Idhu Kadhaiya and made this one best in the soundtrack. The familiar Yaaro piano version from the movie's prequel towards the end of the song is the nice subtle touch from the composer. House Party is an another mediocre techno dominated track, However, few nifty touches with the percussions and Senthil Dass's swag along with Madhan Karky's lyrics make this one listenable till it lasts.

Verdict: Yuvan Shankar Raja's Chennai-600028 second innings is in line with the expected sounds from the combo while the two melodies hold the soundtrack.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Idhu Kadhaiya, Nee Kidaithai, Boys are back





Sunday, October 9, 2016

Music Review (Tamil) : Ammani

Music Review (Tamil) : Ammani
Music Composer: K

Life E Machan is the rollicking fun song with the catchy familiar tune and the Mukesh's vocal is brimmed with right swag while K filled the backgrounds with engaging brass kuthu. In the other version of the song, the arrangements are kept intact with slight modification in lyrics. K throws lovely violin solos in the pleasing Rotora Padhayile while Gaana Bala's retro styled rendition flows seamlessly along with the violin pieces. The soundtrack's undeniable highlight is Vaikom Vijayalakshmi's brilliant semi-classical song Mazhai Ingillaye where K infuses engaging orchestration dominated by violins, Morsing and soothing Jal tarang.

Verdict: K once again delivers highly engaging short soundtrack with Mazhai Ingillaye stands out to be an undeniable winner.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: All Songs nevertheless only 3.



Friday, October 7, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Kaashmora

Music Review (Tamil): Kaashmora
Music Composer: Santosh Narayanan

         Dhikku Dhikku sir may be Karthik's introduction song when going by the Lalithanand lyrics and the tune is pretty much substandard while the background is filled with rock elements dominated by live drums and guitar riffs layered with trumpets. Santosh Narayanan's vocal is unusual and though quirky enough, the song fails to hit the right chord among the listeners.Jagadhamma is an another unconventional song where Muthamil's lyrics are totally in contrast with the Santosh Narayanan's background arrangements.The song has an enticing mix in the background with angsty electronic beats with the tinge of rock flavor and the gloomy touch with the udukkai sounds mixed in the right proportion. Overall, the song generates a lot of curiosity mainly for its orchestration than as a tune. Ananthu's coarse vocals work to the song's favor.

        The soundtrack's enigmatic soundscape continues with Oyaa Oyaa, brilliant pleasing classical song where Santosh Narayanan's experimental sounds shine throughout this five-minute-long track. Kalpana Ragahvendar aces with her mellifluous vocals. However, the highlight of the track is undeniably Santosh Narayanan's arrangement featuring pleasing veena solos, intermittent synth background, and Mridangam added in a timely manner. Composer ends the track in high with the opera touch and strings reaching the crescendo.Thakida Thakida has an instantly catchy tune with the energetic rock arrangements and sung with enough verve by Saicharan while the title line by Santosh Narayanan is an instant catch hook. The guitar riffs and live drums throughout the track maintain the energy of the song from the start till end. and makes it the best song of the soundtrack.

Verdict: Kaashmora benefits from the mighty inventive arrangements from the composer and the tunes remain erratic being the minor grouse in an otherwise impressive show from the composer. The soundscape is more situational which may blend well with the movie rather than as the standalone songs.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Thakida Thakida, Oyaa Oyaa, Jagadhamma

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.









Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Music Review (Tamil): Kodi

Music Review (Tamil): Kodi
Music Composer: Santosh Narayanan

         Kabali's hangover mixed with Porkalam swag is evident in the Kodi Parakkudha and Arun Kamaraj  along with Dhanush delivers the song with enough angst and energy. Though the tune is pretty ordinary, Santosh Narayanan's effectual mix of Vijay's trumpets being the undeniable highlight along with the quite a quirky sounds.Ei Suzhali starts with the crowing sounds and what follows is the trademark Santosh Narayanan sounds with the whiff of Iraivi in the tone of the song. Santosh Narayanan throws generously uncluttered synth sounds, brief slide guitar strums by Pradeep Kumar and the unconventional tune is handled by Vijay Narain effortlessly. 

         Ariraro, serene lullaby rides mainly on the evergreen vocals of K S Chitra crooning the moving Vivek lyrics and though the tune as a standalone doesn't sound great, the soul of the song lies in the passionate evergreen vocals of Chitra and the resonating rich Macedonian string section by Pradeep Kumar.Sirukki Vaasam is another upbeat melody crooned by Swetha Mohan and Anand Aravindakshan who sounds like Pradeep Kumar. Santosh Narayanan's contrasting orchestration dominated by Tapass Naresh's drums and fabulous bass line by Napier Peter Naveen is the highlight. The unstructured melody sounds clumsy in the initial listen, the rich orchestration and vocals make up for the minor grouse.Vettu Pottu has once again an enticing mix of folk and electronic mix led by 4 Idiots Inidan percussion and ample support from Bala's Nadaswaram. However, the engaging orchestration is mixed with the weak tune despite the song is being elevated by the punchy vocals of ever reliable Shankar Mahadevan.

Verdict: Santosh Narayanan's experiments with the orchestration works like a charm across the album, however, the tunes are inconsistent and could have been better.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ei Suzhali, Ariraro, Sirukki Vaasam

Monday, October 3, 2016

Music Review (Kannada): Pushpaka Vimana

Music Review (Kannada): Pushpaka Vimana
Music Composer: Charan Raj

Jilka Jilka is an absolute euphonious treat where Charan Raj's enticing classical fusion works fabulously in the mesmerising vocals of Indu Nagaraj. Composer brilliantly layered the soothing flute and the thoroughly endearing percussion elements throughout the track. Charanraj's lullaby melody works like the charm in Jogulave where the composer's minimalistic orchestration supported by grand piano and strings in the interlude complements the serene melody which is handled behind the mic by the composer itself effortlessly. Haricharan is the star of the another totally engrossing melody Mugilu Belmugilu and the singer is top-notch with his classical nuances. Charan Raj throws few lovely elements like classical violin solos in the interludes and the orchestral extravaganza is evident in the second interlude's melange of sounds. Charan Raj extends this wonderful melody and delivered the Pushpaka Vimana Theme which is an equally engrossing composition. Baana Thoredhu Neeli is once again a stunning Hindustani melody delivered stupendously with enriching finesse in the vocals by Siddhartha Belmannu while Charan Raj's arrangements are brilliant dominated by Sitar, Tabla and flute combination. Charan Raj ends the soundtrack with the short track Ee Srushtiya sung by Ganesh Kranth and the highlight is undeniably the reverberating usage of flute throughout this two-minute track.

Verdict: CharanRaj delivers another fine soundtrack after Godhi Banna Sadharna Mykattu.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: All tracks.

P.S You can listen to the songs in Saavn.