Music Review (Tamil) : Aambala

Music Review (Tamil) : Aambala

Music Composer: Hip Hop Tamizha

        Hip Hop Tamizha's ebullient rendition is endorsed by accordion bits, engaging guitar strummings, foot tapping drums and not to forget brass sections in  Aye Aye. The sounds around Aye Aye hook is interesting though. Overall Aadhi opens the album in his own style. Madras to Madurai apart from the smartly done mixing and Kuthu beats, the interlude is closely similar to one of the nedunchalai song and also tune is monotonous. However rendition by lead singers (Kailash Kher and Vishnu priya) and punchy EDM makes one to shake along with the tune shrouding those glitches. Another EDM number Pazhagikalam seems to be an overdose for a soundtrack, however as a separate track, Hip Hop Tamizha totally owns this song with his energetic rendition and thumping electronic sounds. Expected Album will be full of EDM and party numbers but to the surprise Aadhi gave much needed digression to the soundtrack through next two songs. Vaa Vaa Vennila, has coolness written all over it, Vocals by Mohit Chauhan, and Amrita or background beats, or uber cool electric guitar usage adorns the overall song well. Another track which enhances the overall album is Yaar Enna Sonnalum, brilliant concoction of Strings and other assorted sounds dominated by pounding beats at the background ably supported by Kutle Khan, Anthony Dasan and Varun.

Verdict: Overall engaging film debut by Aadhi (Hip Hop Tamizha)

My rating:7.25/10

Pick of the Album: Yaar Enna Sonnalum, Vaa Vaa Vennila, Aye Aye

Music Review: Nanbenda

Music Review: Nanbenda
Music Composer : Harris Jayaraj

          Dappankuthu Mettula, has undeniable Aathangara Orathula flavour mainly because of Gaana Bala vocals spruced up by Ujjainee Roy rendition. Tune is a tepid effort from Harris which ends abruptly however composer nails the interludes mixing the electronic sounds with thavil. In Enai marubadi Enai marubadi, Harris went back to his templatized tune arranged with his stock of beats and prolific Vijayprakash behind the mic to save the languishing tune. Nee Sunno Nee Moono, though tune is again similar to his previous tracks, Andrea Jeremiah and Richard's vocals add enough punch to make this song works. Brass section and strings(banjo or mandolin?) in the second interlude is exceptional. Neerambal Poove, short sweet track relies mainly on Arjun Menon vocals meanders into mediocre rap in the middle by MC Vikey.  Thamarai makes her presence in the soundtrack with her unique choice of words. Oorellam Unnai Kandu is an instant winner in the soundtrack with its enchanting chorus portion followed by Unni Krishnan's and Bombay Jayashree's effortless rendition ably supported by Vairamuthu's lyrics. Harris too complements the carnatic raaga based tune with brilliant orchestration and arrangements. Thaene Thaene Sendhene, breezy melody in Haricharan's voice has Harris Jayaraj stamp all over the song from arrangements, flow of tune beats and everything. Overall passable sombre track.

Verdict: Harris mired himself with his templatized sounds and resists from coming out of his comfy zone. I think music charts and radio play will portray different picture as usual.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Oorellam Unnai Kandu, Neerambal Poove, Nee Sunno Nee Moono

Music Round up 2014

Tamil:

       Compared to hindi and telugu, quality of tamil music in 2014 is splendid with lot of albums with novelty and young composers like Santosh narayanan, Imman, Ghibran and quite a few debutants marks their presence. Composer of the year is shared by two persons, Santosh Narayanan and Imman. Santosh Narayanan churned out blockbusters in all 4 albums (Cuckoo, Jigarthanda, Madras and Enakkul oruvan) delivered by him. Imman too gave 3 solid albums Jeeva, Kayal and Oru oorla rendu raja. Apart from these Imman's Jilla, Ennathan Pesuvatho too decent.
         Last year's best composer Ghibran delivered only one album (Amara Kaaviyam) however without compromising on its quality. Hope Ghibran retain his form intact in his future Kamal Hassan Projects in 2015. This year surprise package is surely Ramanujan by Ramesh Vinayakam and he gave perfect blend of period music and western music whic goes well with the movie's theme.
          Amon the dubutants, Sean Roldan rules the tamil music with his top quality 3 albums Vaai Moodi Pesavum, Mundasu Patti and Sathuranga vettai. Nivas Prasanna too deliver eclectic soundtrack Thegidi.

Composer of the year: Santosh Narayanan and Imman

Top Soundtrack of the year

1) Amara Kaaviyam - Ghibran
2) Ramanujan - Ramesh Vinayakam
3) Cuckoo - Santosh Narayanan

Top Tamil songs of 2014:

1) Thuli Thuliyai - Ramanujan - Ramesh Vinayakam
2) Mounam Pesum - Amara Kaaviyam - Ghibran
3) Saalaigal - Thirudhuda Kadhal Thiruda - Ranjith barot
4) Manasula Soora Kathey - Cuckoo - Santosh Narayanan
5) Naan Nee - Madras -Santosh Narayanan
6) Vinmeen Vithaiyil - Thegidi - Nivas Prasanna
7) Rasa Magarasa - Mundasupatti - Sean Roldan
8) Penne Penne - Irumbu Kuthirai - G V Prakash Kumar
9) Medhuvagathan - Kochadaiyaan - A R Rahman
10) Puthiya Ulagai - Yennamo Yetho -Imman
11) Ovvondrai Thirudugirai - Jeeva - Imman
12) Pen Megam Polave - Kathai Thiraikathai vasanam Iyakkam- Sharrath
13) Yaar - Nerungi Vaa Muthamidathe - Madley blues
14) Yen Aala Paaka Poren - Kayal - Imman
15) Agasatha - Cuckoo - Santosh Narayanan

Other Songs Worth Mentioning

16) Yaar Ezhuthiyatho - Thegidi -Nivas Prasanna
17) Idhayam - Kochadaiyaan - A R Rahman
18) Aye Mr. Minor - Kaaviya Thalaivan - A R Rahman
19) Saridhana Saridhana - Amara Kaaviyam -Ghibran
20) Ding Dong - Jigarthanda - Santosh Narayanan
21) Kadhal Arai onnu - Vaai Moodi Pesavum - Sean Roldan
22) Odum Rayile - Oru Oorla Rendu Raja - Imman
23) Pesadhe - Thirudan Police -Yuvan Shankar Raja
24) Aathi - Kaththi - Anirudh
25) Poo Avizhum - Enakkul Oruvan - Santosh Narayanan.
26) Nenjukulle Nee - Vadacurry - Vivek Mervin
27) Munne Yen Munne - Sathuranga Vettai -Sean Roldan
28) Nenje Nenje - Ennathan Pesuvatho -Imman
29) Penne Penne - Naan Sigappu Manithan
30) Manja - Maan Karate - Anirudh

You can listen to the songs as playlist in youtube here.

Hindi:

       Hindi music Industry witnessed many enjoyable soundtrack atleast one from prolific composers like Queen for Amit trivedi, Highway and Lekar hum Deewana Dil for A R Rahman, One by two and Kill dil for Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Haider for Vishal Bharadwaj, Shaadi Ke side effects for Pritam, and Happy ending for Sachin Jigar. Among them Haider by Vishal surely desrves the top Soundtrack and also composer of the year. Amit Trivedi had only one release i.e. queen and he gave eclectic mix of songs in that Hope many albums line up from him in 2015. vishal Shekhar bags two mega hyped commercial flicks Bang Bang and happy New year but music in those films are quite laborious listen except for one melody in each movies.

    Another well composed Album is Aankhon Dekhi by Sagar Desai but akin to the movie, soundtrack too subdued among the high budget movies.

Composer of the year : Vishal Bharadwaj

Top Soundtrack of the year:

1) Haider  -Vishal Bharadwaj

2) Queen - Amit Trivedi

3) Kill Dil - Shankar Eshaan Loy

Top Songs of 2014: 

1) Baawra - Kill Dil - Shankar Eshaan Loy

2) Aao Na - haider - Vishal Bharadwaj

3) Sooha Sooha - Highway - A R Rahman

4) Badra Bahaar- Queen - Amit Trivedi

5) Zehnaseeb - Hasse Toh Passe - Vishal Sekhar

6) Aayi Bahaar - Aankhon Dekhi - Sagar Desai

7) Jaisa Mera Tu - Happy Ending - Sachin Jigar

8) Maloom - Lekar Hum Deewana Dil - A R Rahman

9) I'm Sorry Par Tumse - Shaadi Ke Side effects - Pritam

10) Mast Magan - 2 states - Shankar Eshaan Loy

11) Harjaiyaan - Queen - Amit Trivedi

12) Fanny Re - Finding Fanny - Mathias Duplessy

13) Galliyan - Ek Villain - Ankit Tiwari

14) Khuda Na Kastha - One By Two - Shankar Eshaan Loy

15) Dheeme Dheeme Re - Ankhon Dekhi - Sagar Desai

Other Songs worth mentioning

16) Sweeta - Kill Dil - Shankar Eshaan Loy

17) Phatakha Guddi - Highway - A R Rahman

18) Bismil - Haider- Vishal Bharadwaj

19) Samjhawan unplugged - Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania - Jawad Ahmed

20) Muskurane - City lights - Jeet Ganguly

21) Manwa Laagey - Happy New Year - Vishal Shekar

22) Shayrana - Dawaat E Ishq - Sajid Wajid

23) Maa Ka Phone Aaya - Khoobsurat - Sneka Kanwalkar

24) Dil Ka Mizaz Ishqiya - Dedh Ishqiya -Vishal Bharadwaj

25) Sunny Sunny - Yaariyan - Yo Yo Honey SIngh

26) Nanga Punga Dost -PK - Shantanu Moitra

27)  Johnny Johnny - Its Entertainment - Sachin Jigar

28) Kaafi Nahi Chaand - Revolver Rani

29) Ashq Na ho - Holiday - Pritam

30) Sheeshe Ka Samandar - The Xpose - Himesh Reshammiya

you can listen to all songs as playlist in youtube here.

Telugu:

    Telugu movies soundtrack is as usual dominated by Thaman who bags every big budget movies sidelining Devi Sri Prasad. But Telugu movie industry brought some newbies like V. Pradeep Kumar, Ghibran and young composers like Achu, M R Sunny and Mickey J Meyer who gave better music digressed from routine masala movie tracks. Top Soundtrack of the year is Maine Pyar Kiya by Pradeep Kumar who is close associate of Sean Roldan and Santosh Narayanan. It's very difficult to select the third top soundtrack among Manam, Rowdy fellow and Malli Malli idi Rani Roju and finally settled to Rowdy fellow by M R Sunny who is the previous year best composer.

Composer of the year: V. Pradeep Kumar.

Top Soundtrack of 2014 

1) Maine Pyar Kiya - Pradeep Kumar
2) Run Raja Run - Ghibran
3) Rowdy fellow - Sunny M R 

Top Songs 2014

1) Adiginde - Maine Pyar Kiya - Pradeep Kumar
2) Vadhantune - Run Raja Run - Ghibran
3) kanulanu Thaake - Manam - Anoop Rubens
4) Aa Seeta Devi - Rowdy Fellow - M R Sunny
5) Em Sandeham -Oohalu Gusagusaladathe - Kalyani Koduri
6) Gathama - Malli Malli Idi Raani Roju -Gopi Sundar
7) Chala Baagundhi - Mukunda - Mickey J Meyer
8) Chirigi Chattayindhi - Gaddam Gang - Achu
9) Shwaase Nuvve - Maine Pyar Kiya - Pradeep Kumar
10) Anthe Premanta - Dikkulu Choodakku Ramayya - M M keeravani
11) Padhaharalaina - Current Theega - Achu
12) Ra Ra Krishnayya - Ra Ra Krishnayya - Achu
13) Padi Poya - DK Bose - Achu
14) Marhaba - Malli Malli Idi Raani Roju - Gopi Sundar
15) Baby My lover - Chakkiligintha - Mickey J Meyer

Other Songs worth mentioning:

16) My dear Sweety - Gaddam Gang -Achu
17) Kani Penchina - Manam - Bharath
18) Aww Tuzo Mogh Kortha - Nenokkadine - Devi Sri Prasad
19) Ra Rakumara - Govindudu Andharivadele - Yuvan Shankar Raja
20) Nandalala - Mukunda -Mickey J Meyer
21) Gala Gala -Race Gurram -Thaman
22) Nuvvante Naaku - Anup Rubens - Heart Attack
23) Ennisaralaina - Emo gurram Egaravochu - M M Keeravani
24) Shoonyamai - Paathshala - Rahul Raj
25) Osi Prema Rakshashi - Kotha Janta

you can listen to all songs as playlist in youtube here.

Malayalam:
      It's good that i listened to lot of malayalam songs compared to last year and musical qualities are good as their movies too. According to me composer of the year is Shaan Rahman who gave brilliant Om shanthi Oshaana in the year start and delectable melodies in Ormayundo Ee mukham towards the end of the year. As a complete soundtrack, I liked Neha Nair's Iyobinte Pusthakam although only three tracks (excluding BGM pieces) in that album, quality and orchestration is top notch.

Composer of the year: Shaan Rahman

Top soundtrack of 2014

1)  Iyobinte Pusthakam - Neha S Nair
2)  Ohm Shanthi Oshaana - Shaan Rahman
3)  Vikramadhityan - Bijibal

Top songs 2014

1) Mazhanila - Vikramadhityan - Bijibal 
2) Raave- Iyobinte Pusthakam -Neha S Nair 
3) Ente Kannil Ninakkai -  Bangalore Days - Gopi Sundar
4) Kaatu Mooliyo - Ohm shanthi Oshaana - Shaan Rahman
5) Ee Mizhikalin - Ormayundo Ee Mukham -Shaan Rahman
6) Manassin Thinkale - Vikramadhithyan - Bijibal
7) Ee Mazha meghama - Ohm Shanthi Oshaana -Shaan Rahman   
8) Aikbar Eesa -Mosaiyile Kuthira Meenukul -Prashanth Pillai
9) Vijanathayil - How old are you - Gopi Sundar
10) Dhanumasa Palazhi - Rasam - Job Kurian 

You can listen to all songs as playlist in youtube here



Kannada:
    Since I'm in bangalore able to listen very few kannada songs and among the songs I've heard Ajaneesh Loknath's Ulidavaru Kandante album stands apart. Loknath gave eclectic variety of songs in that album with almost twelve track including instrumental pieces.

Top Soundtrack of 2014

1) Ulidavaru Kandante -Ajaneesh Lokanth
2) Savaari 2 - Manikanth Kadri
3) Bhajrangi - Arjun Janya


Other than the above regional languages, certain other albums and Tracks which i particularly found interested are listed below (without any particular order)

1) Andholan - Mekal Hasaan Band. 
2) TV Dinners - Mickey Mccleary
3) Anka Banka - Buno Haansh- Bengali
4) Tum Naraz ho - Sajjad Ali -Coke studio (pakistan) S07E01
5) Sab Aakho Ali - Asrar - Coke studio (pakistan) S07E01
6) Washmalley - Akhtar Chanal Zahri - Coke studio (pakistan) S07E02
7) Mujhey Baar Baar - Abbas Ali Khan -  Coke studio (pakistan) S07E05
8) Descent to ocean floor - Usman Riaz - Coke studio (pakistan) S07E06

Music Review (Tamil) : Idam Porul Eval

Music Review (Tamil) : Idam Porul Eval
Music Composer: Yuvan Shankar Raja        

       Athuvana Kaattuku, stellar opener for the album in the vocals of Yuvan shankar raja. His rendition cum orchestration especially gloomy guitar riffs and drums is tandem with the mood of the song. Lyrics by Vairamuthu is again top notch as in other Seenu Ramasamy movies which are quite thoughtful. Eerakaathe, with eclectic mix of intriguing sounds from the song start, occasional whistling, tribal humming blends  and understated strings in the background blends perfectly well. In addition to that Sendhidass rustic vocals complemented by playful tone of Anitha makes this song another winner in that soundtrack. 
       
        Athuvana Kaattuku came in another form as Endha Vazhi with different lyrics and Yuvan slightly modified orchestration in certain postions but mood of the song is intact in this version also. Vaikom Vijayalakshmi's vocals apt for this song and she hardly fails to deliver these genre. Kondaatamae, another melody despite sincere rendition by Sriram Parthasarathy and interesting interludes (especially second one with flute and melodica?), tune fails to enchant the listeners for five minutes. Kurunthogai, in the pitch perfect vocals of V V prasanna and Sonia, is enticing in many aspects be the lyrics (vairamuthu nails this one with many tamil literature names and poets) or interesting sounds in the prelude and interludes.Vaiyambatti, another tailor made folk song for Anthony dasan and Priyadarshini, once again yuvan's arrangement and instrument sounds stands apart in an otherwise standard tune.

Verdict: Yuvan's most captivating album after Moondru Per Moondru Kadhal, Seenu Ramasamy's musical sense along with Vairamuthu's lyrics makes this album best album for yuvan after series of debacles.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Athuvana Kaattuku, Kurunthogai, Eerakaathe 

Music Review (Tamil): Kaaki Sattai

Music Review (Tamil): Kaaki Sattai
Music Composer: Anirudh    

      I'm so cool, with Anirudh voice heard in similar tune umpteen number of times makes this song somewhat laborious listen. However Anirudh's techno elements infused with sudden drums, flute and konnakol are the surprising entry in this track. Akin to the previous song, title song also lacks punchy tune however Anirudh compensate with his rock based arrangement, Vishal Dadlani behind the mic to support Anirudh with his usual verve and occasional siren, walkie talkie sound mix. Next comes the winner of the album Kadhal kan Kattuthe, where both lead singers Shakthishree Gopalan and Anirudh with their effortless rendition and Anirudh progressive tune mixed with Accordion guitar adorned with flute and veena bits makes this an arresting listen. Kattikida is Anthony Dasan's show all the way with Anirudh techno elements mixing along with Thavil touches makes this song above routine folk fare. Shake that, another routine Anirudh number with hip hop sounds offer nothing new. Both instrumentals Kaaki Sattai theme extension of title song and trooper theme are short and ends without creating much impact.

Verdict: Barring one melody Kaaki Sattai is usual Anirudh Album and he confined to his forte for the remaining tracks. Better Anirudh should opt for other talented singers in the industry rather than singing himself for most of the songs.

My rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Kadhal Kan Kattudhe, Title Song, I'm so cool

Music Review (Tamil): Vellai Kara Durai

Music Review (Tamil): Vellai Kara Durai
Music Composer : D Imman

Ammadi Un Azhaghu, pleasant tune sung with earnest effort by Sathya prakash nevertheless orchestration has deja vu flavours from Imman's previous works. Kaakaa Muttai, folk track and Imman uses the instruments associated with that genre. Despite Vaikom Vijayalakshmi's spirited rendition, tune is not catchy enough to clasp the listeners till the end. Imman brings stellar singers Haricharan and Shreya Ghoshal for the melody called Koodha Kaathu and they are splendid with the vocals. Imman's orchestration and interludes appeals most in an otherwise humdrum tune. Album ends with another ordinary track Nadigar Thilagam in Krishnamoorthy's vocals except for some interesting brass section in the interludes. Brass Band by Maxwell is enticing compared to the other songs in the soundtrack.

Verdict: Imman's Vellaikara Durai seems to be perfunctory soundtrack wrapped up very quickly without any composer's fine touch.

My rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album:  Ammadi Un Azhaghu, Koodha kaathu, Brass band

Music Review (Tamil) : Vai Raja Vai

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

Move your body, typical party mix track with all elements associated with EDM music and Ilayaraja's voice too appeared processed to suit for the party track. Besides all these efforts, song is pretty ordinary. Naam Vazhndhidum prelude portion is simply superb with cello and other assorted sounds but as tune progresses track turns out to be another hip hop track dominated by electronic sounds. However Hip hop tamizha's rap portion engages though compared to Yuvan Shankar Raja's vocals. Pachchai Vanna typical yuvan styled melody with interesting interludes and sounds in the second half. The song would have created more impact with well established singer. Pookkamazh another track with electronic sounds which are sure enough foot tapping and Tanvi Shah's peppy rendition goes along with the party mood. Vandha Kadha, another mundane tune in the voice of Gaana bala and good that Yuvan deviates from the routine orchestration style for Gaana bala songs.

Verdict: Vai Raja Vai, album high on electronic sounds and party tracks is strictly for the listeners who enjoy those genre and for others Vai Raja Vai is not Yuvan's come back album.

My rating:6.5/10

Pick of the Album: Naam Vazhndhidum, Pachchai Vanna

Music Review (Telugu) : Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju

Music Review (Telugu) : Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar

Maharba, typical sufi styled track with tabla dominates throughout the track adorned with lovely strings in the interludes. Vocals by K S chitra along with uncredited male voice in the mid way is an additional asset to the track and she took the track to another level with her nuanced rendition at certain portions. Gopi Sundar utilizes guitar and veena (or sliding guitar) in an intriguing way in Yenno Yenno results in perfect soothing ambience. Icing to the cake is the sweet vocals by Karthik and chinmayee which complements the composers effective orchestration and chorus too gels well with the track. The tune in the second half especially 2:10 to 3.15 is more engaging thanks for the superb rendition by lead singers. Gopi ropes another talented singer Haricharan to deliver the solo Variche Prema with tabla and clapping adorned with strings in the arrangement. Song which starts like emotional slow song but as song proceeds tune turns enticing. Gathama is purely Priya himesh's show and the lady impresses with her mesmerizing rendition enhanced by lovely guitar strums by Gopi sundar. Gopi Sundar ends the album with contrasting track Choti Jindagi, hard rock guitar mixed with drumming in an effectual way and Hiranmayi pulls off the song with her punchy vocals in tandem with the mood of the song.

Verdict: Gopi Sundar's telugu debut brings extremely impressive sound for the telugu audiences and Sharvanand gets two album this year which is high on musical quality.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Gathama, Yenno Yenno, Maharba

Music Review (Telugu) : Mukunda

Music Review (Telugu) : Mukunda
Music Composer: Mickey J Meyer

Chesededo with its inspiring optimistic lyrics by sirivennela is an exuberant anthemic tune orchestrated within the realm of rock genre. Vocals portions handed over to Rahul Nambiar who renders with sufficent verve however tune evokes memories of similar type of compositions by Rahul raj in other telugu movies. Daredumdadum has simple tune with interesting title hook interspersed with captivating orchestration especially flute in the second interlude. The vocal processing in Mickey J meyer voice let down the fun at some places but compensated by female lead Sai Shivani. Chala Bagundhi, soothing sing along tune mixed with brilliant guitar riffs in tandem with the tune. Haricharan adds another song to his splendid 2014 repertoire with chala Bagundhi and Mickey infuses contrasting sounds in the interludes which gels considerably well with tune. Mickey J Meyer ropes ever reliable Chitra for the sweet enjoyable  track Gopikamma and same combo gave last year Seethamma vaakitlo title song however duo unable to repeat the magic this time. Song beats also reminiscent of SVSC song. Arere Chandrakala, peppy romantic foot tapping number sung well by Karthik and Sai Shivani and song maintains the momentum from start till end. Thanks to the foot tapping beats. Expectations rise when one sees swetha pandit - Mickey J Meyer combo and in Mukunda too combo delivers lovable melody. (still Nenani Neevani from Kotha bangaru Lokam is best). Shwetha pandit sounds sweet in this serene melody Nandalala and arrangements by Mickey too quite enticing complements well with vocals. The theme instrumental is energetic which is quite contrast with the mood of the album but ends abruptly without creating much impact.

Verdict: Mickey J Meyer delivers another best album which is high on feel good quotient in his usual way for Srikanth Addala.

My rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Nandala, Chala Bagundhi, Daredumdadum