Premism

When I post about a Tamil song (Naangu Kangal) a week after its release, you guys must not be too surprised by the fact that this Kannada song is coming quite some time after my promise to post it as soon as possible. Does not matter. I am happy I am managing to post about this song. The title of the song is Premism and is part of the soundtrack of the movie with the same name. Music has been composed by Hamsalekha. I remember what Kiran Raj had to say about Hamsalekha. He once referred to him as the Ilaiyaraaja of Kannada and someone who is even compared with the maestro cannot produce mediocre stuff. Another reason to look forward to listening to this song is Shreya's co-singer, Rajesh Krishnan. As we all know, he has produced more than one good song in Shreya's company. Not many will forget the cute melody, Oh Chandamama, this year. Lets get to details of how Premism fares.

When you have Rajesh and Shreya singing, you don't really expect anything other than a melody but to stick to my writing style, let me mention that it indeed is a melody. And I might as well add that it is a superb one. The song begins with a "Ya Ya" harmony which, to be honest, gave a good beginning to the song. The guitars that accompany the harmony singers were also fresh. This in itself was a good start, especially considering the fact that Shreya's last association with Hamsalekha (that I remember) was a total disaster. Rajesh aka voice of SPB begins his lines and you know that this is one of those really good melodies. Shreya's first lines just confirm the same. I just got the feeling that parts of Shreya's first two lines were sung in a slightly different tone - which was also, needless to say, sweet and mesmerising. There is also a beautiful flow in this song mainly due to very nice starts after each of the stanzas (You got to become Rajesh's fan once you listen to the way he begins the first stanza). The high scale Premism refrain sung by Shreya and Rajesh is also very good. The orchestration is dominated by a saxaphone for the most part with a guitar here and a guitar there. For me, one of the reasons to like this song more was that I could understand most of the lines with my limited Kannada knowledge. But one expert of the language, I know, was not too happy with the "OK-OK" lyrics of the song. I think poems (or lyrics) is one of those things which when made too simple loses its beauty. The word Preethi has been used very generously but that must have been something that Hamsalekha (who is also the lyricist) must have opted to do and not because he ran out of other words in Kannada. So, no complains from my side with respect to the lyrics of the song. I understand and hence it is a positive for me. As you listen more and more to this song, you inevitably start loving it more and more. Notice small effects that Shreya gives with her magical voice in almost every line she sings (examples being the line in the first stanza that ends as "Preethiya Kotinalli" - have your ears open for the way she sings "Satya...Hogungilla"). Of course, just like RK's first line in the first stanza, Shreya's first line in the second stanza is absolutely "fall-in-love" stuff.

Overall, a late post which is definitely not good on my part but the late posting actually allowed me to listen to this song so many times before posting which is always good. If you have already not heard this song, please do because I can guarantee that you will love it if you are a Shreya fan. This might not have an out of the world tune or one that is novel, but it definitely has a lovable tune. I would think this song would become very popular if other factors don't turn out to be huge negatives. A very beautiful song for me.

ps : There could be a post about the song in 3 Idiots following very soon but as in the recent past (and unlike in the distant past), I cannot guarantee that I will post about it.

Naangu Kangal from Naan Avan Illai Part 2

This Tamil song has the dubious distinction of finding place in the blog about a week after its release. I did listen to the song long back but got to write about it only today. That has nothing to do with the quality of the song just in case you were wondering how I could resist posting about a Tamil song. The song is part of the soundtrack of the movie Naan Avan Illai Part 2 - sequel to the movie that released about 2.5 years ago. I am tempted to give this unnecessary piece of trivia. Naan Avan Illai Part 1 was the movie that I saw on the day I had the viva voce for my B.Tech project. This time, we have D.Imman composing music (replacing Vijay Antony). Imman releases with Shreya have been really good and so I had some expectations for this song.

The title of the song is Naangu Kangal and is a duet with Javed Ali. This is their first duet in Tamil and I always thought this was one of those better pairs and they have combined well in this song. The song begins with a "Saaroo" sung by the harmony singers and that was particularly liked by one of my friends here. The song is a little similar to Unnai Maadhiri from Durai when it comes to the orchestral instruments with those violins interspersing the lead singers frequently. Shreya is the one to begin this song which cannot quite be categorized as a melody because it has its moments of heavier percussions used intelligently. During the stanzas, Shreya's lines have been recorded with almost no percussion whereas Javed's lines are a tad heavier. Very nice to listen. The transition to the stanzas - for eg, the saxaphones which give way to Shreya in the first stanza are pretty good. Not to forget the little harmony she sings before taking off. Also, her part towards the end of the song where Javed sings 'Iniyavale'. Scintillating stuff and that would be a gross understatement. Javed Ali is one of the few male singers from Bollywood to pull off Tamil songs with a good diction and he continues the good work in this song too.

Overall, this song could turn out to be a chartbuster since it is part of a more popular movie. It might not be as good as the recent Ennavo Seidhaai, but I guess that should not prevent us from lapping up this very good song. There is nothing totally new, it is a usual duet but a good one to listen and one with a number of what we would categorize as Shreya moments. I would have this on my playlist for some time to come.

ps : By the way, I said nothing about Shreya's diction for obvious reasons.

pps : I was also informed of three Kannada releases by, who else but Kiran Raj. I have heard those songs and will definitely post about them. In spite of my very poor posting rate, I have not missed a whole lot of songs after Rayilin Paadhayil. Just the two Hindi songs that released in between (and the Telugu release of Blue).

Rayilin Paadhayil from Appaavi

For those who saw the comments section of the previous post, this post should not come as a surprise. I can't remember another occasion when three Tamil songs of Shreya released within a space of 3 days. And, mind you, the quality has been of the the highest level. As for this song, I need to shamelessly copy what I wrote for the Renigunda song. Another low-key movie's audio releases and it has Shreya's name in the track listing. You would expect the law of averages to catch up and hence expect this song to be mediocre. Is that the case? One look at the composer's name and you would think "Well, this guy would not give trash music". Joshua is an extremely talented composer but his path has not been without thorns. Lot of personal problems but he continues to deliver with his music. So, how about this song?

The song is part of the soundtrack of the movie Appavi and has Hariharan lending company to wonderful Shreya. Oh, by the way the title of the song is Rayilin Paadhayil. Before I describe the other things, let me tell that this has CHARTBUSTER written all over it. It is very beautiful romantic melody with some good lyrics (Thanks to Na. Muthukumar). It is heavily based on a raaga but my miniscule knowledge I am afraid I can't say much more than that. In spite of having influence from classical music, it has been presented very well and in that aspect it is very similar to Kangal Irandal (James Vasanthan's composition which won lot of awards.). The song begins with a harmony by Hariharan and that is sufficient to make us understand that we are in for a special song and indeed it is special. Shreya is extremely sweet - you got to listen to understand what I mean. Joshua has shown us his skills and the arrangements are very impressive - especially the flutes which he has used liberally. There is a Shreya harmony (first of its kind in Tamil with a very classical touch) which is very extreme sweetness. Watch out for the instant after the first line in both stanzas - the first stanza has a flute interlude following Hariharan's line and the second stanza has a Shreya interlude in the same place. Very special she is, indeed. The feel good nature (with fantastic lyrics which I will post soon- not translation but the lyrics) of the song augers well for its future. You are sure to like this.

Overall, it keeps getting better for Shreya in Tamil. The last 7-8 songs in Tamil are all top notch and would easily occupy top places in Shreya's all time list of Tamil songs. Very exciting phase this, more so because people like Joshua who never used Shreya's voice for their songs are beginning to use it and I strongly believe that her diction has a role to play. This song is a must listen and it hopefully is part of a critically acclaimed movie. That will take the song to places. I do have some hope on the director since he has extracted the talent of Joshua pretty well.

Kanne Kanmaniye from Renigunda

You don't really expect lightning to strike twice (scientifically this is incorrect but I am using it because it suits the situation). But thats exactly what has happened with respect to the blog. After a real long state of dormancy, two posts in two days is hard to believe but stranger things have happened. The reason for this post is the release of another Shreya Tamil song. Not just a Tamil song, but another low-key movie, another new composer etc. We have a hattrick of low-key movies but does it convert itself to a hattrick of chartbusters. Lets see.

In spite of the similarities with the previous releases, there is one big difference between Leelai, YIM songs and this one. This one is a solo and we all love solos more than duets (i.e Shreya solos compared to Shreya duets.). The song is part of the soundtrack of the movie Renigunda(gives the feeling of a really mass movie but a couple of songs defy that). The title of the song is Kanne Kanmaniye and music is composed by Ganesh Ragavendra. Recent Shreya solos in regional languages have all been just one way - bubbly heroine getting introduced or falling in love. This one comes as a fresh air in that it is a heavy pathos. Now, don't imagine a Kannil Paarvai. Be Patient. The song begins with a bunch of nice instrumental pieces (mostly flute). Shreya takes over with the pathos version of her voice. We all know it but it is worth explaining. The voice remains sweet and good to listen but she subtracts something from the romance version of her voice. YIM song and this song, coming back to back are great examples. Very smooth rendition without overdoing the pathos but still oozing enough sadness. This song is a particularly good example of her good diction - a difficult song which she manages with absolutely no flaws. Traditional percussions accompany Shreya in the background for the entire song. I can't think of any instance that I can describe as THE highlight but she has done a steadily great job for this pathos song.

Overall, a very good addition to her list of Tamil songs. I just wish this song gets noticed. Being a pathos is not a great advantage and that might result in it not being a chartbuster like her last two Tamil songs but at the same time, Shreya fans will have this on their playlists for some time to come. Shreya's Tamil fans will have this even longer for the obvious reason. For all this to happen, you got to listen to it not once, but maybe 3 or 4 times. You will start loving it.

ps : If you listen to this song, there is a male harmony portion just before the first stanza. There is another version of this song with slightly different lyrics sung by Vijay. And, you guessed it right. Shreya's harmony replaces the male harmony in that version. I don't have to ask you to go and listen to that version. Shreya's harmony is enough driving force, I guess, for you to listen to it. I can tell that her harmony is lot better. Vijay, too, is one of my favorite singers and so that version is here to stay on my playlist.

Ennavo Seidhai - Scintillating Shreya in the Company of Another New Composer

This is a comeback post of sorts for me after being in hibernation for such a long time. In fact the number of words in the comments section exceeded the length of my last post. Shreya continued to release songs in all languages (I have heard all the songs including Thaman's Telugu movie) but there was not a single update here. So, what happened today ? Simple, a Tamil song released. It is not just because of the language but also the fact that this song could well go unnoticed. Part of a not so big movie, I thought I had to do my bit to popularize this Shreya song. I guess my only job here is to get people to listen to the song once because the song will take care of itself once I help it to take-off. Thanks to the quality of music. The song is part of the soundtrack of the movie Yen Ippadi Mayakkinai. Music has been composed by Lakshman Ramalinga (a new face ?? - definitely new in Tamil). I will not let out the name of the director until the end of the post but he, apart from Shreya, was the reason I heard the songs. Lets get to details of this wonderful melody.

The title of the song is Ennavo Seidhai and is a romantic melody (sung alongside Kailash Kher) and a brilliant one in that. The song begins with a piece that we would usually associate with a choir. Shreya takes over very soon and how she captivates the listener is left for you to experience. There is such a flow to the song and mind you, a huge role is played by Shreya. There is no line which sounds flat with Shreya's gamakams adding so much beauty. I think it will be a shame if I don't acknowledge the contribution of the composer Lakshman. He seems to be a serious talent. There is a not so loud percussion going on in the background and the instruments in the background do a great job without interfering with the song or the lyrics. Notice the interesting piece before the start of the second stanza where the composer shifts to traditional Indian instruments but he gets back soon. I guess the length of this post is not sufficient to mention all highlights of the song and particularly of Shreya but one instant that really will take any Shreya fan to a different world is the rendition of the word "Kaadhal" towards the end of the second stanza. I really do think this is a difficult song to sing but Shreya seems to sing it effortlessly and I mean EFFORTLESSLY. Diction - well you know she is great and I advice people not to waste time trying to find flaws with hers because there is none.

Overall, a brilliant song which just got totally out of the world after passing through "Shreya voice" filter. I wonder how she manages to get all the good songs in Tamil. Particularly, this year has seen too many good songs sung by her and I will be the last person to complain. If we attribute this to luck, you are wrong. On the other hand, I am attributing it to sensible music composers who compose a good song and obviously don't want it to go waste just because another singer sings it. Choosing the right singer is half the job done. Shreya is becoming the go-to singer when a composer has a good song with him. This song will sound even better if you listen to it without any expectations (obviously I did not have any because I had not heard of the composer but people always prove me wrong). Kailash Kher has done a good job though he does not have too many lines and the less I talk about his diction, the better.

ps : Now, it is the director time. The director is none other than Krishna, who directed Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. Not many could have forgotten Munbe Vaa. This song is almost another Munbe Vaa. It might not become as popular or get as many awards because the composer is not ARR and the cast does not include Suriya, Jyothika and Bhoomika. But, but, but, fans can do anything and I do have confidence on the Tamil audience to make this song a huge chartbuster if not an award sweeping song.

Shreya's Yuva Dasara - An Update

I heard that Shreya's concert yesterday at Mysore's Yuva Dasara was affected a little by the heavy downpour. The concert still went on but it looks like the number of people initially attending the concert was not too high obviously due to the weather conditions. However, towards the end people apparently thronged the place in large numbers in spite of the muddy conditions. Looks like even heavy rain can't stop people attending Shreya's concert in large numbers. Shreya works her magic with or without rain. Quite amazing.

The source of this information is Preeti.

The New Releases

Let alone clearing backlogs that I accumulated in August, September seems to be even less forgiving. Big releases one after the other and not much time to update the blog. Just to let you guys know that I am fully aware of the release of Main Aur Mrs.Khanna, Three and Shreya's songs in it. Just that I have not sat down to do a good analysis of the songs and I did not want to post half baked reviews (like I did for the later two songs from Radio). To add to that, we have a release from Oscar Thamizhan ARR with three (THREE, ARR has never given 3 songs to Shreya in one album and he chooses this time to do it) songs. I have heard the songs but not to the extent of posting reviews. I will definitely catch up but only after this week. Till that time, have fun listening to the wonderful releases of Shreya. I should say a few lines about Blue (not the color but the album). Don't expect Bhor Bhaye kind of songs. They have given songs that are completely different from their previous association in Delhi 6. Blue is an album that is very trendy (songs that are closer to Latoo than to other associations of Shreya and ARR) - stuff that could well stick on to the charts for a long time but not the "Shreya Specials"(expect maybe Rehnuma which is a Shreya Special in its own way - a very sensuous Shreya is what we get to listen to) that stick on to our playlist just for that magical voice. Having said that, I don't mean they will not stay on the playlist of a Shreya fan but I am just saying that it will stay for a different reason. I was not too impressed in the first listen but that is typical of ARR. I Lets wait and see.