Dear Friends,
This is my first attempt to write such an exhaustive critical analysis of film music. I am, as all of u are, a big big fan of ARR since the very beginning and a devoted fan rather! I developed this art to read and write Tamil through his cassettes and songs. I adore the music he gives in Tamil more than in any other language. I am a Mumbaiite and so Tamil cassettes are not easily available here and I went thru this tedious experience of hunting for the PP cassetee. Finally I got fed up and became impatient. I sent a mail to my uncle in Dubai who was supposed to come here for Diwali so that he can bring it with him. He too, after hunting for it got it and he just arrived today. How privileged could I be that I had my own copy of PP in my hands and could not wait to unleast it & hear it. Here it goes:
Manmantha masam (Nithyasree/Shankar)-> Beautifully composed, though experimental, it caught me after 4-5 hearings. The vocals are just perfect and the blend of 2 ragas as well as rhythms (2/4 & 6/8) is something unusual. Good job here. I rate it 7/10.
Neethan en desiya geetham (Balaram/Chitra)-> A new voice and a new talent with a promising future...Balaram! His vocals are like Ravindra Sathe who is a Marathi singer. He has done a good job and Chitra is as usual. This song reminds me of Varaaga (Sangamam) especially the rhythm part. The raga is based on Kalyani and tends to shift to Peelu in the antara. Its a melodious songs on the lines of Mehki mehki (Zubeidaa) and O ri chhori (Lagaan). Rating 7 1/2/10.
Moonrezhutthu (Harini/Karthik)-> So so song. Frankly, I didnt like it. The only good part is the Bulbul Tara. It glides over so smoothly and gives u that typical Arabic feel. Harini's voice sounds rustic and Karthik is ok. Rating 5/10.
Azhage sugama (Srinivas/Sadhana Sargam)-> To me, its the pick of the album. Such a melody! It just flows thru ur hearts. It is similar to Kaiyil midhakkum (Ratchakan) but then u can excuse him for giving such a melodious number. The raga is Jaijaivanti and there are traces of Chhayanat. The vocals...what can I say! Srini is just cool and Sadhana's voice is like mesmerising. Such a sweet voice. The highlight here is the Piano and the Violin. He has used beautiful meends (glides) in the violin. And the chords are simply amazing. Its good to have repeated the song. Rating 9/10.
Nadhirthinna (Rashid Ali/Thubhara)-> Again new voices. How does he find them ??? I have always had this dream to sing for him as I am classically trained. Someday might just hear my voice...kidding! The guitars are amazing and the Chenda pieces by Kesavan are good. Again an Arabic flavour. He seems to be inspired by Arabic music. Rating 7/10.
Adhisayam thirumanam (Sujatha/Kalyani/Sriram N./Sriram P.)-> Naattai, Shahana, Kalyani all in one. The antaras are too good and all the voices are so much in harmony. Only he can handle such intricate vocals where Sujatha sings in the upper notes while Kalyani in the base. Its got an off-beat rhythm of 7 and 5 beats. Rating 7 1/2/10.
Love Check (Sriram/Sivamani)-> Groovy!!! Thats what I can say about this track. Typical ARR fusion of Carnatic rhythms with Western percussions and glad to see Bhavani Shankar playing the pakhawaj for ARR for the first time. He's an awesome player, probably the best pakhawaj player in the country. But ARR could use this instrument more frequently in this track. As far as thavil is considered, we have maestro Palanivel with his magical hands. The different permutations and combinations that are used are simply great. Sivamani delivers his magical best with Sriram saying the Koonakols with ease. Great track after Taal. Rating 8/10.
Paarthale paravasam (Rehana/Febi/Fegi/Ganga/Gopika Poornima)-> Another favourite of mine. Again the vocals are blended beautifully. There is the Flemenco Guitar after every mukhda (Paarthale paravasam...). What I like is the ending where the singer (I cant figure out who???) sings the carnatic taans. She's done a commendabale job. On the whole a good song. Rating 8 1/2/10.
What else can I say...u all will beat me up if I write anything else! Its such an exhaustive one that even I didnt know while I was writing it. ARR is trying out new ways and we should be proud of him as he's the only composer today who experiments with new sounds and music rather than sticking to typical masala filmi music. Waiting for next ARR releases...u know I crave for more and more.
Do reply and give ur valuable comments...Regards...Be loyal to one person!!! Swapnil
posted at: 14:51 | permanent link to this entry