My aunt's family used to be radio worshipers. Particularly, the pocket radio from Philips which used to retail under Rs.100 in the late 80s. In order to avoid the clash of - Is it going to be 'All India Radio - Trichy' or 'Madurai' or 'Chennai Vanoli Nilayam' for the prime time show, each of them had their own and used to get drowned in their own world. One of them was a walking encyclopedia of the entire discography of Tamil cinema. Be it the songs of MSV or KVM or Raaja or V Kumar or Sankar Ganesh or whoever it is, You tell her the song name and she used to give you the entire history of it faster than a Google search ! Its through her I came to know of this song called "Neer Veezhchi Thee Mootudhae" from the movie "Kanne Kalaimaane". I used to think thats a original Tamil number composed by Raaja and used to take pride of being privy to such a high class number. Even in my Coimbatore college days, probably only 1 out of 10 knew this song, least realizing the fact that just across the border a few kilometers away, The original version of this song is akin to National anthem. "
Thumbi Vaa" from Olangal was and is a mega hit in Kerala.
That song is a odd man out. It gained its fair share of reputation all across the country due to its recent incarnations in "Live In Italy" and "Paa". But there are many more 'its-a-crime-to-miss-this-song' from other languages which people from other states are not aware of. Since its been a while I touched upon
Vicky's Virtual Playlists, I thought this time I will take up some of my Malayalam solo favorites of S.Janaki.
Like in other languages, Janaki was the first choice for Raaja's Malayalam songs especially in his early days. Majority of these songs are between 1977 to 1985. Its not a co-incidence that she didn't sing much for Raaja after this in Malayalam. (Chitra was found there after ! She had an edge probably hailing from the state) Another interesting aspect is that some of these songs are for a Balu Mahendra Movie. Hence they standout in terms of quality due to their astounding chemistry. Some of these songs are popular in Tamil as well while the truth is they are originally composed for Malayalam movies first.
So Discover Janaki Chechi !
1.
Poovadikalil - Vyamoham
The year is 1977.. A very pleasing light music song with focus on lyrics and melody with not much attention on Orchestration.. Atypical of Raaja, even for those times. Probably it was the compulsion from the producer to give a song sounding like contemporary Hindi music of that time. Even then this serves an indication of Raaja's viswaroopam to come in terms of melodic beauty. I believe the KJ-SJ duet version of this song is actually more popular. This solo version by Janaki is relatively rare.
2.
Paalaruvi Paadivaru - Dooram Arike (1980)
Listen to the prelude humming and its obvious this is a folk song. And soon after that listen to the Swing Waltz of Rhythm Guitar and Bass combo in the prelude. If that doesn't leave you dumb, note the seamless shift back to the Folk rhythm of the main song.
3.
Tanal Virikkan - Aalolam (1982)
In my personal opinion this is the best Chakaravagam by Raaja. Its obvious why Raaja holds Janaki in high esteem if you listen to such songs. Its very difficult to drip emotions when the song is technically challenging and probably Janaki is one of the best in the business who can do it like second nature.
4.
Veene Veene - Aalolam (1982)
Beautiful song. It was reused later as 'Ondra Renda' from the movie 'Thazhuvatha Kaigal' in Tamil.
5.
Kiliye Kiliye - Aa Raatri (1982)
Rocking song, which sure must have been fresh sounding at that time (Why, even now actually !). This song is one of my favorites for its Bass patterns.
6.
Theeram Thedi - Unaru (1984)
From one of earliest Mani Ratnam Movie, this song is the Malayalam version of 'Roja Ondru' from Komberi Mookkan which also came in the same year. But look at the variation in the presentation of both songs. Listen to the M7th strums in the interludes. What a stylish sound. Compare it with equally powerful but simple rendition of 'Roja Ondru'. Would any one believe both are same melody.
7.
Yamuna Theere - Yaathra (1985)
Its Balu Mahendra and hence another regulation Raaja stuff.
8.
En Poove - Pappayude Swandam Appus (1992)
This song very closely resembles "Nee Dhaana" from "Thalattu padava" and yet this is a high quality Keeravani in its own right. Espeically very neatly done pallavi finishings by Janaki etc.,
9.
Olathumbathirunnu - Pappayude Swandam Appus (1992)
I believe, This is one of those national anthem kind of songs again.. Early 90s was the time when he had a different color to his Strings. It used to create a free falling effect. Listen to Maasi Maasam, Chromatic descents of Finishers in Oh Butterfly, Re-recording of many movies in this time frame such as Nadodi Thendral, Veera etc., Just like the interlude of this song.
Now for the biggie..
10.
ThazhampooThaalil - Oomakkuyil (1983)
Balu Mahendra again. There are two unforgivable things about this song. Number one, many many Hard core Raaja fans from Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and rest of India is not aware of this song. Number two, YG Mahendran was the hero in this song :-).
I simply didn't have the heart to edit this song and post only a portion of it.. Because whichever portion of the song I considered, it made a strong case to be the one. What to say of the bass parts of this song..? or the guitar solo in 2nd interlude.. Another testimony to Janaki's inimitable talent of rendering almost impossible things in a way making others look useless. Listen to the feel through out this song.. and the voice control (especially places like finishing of Pallavi) If you are an aspiring singer on one of those TV shows, please attempt such songs. If you can reproduce this emotion with no tinge of artificiality and this level of voice control + note sense as effortlessly, then the trophy is yours.
Hope you liked the guided tour of God's Own Country !
With Love
Vicky
Labels: Vicky's Virtual Playlist
The most obvious connection between Sharjah and Cochin are the Malayalis. Not so obvious but yet an interesting knot that ties both of them is, Sachin Tendulkar. Almost 11 years to date in Sharjah, He made the sand storm that interrupted
a match look less vigorous. It was lost but not before he ensured that its India and not New Zealand that qualified to the finals of Coco-Cola Cup, a trophy India would
eventually win, thanks to a yet another stormy display from the same bat.
On another occasion at Cochin, you wouldn't take the figures of 5 for 32, especially if the bowler in question is not a regular.. Your suspicion is understandable..
That match was played on a Fool's day.. However, Tendulkar was named man of the match that day for rolling his arms over ...
Now, I don't want to sound like Navjot Sidhu by calling Tendulkar as Cricket's SPB or SPB as South Indian Playback singing's Tendulkar.. The fact remains that, lots of such enriching, challenging and not-to-be-missed performances are.. well, always most-certainly-missed.
While the 80s of SPB are like the Sharjah performances, the 90s still had enough fizz to rattle the new comers.. For example, one of my most frequented playlists is titled as "SPB Refresher"; They are not the 'Mike Mohan' set of Solos that by and large remain close with the listeners. Nonetheless they are beauties and were quite popular when the movies released.. but slowly faded from memory.. That one goes like:
- Velli Nilave (Nandhavana Theru)
- Poongodidhaan Poothadhamma (Idhayam)
- Keladi En paavaye (Gopura Vasalile)
- Paattu esa paattu (Senthamizh Selvan)
- Enna vendru Solvadhamma (Rajakumaran)
- Chinna Chinna Thooral (Senthamizh Paatu)
- Vana kuyile (Priyanka)
- Thulli Thirindhadhoru (Endrum Anbudan)
- Ila Venil Idhu Vaigaasi (Kaadhal Rojave)
- Hello Guru Premakosam (Nirnayam)
- Vanamellam Shenbaga Poo (Naadodi Paatukkaran)
- Thanga Nilavukkul (Rickshaw Mama)
- Kola Kiliye (Kaakkai Chiraginile)
- Ada Va vaa Raaja (Paatu Paadava)
- Aatamma Paatamma (Nadigan)
This post is not about the above list or songs as popular as them. But Its on a second play list of 90s SPB solos that's named as "Discover SPB".. These are ones like like the Cochin performances... not to be missed. As I
mentioned earlier, I have such a 'Discover' series for all prominent singers of Raaja and this is the second in line. But this time I wanted to enhance your reading experience with audio so that you may be introduced to this songs if its your first time.
All these songs are very lightly arranged songs with utmost thrust on vocals. Therefore the onus is on SPB to carry it forward.;
The list goes as:
1.
Thene Senthene - those workmanship at the words "Poovee..." ! Thats still the same 70s SPB of 'Kamban emandhaan';
2.
Unnai Paadadha Naavum - Always there is a surprise in life.. I didn't notice this song until recently..
3.
Kuyile Ilamaanguyile - No proof is needed that this is a tune composed by MSV and arranged by Raaja
4.
Chinna Thambi - What vocal parts.. !!
5.
Thangakili Tholil - Jam.. With gliss and rolls, thats the word that comes to mind..! (Its the quintessential Tabla in the stanza though)
6.
Kinnaram Kinnaram - A song personally close to me.. I still vividly remember this was one of the most sought after song in the Regional Radio's 'Neyar Viruppam' (listener's choice) program
7.
Paadi Thirindha Endhaan - The Simmendhra Madhyamam of this song evokes a feel similar to Janaki's Keeravani in 'Kaatril endhan'; But are they treated similar ..!!?
8.
Le Le Baba - I think Raaja composed this one when he was still on the Mathyamavathi hangover from 'Vanamellam Shenbagapoo'. No reason to complain though..
9.
Nalla Kaarampasu - Similar to 'Adi Komadha', 'Saami Kodutha varam' etc except for the captivating guitar/ flute of 1st BGM; Such guitar for native numbers is unique in Raaja's folk echelon.
10.
Chinnanjiru - A Gazhal-ish beauty (from Vocal and not lyrical perspective); The voice is really dancing when he is singing 'Aadudhu'.
11.
Annan Ivan Kannan illa - Like Chinna Thambi in the list, This is another 'Wow' song as far as harmony arrangement is concerned.
12.
Dhinam Vidindhadhum - One of the few songs where you can find Raaja doing an ARR act or two. Its unfortunate its a short song.
13.
Vaigasi Vellikilama - Superb meter.. captivating melody.. well sung..
Finally here is the collage of all these songs - your 10 minute experience of SPB:
Discover SPBI hope you are able to (re)discover SPB as well..
With Love
Vicky
Labels: Vicky's Virtual Playlist
She announced her arrival in to the Tamil Film Music with a century on debut ("Chinna Kuyil Paadum Paattu").. And then "Paadariyane" fetched her the national award.. There after "Edhedo Ennam Valarthane" found an irreplaceable place in many a hearts.. Later "Ninnukkori Varnam" + Chithra (+ Amala :-P !!) took everyone by Storm.. "Kuzhaloodhum Kannanukku" established her as a 'Jana Ranjaka' singer.. "Devanin Kovil" became a bench mark song for orchestras all over TN thanks to her (and ofcourse Maestro's chorus) even though the song was not otherwise much visible.. "Aathadi Ammadi" presented a different dimension of this great singer..
The problem with such overpowering songs is that, people are arrested at that level and usually the other songs of quality doesn't stand a chance.. Therefore I have this "Discover series", A theme which is recurring in
my iPod playlist for all mainstream singers. Chances that these songs captivated you are unlikely unless you are a regular Raaja follower. [Infact all the songs that I specified in the first paragraph are part of my another theme collection namely 'Signature' series for all singers. But its no use blogging about them as those are the routine 'Hit' songs which define a singer's career from the general public's point of view].
The following songs are not necessarily 'unheard'. But of those category that you could vaguely remember them but couldn't recall beyond the first 2 lines of pallavi while the song deserved much more than that from you.. In short, These songs are neither common nor rare. So here I start with some superb songs of
Chinna Kuyil Chitra that are usually shown the cold shoulders
1. Vaanam Thodadha Megam - Chinnappa Das
2. Pazhya Kanavai Thedi - Thayamma
3. Oru Pachai Kodi - Mannan (or is it Innisai Mazhai ..?)
4. Ullasa Poongaatre - Kolangal (This song is also found in another playlist of mine called 'Lounge Music' which would be blogged later)
5. Oru Raaja Vandharam - Mounam Sammadham
6. Then Madurai Seemaiyile - Thangamana Raasa
7. Uchimalai Megangal - Vellaya Thevan
8. En Raaja Yaaro - Paarthal Pasu
9. Unnai Naane - Chinna Kuyil Paatu (This song is a best kept secret. Another of those Raaja's experiments where he conceals some notes in a scale deliberately to totally bring about another Raaga's bhavam. This song deserves an exclusive post.. may be later..)
10. Kaalai Nera Raagame - Raasave Unnai Nambi (Absolutely brilliant rendition..)
11. Maalai Soodum - Pudhiya Raagam.
12. Then Podigai Kaatre - Poomani
13. Pattu Poo Poo - Veera (Aerobics in Chala Naattai ..?? !! Tone of Chithra during "Paarkkum Paarvaigal" in Charanam is like a square lead.. flabbergasting.. )
I would like to single out 2 songs that should have made the above list but didn't. Because they are quite some high quality songs and somehow I feel they should have been in the 'overpowering' league and not in this list .. And they are:
Vaanam paadi - Sir I Love you (One the very best Shanmuga Priyas of Raaja And Chitra is simply at her best in this one)
Santhosham Idhu - Manidhanin Marupakkam (This song has that magical gift of making you cheerful anytime of the day...)
To round up, there are also songs such as "Kotti Kidakkudhu" ('Theertha karaiyinile', which I am sure she sang with a sore throat). And then there are not so popular Chithra numbers in the classical genre as well.. Such as "Manam Pola" ('Pudhupatti Ponnuthayee', which I also mentioned in my
Pannaiya Bagavadhar post..) and "ArulKan Paarvai" from Aanazhagan..
Think about Western Classical and there is Sound of music-ish "Mazhalai Endrum Maradha" (Sethupathi IPS).. How much more such wasted worthies.. !!?? Sigh..
With Love
Vicky
Labels: Vicky's Virtual Playlist
How do you define Fusion music..? You compose a melody based on a Raaga and set its Rhythm with Drums instead of Mirudangam or tabla, will it become fusion..? For me the idea of fusion is all about ingenuity and creativity. Its NOT the art of leveraging the impending beauty of the merger of two genres of music to your advantage. Rather exploring new avenues on a given genre to see how it fits in or compliments the other genre. Thats how I like to define it. For instance, The essence of a raaga like Madhyamavathi which does not have the swara 'Ga' can still be captured by unusually beautiful sustained 4th chords of Western Classical Music (of Sa + Ri + Pa combination or Sa+Ma+Pa combination of its root note). Or a quality western music song can be set to some complex rhythm arragements borrowed (as Kanda Saappu (5/8) or Misra Saappu (7/8)) from its carnatic cousin.
The identity crisis that the Indian film music faced and faces - is largely due to the inefficiency of the composers who grapple with the chronic problem of deliberately "westernizing" the film songs. 9 out of 10 Indian film songs are seasonal with the sole goal of topping the short term charts and not the long term hearts. This is where a composer like Raaja makes his indellible marks. Right from the 'Chinna Kannan Azhaikiraan' (Kavi Kuyil) to 'Ninnu Vethiki vethiki' (Anumanaspadam) he has packaged Reethigowlai or Sindhu Bhairavi with such ease, that the art of fusion has been invisible and taken for granted. One moment the carnatic melody is in the foreground with a western arrangement providing some supporting techniques. Next moment the roles are reversed. It has always been upto the listener to judge..
Below you will find a list of Fusion songs that are hand picked. The melody of all this songs are so classical, that you can settled into a alap by picking up any of them, while the arrangement of all these songs are very Poppish and electro Jazzish. Absence of Tabla in all of these songs for the beat section is hard to ignore. The innovation of setting chords for these tunes are a highlight in all these songs.. Selection and Application of some of the raagas used here (Dharmavathi, Reethigowlai, Nalina Kanthi, Shanmuga Priya) shows Raaja's wizardry. There is a healthy balance of major and minor scale based songs and it shows Raaja's command of the musical notes while the time sequence of some of the songs (Meetadha oru veenai and Sithagathi Pookkale especially and also Naal Thorum) are highly scientific demonstrating his equal prowess over the rhythm. The whole package of all these songs are too hard to resist. These songs are like the movie - Titanic. If you see the love story, the ship Titanic is at the backdrop and if you see the Titanic the love story is at the backdrop.
Also another similarity that you will notice to the below
virtual playlist is that, all of these songs are composed over a five year period... Between 1993 - 98 or so.. Personally an unforgettable time as I was undergoing one of the important transitions of my life .. From homely - school life to a more independent-intense-enjoyable college life.. These are the songs that were with me then.. While the benchmark songs of Raaja's fusion such as "Ninnukkori" or "Nee dhaane endhan pon vasantham" are irreplaceable, this list belongs to my time.. the same difference between watching a classic cricket match recorded few years earlier or watching it live.. Here I present, Raaja's Fusion from the 90's.
1. Endhan Nenjil (Kalaignan) - Nalina kaanthi.. If there is a book called "Vagra Raagas for Dummies", this song would be the first chapter..
2. Sithagathi Pookkale (Raaja Kumaran) - Ragam: Sudha Saveri.. Raaja says "Let it be.. Did you notice I shifted the samam to the fourth count where the electric snare falls and made it as the first count instead..?"; (personally It took me umpteen listenings to understand the rhythm pattern of this song)
3. Maharajanodu (Sathi Leelavathy) - Sarasaangi - The symphonic arrangment for the lines "Idhu Manmadha Saamrajyam" highlights the innovation on fusion that I am talking about..
4. Eem Debba (Ashwamedhagam) - Dharmavathy - Please forgive your mom if she thought you are upto some krithi if she heard you humming the melody (just the tune minus lyrics ofcourse..) from the bathroom.
5. Naal Dhoraum Endhan (Devadai) - Mohanam - Striclty the melody is not 100% Mohanam.. but some of the Sangathis do emphasize the shift of weight to the Dhaivatham in Mohanam.. Other choices I had in the same genre and timeline are Naan Thanga (Time) and Indha Poovukkoru (Poovarasan); But since this one is by Raaja himself, its more closer to me.. :-) Besides the Extended misra Chappu cycles add a great charm to the Fusion setting.
6. Shivamalli Poove (Friends) - Shanmugapriya - Probably the only Jazzish song set to the raaga thats otherwise said to be the favorite of Lord Muruga.. Chitra sizzles in this one... the finishing of stanza is so cryptic..
7. Chembaruthi Pennoruthin (Raman Abdulla) - Madhyamavathi - You should now be able to listen and identify those sustained 4th chords all over. And if you thought singing same lines in two octaves is a new craze patented to today's hip numbers, listen to the stanza of this song..
8. Tholmela Tholmela (Poomani) - Sindhubhairavi - A powerful sindhu bhairavi packed within a very casual and not so fussy arrangement.
9. Meetadha Oru Veenai (Poonthottam) - Composed in Reethigowlai raaga and Set to Kanta Saapu taala, these pointers become static references once the song starts and you realize its more an out of the box Jamming session... Did I say, Nalinakaanthi is the first chapter of dummy's book.. Neee.. should be this one actually...
10. Ennai Thaalatta Varuvalo (Kadhalukku Mariyadhai) - Keeravani - befitting the lyrics the anxiousness of the song is visible (I mean audible.. ) in the rhythm arrangement
11. Alli Sundaravalli (Kangalink Vaarthaigal) - Chakaravaagam - The counts by which the song is divided.. the unorthodox voice arrangements.. this is the kind of the song that strikes you when you least expect it.
12. Alai Meedhu (Kaadhal Kavithai) - Suddha Dhanyasi - Bhavadharini can claim this song as the best thing to have happened to her in life.. Though I had "Kaadhal vaanile" and "Vizhakku Veippom" as strong contenders in this raaga, Wonderful western strings for a Suddha Dhanyasi in Kanta Saappu has to take the cake.. Songs like this can be confidently defined as "only by Raaja".
With Love
Vicky
Labels: Vicky's Virtual Playlist
Songs by: Raaja - The Singer are very special to me.. because they are lossless conversions of thoughts to music... If you have been following Ilaiyaraaja keenly, you wouldn't miss the fact the frequency of the songs that he sings in his own music has exponentially increased in recent times, bucking the trend in his early years. But that was the time when he was very choosy with his songs, when you could capture the raw, experimenting and yet thoughtfully rich voice ..Publishing here one of my frequented playlist that I call "Early Raaja" which contains Raaja's songs up until initial 80s.
1. Aey Indha Poongaathu Thaalata - Uthiri Pookal (A eight beat version of the Azhagiya Kanne's theme in the 1st BGM is superb)
2. Dharisanam Kidaikadha - Alaigal Ooivadhillai (One of the first song that Raaja sang for Karthik, a trend that he continued for a longtime since..)
3. Sangathil Paadadha - Auto Raaja (Thanks to a crystal clear version of this song that I recently possessed, I am having a great time. Also one of a rare occassion where you can listen to Raaja's rendering of the lyrics besides singing)
4. Metti Oli - Metti (I still remember the impact the song had in me the first time I listened.. Full of soul...)
5. Ennapaatu Paada - Sakkalathi (With the Cow bell's rhythmic movement as the metronome, this is a precursor to all future Thala games of complex rhythm oriented songs. I hope to revisit this song in the blog sometime later)
6. Siru Ponmani - Kallukkul Eeram (This is a high quality song from Raaja.. His composing intellect is exposed by a continuous rhythmic melody connecting each lines as if they never break.. )
7. Sevvarali Thottathile - Bagavathypuram Railway Gate (A sophisticated folk tune. A good duet this one..)
8. Pazhaya Sogangal - Eeravizhi Kaaviyangal (Its a pity that its a short song.. What a prelude...!! Best example of Contrapuntal melody!!??)
9. Chinna Ponnu Sela - Malayur Mambattiyan (A song similar to 'Pon maane Sogam Eno' [oru Kaithiyn diary] in tune and situation. Yet see the striking difference in
execution.. this one is folk and the other modern...)
10. Anbu Mugam - Rusi Kanda Poonai (the pallavi makes his mark as a singer in you, with the feel easily expressed in the voice; Application of Strings [particularly Cello] followed by Guitar in the 2nd BGM is brilliant.)
11. Naanaga Naan illai - Thoongadhae thambi thoongadhae (If you didn't know about the Raaja Version of the song, you missed something)
12. Engaanam Indru - Eeravizhi Kaaviyangal (again.. Vaporization of such high quality songs into thin air due to the movie that at least I didn't hear about, is, unacceptable)
13. Janani Janani - Thaai Moogambigai (The movie and its time line marked a defining shift in Raaja's personality as he became deeply spiritual around this time. The song is so powerful that I keep it the last song in the playlist so as to leave its effects to linger around untouched by anything thereafter....)
With Love
Vicky
Labels: Vicky's Virtual Playlist
Whats common among the following words other than being common Tamil Names...?
Jeyaraman, Subramanian, Seenivasan, Ramanujam, Santhanam, Arunachalam, Mani and Shanmugasundaram ...
No Bell is ringing yet..? Come on.. you've got to do better if you are appearing for GRE or CAT.. Ok.. how about now..?
Lalgudi Jeyaraman, Valayapatti Subramanian, Semmangudi Seenivasan, Ariyakudi Ramanujam, Maharajapuram Santhanam, Karaikurichi Arunachalam, Madurai Mani and of course the legendary Sikkal Shanmugasundaram who existed only in celluloid !!
You see, the place of Artist's origin is at the heart of Carnatic Music..
If I am to coin a name for Ilaiyaraaja in the same breadth, it would be "Pannaiya Bagavadhar".
Simply because, It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say, Raaja's contribution to Carnatic Classical Music in the modern era is enormous ...
Simply because, he has ventured into main stream as well as sub-genres of this classical art form never getting constrained by the cinematic boundary but rather using it as an opportunity in the limited avenue of classical theme based movies...
Simply because he is the last standing warrior in composing melodies that stick to a particular scale from end to end and yet packaging it in his own style alluring to a layman.... People who enjoyed "Chinna Kannan Azhaikkiraan" and "Naan Thedum Sevvandhi Poovidhu" and "Endhan Nenjil Neengadha" doesn't necessarily knew its Reethigowlai, Hindholam and Nalinagandhi.
My first Virtual Play list starts with songs that are more classical than filmy. These are the songs that broke the barrier of Cinema within which they are supposed to operate and dared to identify themselves with the much purer Genre..
Read, Song - Movie/ Album - Raagam
1. Poomaalai Vaangi Vandhaal - Sindhu Bhairavi - Kaanada
2. Kamalam Paadha Kamalam - Moga Mul - Ramapriya
3. Vedam Nee Iniya - Kovil Pura - Gowlai
4. Nee Pournami - Oruvar Vaazhum Aalayam - Simmendra Madhyamam
5. Aadal Kalaiyae - Sri Ragavendrar - Charukesi
6. Maathru Bhoodeswari - Guru Ramana Geetham - Saranga Tharangini
7. Sabhdhamayee - Sooriyan - Ragavardhini
8. Kaamakshi Karunavilasini - Raajavin Geethanjali - Rishivani
9. Raama Kanavemira - Swati Muthyam - Reethi Gowlai
10. Unnai Vaazthavandhane - Unna Vaazhthi Padugiren - Karaharapriya
11. Indraikku Ane Indha - Vaidehi Kaathirundhal - Abogi
12. Manam Pola - Pudhupatti Ponnuthaayee - Hemavathi
Substitue:Vaaranam Aayiram - Keladi Kanmani - Raaga Malika (Mohanam, Darbar, Kaapi)
Please note by no means, this list sums up Raaja's classical CV. There are lots of songs still left, which would follow in subsequent playlists. I hand picked this ones for a start because of their pre-dominant classical arrangement - That of Mrudangam as the main Rhythm instrument and the three Vs, Veena/ Venu/ Violin for the melody section. Raaja's usage of Veena in Film music deserves a special mention here.. (such as the ones in Indraikku ane indha, Unnai vaaztha vandhane..);
Though I listed strictly classical numbers here, the versatility shown by Raaja even within this genre is astounding. Nadhaswaram and Thavil are very much part of the classical family although not considered mainstream. "Manam Pola" comes close to matching a "Singara Velane Deva" in that sub-genre. So is the sub-genre of "Katha Kalakshebam" which is also considered classical but not mainstream. And to compose a proper one in that form ("Rama Kanavemira") within the boundary that the film music posed (such as a song should last only around 5 minutes), shows the level of grasp required by the composer.
And finally a quick look at the above list and it reveals some risky Raagas to handle such as Ragavardhini (the song came last year.. How many of you seriously cared for such a high quality carnatic number ..?) While the popular raagas such as Kaanada and Charukesi are abundant, one cannot miss the rare ones such as Ramapriya, Saranga Tharangini etc.. Also its clear KJ Yesudos is the man of choice when it comes to strong classical numbers from Raaja. What a devine association it has been...
Pannaiya Bagavadhar doesn't stop yet...
With Love
Vicky
Labels: Carnatic, Vicky's Virtual Playlist
Assorting Ilaiyaraaja's albums and making customized playlists has been my hobby for over past 18 years. Listening to a movie album from end to end has never been my cup of tea... (Ultimately cine music is situational and not all situations in a movie is worth remembering unless its a Bharathiraaja or Maniratnam film..) So when I was 12 years old, I already started grouping songs in my mind that I would like to listen (I used to carry a small notepad where I keep entering songs under specific categories so that I don't forget them...). Years later, when I joined College I started recording them to audio cassettes. Although my custom collection of about 100 cassettes is nothing to boast off, it did cultivate in me a deep sense of selective and resonant listening to songs. Thinking about similar songs and grouping them became my favorite background process - whenever I went on a long journey, whenever I don't fall asleep in bed (which is almost never..), whenever I am attending boring meetings !!!
I used to follow a few protocols while compiling my lists. Since the origin of my collection dates back to the cassette age, I used to always record the songs on "60 Minutes" cassette. Hence usually I have 12 to 13 songs per playlist. I found this number very suitable because, the attention span is usually undivided during the first hour and I listen to the last song with the same level of intensity as the first one. Any playlist more than 1 hour is usually not doing justice to all the songs as you would be disturbed one way or the other. Besides 1 hour is a good time to take a break and come back to the next playlist if you are still game. Therefore all my playlists are catered for approximately an hour of listening.
My playlists are based on Musical genres, Singers, Moods, Peculiar traits and most of the times a combination of few of these factors.. But primarily its my amateurish musical orientation that leads in making the final judgment if a song makes its cut to the final 12 of the given category.. I also used to have some substitute numbers to makeup the list in case the recording center didn't have a particular track.
In the pre mp3 civilization when sharing music was such an impossible task, I had a second serious pass time which I necessarily didn't enjoy. And that is to run behind my kith and kin to whom I had lend my precious Ilaiyaraaja cassettes which never came back in time. At that time, making selective choices of songs and recording the cassettes is what everyone wanted but never had the time nor the expertise to do it. Hence I was the one-eyed king among the land of blinds. I even enjoyed a good reputation with the cassette recording centers of my neighborhood since I promoted their business as my friends went to them with my collection.
Since I bought one, The playlist feature of the iPod has been a natural fit to my passion (Disclaimer: I don't work for Apple..) I have spent a fair deal of my free time converting my collections in to digital format as well as making a whole new set of playlists. Thats when it also occurred to me to share my perspective with fellow "Raaja yogis" on web. So one of the regular features of this blog is an online expo of my playlists. Through this the readers can have an opportunity to derive your own playlist if my taste for Raaja's music resonates with yours.
One cannot download/ listen to these these songs here (yet!), but just get a textual version of song list and appreciate them if you have them. The purpose is to give the readers a different perspective of listening to Raaja’s music... A shortcut to make your own playlists.. I plan to publish them as frequent as I can...
So keep watching this space. Here comes an ascii toast (!!) for genuine Raaja fans who want some pointers to make their lifetime Ilaiyaraaja collections....
Labels: Vicky's Virtual Playlist
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