Keeravani Raga - Tamil songs in Keeravani, the endearing raga.

Hi, friends. One of my favorite ragas is Keeravani. It is the 21st Melakarta ragam and its quite popular in western music as well. It is known as Harmonic minor scale in western music. Many songs have been composed in this raga. Most of Ilaiyaraja's compositions are in this raga.

One such song is Oru Kili Uruguthu song from Anandha Kummi movie. Its a beautiful as well as an innovative composition by Ilaiyaraja in Keeravani ragam. Then, of course the song Keeravani from Paadum Paravaigal is also based on Keeravani raga. Its my favorite song as the fluctuations of the high & low notes are well composed. We can hear the Carnatic touch relevant throughout the song. Another great composition by our Maestro. The popular song Unna Nenachen from Apoorva Sagodharargal is also another example of this raga. The song won a National Award. That makes us believe that Keeravani is obviously a beautiful raga.

Read my full post and the songs list in below link:
Keeravani raga - Tamil songs in Keeravani raga

Biriyani music review

Movie: Biriyani

Cast: Karthi,Hansika,Premgi

Director: Venkat Prabhu

Music director: Yuvan Shankar Raja

 

'Biriyani' is the upcoming funny ride by Venkat Prabhu. And surprisingly it turns out to be Yuvan's 100th film. Having churned out many hit songs, lets see whether he has hit a century with this movie.

1.Biriyani-Bhavatharini,Tanvi Shah,Vilasini

The intro song of Yuvan's 100th is simply intoxicating!! Its an energetic track that will have you dancing to its funky beats. With an high dosage of rap, Yuvan hits the bull eye with this number. Bhavatharini, Tanvi Shah and Vilasini (popularly known as RJ Hasini) completely enjoy singing this disco song. The electronised flute loops throughout the song makes it more strong.

2.Nahna Na Nah-Devan Ekambaram,Chorus

Here comes the chartbuster of the year. Beginning with an addictive 'Nahna na nah', this technically sound track takes you to different places. The slight melody touch and the instrumentation serves as an icing on the cake. Devan Ekambaram does full justice to the song along with the chorus. Yuvan creates yet another universal flutter with this track.

3.Pom Pom Penne-Rahul Nambiar,Ramya NSK

Yuvan fools you with this track. The number which starts with a lilting piano arrangement and with some sweet lines delivered by Rahul Nambiar, changes its route into a rock n' roll song with the 'Pom Pom Pom' line. The track picks up speed in the interlude and lowers again to a slow rhythm. Ramya is awesome in crooning her part. Overall, the track makes for a good listen.

4.Mississippi-Karthi,Premgi Amaren,Priya Hemesh

Compared to the previous tracks, this one remains out of the show and ends up derailed. But its surprising to hear Karthi sing his lines well. Premgi has nothing much to do in this number and Priya Hemesh sings whatever is meant for her. Though Yuvan has tried a seductive number with an equally seducing beats, somewhere he loses pace along the way.

5.Run For Your Life-Gaana Bala,Psycho Unit

The intro piece of this track speaks the grandeur of the song. Yuvan makes use of all the instruments in this song and the repetitive guitar strums stand out. Psycho Unit's energetic singing makes the track pump up with force. The brief part by Gaana Bala has been given a 80's sound which peps the song. The Mangatha bgm at the end seems to be forced into the track. Overall, its just a passable number.

6.Edhirthu Nil-Yuvan,G.V.Prakash,D.Imman,S.Thaman,Vijay Anthony

Yes, as we listen to this song we get a deja vu of the Nimirndhu Nil track from Venkat's Chennai-28. We see Yuvan collaborating with other popular music directors like G.V,Imman,Thaman and Vijay Anthony. The lyrics of the song encourages us and puts us into a confident mood which the other tracks failed to create. The background beats have been constructed in an offbeat manner which makes the track strongly inspiring. This song might appeal to the modern day youngsters.

7.Nahna Na Nah(Jack Swing Mix)

Yuvan gets a hangover with this particular number. It is instantly addicting unlike the original one. The swinging beats and the techno interlude gets on to your nerves at the very first listen. An innovative remix!

8.Nahna Na Nah(Extended Dance Mix)

Yuvan spoofs all the yearly intros at the beginning and finally ends up with a quirky intro dialog for 2013. This track will soon get into pubs and will have even more DJ mixes. It sounds much similar to Vilayadu Mangatha Remix. But putting the similarities aside, this one makes you dance with full enthusiasm.

Verdict:

Yuvan seems to have got an high voltage shock before composing this soundtrack that it ends up as a funky and enjoyable album sans any melodies. It is an out and out Yuvan diet!!!

Rating: ***

Picks:

Nahna Na Nah,Pom Pom Penne,Edhirthu Nil

Raja Rani music review

Movie: Raja Rani

Cast: Arya,Nayanthara,Jai,Nazriya

Director: Atlee Kumar

Music director: G.V.Prakash

Atlee Kumar, a former assistant director to Shankar, debuts with this movie 'Raja Rani'. It is a romantic comedy with Arya & Nayanthara as the leads. G.V.Prakash has composed music for this movie.

1.Hey Baby-G.V.Prakash,Gaana Bala,Aishwarya

The track begins with a beautiful saxophone sound and then forays into an acapella. G.V.Prakash takes over with his husky voice and croons with great style. The lyrics are quirky in nature and they speak about life after marriage from the guy's perspective. The track changes into a kuthu number and there enters Gaana Bala with his usual 'gaana' style. Its like listening to two different songs in a single track. An unheard fusion that is sure to rock.

2.Angnyaade-Shakthisree Gopalan

It is an out and out magical track that sticks on to you after you listen to it. Its a soft folksy melody that has Shakthisree collaborating with G.V for the first time. Her voice stands out in the entire track as she sings with the right attitude. The repetitive 'Angnyaade' line is fun to listen to. The mild guitar strums and the background rythm brings out a track that is endearing to hear. This song deserves a special applause.

3.Chillena-Clinton Serejo,Alphonse,Alka

This is a track that completely relies on rock beats and moves in a racy manner. Clinton who is known for his western songs renders this number with elan. The interludes are well constructed with Alka's voice in the first one and Alphonse's Malayalam part in the second one. The nadaswaram is significantly used which is a plus point in the song. Though this track is similar to G.V's Mazhai Pozhiyum from Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal, it makes for a good listen when you go out on a long ride.

4.Unnale-Vandana Srinivasan

Beginning with strings and soft beats, this short piece speaks volumes of melody. Vandana 's soulful singing takes the song to greater levels. Hope G.V could have composed it has a full song. He makes us wanting for more as he did in the case of Adhigaalai Pookal from Thaandavam.

5.Oday Oday-Vijay Prakash,Sasha,Shalmali Kholgade

The track is a combination of hip-hop and rock n' roll in a retro style. Its a peppy number that has some weird singing by Vijay Prakash and Sasha. The mild classical touches by Shalmali in the first interlude adds spice to the song. The repetitive 'Oday Oday' makes the track even more enjoyable. Overall, a foot tapping track.

6.Imaye Imaye-G.V.Prakash,Shakthisree Gopalan

How could a G.V.Prakash album be without a lilting duet melody? Starting with a mesmerising flute prelude and angelic strings, G.V and Shakthisree team up for a scintillating love filled melody that will blow you away. The construction of the entire tune is loveable and melts honey in your ears.

7.A Love For Life-G.V.Prakash,Navin Iyer,Chennai Symphony

This is the instrumental version of 'Imaye' which is once again a beautiful composition. G.V makes use of the piano and keyboard alternatively and creates a fantastic masterpiece. Navin Iyer's flute piece is yet another explicit addition to the already enthralling tune. Finally, the theme ends with the grand performance by Chennai Symphony. 

Verdict:

G.V.Prakash has mixed up all the genres of music into a single soundtrack and has created an album that will be one of the best in 2013!!!!

Rating: ****

Picks:

Hey Baby,Angnyaade,Chillena,Imaye Imaye

Irandam ulagam music review

Movie: Irandam Ulagam

Cast: Arya,Anushka Shetty

Director: Selvaraghavan

Music Director: Harris Jayaraj

Harris  Jayaraj is well known for his catchy songs that turn out to be chart-busters. He teams up with Selvaraghavan for the first time in 'Irandam Ulagam' which is touted to be a romantic fantasy movie. Let's see how the tracks have come up:

1.Kanimozhiye-Karthik,Megha

A beautiful melody that starts with lilting guitar strums and Karthik croons this romantic number with his honey-dipping voice. This track has Harris Jayaraj's stamp all over it. The guitar strums in the background adds spice to this breezy number. Megha's soulful humming in the interlude and a brief part in the last stanza deserve a special mention. Overall, a scintillating melody that will swipe your feet off.

2.En Kaadhal Thee-S.P.Balasubramaniam

SPB is the hero of this song. He renders this lovely melody with his flawless and evergreen voice. With a striking rhythm pattern, this song contains classical touches which is evident throughout the number. The violin interlude is simply awesome and the angelic female chorus takes the song to the next level. A different attempt by Harris. This track is sure to be liked by classical melody lovers.

3.Mannavane En Mannavane-Gopal Rao,Shakthisree

This is the only duet in the album and it is that one song in every Harris' album that will overflow with sweet melody. As you begin to listen to this track, you might feel that it is yet another westernized melody. But the track takes a different turn and ends up as a folksy duet. Shakthisree's voice tugs at your heart and makes you get lost in the melody world. Gopal Rao matches her very well and he is yet another singer to look out for in the industry. Overall, this track is the best of the lot and blows your soul away.

4.Vinnaithaandi Anbe-Vijay Prakash

Harris knows how to weave up a melody inside techno beats and electronic sounds. This number has foot-tapping beats and some good singing by Vijay Prakash. Vairamuthu's lyrics are love filled and stands out in the entire song. You might not like this track at its first listen. But it grows on you gradually with its catchy tune. Though it reminds of Harris' previous compositions, it lingers in your mind for a long time.

5.Panangkalla Vishamulla-Dhanush,Megha

Yet another Dhanush song with lyrics that speak about love failure and betrayal. Though its a soft folk number, you will surely get tired of it as Dhanush gets stereotyped with this song. But the lyrics by Vairamuthu are stronger than the previous songs Dhanush has sang. The humming by Megha brings a moment of freshness to the song. Though the track might find a place in the charts, there is nothing new in it. But its a different composition by Harris who has composed out of his comfort zone.

6.Raakozhi Raakozhi-Hariharan,Sriram

And here is the other world song with its queer sounds and weird orchestration. Its like hearing a tribal folk song with pumped up energy. But there is a genuine touch of melody in the charanams. Hariharan and Sriram have sung the song with great power and darkness in their voice. This song would do well once the visuals are released.

7.Irandam Ulagam Theme

Finally, Harris sums up all the elements of the entire album into a single theme music. The entire composition is grand with its eerie choir and horning sounds. Harris needs a special applause for composing this grand theme.

Verdict:

It is a different attempt by Harris Jayaraj and it doesn't give you a deja vu feeling. Whatever genre be the songs, there is a slight streak of melody in each one. This shows Harris capability of composing good melodies. Harris-Selva combination rocks!!!

Rating: ***3/4

Picks:

En Kaadhal Thee,Mannavane En Mannavane,Raakozhi Raakozhi

 

Vanakkam Chennai music review

Movie: Vanakkam Chennai

Cast: Shiva,Priya Anand

Director: Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi

Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander

Anirudh is the youngest music composer in Indian film industry. The Kolaveri boy performed miracles with his music in '3' and 'Ethir Neechal'. Now he is back with his third outing 'Vanakkam Chennai'.

1.Hey-Papon,Maria Roe Vincent

The song begins with mild guitar strums and a mesmerising saxophone prelude. Then Papon takes over the song with his westernized rendition. Soon the track picks up pace from 'Neram maarellam' line. The charanam consists of foot tapping beats and you get to feel Anirudh's magic. It makes for a breezy listen, especially along with your friends on an outing!!!

2.Osaka Osaka-Anirudh,Pragathi

When this track begins with 'Theni kaathu' in Anirudh's voice, you come to know that this one will be entirely different from the previous track. Yes, this one is a different folk number. You will get instantly addicted to it in the first listen as it has a catchy tune. Anirudh's dialect while rendering is perfect and Pragathi accompanies him in the 2nd stanza with her rustic voice. The scintillating violin prelude and Madan Karky's lyrics have to be mentioned especially. Overall, this track is the highlight of the album.

3.Oh Penne-Vishal Dadlani,Anirudh

I don't know in which situation Anirudh composed this song because its just mindblowing!!! Beginning with quirky piano sounds, the track has renowned Bollywood composer Vishal Dadlani crooning 'Un kaigal korthu unnodu poga...'. His Tamil rendition is flawless and he makes us wanting for more. As usual, Anirudh takes over in the charanam with his amazing voice. This track is a stylish romantic number and lingers in our mind for a long time. Though it is similar to 'Idhazhin oram' and 'Nijamellam maranthupochu', it has its own unique style which you cant get over.

4.Chennai City Gangsta-Hiphop Tamizha,Anirudh,Hard Kaur

Yet another 'Ethir Neechal Adi' type of song. Its purely energetic and gets you on the dance floor. Beginning with Country Chicken sounds, it moves on to some quirky singing by Hiphop Tamizha with his weird lyrics. Hard Kaur makes the song even more enjoyable with her powerful voice. Overall, a typical 'gangsta' song.

5.Engadi Porandhe-Anirudh,Andrea Jeremiah

This track begins with gaana type beats and swishes into an unexpected song. It is much of a debate between the lead singers rather than a complete song. It has funny lyrics that would be surely enjoyed by everyone. Overall, a passable number that will have you laughing at the end.

6.Ailasa Ailasa-Suchitra,Anirudh

This is the unplugged version 'Osaka Osaka' with different set of lyrics. The entire track belongs only to Suchitra as her voice overflows with sweetness all over. It is surprising to hear her in a modulated tone. Anirudh makes use of the nadaswaram in the best manner. Once again he proves he is capable of using special instruments for different situations. A beautiful number that will have you in loop.

7.Oh Penne(International)-Arjun,Charles Bosco

The international version of 'Oh Penne' song reminds us of the hundreds of songs composed in Hollywood. The song has a global feel to it mainly because of Arjun's rendition. Hailing from UK, he yields the megaphone with ease. Of course, the charanam by Anirudh is retained here which is bit disappointing. Other than that, it is a stylish number that can be played along with other English songs in your playlist.

Verdict:

Anirudh once again comes up with a peppy album that is sure to rock the charts for a long time. Though shades of his previous works could be seen, it soon fades away as the album progresses.

Rating: ***1/2

Picks:

Osaka Osaka,Oh Penne,Ailasa Ailasa