40. Love songs

Dear friends,

Sorry for the looong hiatus, which was due to personal and official work. Today being St. Valentine’s Day, I wish my friends here ‘a happy valentine’. Let us have a tête-à-tête with Maestro, in his own, inimitable way, of singing love. So here it is:

1. Adichen Kadhal – Ponmana Selvan

This is a cute duet in folk. Maestro blazes his trail as usual in the orchestration. ‘maalayil Ilayaraja kachery’ brings a smile from us. Flutes and tabla rule this song.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16396727/Adichen_kadhal.wma.html


2. Enga ooru kadhalai – Pudhu Pattu

Amazing duet and so effortlessly and joyfully sung by Raja. Asha’s pronunciation is cute and suits the heroine of the movie very well (a foreign-return). The movie also has a love poem in German, which has vocal counterpoints in Tamil (don’t think Thiruvasakam is the first attempt in this style). This song also has fabulous interludes in WCM.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16396728/Enga_ooru_kadhalai.wma.html


3. Kadhal un leelai – Japanil Kalyanaraman

I am hosting this song again, I like it sooo much. Really, really romantic voice.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16396729/Kadhal_un.wma.html


4. Kadhala Kadhala – Thaikku Oru Thalattu

The song starts with sweet whisperings between the lovers, kind of night effect. The interludes give a different dimension to the song. Maestro leaves many clues for the picturisation – temple bell, stream by the wayside, etc. Keyboards and strings in the 2nd interlude take us to a dreamy world and that pregnant pause before the 2nd charanam! I like the phrase-singing ‘deviye deviye enna kelvi ketkiraai’ and Raja’s humming towards the end.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16396730/Kadhala_kadhala.wma.html


5. Kadhalin Deepam ondru – Thambikku Endha Ooru

When talking about love songs, how can I ignore this one? Great singing by SPB. In those days, the prelude of the song was used for some TV ad (Dyanora?). Most of you will know about the unique circumstance under which this song was recorded (Raja was hospitalized and had to give the song for shooting). He whistled the song over phone to the singers and gave the notations to the players from the bed.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16396731/Kadhalin_deepam.wma.html


6. Kannale Kadhal - Aathma

Velvety voice of Yesudas opens the song and the serene music takes us through the song – with good support of tabla and keyboard. But the song climaxes with great strings in background.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16414140/Kannale_kadhal.wma.html


7. Kattaya Kadhal – Thozhar Pandian

A great song in Sivaranjani raga – a deviation from the normal usage of the raga. The rhythm in the 2nd interlude seem to be complicated. The lyrics could have been better.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16414141/Kattaya_kadhal.wma.html


8. Kannamma Kadhal – Vanna Vanna Pookkal

Another great, great song, the highlight being the string instrument used here. It takes us to the lover’s paradise straight away.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16414142/Kannamma_kadhal.wma.html


9. Kadhal Mayakkam - Pudhumaippen

Everything is great in this song – lyrics of Vairamuthu, music (Sudha Saveri raga usage) and singing.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16414145/Oru_kadhal_mayakkam.wma.html


10. Vaanin kadhal - Kasthoorimaan

For the modern day lovers – we don’t know when and how the love bug will bite ;) Better be careful.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16414146/Vaanin_kadhal.wma.html


Have a blast on this Valentine’s Day.

39. Maestro's old avtars!

The old version of Prema Yatralaku song from Gundamma Katha (Telugu):

http://rapidshare.com/files/6009830/Prema_yatralaku-new.wma.html

Maestro's version from Detective Narada. This forerunner to current day remixes is very innovative and creative in the sense he has added another layer of melody to the existing song with new interludes.

http://rapidshare.com/files/6009831/Prema_yatralaku-old.wma.html

Then sindudhe vanam (music: GK Venkatesh, with Raja as assistant). Maestro has spoken a lot about this song in his recent concert.

http://rapidshare.com/files/6009832/Then_sindudhe_vaanam.wma.html

Dr Rajkumar's debut song from Sampathige Savaal (music: GK Venkatesh, with Raja as assistant). Refer to my Post # 13 here:

http://rapidshare.com/files/6009833/Yaare_koogadali.wma.html

(I got some of these songs from CoolToad, thanks to them!)

38. Describe these songs!

Dear friends,

Following are the songs I wanted to share with you this week:

1) Aararo aararo from Aanand
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173394/Aararo_aararo.wma.html

2) Chamaku chamaku cham from Konda Veeti Donga
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173395/Chamaku_chamaku_cham.wma.html

3) Endrendrum anandhame from Kadal Meengal
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173396/Endrendrum_anandhame.wma.html

4) Oh prema devathe from Gulaabi
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173397/Oh_prema_devathe.wma.html

5) Vezhambal kezhum from Olangal
http://rapidshare.de/files/36173398/Vezhambal_kezhum.wma.html

I want to announce a small contest now. Please send me your views about the songs. I will reward suitably for the best entry. Following points to be noted:

· The entry can be for any or all songs and one can send any number of write ups.
· It can describe the beauty of lyrics, situation, orchestration, emotional/technical merits of the songs.
· The language should be English or Tamil (in Tamil fonts only)
· Please mail the response to crvenky2006@yahoo.co.in.
· Last date for receiving your mail is 10th November 2006.

All the best to you!

37. Raga of the month: MMG-5

The concluding week of Mayamalava Gowlai songs:


1. Gratefulness – Film name: Udanpirappu:

Sathyaraj marries Suganya to save her from some challenging circumstances and gives her a new lease of life. Raja’s trademark orchestration with violins, tabla, flute and keyboard doesn’t disappoint us. The orchestra takes us through a graceful trip. The female lead is hesitant while SPB’s voice is very reassuring.

http://rapidshare.de/files/35308660/Nandri_sollave_unakku.wma.html


2. Playful duet – Film name: Chinnavar:

This film is against a fisherman backdrop. The sangathis (naayanam, kekkudhu, vaattudhu, etc) in the singing of pallavi is very nice. The interludes are just great. Tabla nadai is different in pallavi while its supportive in charanams.

http://rapidshare.de/files/35308658/Kottukkali_kottu.wma.html


3. Grand prelude – Film name: Mundhanai mudichu:

The very grand opening with piano counterpoints and military band drums give a magnificent start, very suitable for grand romantic dream sequences. Bhagyaraj has also picturized well with the leads in chariot etc wearing jazzy costumes. Second interlude is again piano and guitar fanfare, ending with some great strings. The main contributor of the song is the chorus which creates a haunting effect. Mirudhangam plays majestic in the charanams. Overall, a beautiful blend of Western classical and Carnatic all through.

http://rapidshare.de/files/35308657/Andhi_varum_neram.wma.html


4. Orphan’s song – Film name: Panakkaran:

Raja gives the voice for the singing soul of an orphan. The orchestration is mild with more of calm tabla beats. The interludes reflect the past life of the hero and why he became like that. This is one rare song where Raja has lent his voice to Rajini with one more song from the same movie (is there any other song in IR voice for Rajini?). His voice is very soulful and intriguing.

http://rapidshare.de/files/35308659/Naan_ullukkulle.wma.html


Well, that’s all for this series. I have left out some famous songs in MMG like Poogadhave, Poova eduthu oru maalai, Rama namam oru vedhame, etc. The readers can unearth more compositions. The recent stunners are – Enga ooru laila (Karagattakkaran), Oru chiri kandal (Ponmudi puzhayorathu), Enge sendralum (Guru Ramana geetham), etc.

Maestro has done several more MMG songs with so many different shades. And he still has something to offer in each of his new MMG songs coming out. Let us salute the genius for his contribution to the Carnatic field!

36. Raga of the Month: MMG-4

The next instalment of Mayamalava Gowlai songs for this week:

1. Fun times – Film name: Kanna Unai Thedugiren:

Somebody mocking the girl who is going to get married soon. The song starts with some folk type instrument and chorus. The rhythm and bassline is very interesting and catchy as also the refrain ‘taku mukku tiku thalam’. First interlude has a brief march-like rhythm, maybe specific to the story. The flute in the second interlude is reminiscent of a flute piece in Bach composition.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484936/Rasathi_rasathi.wma.html


2. An orchestral delight – Film name: Mudhal Iravu:

One more blinder of a song from vintage Ilaiyaraaja. Starts energetically with a train journey to be joined by later by hero-heroine in some garden for further dance sequence. The composition is again very Bach like in the first interlude (strings) which suddenly changes to accordion-like instrument. The charanams have good dulcimer tone. Second interlude is again a Bach style flute (like the first song above) and strings. Again the interlude deviates and joins back effortlessly to 2nd charanam. All through this, the train rhythm is maintained seamlessly.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484934/Manjal_nilavukku.wma.html


3. Mysteriously sad – Film name: Kakkai Chiraginile:

Maestro weaves his magic with some mysterious rhythm and a repeating theme in mandolin like instrument. Its sung by a nomadic girl. The lyrics are reflective of the uncertain life. She is looking for somebody to lead her. Can you hear her soul? The voice adds to the beauty.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484935/Oor_oora_pogum.wma.html


4. A Flute/Tabla duet – Film name: Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen:

Somewhat similar to Madurai marikkozhundu vaasam (another MMG). There is a beautiful support by flutes all through. Tabla rhythm in the charanams are joyously jumping with lead. 2nd interlude is characterized by temple bells, chorus voices and strings moving through effortlessly. The voices (SPB & SJ) are a treat to hear.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484933/Maanam_idi_idikka.wma.html


5. Light hearted– Film name: Kili Pechu Ketkavaa:

A nice, funny song dappanguthu beats. Its amazing to note the mix of a hardcore carnatic raga and dance beats. Mammuty has given some funny steps. The chranams have intermittent, clap-like rhythm. Bass guitar brings out the raga nuances every now and then. Janaki’s singing is the best, as usual.

http://rapidshare.de/files/34484937/Sivagami_nenappinile.wma.html

We will be concluding this MMG series with the coming week.

35. Raga of the Month: MMG-3

Shall we enjoy some more Mayamalava Gowlai songs for this week?

1. Authentic folk – Film name: Chinna Durai:

This reminds of the song Kottayai vittu from Chinna Thaayi. A situational (maybe for climax) song happening around the temple. Mostly folk instruments like urumi, thappattai, etc are used.

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648932/Neeye_gadhiyamma.wma.html


2. Folk fusion – Film name: Chinna Jameen:

Karthik who is an innocent villager is made fun of by his friends and the heroine Suganya. Nice rhythm support and the raga is more evident here. Charanams run on his usual tabla support. End of charanams are sung by Karthik himself. Interludes are great (Madurai marikkozhundu vasam flavour is there).

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648933/Onappu_thattu.wma.html


3. Another sad song – Film name: En Purushanthan Enakku Mattumthan:

This is a pathos song with some dappanguthu rhythms. Veenai bit in the 2nd interlude is surprising. The feel again reminds us of Kuyila pudichu song (another MMG number). SPB’s singing very good, especially towards the end.

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648934/Saamigale.wma.html


4. Vairagyam – Film name: Kovil Kaalai:

This orphan who is dedicated to the village temple is harassed by the unexpected turn of events. He sings about his background and the past. The thappattai rhythm carries the song throughout. Some ‘chik chik’ sound is also used continuously. This may be another song where the rarely used instrument morsing is used. Who else but Raja is emotionally suitable to such songs? The lyrics are equally profound (is it by Raja himself?).

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648935/Thaai_undu.wma.html


5. Fun & frolic – Film name: En Mana Vaanil:

Please get us married soon – so say the youngsters. The song starts with nice chorus and infectious karagam beats and we get hooked to the bass line straight away. The words ‘dandakku dandan’ ‘hey hoi’ escalates the mirth. The intermittent rhythm punches in the saranam makes us tap our feet. The flute gives great support. Chorus has played a large role in the song. Overall, a rocking song.

http://rapidshare.de/files/33648936/Vayasu_vandha.wma.html

34. Raga of the Month: MMG-2

Next batch of Mayamalava Gowlai songs for this week:

1. Romance of the Legends:

This is one of the very few songs of TMS giving voice to Sivaji. Film name – Deepam released in 1977 (7th or 8th movie of Raja. Could it be his earliest song set to MMG? The orchestration is classical. The TMS – Raja – Sivaji combination is awesome.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811790/Anthappurathil_oru_maharaani.wma.html


2. Is this Musical Breeze?:

No use of unwanted beats here as the hero sings. Just a bass guitar, flute, tabla and some keyboard strokes. That’s enough for him to cast a spell on us. A lesson to learn for other music directors. From: Manasellam (2003).

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811791/Chinna_kuyile.wma.html


3. A hard hitting sad song:

This is song is so moving - who else but Raja can bring out such intense emotions? I was lucky to watch Maestro singing this song in the One Man Show, this April. Each one of us have to ask ourselves if we are giving due importance to our mother. I do so. Shenai in the 2nd interlude gives so much of pathos. Film name: Aranmanai Kili (1993).

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811792/En_thayenum_kovilai.wma.html


4. What to sing:

The folksy song sung by an innocent bullock cart driver while on his journey. It gives a different colour to the raga. Ilaiyaraaja voice is so young and energetic. The rhythm and flow are just perfect for the song (including the noises made by bull’s bells). Nice harmonium chords in the 1st interlude.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811793/Enna_paattu_paada.wma.html



5. Celebrating friendship:

Two girls sing about their friendship and wish to stay together all their life. But the events take a different turn in their life later. Maybe the hidden message is already embedded in this song, due to the raga selection. This is also a career-early song for him (from Vattathukkul Sadhuram), that came out in 1978. Though more of folk, the orchestration is sophisticated than the 1st song we saw earlier.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811794/Idho_idho_en_nenjile.wma.html


6. Naughty duet:

The violin and other strings start their racing from the very beginning of the catchy prelude. The rhythm is unique again. Smooth strings form the major part of the song. Director Priyadarshan almost matched with his imaginative picturization of this unique 2nd interlude. The singing of SPB and Chitra is designed to be interactive (check the ending of the song).

http://rapidshare.de/files/32811795/Kadhal_kavithaigal.wma.html

See you next week, until then – enjoy the MMG-IR combination!

33. Raga of the Month - Mayamalava Gowlai - 1

This September, you can hear only songs set to Mayamalava Gowlai, which seems to be Maestro’s one of favourite ragas. He has used it for almost all emotions – romance, happy, sad, fun, devotional – you name it, he has done everything.

The history of Carnatic music says that the system of Mayamalava Gowlai was introduced by the blessed musician, Purandaradasar. This raga has the potency to neutralise the toxins in our body. Practising this raga in the early hours of the morning, in the midst of nature, will enhance the strength of the vocal chords.

This is said to be the mother of all ragas, because the music students are initiated with this raga only, to the basics of Carnatic music. I understand that this raga is simple to learn for beginners. This raga also has some affinity to Arabic music and resembles the Mosque calls. Even Maestro has used this effect in couple of his songs.

OK, lets get into the songs.

1. Inter religious Romance:

This song Allah un aanaipadi is from Chandralekha. Raja has incorporated the Islamic music in this song, to show that the hero & heroine belong to different religions. The charanams call for higher voice range and has been sung effectively by Unnikrishnan and the female lead.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011760/Allah_un_anaipadi.wma.html


2. A historic duet:

Enge naan kanben is from Sadhanai. This is again blend of Mughal and Indian music as this is supposed to be a duet between Saleem and Anarkali. One can also remember the old gem Kallellam manikka kallaguma from this tune.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011762/Enge_naan.wma.html


3. A Telugu duet:

I don’t know the situation for this song from Aalapana – I feel it like a dream love song but with a sad touch.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011763/Kalise_prathi_sandhyalo.wma.html


4. ‘Oru shokkana’ song from Chennai:

How would a typical rickshaw-puller in Chennai sing a duet with his wife? Maestro demonstrates here with his impeccable Chennai lingo. Listen to Machi mannaru from En uyir thozhan with a smile on your face.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011764/Machi_mannaru.wma.html


5. A sad song (his final moments):

Uyire uyire urugadhe is from Oruvar vazhum alayam. Sivakumar (a classical singer) is televised for singing this song. He gets some kind of heart attack and is joined by his daughter for second charanam. But, he dies at the end leaving the song incomplete. Jesudas has expressed the emotions very beautifully.

http://rapidshare.de/files/32011765/Uyire_uyire_urugadhe.wma.html


Relish the top notch orchestration in the songs. We will see some more MMG songs next week.

32. Telugu <-> Tamil tunes - 2

This week continues with Telugu <-> Tamil tunes.

1. Chalti ka naam (Chettukinda pleader)

This tune is taken from Chinnamani kuyile (Amman kovil kizhakkale), with same tune and interludes.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31066693/Chalti_ka_naam.wma.html


2. Endhirayyo (Shivashankar)

The famous Manguyile from Karagattakkaran. Even before Raja amazed us with alternate tunes for this song during the recent One Man Show program, he has done it in this Telugu version.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31066694/Endhirayyo.wma.html


3. Neethone danka (Stuartpuram police station)

Vadi en kappa kizhange (Alaigal oyvadhillai) given a melodious twist. SPB’s singing adds more zeal to it.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31066695/Neethone_danka.wma.html


4. Vana mayuri kulike (Kirathakudu)

Kavidhai padu kuyile (Thendrale ennai thodu). This song is almost the same as original.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31066697/Vana_mayuri_kulike.wma.html


5. Eenadu vidiponi (Sri Kanakamahalakshmi Record Dance Troupe)

This is another classic example of how Maestro can make a song out of the BGM. This song is based on a BGM theme from Swati Mutyam (Sippikkul Muthu). This request came from Vamsy, again through the K Viswanath connection. The raga mostly sounds like Chakravakam. I wish he used this tune in Tamil.

http://rapidshare.de/files/31146255/Eenadu_vidi_poni.wma.html

31. Telugu <-> Tamil tunes - 1

I am sure lot of you would have been amazed at the reworked / rearranged songs of Shiva 2006 (Hindi), which has a different soul from the original. But this is nothing new to Maestro. He has done many such songs in Telugu which have been reused from Tamil. We shall hear some of these, this and next week.

1. Paavurama (Aa okati adagaku)

This is Shenbagame Shenbagame (Enga ooru pattukkaran) with more pathos.

http://rapidshare.de/files/30304625/Paavurama.wma.html


2. Kinnerasani (Sitara)

This an extended version of Kaviri mangai vandhalamma (postlude of Nadha vinodhangal song from Salangai oli). As Vamsi had worked as asst director under K.Viswanath at that time, later when he became a director, he requested Maestro to use this tune as pallavi and weave a song around it.

http://rapidshare.de/files/30304026/Kinnerasani.wma.html


3. Ee chaitra veena (Preminchu pelladu)

This song’s original tune is Oh vennilave in Anandha kummi.

http://rapidshare.de/files/30303592/Ee_chaitra_veena.wma.html


4. Chukkalu themmanna (April okati viduthala)

This is the tune of Sithira chevvanam from Katril varum geetham. But the fisherman song feel has been replaced with a romantic feel, that’s Raja for you.

http://rapidshare.de/files/30303094/Chukkalu_themmanna.wma.html

30. Long Live Independence!

It has been 59 years since we got our independence. I dedicate this week to the countless martyrs who fought for our freedom and who are fighting out the enemies at the borders. This week celebrates Maestro’s music under this topic. Each song is of top notch and bears his trademark orchestration for such songs – use of brass, chorus, etc.


1. Idhu thaai pirandha (Siraichaalai)

The song is very patriotic and brings goose bumps every time I hear it. The situation in the movie is very moving one, with horrible scenes depicting heaps of dead bodies of freedom fighters who get killed in Andaman jail. I must remember all of them tearfully at this time. I don’t know the lyricist but kudos to him for penning such thoughtful lyrics.

http://rapidshare.de/files/29337309/01_Idhu_thaai_pirandha.wma.html


2. Senthamizh naadu (Kamaraj)

This song celebrates the various stride made during a benevolent leader in Tamilnadu; its none other than Kamaraj. The song is written by Mahakavi Bharathi but the last charanam is by our own Raja, which fits the theme of the movie to a T. Lets hope for such a great leader to be born again.

http://rapidshare.de/files/29337870/02_Senthamizh_Nadu.wma.html


3. Ezhai jaadhi (Ezhai jaadhi)

Even after so many years of achieving independence, still poverty is there. Why is this so? This song analyzes it. Again profound lyrics.

http://rapidshare.de/files/29340912/03_Ezhai_jaathi.wma.html


4. Ulagame nee (Ivan)

I wanted to include this song in the wake of current situation of mindless violence. When will be free from all this and live in a peaceful world?

http://rapidshare.de/files/29342163/04_Ulagame_nee.wma.html


5. En kanavinai kel (Desiya geetham)

This is the wish-list of every one of us too. I will be happy even if few of this is realized.

http://rapidshare.de/files/29343830/05_En_Kanavinai.wma.html


6. Jai jawan (Rajasthan)

‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ was the slogan coined by Lal Bahadur Shastri. Lets salute the soldiers at the borders who are guarding us against all odds and weather. Lets salute the power of knowledge too!

http://rapidshare.de/files/29344370/06_Jai_jawan.wma.html

I wish all my fellow citizens Happy Independence!

29. Instrumentals - 2

In the next part of the instrumentals, we shall see the instrumental version of the songs found only in the cassettes/CDs.

1. Ila manadhu (Selvi)

This is a fantastic song shot very trivially by Ramanarayanan. The instrumental version in the sax/trumpet is great to hear.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/820b38/


2. Nilaviniley (Manasellam)

A hip song and melodious too. Solo violin has replaced the vocals.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/84455f/


3. Mudhal mutham (Illam)

This tune has bee reused by Raja. Original comes from an old Kanada song Sihi Mutha needi (I don’t know the film name). Kannada version had better singing and orchestration. The instrumental uses keyboards prominently.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/de3f23/


4. Madhura naada (Gulaabi)

Madhura naadha meetidhe is a good melody, which comes in 2 versions in the movie (Chitra and Arunmozhi) and also the instrumental is included in the album. The tone (like dulcimer) used is very nice and soothing.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/558324/

28. Instrumentals - 1

Today, I am hosting some unknown instrumental pieces of Maestro.

1. Chinna Kuyil Padudhu:

This orchestral piece is found in the original album. Short but sweet one.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/e5ace5/


2. Japanil Kalyanaraman:

This is titled as Dance music in the album. Starts with Kalyani and then becomes jazzy as it goes. Some chenda music of Kerala is thrown in between. Overall, a good fusion.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/dd6c0e/


3. Kadai veedhi Instrumental:

This is the title music of Amman Kovil Kizhakkale. Flute and shenai replace vocals.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/09da17/


4. Padha kolusu Instrumental:

This is the title music of Thirumathi Pazhanichamy. While the song itself is melodious, this version is more melodious.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/a302a3/

27. Unique beats

Today’s picks are taken randomly. Here we go.

1. Aavaram poovai thottu (Manamagale vaa)

This song captivated me those days for some unique rhythm structure. A nice melody.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/404ef6/


2. Valattum oorkuruvi (Ennai vittu pogadhe)

Again some nice beats. The prelude of the song is superb.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/519c25/


3. Pakku konda (Sakkarai thevan)

Its sung by Raghavendar in full vigour. Interludes remind of Aattama therottama song. It has a unique beat. A nice climax type song.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/08c49a/


4. Therke veesum (Kolangal)

I heard this song recently and instantly hooked to it. Great tune, great singing (many twists and turns) and above all, fantastic western classical interludes. Any guesses on the raga?

http://www.filefactory.com/file/c1a3d5/

26. Three Decades of Music

Today’s selection is Raja’s sentimental songs from 1976, 1986, 1996 and 2006.

1. Oadugiraal (Bhadrakali)

This is supposed to be the only song Seergazhi Govindarajan has sung for Maestro. I have not seen the movie, looks like climax song.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/1d68d1/


2. Poove nee (Kannukku Mai Ezhudhu)

Soothing tune, sung softly by Raja.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/9ff482/


3. Vande matharam (Kaalapani)

When I saw the movie for the 1st time, could not control my tears at the backdrop of the song with heaps of dead bodies killed by the British. A moving tribute to millions of martyrs who sacrificed for our independence.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/049aba/


4. Background score of Pachakuthira (Malayalam)

Actor Dileep has acted as an autistic adult in the movie. The scene is where he meets his playmate (nicknamed Butterfly) after a long time.

http://www.filefactory.com/file/04f591/

25. Missed out songs

Strangely, Kamal’s films have songs missed out in the film. Some of them can be heard today:

1. Ammava naan (Aboorva Sagotharargal, 1989)

I understand that the story of this film was changed drastically half way through the shooting. Hence, we don’t know where this song will find a place in the movie. This is a very folksy song. ‘kattazhaga pottazhaga onna pola..’ phrase is very catchy. Kamal’s socialistic message comes in the 2nd charanam (Guruvayoor…).

http://www.filefactory.com/?494e35


2. Engeyum engeyum (Sathya, 1988)

I think this might have been cut from the film for editorial purposes (length, proximity to another song, pace of the movie, etc) but 2nd interlude suggests that some adventurous situation happens towards end of the song. A beautiful song by Lata Mangeshkar. The piano counterpoints in the prelude and 2nd interlude are great. Another highlight is that the pallavi and charanams are of the same tune.

http://www.filefactory.com/?b4d7df


3. Aadi pattam thedi (Michael Madhana Kamarajan, 1987)

Maybe there was a Kamal with village background, for whom this song was recorded. This is too melodious and doesn’t gel with the revised story of the movie.

http://www.filefactory.com/?a73e6d


4. Sippikkul oru muthu (Vikram, 1986)

This situation can be guessed very easily that Vanithamani replaced this song, as the situation also warrants a suspenseful score. Writer Sujatha had mentioned in Kumudam long back that Raja didn’t like this song and hence dropped it.

http://www.filefactory.com/?ec76d3

I wish he used these songs in other movies, so that it became famous.

24. His first tune for Cinema!

Maestro speaks here about his first tune for cinema. This happened before Raja entered cinema. There was a song already recorded by MSV. The producer wanted to test Raja and asked him to provide an alternate tune for the same lyrics and Raja did it perfectly. Both lyrics (describing a child) and tune are amazing. Listen to it here.

http://www.filefactory.com/?9cf82e

Surprisingly, he used it years later, in 1992, for the movie Endrum Anbudan. Here, the hero sings about the orphaned child brought up by another woman. Song is here:

http://www.filefactory.com/?393409

23. Thendral varum!

All melodies featured today starts with ‘Thendral varum’. They will indeed bring breeze to your soul.

1. Thendral varum – Dharmaseelan (1993)

Flowing melody, Maestro’s quintessential tabla style.

http://www.filefactory.com/?8fe976


2. Thendral varum – Friends (2000)

Nice beats, captivated me on the 1st hearing itself.

http://www.filefactory.com/?89075b


3. Thendral varum – Paaru Paaru Pattanam Paaru (1986)

Great piano prelude and interludes.

http://www.filefactory.com/?2c88d5


4. Thendral varum – Thanga Manasukkaran (1992)

A great melody.

http://www.filefactory.com/?e09fc2


5. Thendral varum – Thendral Varum Theru (1994)

Kavignar Mu. Mehta’s home production. A different melody, orchestration sounds majestic.

http://www.filefactory.com/?60b5bc

Song of the day - 9 July

Song: Idho oru premai
Film name: Sambhavam

This film is dubbed from Nirnayam (Telugu). The song is set in Madhyamavati. SPB's singing is very interesting.

http://www.filefactory.com/?8f0ba7

22. Raga: Dharmavathi

Readers, Dharmavathi is a great raga, which has been used by Raja to depict moods ranging from seduction, romance to a confused state of mind. Today’s selection contains eight songs tuned by him in this raga. Hope you all would enjoy this.


1. Dhoorathil naan kanda (Nizhalgal, 1980)

http://www.filefactory.com/?6436f9

2. Em debba theesavura (Aswamedham, 1992)

http://www.filefactory.com/?5967a3

3. Vanaville vanaville (Ramana, 2002)

http://www.filefactory.com/?7d03e5

4. Poove pani poove (Nilavu Suduvadhillai, 1984)

http://www.filefactory.com/?8109ba

5. Ilancholai poothadha (Unakkagave Vazhgiren, 1986)

http://www.filefactory.com/?498ef9

6. Meendum meendum vaa (Vikram, 1986)

http://www.filefactory.com/?5da943

7. Vazhve mayama (Gayathri, 1977)

http://www.filefactory.com/?6dda39

8. Ennullil engo (Rosappoo Ravikkaikkari, 1979)

http://www.filefactory.com/?eec249

There is a notable non-IR song in this raga – Thathithom from Azhagan (music: Maragathamani).