Music Review (Hindi) : Shamitabh

Music Review (Hindi) : Shamitabh
Music Composer: Ilayaraja

Ishq e filum, seems to be ode to cinema and orchestration is brilliant dominated by synth elements with lovely sax and Raja's touches in the interludes. Suraj Jagan is pitch perfect with his energetic vocals. Sha Sha Mi Mi which was played in the background in the trailer has Caralisa Manteiro in the vocals and she sounds magnificent  however tune is on the flip side except for interesting title hook. Nevertheless Raja manages to hook the listeners with amazing interludes especially brass section in the preludes and intriguing sounds throughout the songs. Watch out for the grand second interlude especially. 

Piddly Si Baatein, already became chartbuster has Amitabh Bachan in vocals and he sounds considerably better than Mere Paa from Paa. Ilayaraja's trademark touches with strings and occasional brass sections. Overall orchestration rides on familiar note. In Stereophonic Sannata, Raja remixes his yesteryear sensational hit song Aasaiya Kathula with complete change over in orchestration. Raja arranged the song with interesting beatboxing, and other assorted techno sounds. Sruthi Hassan excels in rendering the song with her own attitude. Remix in this song is totally different unlike other Balki- Raja remix works. In Thappad , Raja tries to traverse untrodden path by him, contemporary club party song and he gets everything right with techno sounds and wonderful guitar-violin combo in second interlude except for the tune which is not half interesting as sounds despite sincere rendition by Suraj Jagan. Next comes short track Lifebuoy with Suraj Jagan in vocals again and this time both tune and techno sounds gels well with short duration being the only grouse. 

Verdict: Balki- Ilayaraja combo works well in Shamitabh and Raja gave all original tracks unlike duo's previous ventures.

My rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Ishq e filum, Stereophonic Sannata, Piddly Si Baatein

Music Review (Tamil) : Valiyavan

Music Review (Tamil) : Valiyavan
Music Composer : Imman

       Aahaa Kadhal Vandhu, has every elements in it for associating with Imman, be it quirky sounds (may be Kazooz), or violins and percussions. Ranjith delivers the catchy tune too in an enticing manner. Eyes on you, long instrumental theme with guitar by Kebab, though Mission Impossible tints are undeniable in an otherwise engaging theme track for an action thriller flick. Imman associate with Papon for the first time in Hello Hello and his inebriated rendition blends well with the theme of the track. Orchestration wise guitar strums throughout the song and dog's sounds stand apart. In kadhal Nallavana, Imman attempts to mix Jazzy arrangements with Snighda's rocky vocals and he succeeds partly in making this song interesting. In Oh Baby come with me too, Imman digressed from his routine track with M L R Karthikeyan in the vocals result in an listenable track especially interludes with Carnatic base are brilliant. Yelomia has an uninspiring tune despite earnest effort by Sunidhi Chauhan's dreamy vocals. Imman's latino touch in the instrumentals is laudable though.

My rating:7.5/10

Verdict: Imman's considerably fared better than his previous outing and digreesions from his usual trademark sounds too works.

Pick of the Album: Aahaa Kadhal Vandhu, Oh Baby come with me, Hello Hello

Music Review (Hindi): Baby

Music Review (Hindi): Baby
Music Composer : M M Keeravani and Meet Bros Anjjan

Meet Bros Anjjan of  Baby doll fame comes for Beparwah, another single composition for this soundtrack. Apeksha Dandekar's rendition along with alluring preludes and underplayed orchestration (Good that composer didn't go frenzy with guitars as one would expect) makes this an exciting listen. As usual like all the remix songs in Bollywood, Beparwah's Mba Swag version which heavily deteriorates the quality of the original song. M M Keeravani reserves the best song Main Tujhse Pyaar Nahin Karta in the soundtrack similar to special 26. Papon's vocals along with captivating violin in the interludes accentuated by soothing tune. Songs another version by Ramya Behara, M M Keeravani's latest associate too fantastic listen and M M Keeravani's minimal guitar strums adds value to the song.

Verdict: Short and Sweet Soundtrack owned totally by M M Keeravani.

My Rating:7.5/10

Pick of the Album: Main Tujhse Pyaar Nahin karta (both versions), Beparwah

Music Review (Telugu): Gopala Gopala

Music Review (Telugu): Gopala Gopala
Music Composer: Anoop Rubens

Bhaje Bhaje, festive song and orchestration too confined within those genre with heavy drums flowing along with the conventional tune. Though at beginning, Haricharan seems to struggle with high pitch but after the first prelude, he carries the song in his own way along with well employed chorus. Enduko, with its catchy folk tune and lyrics by chandrabose about the superstitions in hindu Mythology surpasses the tune. Kailesh Kher delivers the folk song very well and Anoop arrangements gels well with his voice results in an interesting song in the soundtrack. Needhe Needhe starts off with an intriguing note but towards the middle song turns too laborious listen despite fine effort from Sonu Nigam. Theme song is punchy with slight touch of Bhaje Bhaje song and beautiful flute interspersed throughout the song and Pawan Kalyan fans will surely go gaga when he arrives on screen.

Verdict: Anoop Rubens composed the songs which are situational based and strictly tandem with the theme of the film. Colourful picturisation may elevates the level of the songs.

My rating:7/10

Pick of the Album: Enduko Enduko, Bhaje Bhaje

Music Review (Malayalam) : Mariyam Mukku

Music Review (Malayalam) : Mariyam Mukku
Music Composer :Vidyasagar

Ee Kadalinu starts with lovely prelude and Vidyasagar bring together two yesteryear singers K J Yesudas and Sujatha for this pleasant melody. Orchestration especially strings and tune gives quite a Raja'sh feel along with wonderful drums throughout the song and Yesudas sounds younger than ever. Kavil has a brilliant European flavour attached to it dominated by clarinet and accordion while lead singers Kavalam Sreekumar and Najeem Arshad delivered with enough spirit ably supported by chorus. Swargam Thurannu, based on the waltz based theme at the background, Vidyasagar makes the cracker of a christmas choir song with lot of festive mood sounds created enjoyable aura with the help of chorus. Mekkarayil too starts like prayer song but songs turns into lovely fast beat tune delivered with enough enthusiasm by Ranjini jose and Jithin. Vidyasagar's catchy tune, beautiful strings and keys makes this song enjoyable ride especially fast tune portions.

Verdict: Vidyasagar maintains his top form in Malayalam as usual eagerly waiting for him to produce a cracking album in tamil too.

My rating: 8/10

Pick of the Album: All songs Nevertheless only 4.

Book Review : Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth

Book Review : Etymologicon
Author: Mark Forsyth    


        Two things I've ticked off from my wish list; One is my long time wish to read The Etymologicon: A Circular stroll through the hidden connections of the English language and the second one is updating my blog with other than music review.

       I came to know about Mark Forsyth through his Inky fool blog, such a thought provoking posts regarding origin of English language words which kindles interest makes me to read his Etymologicon. He astonishes with so many wonderful at the same time eccentric facts about the origin of words by digging deep into the history . One may misinterpret by title that book may be preachy and drab with just list of words and their origin. In contrast, Markk forsyth discuss about the origin of words with each description linked with the next word and that too he construed each word spiced with his sense of humour. Another beauty is that Forsyth started the book with origin of the phrase 'A Turn-up for the books' and ends with etymology of 'book'. In Appendix of the book, he added quite intriguing list of the meaning of cities, actor names, music artist etc. Overall compelling book and got totally fascinated by the amount of research work had been done behind this masterpiece work.

Few Snippets from the book:

1) How 'Moron' converted from medical term to scornful word.
2) What buck has to do with money?
3) Interesting story revolving around Edison and bug.
4) Relation between SPAM and Python.


And many more intriguing facts. 

Music Review (Malayalam): Mili

Music Review (Malayalam): Mili
Music Composer: Gopi Sundar and Shaan Rahman 

       Minmini of Chinna Chinna Aasai fame returns to singing with Kanmaniye, beautiful alluring melody and Gopi Sundar too adorns the simple tune with Waltz styled strings mixed with drums and loved the veena portions interspersed in the song. Manjupeyume is another sweet melody in the vocals of  Najeem Arshad and Mridula warrior. Gopi Sundar kept the arrangements minimal to give the lead singer vocals and humming by female singer to take front stage. Title song comes in two version one with male version by composer itself and another by Pavithra Menon. The interludes are appealing more than the overall tune (especially first interlude which came as a background in the trailer makes me interested in this album itself) however composer utilizes mili hook throughout the song very well along with groovy guitar riffs. Gopi Sundar gave more punchy orchestration for female version and the lady pulls off the song in style which makes this song better than male version. Then enters the guest composer Shaan Rahman, whose composition usually works better and he carry off in Manpaatha also. Contrast to his usual style, Shaan goes frenzy with guitars and drums in this song results in the another well conceived track in album.

Verdict: Overall Gopi Sundar and Shaan Rahman delivers short and sweet lovable album

My rating:8/10

Pick of the Album: Kanmaniye, Title song, Manpaatha

Music Review (Tamil):Yennai Arindhaal

Music Review (Tamil):Yennai Arindhaal
Music Composer : Harris Jayaraj       

       Idhayathai Edho ondru, thamarai's beautiful lyrics complemented well by simple tune by Harris and Chinmayi rocks with her soothing rendition.Piano's minimal use, sing along flute with Chinmayi and guitar towards the end accentuates the mood of the song well. Maya bazaar, is a superb fusion of energetic dubstep by Aalaap Raju followed by retro styled melody by Krishna Iyer and Priya Subramaniam, and another surprise is folky piece by Velmurugan preceded by Kalyana Samayal Sadham prelude using nadhaswaram. Songs end with once again retro styled melody with intriguing strings in the background. Specifically Priya Subramaniam rendition in the retro melody works than Krishna Iyer's.     
           
        Mazhai Vara Pogudhe, has a reliable Karthik behind the mic and usual Harris elements are all over the song with familiar tune, humming towards the end, rap portions by Emcee Jezz. However guitar played like Veena in the interludes and some synthesized music beats are interesting though. Idhayathai Edho ondru came in another version as Unakkena Venum sollu in Benny Dayal and Mahathi's vocals with slightly tweaked orchestration but the impact of the song remains intact. Thanks largely to the simple delightful tune and thana Thaananathara Namtham hook by Benny deserves special mention. Yaen Ennai has two singers Sunitha Sarathy and Kharesma ravichandran on board with their contrived rendition irks at certain places. However Harris mitigates those meagre mistakes with his catchy tune and interludes expecially sax in the second interlude. Title song by Devan Ekambaran, Mark Thomas and Abhishek is an usual dubstep EDM number with nothing special and tune also seems to be bit of drag despite the energetic rendition by lead singers. Adhaaru Adhaaru, already released as a single is the song without any Gautham Menon touch and tune wise is similar to many other songs in this genre. Only solace being the lead vocals and nadhaswaram mix in the interludes.

Verdict: Gautham Vasudev Menon brings back Harris Jayaraj out of his own derivative albums and extracted some good songs however duo's magic is missing.

My rating:8/10

Pick of the Album: Idhayathai Edho ondru, Unakkena Venum sollu, Maya bazaar

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