Weekly Earworm (01/11/2020)

 

Meendum Pirandheno (Tamil Indipop): Sean Roldan: Sean Roldan's indie songs are dominated by techno sounds and the third composition mixes the Kalyani Raga based composition in the backdrop of electronic sounds. The track is backed up by Lalitha Sudha's earnest vocals and the singer aces the sargams deftly.

Maara (Tamil): Ghibran: Yaar Azhaippadhu: Ghibran hits the spot perfectly in Maara's first single remake of Charlie. Thamarai's profound lyrics about the carefree vagabond's life blend well with the tune and though Sid Sriram's diction irks in a lot of places, Ghibran's tune and the layered arrangements props up especially when the tune goes like 'Alaivaar Avarellam Tholaivaar' phrase.

Bheemasena NalaMaharaja (Kannada): Charan Raj: Kanna Muche: Kanna Muche sounds like a typical progressive rock song but Charan Raj throws in lovely surprises with the Balesh's Shehnai backed up by an underplayed bass line. The tune makes a lovely shift towards the end with the ball banana phrase and the composer's lovely classical tinge in the tune makes it more enticing.

Maane (Malayalam/Indipop): Gowry Lekshmi: Maane lyric video got released earlier in 2017 itself and the official video came this week. Gowry Lekshmi came up with the brilliant groovy Maane and the title hook in the singer's vocal is an absolutely captivating one. Gowry Lekshmi throws in pleasant surprises in the arrangements with stunning mandolin and nadhaswaram cues throughout the track.

P.S You can listen to the songs as a playlist on youtube

Music Review (Tamil): Mehandi Circus

Music Review (Tamil): Mehandi Circus
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

Mehandi Circus starts with a blast using Layath Siddique's Balkan violin in Avoji but turns out soon into Amit Trivedi flavoured Punjabi track especially the rhythms and Santhosh Narayanan's singing.  Sean Roldan employed the Sargam choir's kid chorus sections effectively and amps up the buoyant factor of the circus show song.Sean Roldan marks his idiosyncratic music both in terms of tune as well as vocals in Vellattu Kannazhagi. Yugabharathi's relatable as well as colloquial lyrics easily strike the chord with the listeners while Sean Roldan does his magic with the manonmani's Sarangi and wonderful bass line in the charanam. The simple tune associated with the hummable lyrics which is easy on ears makes this one winner.

The best thing happened in Veyil Mazhaye is undeniably Vignesh Ishwar's playback debut and the singer's earnest singing makes this charming melody easily works. Subhiksha Rangarajan, not sure if it is a movie debut, but easily churns out the winner with the other language folk verses in the interludes and towards the end. Sean Roldan beautifully blends both the portions backed by ghatams and guitar played by the composer himself.Kodi Aruvi comes up with another rooted melody supported amply by Yugabharathi's lyrics especially the gorgeous anupallavi kicked in by Nithyashree. The Macedonian Symphonic Orchestra in the interludes evokes Ilayaraja's memories and Pradeep Kumar sounds different compared to his other songs though in a good way which fits the folk nature of the tune.Siragi Un Sirippala's rhythm evokes memories of Ratchagan's Chandirani Thottadhu yaar especially oho bit in the prelude. The melody works impeccably and aided by Sathyaprakash's superlative singing while Lalitha Sudha ably supports him with the charming interlude sargams. The atmospheric sounds mixed with Yugabharathi's simple lyrics make this one a great listen.The guitar-laden melancholy Love Polladhadhu is the weakest link in the album strictly in comparison to other tracks in the album. The tune doesn't work well despite Vijay Yesudas's splendid rendition and the tune sounds sketchy and ends in an abrupt note.

Verdict: Sean Roldan after a muted 2018 comes back with another sure shot winner in Mehandi Circus and the album brims with lovable melodies which lingers in listeners mind after it ends.

My Rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Kodi Aruvi, Veyil Mazhaiye, Siragi Un Sirippala 

P.S You can listen to the album in Jio Saavn

Music Review (Tamil): Kathirupor Pattiyal

Music Review (Tamil): Kathirupor Pattiyal
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

Pradeep shines in a breezy serene romantic track and the mood is accentuated by Sean Roldan's minimal pleasant arrangements. Though, the lyrics sound to be a misfit to the tune, Pradeep Kumar's impeccable vocals makes this one an enjoyable listen till it lasts. Call Mela Call Pottu is a fun listen and Sean Roldan's kickass Tambrahm accent meets Hara Hara Mahadevaki which makes this one whimsical song on the album. Kaathirukkum Kootathukku's tune is middling and treads on the familiar path but Sean tries to prop up the song with brilliant interludes especially violin in the second interlude. Harihara Sudhan backs up the song effectually with his vocals. Thee Thee Theeyana benefits largely from the lovely Sax laden arrangements and efforts of superlative vocals by Adithya Rao and Shakthishree Gopalan works magically. Composer's pop rhythm aids to the song's proceedings. The theme track doesn't offer much and ends the soundtrack in a flat note.

Verdict: Sean Roldan manages to deliver an enjoyable mix of songs for Kathiruppor Pattiyal after a few mishaps.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Call Mela Call Pottu, Thee Thee Theeyana, Azhagile Enai

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

Music Review(Tamil): Kadhanayagan

Music Review(Tamil): Kadhanayagan
Music Composer : Sean Roldan

Kadhanayagan The Hero has ample screeching guitars and live drums while the arrangements tick off every element of the Rock song. However, the end result is far from appealing mainly due to the generic tune and sounds while Sean Roldan's singing is the solo respite in this decent song. On Nenappu's tune is tailor-made for Anirudh's vocals and Sean Roldan ups the ante with the brilliant folk arrangements dominated by the violin in the interludes along with harmonium and ghatam generously flowing throughout the song. GKB's lyrics are pedestrian one but flows well with the fun filled tune and arrangements.

Tappu Tippu works wonderfully, Thanks to the splendid playful trumpet show in the background and the swag in the arrangements are delightful to listen. Mukesh excels in crooning the amusing lyrics effectually and the Jazz tinged rhythms along with the exceptional singing makes this one works. Sunday Na bottle Edu is another mass number which meanders as it progresses and the weak sounds along with the typical tune make this one least enticing album. The techno sounds are also weary one and the pedestrian lyrics doesn't help either. Rise of a Hero theme has nothing extraordinary to offer and the synth dominated instrumental is the short and passable one in the album.

Verdict: Kadhanayagan is an average album from Sean Roldan and the album has hardly any memorable tracks.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: On Nenappu, Tappu Tippu

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

Music Review (Tamil): VIP2

Music Review (Tamil): VIP2
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

Nada da Raja's screeching guitar riffs by Josh Mark Raj and Ramkumar Kanakarajan's drums aside, the track is typical grungy rock track where Yogi B's return after a hiatus doesn't help either. Dhanush sails through the tune effortlessly while the tune gets better towards the second half but still one can feel that song could have been better.Iraivanai Thandha Iraiviye sounds to be from the composer's recent smashing hit soundtrack Power Paandi and the composer strikes once again with the soulful melody backed by Sean Roldan and M M Manasi. The arrangements are delightful to hear dominated by Macedonian Symphonic Orchestra and Vishnu Vijay's mellifluous flute is brilliantly interspersed throughout the song.

Torture of Raghuvaran is another raucous kuthu track where tune falters behind and though the tune is a cakewalk for Dhanush vocals, the track fails to make it enticing one. The only silver lining in the track is undeniably Balasubramaniam's Nadaswaram and Ben Jaigopi's brass sections. Dooram Nillu's buoyant outlook along with Shakthisree Gopalan's vocals make this track enjoyable compared to other upbeat numbers in the album. Benny Dayal provides excellent support while Sean Roldan adequately made the arrangements favourable especially with the stupendous usage of plucked instruments in the interludes and the Sean Roldan's banter lyrics are the delight to hear.Empress Arrives theme as akin to the title sounds majestic with the dramatic strings sections accompanied by James Bond'ish Jai Gopi's trumpets and the theme track is satisfactorily engaging till it lasts.

Verdict: VIP2 is an energetic outing from Sean Roldan and the arrangements are sufficiently sensational but overall the album doesn't match its prequel because of its lack of instant catchy tracks.

My Rating: 7/10

Pick of the Album: Iraivanai Thandha Iraiviye, Dooram Nillu, Nada da Raja

Music Review (Tamil): Neruppu da

Music Review (Tamil): Neruppu da
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

Rokesh's passable lyrics aside, Andha Madhiri Ponna  is a pleasant listen mainly because of the splendid arrangements of Martin's Percussions and Chennai string's string section while KJ Vijay teases us with the soothing flute solos in the interludes. Ravi G's casual singing sounds apt for the Rokesh's lyrics.Aalangiliye is a lovely throwback to Rahman's heydays and Sean Roldan created the splendid track while the composer himself and Swetha Mohan nail the beautiful tune with the pitch-perfect rendition. The pleasant folk arrangements especially flute and tabla base accompanied by intermittent violin solos are a delight to listen and Swetha Mohan able to croon some of her best songs with Sean Roldan.

In Karuppu Kallangolu, Sean Roldan continues his Power Paandi mode, However Balasubramaniam's Nadhaswaram is an amiable detour from the composer. Rokesh's lyrics sounds convincing in Anirudh Ravichander's vocals and the transition from the high octane kuthu to quite a melody in the middle being the only lovable element in this passable song. Enga Pona is an affecting melancholy while Sean chooses the arrangements in tandem with the tune to accentuate the mood of the song. Sean Roldan once again aces in the vocals side also with his unique voice.Raghavasimhan's strings are the major highlight in this arresting melancholy. Sean Roldan ends an impressive album with the splendid energetic theme delivered ably by Blaaze while Jai Gopi's buoyant trumpet steals the show amidst the hardcore Ramkumar's drums and Sean Roldan's screeching guitar strums.

Verdict: Sean Roldan continues to deliver engaging soundtrack with aplomb consistency and there seems to be no stopping for Sean Roldan. Another fine soundtrack within a month.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: Aalangiliye, Andha Madhiri Ponna, Enga Pona

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

Music Review (Tamil) : Power Paandi

Music Review (Tamil) : Power Paandi
Music composer: Sean Roldan

The life of Power Paandi sounds almost like Ilayaraja song especially Ananthu's voice accentuated by the lilting tune and chorus portions. Sean Roldan kept the orchestration highly buoyant one, filled with soft rock drums and mesmerizing flute sections in the interlude. Selvaraghavan's lyrics are simple and fits the tune perfectly. In Mass of Power Paandi, Sean Roldan shows his mettle once again with an enticing arrangement highlighted by cheerful Nadhaswaram solos and the consistent foot tapping folksy percussions throughout the song brings out the mood of the tune in a splendid manner. The tune is an instantly likable one and Dhanush does a better job as a singer than as a lyricist.

The youth of Power Paandi rides mainly on the stupendous rendition of the delightful tune by Sean Roldan and Swetha Mohan. The prelude evokes the memories of Thangamagan, however composer followed it with a much engaging mix of Kanjira and strings-laden arrangements.After a string of melodies, Sean Roldan returns to the fast-paced Nomad song backed by lovely rock flavored orchestration and the contrasting vocals of Sean Roldan and Anthony Daasan works like magic for the busily orchestrated tune. Composer brilliantly did the atmospheric setting with the bird sound cues in the second half and the charanam portions turned out to be more awesome part in the song.
Sean Roldan ends the soundtrack with the two versions of Venpani Malare, breezy melody rendered by composer himself and Swetha Mohan respectively. Though the prevalent voice of Sean Roldan throughout the album sounds wearisome, the simple tune and continuously engaging orchestration make up for the minor grouses. Swetha Mohan sounds impressive as always and the two versions are almost same except in the vocal front.

Verdict: Sean Roldan produces another winner soundtrack with Power Paandi and Dhanush’s penchant for Ilyaraja’esque music is apparent throughout the soundtrack.

My Rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: The Youth of Power Paandi, Power Paandi – The Nomad, Mass of Power Paandi

Music Review(Tamil): Joker

Music Review(Tamil): Joker
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

Ennanga Sir Unga Sattam was already released as a single which features Yugabarathi's wonderful satirical lyrics tandem with the genre of the movie. Sean Roldan's shines in the ebullient arrangements traversing from retro folk to latino touch throughout the song. Composer employed lovely flamenco touch to the arrangements in the mid-way while Arandhai Bava and K Perumal's lends support with their rustic vocals.Ola Ola Kudisayila has an undeniable Ilayaraja'ish flavour in the tune as well as arrangements while Sean's fabulous usage of flute and tabla base elevate the mood of the song multifold. The piece de resistance of the track is brilliant reverberant string section thrown generously throughout the song. Murugavel and Karthika Vaidyanathan's stupendous rendition of the Yugabharathi's lyrics make this one highly engaging song of the album.

Jasmine-u, another fun song in the album where composer once again mixes the folk tune with enthralling arrangements. Though the tune as a standalone is not great, Sean buoys up the mood of the song with the lovely ambience sounds with accordion, morsing and foot tapping native percussions in the background. Yugabharathi's amusing lyrics is the additional asset to this song. Chellamma's highlight is the resonating arrangements and soul stirring rendition by M Lalitha Sudha. Though the prelude with Hindi lyrics set for the rural tune sounds unusual, Sean's minimal arrangements with beautiful layering of strings in the background and keys makes this song a charming listen. K Perumal lends wonderful support with his vocals. Halla bol is the only song with mod sound in the album and song turns out to be great listen mainly because of the neat balance between techno sounds and vocals is maintained throughout the song. Kalyani Nair sounds fabulous as always in this short nevertheless engaging song in the album. Sean Roldan ends the awesome soundtrack with Mannar Mannan set to the traditional tune and the composer embellishes the illustrious tune with jazz arrangements dominated by enticing jazz keys, accordion and fabulous brass sections. The end result being absolutely delectable finish to the splendid soundtrack from the composer.


Verdict: RajuMurugan's association with Sean Roldan turns out to be an equally effective and engaging soundtrack akin to the director's debut film cuckoo. Sean Roldan continues to impress as a composer with his sheer variety in the songs.

My rating: 8.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ola Ola Kudisayila, Chellamma, Ennanga Sir unga Sattam

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

Music Review(Tamil): 144

Music Review(Tamil): 144
Music Composer: Sean Roldan

         In Vinai Theerkum Pillayada, Sean Roldan mixes the enticing Thavil-Nadaswaram combo for thefolksy tune while Kabilan's lyrics about god Vinayagar and Sean Roldan's arrangements makes this one enjoyable listen till it lasts. Despite the tune reminds yesteryear hits, Sean Roldan along with Sathyaprakash and ShenbagaRaj's spirited singing mitigates all those minor grouses. Sean Roldan once again nailed in delivering the fine melody in Poove Pooviname while Chinmayi and composer itself behind the mic doing the spot on rendition. Sean Roldan's breezy guitar laden arrangements along with Ghatam and nadhaswaram touch enhance the flavour of the song well. Particularly loved the prelude guitar strums with the classical twist to it and humming by Chinmayi towards the end. 

         Kenathakannam Kenathakannam has boisterous horn and percussion section along with amusing lyrics by Vivek like 'Arnold ku vetti katti sivaji nu kattuven', but passable tune makes this one fails to engage the listeners. Anthony Daasan's spirited vocals alone unable to salvage the languishing heard before feel in the tune.Velamarapattayum is lyricist Araikudi Bharathi Ganesan's show all the way and Sean Roldan uses the well known devotional tune for this short message oriented track. Aagaa has many captivating elements like addictive title hook, middle east percussion cum flute touches, Vivek's quirky imaginative lyrics and all of them blends together which result in the enjoyable song in the album. Hariharasudhan amply supports the song with his right attitude and exuberant singing. Kaasu Kedacha loosu Pidikkum has unrefutable Santosh Narayanan stamp in the tune and rides on the Anthony Daasan's spirited vocals while the singer also unable to hold the listener in this three minutes out and out folk number. Apart from the few quirky folk elements in the arrangements with nadhaswaram, this one has nothing special to offer.

Verdict: Sean Roldan's 144 has its highs with engaging single melody and quirky elements in tandem with the movie theme. However as a soundtrack this one falls behind compared to the composer's excellent repertoire in 2014.

My rating: 7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Poove Pooviname, Aagaa, Vinai Theerkum Pillayada

You can listen to the songs here.

P.S. Edited version of the review is available here.