BEST RAAJA ALBUM OOPS... 'SOUNDTRACK' 2009!

[rajasaranam]

First things First, Let me thank 'Suresh' for keeping this section of forumhub up and running for the past 2 years. He was unannounced moderator here and did a pretty good job :claps: Before that it was really a struggle for few of us to keep this forum alive while Raaja was at his weakest 'commercially'! Though the commercial viability of Raaja has not returned, the year 2008 marked a difference in Raaja fans attitude towards Raaja. Fans who had washed their hands off Raaja terming him as a burnt out composer took an about turn and said 'Hey look There is still some fire left in this Old Man'. The positiveness which started off in last year grew into a larger proportion this year with the onslaught of Raaja continuing at an average of 1.5 soundtrack per month.

Bang on with a kickass rustic 'Om Shivohum' and winding up with a trendy 'Om Shanthi' ( Wondering at the divine Intervention! :lol: Surprisingly Omshivohum was the first track of NK and OmShanthi is last track of OS ) Raaja has performed something which no other composer could even dream off after 33 years into an industry. There are still instances within the fan circle in dishing this 'Old Mans' compositions, but I feel the criticisms now are more constructive and focussed in nature rather than plainly dismissing him. Hey there are fans like me ( & Hulkster ) to take pot shots at those critics, self proclaimed or otherwise. We do enjoy our side as the critics enjoy playing their side. And we really don't wish to bully them, If it is that way the negative fans are thinking then please feel free to be offended because we infact think that we are on the Defense side of Raaja, whether he needs one or not.

Music was never like this before. We saw Raaja this year in his fullest form with the ranges and versatileness of the songs he has composed. This year sort of forms a Bridge in the evolutionary cycle of Raaja. we wer able to listen to the Raaja of 80's/90's in soundtracks like 'Naan Kadavul', 'Nandalaala', 'Azhagar malai' 'Bhagayadevatha', 'Bhagyada Balegaara' & 'Pazhassiraaja' and were able to listen to the emerging new Raaja in Soundtracks like 'Valmiki', 'Mathiya Chennai' 'Paa' 'Chal Chalein' 'Prem Kahani', 'Jagamohini' & 'Om shanthi'.And there were many in betweens like 'Suryakanti', 'Kannukulle', 'Nannavanu' & 'Kaathal Kathai'. Please go through a Detailed Analysis & Summation (http://www.mayyam.com/hub/viewtopic.php?t=13702) written by Suresh to get a gsit of the soundtracks release this year.

One Trend which was noticed by many of the fans here is Raajas Foray into Rock and Jazz. Rock had been there in his music right from 80's but the Jazz component was an addition. Raaja is an Alchemist of highest order that we wont know what are the raw materials he is using until the effervescence is so captivating for us that we go on to analyse the end product. There was bit of adultery with Irish & Middle Eastern Music too this year, but those instances were out numbered by his casual indulgence with 'Jazz'. May be the association with 'Laslo Attila Kovacks' (http://www.laszloattila.com/) who is a Jazz guitarist and Conductor at BSO, also a loyal fan of Raaja could've inspired Raaja to foray into this genre. But without an iota of doubt we can say that Raaja has used this to the utmost advantage for his music. The piano, sax and guitar distinctly Jazzy in sound are moving in and out of his compositions like they were waiting for this maestro to be touched upon. Liberating them from the confines of Jazz & evolving into 'RaJazz'.

This year His Synth & Techno associations have also come to a point that they are here to stay. The 'TechnoRaaja' species have evolved to such an extent that it is trying to perfect itself... the question remains in the evolutionary timeline which/What is Perfection? The moment we may see there is some semblance in so and so composition filled with Synth, Raaja may take a different path and move on. And that is exactly the way he works. Intimidating this may seem for fans of his 'Romantic' music this is what is in store for us in future. 'Music as Art' is slowly fading away and 'Music by Design' is creeping in. This is not what an Artist Does when faced with new trends, he goes on clinging to his own style and fades away into oblivion. But a Designer finds new avenues to explore and keeps himself going. Raaja the unparalleled genius of 21st century is treading a difficult path right now. The Artist within him is clinging to the old and the Emerging Designer is pushing him towards the new. The fans are confused. Personally I wish him to become a 'Artesigner'. I can almost visualize Raaja smiling!

*Keypoints of a Larger Article which I wish to write later are included in this intro*... Time? *sigh*!

[rajasaranam]

Now to the poll part.

The nominations are open till 31st dec.

Each one of us will post ten favourite soundtracks if possible with a single line explanation for selection.

The posts can be edited till 31st dec, post which the nominations are closed and real poll will appear.

Each time a movie appears in anyones list it will get 1 point and the movies with more points will make it to the final poll.

The actual poll itself will be open till 15th of Jan post which the results will be announced.

The list of movies released are already there in my post above.

Discussions and campaigning are allowed for which 'Plum' will be the moderator :P

I hope the guidelines are clear :)

[rajasaranam]

My Personal favorites this year are as follows:

Naan Kadavul - for Om shivohum, Bringing out the Rhythmic beauty of Sanskrit
Nandalaala - for the playfullness and Onnukonnu Thunairukkum by Dasettan
Bhagyadevatha - for Reminding us 16 vayathiniley
Valmiki - for that smile it brought in my face
Azhagarmalai - for transporting us back to douser paandi times
Nannavanu - for SPB
Chal Chalein - for Rock, Jazz, Rock & Roll... everything
Pazhassiraaja - for the goosebumps of 'Aadhiushas' & 'Alamadagala'
Paa - for 'Mudi Mudi'
Om Shanthi - for 'Om Shanthi' which is diametrically perpendicular to what Raaja is.

[rajasaranam]

Start Meesic :D

[ezy0265]

rajasaranam,

first of all a big saranam!!! to you. You are so complete as a fan, critic and reviewer. I am impressed at your level of involvement and commitment towards Raja's music. How I wsih I can write in such depth and express things so beautifully.

:2thumbsup: :clap: :cool2:

[vel]

Rajasaranam, fantastic write up !

[Plum]

Rs, :clap:
But one rikkost - in honour of his exemplary service in the ir forum in the last 2 years - I suspect. 1 in 3 posts in this forum in the last year will be his - suresh should be the moderator for this poll. Secondly, I have heard only 6-7 albums this year :-(
(Yeah, shoot me :-) )

People, three cheers to "IR fan of the year" - Dr. Suresh65 :-

[Sureshs65]

RS,

Lovely writeup and as I mentioned elsewhere, more than me, it is guys like you who keep Raja's flag flying high. I would not have heard some gems had it not been for you sharing it with everyone.

My sincere thanks to all who liked my writeup. Let us hope Raja gives us the same delight next year as well. Wish everyone a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

[Hulkster]

RS, bramandam :clap: I enjoyed reading everything there :D

Sureshji moderatorku try pennungo, we need moderation especially when charu posts come in, could save alot of thread space. :D

[Saagar]

Bang on with a kickass rustic 'Om Shivohum' and winding up with a trendy 'Om Shanthi' ( Wondering at the divine Intervention! :lol: Surprisingly Omshivohum was the first track of NK and OmShanthi is last track of OS )

RS,

Lovely write-up. Simple thing like your statement above reflects your level of observations- though it was there for all to see - Very impressive!

[app_engine]

Nice thread, rs!

My nominations - pazhassi rAjA, pA, chal chalEin, nandhalAlA, nAn kadavuL & bhAgyadEvatha

[tvsankar]

Rs, :clap:
But one rikkost - in honour of his exemplary service in the ir forum in the last 2 years - I suspect. 1 in 3 posts in this forum in the last year will be his - suresh should be the moderator for this poll. Secondly, I have heard only 6-7 albums this year :-(
(Yeah, shoot me :-) )

People, three cheers to "IR fan of the year" - Dr. Suresh65 :-

Reallllllllllllllly Suresh is DESERVED A LOT.....

Dear Suresh,
My Hearty Wishes to you .......

[Sanjeevi]

as usual RS :thumbsup:

[irir123]

my few cents as to why IR has forayed so deep into jazz this year - the precursor for all of this began way back in 2005 with "Mumbai Xpress" - this is my version (guesstimate) of the flow of events:

1. being a connoisseur of world music himself, Kamal discusses with IR abt exploring 'jazz' as a genre for MX - for most poker-faced dark comedies in the west, or even comedy-heist films like the "Oceans eleven/12/13", "A thomas crown affair", jazz is used by default ('oceans eleven' in particular has jazzy riffs throughout until the very last scene, when the 'eleven' stand in front of a Las vegas hotel/casino building's water fountain, when jazz transitions seamlessly to a very mellow orchestral string based piece! while Thomas crown affair uses blues with jazz- the song "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone from her 1965 album Pastel Blues is used towards the end!) - MX despite its failure, is the best poker-faced comedy made in Indian cinema ('jaane bhi dho yaaron' comes closest)

2. am guessing kamal and IR wud have discussed these aspects! and IR adapts jazz and contextualises to Indian cinematic standards bearing his own stamp

3.during MX, IR must have realized the immense oppurtunity that jazz offers to explore/experiment without sacrificing his trademark style - come 2009, ever hungry for exploring newer frontiers, IR (still fresh from his MX experience!) zeroes in on jazz beginning with 'PAA' - few words on the 2nd interlude of 'gum sum': donno if its the electric guitar or just a few keys on the keyboard, but the main theme/feel of 'gum sum' is carried on as a base tune/rhythm - superimposed on it is the jazzy exploration on the piano, which continues just before the end of the 2nd interlude and the piano stops, but the base rhythm continues playing forming the link to the charanam!! even for someone like me with little knowledge of classical music or music itself,the beauty/aesthetics of this pattern is so frigging obvious, i wonder how genuine music knowledgeable guys wud appreciate the nuances!

4.dabbles more with jazz in 'mathiya chennai' and 'om shanti' also using it extensively in 'chal chalein' as well - films with requirements for an urban feel track, has IR using jazz to get that feel

5.the bottomline is that IR seems to have found a way to maintain the integrity of his base/foundation tune/theme superimposing jazz over it (there have been brief adventures with jazz every now and then, such as the last interlude of "azhagey azhagu" from Raaja paarvai - a stunning jazzy riff with tabla and flute imposed on it!- or a few other tracks - but this is modern soft jazz, hip and sophisticated!) and has made a bold statement here

6. having followed his output last 26 years - my gut feeling is that having explored the jazz genre to the hilt, IR might simply move on to other genres, unless he has other ideas such as using jazz with more hard-core indian classical (rather than the minimalist classical versions which are what his film songs are, from what i understand) - he is definitely not one to get stuck to one stereotyped/ cliched genre - i hope he moves on to other genres and of course to do this, he needs to do more films - so 2010 projects are crucial IMHO

[irir123]

do listen to this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6_BWNzThJY&NR=1 - thats the song "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone from her 1965 album Pastel Blues mentioned above!

from 3:26 onwards, its fabulous improvisation/development of the main song! -the sound of claps/taps, the piano key punches - from 5:13 onwards, it almost sounds like what IR wud have done until 5:38 when the vocals join again!

if IR were ever to venture into something like this, he wud run riot with his natural unorthodoxy finding true expression!

[jaiganes]

Awesome writing by everyone here.
Glad to know that IR stimulates us into observing underlying patterns and appreciation of various forms of music even after 33 years of incessant service to our ears. To recap, in 2008 ppl were making virtual petitions to retire - He chose to throw one more stab at the national audience and gave two outputs Chal chalein and Paa. While qualitatitively there were gems from his regular collaborators (Bala, Sathyan etc.,) and new ones like Mysskin and Hari Haran, his hindi outputs deserve a very special mention and a watershed year note - for he broke more than one myths about his 'so called' lack of success up north.
Among the two I would single out Chal Chalein as the album of the year for it was 1000% original and new and the hindi diction and feel of it was exactly where the 'Shehar hai khub kya hai yeh' alludes to - Allahabad - UP the center of cowbelt. The lyrics by Piyush Mishra were given tunes that fans of RDB and SDB would have been proud of coming from their masters. The orchestration and mixing was also exact giving new discoveries and pleasures with each successive hearing. The fate of the film notwithstanding, critically it was the most original and 'freshest' album of raaja this year.
The singing also was greatly helped by Raaja's ths decade favourites like Shreya and Sadhana (thanks to Kalyanji) and the new ones like Sunidhi who must have discovered a new musical world in the studio of a composer who does not ask her to shout at the top most pitch her lungs and vocal chords can manage. Genre wise, the album had songs of almost every genre from the traditional indian lori (thaalattu and my favorite) Aliyaage to Rock (batlade - watch out for hidden bass lines in between thumping beats) to moody ghazal piece (Tum bhi dhoondha - hats off to hari haran) to waltz (Uff arre ye mirch hai). Every established Raja idiom was to be found in the album and expectedly reviewers(1 word to 100 words - shouldnt it be centi blog then?) showed that their heads were in their asses by dismissing it quickly.
Now on to Paa - the album that gave the 'erakkathula pedal midicha effect'(effect of pedalling down a slope) in terms of appreciation - In paa he went about weaving a silk web that no ears could avoiding getting stuck on to effortlessly and consummately. however much of the credit for paa should go to the classy works he did in his younger days, yet all credits for the awesome awesome second interlude and Hichki hichki.
Coming to thamizh I will have to vote for Madhiya chennai as my pick of this year - for even the kuththu song, which used to sound dull last few years sounds in a new way in this album. The awesome ' Ezhaikkindha', sublime 'un vaazhve', breezy and snazzy 'Unnai pattri sonnaal' and funny 'enda dey' where shining with handiworks that parallel those on a 20000 Rs. Kanchivaram silk saree. It is a sign of new raaja one who is not bored by dud scripts any more.
The year was simply too good as even a very mild film like Kannukkulle had the awesome 'Enge nee sendraalum' that had him reach out for his madhyamavathi and present it in a new way and the subtle lyric driven 'Naanpirandha neramaa'.
Now I am not even gonna talk about Pazhassi raaja as a_E, plum and their likes have all the knowledge and experience to talk about it. Yet I will simply state four special songs Ambum kombum, Aadhi ushas, kunnaathe and aalamadangala in the order of increasing preference. It was a killer album unconceivable by any other composer on the face of the earth - yet sampling his consistent brilliance for Malayalam films - doesnt surprise me as much as a Chal Chalein did. As far as Nandalaala is concerned - it is one album very very close to my heart. The one album which had no marked rhythmic or orchestral brilliance like any of the other albums, yet scores on all its songs with just the 'soul' . I would however make a plea to include this one in the poll for the next year as well as we would discover more beauties of this soundtrack once we see the film itself in its totality.

Now to my most favourite film of this decade - An out of the box and most outlandish imagination I have seen in this decade - the sensational Naan Kadavul - Raaja was flummoxed by the final edit and many of his priceless creations never made it to the screen in the final edit, still he leaves a stamp alongside the macabre genius of Bala with his soul thundering 'Om Sivoham' . It is the song of the year for me inspite of all my preference for Chal Chalein's songs. I have no words to describe the brilliance of this song and I am not gonna waste time by trying to find too.

The last two love letters of Raaja for the year Surya kanthi and Om Shanti are still sinking into my being and they have so much of imagination behind them that it will take another month to write in detail and make a case for them. However one small sample, In Swalpa soundu song from Surya kanthi (which is just a smartly arranged song according to some centibloggers), he cooks up a repeating vocal counterpoint of three layers (we have all heard the duet couter points of raaja in En kanmani song and kanmaniye kaadhal enbadhu song from 80s). Here one male chorus and two female chorus sing ho ho phrase and stop it in three different points(in time) to give a mini symphonic effect and mind you this is all with voices alone. There are so many intricacies (velaipaadu) in each of the songs in these two albums that it denotes 'The Return of The KING'.

[Bala (Karthik)]

3. few words on the 2nd interlude of 'gum sum': donno if its the electric guitar or just a few keys on the keyboard, but the main theme/feel of 'gum sum' is carried on as a base tune/rhythm - superimposed on it is the jazzy exploration on the piano, which continues just before the end of the 2nd interlude and the piano stops, but the base rhythm continues playing forming the link to the charanam!!
Exactly what i felt!





Yes, the 2nd interlude had a jazzy feel, and makes us feel that IR went into a new territory,but i felt the jazz piece did not go with the flow.Something which rarely happens in the case of IR songs, because his songs make us feel that all the pieces form a homogenous whole.In this one,i didnt feel so. I felt as if some music band is paying a tribute to Ilaiyaraaja and has experimented by borrowing jazz and mixing it with ilaiyaraaja tune.I dont say its bad. My problem is it doesnt sound like Ilaiyaraaja or infact, it doesnt let his genius surface.
To be honest, Sunday Ko from Aur Ek Prem Kahani had interludes that had his stamp.the jazz pieces in this song, being good, sound too experiments-by-a-seasoned-jazz-fusion-band kind instead of... Maestro.

Not sure if i agree with you here. The prelude sets the mood for the song and the 2nd interlude is an extension of this mood. At least it didn't feel out of place for me (from 3:14 in the 2nd lude there's a guitar riff that sets the ball rolling and the lude ends with the same riff. I thought it was a good fit). The vocals were a problem for me and the synth but certainly not orchestration, most certainly not the 2nd interlude. Maestro IS a seasoned fusion/jam band life time member :razz:

[Bala (Karthik)]

The most staggering aspect of Raaja's 2009 for me is that he has been so prolific (1)at this age and (2) still giving quality output overall!

[irir123]

A word on "mouni naanu" from Suryakanthi - even though this might be a derivative of "prema ledani", its relevance in 2009-2010 with IR's use of his trademark bass lines, the keyboard pluckings throughout the pallavi, strings interwoven with the improvised use of synth in the 2nd interlude and the sweet sweet use of a certain 'tala' structure for the charanam, reestablishes the "evergreen" nature of his music!

"edeya bagilu" - is a genre IR has never done before - the synchronised use of the jazz piano pluckings when the anupallavi finishes with "ekanthaa" - oh yes, ekantham for us indeed! the use of the male/female humming as a backdrop during the second part of each charanam and the absolutely rollercoaster melodic way in which the charanam ends cascading down in a smooth curve, accentuating the dreamy effect! boy, if anyone can 'paint' with eyes closed listening to this piece, one can get the picture i have in mind!

"chinna polike" from Om shanti - much has been said abt the regular lengthier version of this track and its succulent jazzy second interlude - the pathos shorter versions need special mention for its bassline, especially the line that seems to imitate the main tune, and the way this version ends with the bassline trailing off as a counterpoint (?) gives me a sublime heartache!

[rprasad]

Excellent analysis by a lot of people here so i will not venture into that except to agree that this was a wonderful year for IR and hope it continues next year as well.
Now i want to expand on the point that Bala(Karthik) made on this being a prolific year as well as a quality year for IR. made me think that for composers like IR doing more work(movies or otherwise in music) probably results in him giving better quality work. I think for him as he said in the Om Shanthi audio function he does what comes to him at that point of time and he clearly says that he does not store some tunes for use in future which i think some MD's do today. So the more his mind is busy the more we can expect quality work with experimentations. I dont think his nature will ever allow him to just sit and compose for months together and do a couple of movies a year. what do you guys think? this year especially proved it eventhough a couple of movies were probably done last year itself.

[Shankar.P]

Dear friends, I'll send the hard copies of Sureshji's & Rajasaranam's write ups to IR. I hope that he will definitely enjoy the hardcore fans' version on his 2009 musical treat.

[Bala (Karthik)]

Oh, i haven't done my voting duty yet:

Best Soundtrack/Alsum - Naan Kadavul

[K]

my own post from Maestro Ilayaraja New album ver 2009/2010
http://www.mayyam.com/hub/viewtopic.php?t=13634&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=480

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 11:22 am Post subject:
Year 2009 Seems to the best in this decade for IR, hope all will agree, Enna mathiri variety of Songs Kuduthu Irukaar. From Naan Kadavul to Suryakanthi.
[/u]

[K]

Now My Top 3
1) Naan Kadavul and Pazhasi Raaja(Both Songs and BG Score)
2) Paa
3) Suryakanthi and Chal Chalen (For the Variety of genre)

[vel]

You guys missed the latest album thalaivar had made and released exclusively for Ramanaashramam. The copyrights goes to Ramanashramam. it's available only in the ashram! This was shared by Dr.Sridhar- Thiruvannamalai in IR Yahoo groups. Exceprts from his mail, i am giving below

----------------

The album has 10 songs, all written by Isaignani Dr. Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. 8 songs composed and sung by the Maestro.one song composed by Shri.Dhakshinamoorthi swamigal and another song composed by Shri.Paabanaasam Sivan.

Prasanna accompanied Raaja in a song and Bavatharini accompanied in another!

sriram parthasaarathi sung 2 songs including a telugu keethanai composed by Shri.Dhakshinamoorthi swamigal and written by Maestro.

The price of the CD is too cheap. the original CD costs Rs.50 only.

I am very proud to buy the album of Maestro first and heard the Gaanamirdham first.

i'll talk to ramanaashram tomorrow for our members, whether they could send the CDs through courier.

Tracks:

1. Kaanakidaikaadha perumaan - Ilaiyaraaja

2. Maayaiyil Ramana maayavan - Ilaiyaraaja

3. Aaraadharumarundhu - Ilaiyaraaja, Bavatharini

4. Unnai vittaal - Ilaiyaraaja

5. Nin Thiruvadiyil - Ilaiyaraaja

6. Neenga Annamalaikku - Prasanna, Ilaiyaraaja and chorus

7. En manadhai thedi paarthen - Ilaiyaraaja

8. Thelisina [telugu keerthanai] written by Ilaiyaraaja, composed by Shri. Dhakshinamoorthi swamigal and sung by Sriram Paarthasarathy.

9. Paramporul - Sriram Paarthasarathy

10. Eppadi paaduveno - Ilaiyaraaja

Paramporul song is 90% remade, tamil version of "Maa Ganga kaashi" title song of Naan kadavul. this song by Sriram parthasarathy and chorus.

--------------------------------

[vel]

ok, anyways, its not filmmusic - so no harm missing it in this 2009 list..and for those interested, the album name is ramana saranam saranam !

[Punnaimaran]

Though I'm not qualified to review his music, I can enjoy the various moods created by his songs. I've danced, felt elated, cried, been out of the world and what not...
Thanks to this genius who had for the past 33 years given me innumerable memorable moments in my life through his songs. My list goes like this in the order of preference.
1. Naan Kadavul
2. Pazhassi Raja
3. Nandalala
4. Suryakanthi
5. Paa

(we have all heard the duet couter points of raaja in En kanmani song and kanmaniye kaadhal enbadhu song from 80s).

Do they qualify as vocal counterpoints? I remember reading elsewhere that they are just super-imposed recording. Knowledgeable people please confirm.

[Sureshs65]

irir123 and Jai,

Wonderful writeups. As Jai says there is still so much magic in this man that is driving us crazy :) I guess all of us will agree with rprasad's point as well that Raja will create such wonders the more movies he does.

[Bala (Karthik)]

Naan Kadavul album - Uyirai urinji edukkakoodiya album.
Any attempt to "do something" is futile, any which way it is!

[raagas]

You guys missed the latest album thalaivar had made and released exclusively for Ramanaashramam. The copyrights goes to Ramanashramam. it's available only in the ashram! This was shared by Dr.Sridhar- Thiruvannamalai in IR Yahoo groups. Exceprts from his mail, i am giving below

----------------

The album has 10 songs, all written by Isaignani Dr. Maestro Ilaiyaraaja. 8 songs composed and sung by the Maestro.one song composed by Shri.Dhakshinamoorthi swamigal and another song composed by Shri.Paabanaasam Sivan.

The price of the CD is too cheap. the original CD costs Rs.50 only.


--------------------------------

How can we get this album? where? Does anyone have any idea? I hope we guys dont ignore following up this album, lost in the "year-end appraisal" discussions :)

[vel]

raagas, you can get it only from ramanashramam, thiruvannamalai...

[raagas]

vel,

there must be some other way to get that album.May be they are selling it somewhere in Chennai. It will be practically very difficult for IR fans to go to ashram and get it.

[vel]

yes, currently thats the only way.