theme music sample bit rocks big time. chinese flute brings back the memories of that awesome chinese flute BGM from Captain Prabhakaran..
theme music sample bit rocks big time. chinese flute brings back the memories of that awesome chinese flute BGM from Captain Prabhakaran..
Full songs - I got the album and uploaded it. Will post my views later
http://www.mediafire.com/?znb9x15li2sa6lb
My thoughts on Thandavakone. p.s. I’m writing as I’m listening.
IRs rustic voice is the divine spine of Kaattu Vazhi. He reaps Goosebumps on the listener with his devoted singing in praise of god. The hot air flute in the prelude just initiates the chilling and mysterious ambiance of the song. The synth quotient is only left to the chorus portion where it backs the Shambo Shiva line which is also supported with a pakhawaj. The instrumentation sounds contrasting at first as IR uses Middle Eastern sounding plucker but this is subtly used throughout the song. However, it does gain priority in the second interlude which is my favourite part, I don’t know whether the instrument is a midi flute or midi violin but the surreal feel of the song escalates soulfully.
I have already mentioned Kula Deivam impressing me straight away, this maybe because I haven’t heard something like this from IR sir before. IRs arrangement is so fresh and urban yet so traditional. I can’t remember the last time my feet automatically started tapping away. The percussion gives that party feel and even if you can’t dance there’s always that someone that tempts and drags you into doing it and all hell breaks loose. The X factor of this song is the variation in the beat, which hands down dominates the song.
So far the two songs are really contrasting so much so you wouldn’t even think there from the same album or furthermore same composer. Aanukkulley, supports this, it’s a romantic duet and has to be Raaja’s best number this year. Priya’s singing is so radiant here and Haricharan is nothing short. Need to give this more listens. It’s a very complex number and I find difficult expressing it.
I didn’t know about this album until couple of days ago so didn’t really expect much out of it and here I am going with the flow of songs but the last two songs have left me in a daze which I’m trying to recover from. I don’t feel like writing about the rest of the songs as I’m currently occupied with the former two (blasting Kula Deivam).
I haven’t reached half way and there are three more songs and two instrumentals to go so I’ll carrying on with my thoughts. Enna Pol begins with flanging voices which halt and a complex beat drops. I have to take back my words about Aankkulley as this song is equally as impressive and also has a chance of being the IRs best number this year.
Sorry but I’m going to go in hibernation. I want to finish listening to the album before I carry on with my review. I might not carry on but for now I’ll be enjoying Kula Deivam, Annukalley and Enna Pol and see what the rest of the album has to offer Looking forward to the instrumentals.
Hope Milliblog doesn’t give this album a stingy review and at least give it a minimum of 300 words. :)
p.s. I haven't felt like this since Nandhalala. :bow: Raaja will always be Ilaiyaraaja even when he's a hundred.
Thandavakkone Songs : Raaga
Three words : Thalaivar never ages :D
http://www.raaga.com/player4/?id=308...22092242229634
தொப்புள் கொடி புடிச்சு தொத்தி வந்த இப்பிறப்பு.....
reminds ..ராகம் நடனமாக்ரிய
உழன்று திரிந்த என்னை உத்தமனாக்கி வைத்தாய் உயரிய பெரியோருடன் ....
Vinatha,
Sounds more line Punnagavarali. Am unable to come out of this song!! Very different from what Raja has done till now. The ambient atmosphere he creates is amazing. The next para sounds like Nadhanamakriya. Song in loop now. As Hulk said, Raja doesn't age.
Nice writeup Sunil and thanks for the link. Been listening to it since morning. All work gone for a toss. Lovely album. A few more listens and I will write my thought.
Well said. He is indeed 'ilaiya' Raja.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sunil_M88
Thanks Suresh ji.
wrt interludes, I usually find the second interludes being better than the first in IR songs but in Enna pol the first interlude and charanam are roaring with delightful visionary. Although, both interludes do have the same flute bit which is highly naturistic.
http://www.nakkheeran.in/Users/frmGa...x?GV=768&GSS=4
thandavakone cd release album
Well Iam happy that Raaja's section of forumhub is in safe hands with suresh & sunil doing a great job :D. i find sunil as passionate Iam (was?!!) in sharing Raaja's music here... thanks for that quick upload. Iam yet to decipher what Raaja is doing in this album. Given a single listen to all songs in one go... Iam in for a treat greater than Ponnar Shankar is what I feel.... 'Neeral Udal Kazhuvi's soundscape is something Experts will be dissecting in the coming days for sure! What a song!
hi - a humble but firm request: will you please desist from uploading songs from recent albums ? that setting a very very bad example / precedent and am sure neither the Maestro, nor Agi Music nor the producers of the film would welcome stuff such as thisQuote:
Originally Posted by Sunil_M88
may i request you to kindly delete the uploaded songs and encourage ppl to buy their own stuff ?
no wonder IR is not interested in doing innovative projects, when ppl liberally download his songs without paying a cent/paisa !
That song is certainly something i have never heard thalaivar do so far. Its like a devotional song orchestrated with the song's background telling tales of a human life through pain and truth. The cymbals and that bagpipe like instrument(anyone knows what it is?) really add to the atmosphere. Its pretty similar to GVP's effort in Aayirathil Oruvan with the PB Srinivas song except thalaivar totally brings philosophical darkness to a whole new level with his orchestrationQuote:
Originally Posted by Sureshs65
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fliflo
ராசா கைல மைக்கு கொடுத்துருக்காங்களே :roll: ...ஏடா கூடமா எதுவும் நடக்காத வரை பாக்கியம்...:-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sureshs65
Hi, I purchased the album from Amazon yesterday as it was available here in the UK and I quote suresh ji on that. I decided to upload for the unfortunate lot who live in the area where the album hasn't been released. I'm not promoting some dodgy pirate site. BTW follow hulkster's raaga link as my link is disabled now.Quote:
Originally Posted by irir123
hi - my sincere apologies if you misunderstood my posting - it was only a request and not meant to be critical of you! i can understand the situation with IR's earlier albums, but this one i thought was available even on CD Baby.com - hence the requestQuote:
Originally Posted by Sunil_M88
Sureshs65: mannitthuvidungal ennai! i didnt see your earlier request / posting!
My review of 'Thandavakone':
1. 'kaatu vazhi': The album kicks off with this philosophical song. The rhythm is lilting and as Sunil mentioned a far east instrument like Mandolin opens the prelude. Raja's voice fits these type of songs to a 'T'. The first interlude has mandolin talking to the synth which plays like a sax. The charanam goes the Raja way, increasing its melodic content. I love the 'sambo siva siva' chant. My friend Kamesh commented this was not like 'appan endrum'. It definitely isn't. It is the song of a person who has come to accept life.
2. 'kuladeiva kovilukku': An energetic duet. Typically what Raja used to reserve for Swarnalatha. To be fair Priya does a nice job here. When Raja is using the thavil there never will be any dearth of energy. Here too the thavil maintains the energy throughout. The sudden beat change during the charanam is a pleasant surprise. This is a song which will appeal to people immediately. Amazing energy. Not sure if they will match this energy on the screen.
3. 'aanukkula latchanangal': This is probably the mandatory love duet. Priya and Haricharan do a nice job. The pallavi is very melodious and as usual it twists and turns before getting back to the start. The first interlude has the synth playing sax and flute. The charanam starts very melodiously. And my pet theory: the sweetness keeps increasing till the final twist happens. Raja doesn't loop to the pallavi but instead gets to the second interlude. The most melodious song of the album without doubt.
4. 'enna pol': A song which shows me again why I keep falling at his feet. What a conception. Let me explain why I am saying this for this particular song. This song is sung by a person who seems to be regretting his past deeds. Now if you don't like your past, you pass through multiple emotions, chief among them being regret and then anger. The charanam starts of with regret, the pace, the uncertain rhythm, mapping to the regret of the singer. Then this regret leads to self hatred and the tune becomes powerful and finally the energy drains and the normalcy returns. I can't think of a song which captures so many emotions in one charanam. Raja could have easily made this into a standard regret song. But he thinks beyond it and gives this song. His work ethic is impeccable. Sriram Parthasarathy does a nice job in conveying the required emotions.
5. 'neeral udal kazhuvi': Just when I thought 'ennai pol' was amazing creativity comes this song. It is as if Raja wanted to do 'umbarkkat arase' again but not with the symphonic backing but with modern backing. The instrument is not something like we have heard from Raja earlier. He lets Manika Vinayagam sing the thogayara. (BTW this is not a song. Just recital of verses.) And then around him Raja paints an impressionistic landscape. A mandolin strum there, a few taps on the drums here, synth playing like a shenai, a constant drone accompanying the song. You not sure what sound will emerge the next second. If there is one amazing fusion, not the fusing we know of Raja but of a different variety, this is the one. I personally feel Manika Vinayagam was probably never tested this much and he passes the exam. The words are in pure Tamizh and it adds to the charm. A highly philosophical song.
'unna pol': The tune is same as 'enna pol', though the lyrics and orchestration are different. The orchestration in the first interlude is vintage Raja with the violins. This song is sung by Tippu.
Now for my overall opinion. I feel this is Raja's best since 'Naan Kadavul' as far as the mapping of the story to music is concerned. Even without seeing the movie you will know exactly what happens in the movie. A sense of darkness, a philosophical outlook pervades throughout. The lyrics also accentuate this. The music itself tells the story. As Plum would say Raja brings forth his narrative integrity.
Coming to other aspects, the recording quality is very good, no unnecessary synth effects, excellent orchestration, good singing by all involved and nice lyrics. It is very clear Raja has tried out new things in this album. In that sense and due to the way it hugs to the story, I would say this is a better album than 'Ponnar Shankar'.
I am not sure how the general public would receive it. A lot may depend on the fate of the film. But I have my own doubts whether for a generation which considers 'ennamo edho' as a great achievement would have the patience to decipher what Raja has tried to do here. No need to worry. Eventually great music will triumph and my respect for Raja has grown even more after hearing this soundtrack.
irir,
though the album 'Sengaathubhoomiyile' was released under agimusic label the CD's are not yet available in the market. I bought some CD's through personal contacts and sent it to few friends. There is definitely some goof up happening in marketing of Raaja albums for sure. I dont know how many more days we have to wait for the CD's of 'thandavakone'! given the scenario I appreciate the help rendered by Sunil :-)
http://www.koodal.com/tamil/movies/hotnews/7213/thandavakone-with-isaignani-ilayaraja-s-mesmerising-music
Quote:
நீரால் உடல் கழுவி நித்த நித மூவேளை சோறால் குடல் கழுவும்... ஏதோ பட்டினத்தார் எழுதிய பாடல் போல தோன்றும் இப்பாடலை இசைஞானி இளையராஜாதான் எழுதியிருக்கிறார். பாடல் இடம் பெற்ற படம் 'தாண்டவக்கோனே'! இந்த ஒரு பாடலை பார்க்கும் பாக்கியம் நமக்கும் கிடைத்தது. 'பாக்கியம்' என்றெல்லாம் பெரிய வார்த்தையை உபயோகிப்பதிலிருந்தே புரிந்துகொள்ளலாம், பாடல் எப்படியிருக்கும் என்று! படத்தில் இடம் பெறும் எல்லா பாடல்களையும் படமாக்கிய பின்பே எழுதி இசையமைத்திருக்கிறார் இளையராஜா. பொதுவாகவே அம்மா சென்ட்டிமென்ட் என்றால் கரைந்து விடுவார் இளையராஜா. இதில் சிவனை வணங்கும் அம்மாவின் மரணம் வேறு. மனசில் விழுந்து அழுகையும் ராகமுமாக கரைந்திருக்கிறார் இசைஞானி. சீமானிடம் உதவி இயக்குநராக இருந்த சுப்பு சுஜாதா இயக்கியிருக்கும் இப்படம், தமிழ் சினிமாவில் மிக முக்கியமான படமாக இருக்கக்கூடும். சிவன் கோவில் வாசலே கதி என்று கிடக்கும் அம்மா, தன் மகனுக்கு சொல்லும் அறிவுரைகள் எல்லாமே அவனால் புறக்கணிக்கப்படுகிறது. அம்மா இறந்தபின் அவள் சொன்ன எல்லாமே அவனுக்கு புரிய வருகிறது. அதற்கப்புறம் அவன் என்ன செய்தான் என்பதை 'பாலாவின் டச்'சோடு சொல்லியிருக்கிறார் சுப்பு சுஜாதா. 'கோன்' என்றால் சிவன், 'தாண்டவம்' என்றால் ஆட்டம். சிவனின் ஆட்டத்தைதான் இப்படி தலைப்பாக வைத்திருக்கிறார் சுப்பு சுஜாதா. அதற்காக இது பட்டையை கிளப்பும் பக்தி படம் என்று கருதிவிட வேண்டாம். அருமையான காதல், அற்புதமான சென்ட்டிமென்ட், அதிர வைக்கும் ஸ்டண்ட் என்று எல்லா ஏரியாவையும் டச் பண்ணியிருக்கு என்கிறார் சுப்பு சுஜாதா. சஞ்சய், நந்தகி இருவரும் ஜோடியாக நடித்திருக்கிறார்கள். சுளையாக சம்பளம் தந்து கொண்டிருந்த வங்கி வேலையை விட்டு விட்டு, கலைக்காக சினிமாவுக்கு வந்திருக்கிறார் சுப்பு சுஜாதா. சினிமா மீது தீராத காதலோடு ஃபிளைட் ஏறியிருக்கிறார் இப்படத்தின் தயாரிப்பாளரும் துபாய் தொழிலதிபருமான பிரபாகர் சீனிவாசகம். இவர்களின் வருகை ரசிகர்களை 'ஆனந்த தாண்டவமாட' வைக்கும் என்பதில் சந்தேகமில்லை. மனச கரச்சிடுவீங்களே.......
irir123,
As Sunil said, he is not to be blamed. I had put in the request. Sorry about that. I personally buy every album of Raja and try and buy it for others as well, whenever possible. The main problem here is that you are so anxious to listen to Raja songs but even after the release function they are no available. Similarly they should have download links where the cost of download equals that of the CD. Unfortunately that is not happening. Anyway my apologies to Sunil, who did it on my request.
I too am now listening to the raaga.com links. Let me categorically state that I will buy every Raja CD. Provided it is available!!
mmm.... thanks suresh.
It is punnaga, nadanamakriya ragamalika.
I didn't note the lyrics on my first listen yesterday evening. I will note this evening.
I checked out 2 songs, the Manika Vinayagam composition.... kind of reminded me Sri Chakraraja..... kriti's charanams, which is punnaga, nadanamakriya and sindhu bhairavi ragamalika.
Kaattu Vazhi..... composition appealed to my senses:musicsmile:
Dear suresh jiQuote:
Originally Posted by Sureshs65
I have taken nil offense suresh ji and didn't mean to quote you out of context. I just quoted you to aware Irir that I haven't got the links from some random mp3 site. You do not need to apologies as all you did was mention that album can be purchased in the uk and theres nothing wrong with that as you didn't post pirate download links.
Suresh ji, thanks for the review.
The current generation might not digest all the songs but Aankulley definitely deserves to be heard once. One of the best duets in recent times. For me this is a complete album. It has some thing for everyone. I could feel a Bhangra vibe from Kula deivam, reminded me of the material that was churned out by uk based punjabi bands that I grew up listening to in the 90s. :happydance: The dhol, urumi, thavil, tabla, dholak and mridhangam all in one. Definitely the best gift from Raaja this year. :clap: The sped up climax of this song left me speechless.
I am jealous of you guys. Last night I got it from iTunes, but could not listen to it.
Wonderful and detail reviews Sureshji and Sunil. Will listen to it tonight with your write-ups in front.
Great to see all the reviews. Sunil, Suresh :bow: for your posts. Same as V_S, will have to listen to it tonight along with reading the reviews.
Thandavakone Release Video
http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/vi...-09-08-11.html
Listening to Thandavakone songs. The tune of Unnai Pol sung by Tippu and Ennai Pol sung by Sriram Parthasarathy is same as the one IR sung during Kamal's 50 yr function. Very happy that it got shape as a full song. Both Sriram and Tippu's renditions are very good and will make this a memorable song for sure. This album will be on the loop for a while. It's a very interesting and engaging album from IR.
Though songs sound good, but the orchestration is something which is missing.I would better stick on to 70's & 80's Compositions. Wish maestro goes back to the same acoustic orchestration.
chash,
That's been the major problem. Raja has changed but lot of his fans refuse to. You could never have got the effect he got on 'neeral udal kazhuvi' with acoustic instruments. Infact the synth usage in this album is very subtle and very effective.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chash
yeah.... checked out the songs at Raaga.com
then
பருவமே புதிய பாடல் பாடுன்னு.....I returned back to 80s ராஜா yesterday evening ....heavenly கிடார் , ப்ளுட், வயோலின் orchestration , smooth singing by பாலா and ஜானு .:musicsmile:
maybe someone should request Shri.Ilayaraja to do a unplugged album.
That would be fantastic.
ஒரே நாள் உன்னை நான் நிலாவில் பார்த்தது...,Chandni raat mein, ek baar tujhe dekhaa hai .....:musicsmile: gone back lovely beautiful, ஸ்ரீ.இளையராஜா!
Please fulfill our wishes,Ilayaraja!
Vinatha.
While I do love his 80s songs as any other Raja fan, I can confidently say that I will give away a few of the top 80s song for a couple of songs in 'Thandavakone'.
I am amazed by 'neeraal udal kazhuvi'. When I first heard it, it did not sound like a Raja song. The orchestration was so very different, seemingly random that I was wondering where was the 'Raja touch'. I listened to it multiple times and slowly the reassuring hand of Raja emerged in the song. While the orchestration at one level seems random, it very tightly controlled and the whole orchestration creates a different mood altogether. Then the reciting of the poem itself. There you can clearly see Raja's hold. The way he has structured the tune, not letting any emotion go overboard, the way a tight leash is kept on the singer, the way he touches Punnaagavarali but never gets fully into the carnatic mode. Fantastic Raja.
People may wonder as to why I am so enamored with this song. I see this as something new and also something very difficult to achieve. The merger of say violins and flute for this would have been natural. But to come out with a new age synth based orchestration is quite challenging. I mean, for many such poems I have heard other music directors use synth based backing, but someone I never felt they gelled well. In this case it makes perfect sense. To give an analogy, it is like asking Raja Ravi Varma to paint a beautiful maiden and then asking Picasso or M F Hussain to do the background. You can imagine how that would. If you do that and yet make the picture seem as a single whole, then you would have achieved what Raja has achieved in this song.
To me, after a few more listening today, this is the standout album of this year.
What an interesting description!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sureshs65
You've stirred strong interest in me to listen to this song / album!
+1, yes fantastic description Suresh ji! I am still waiting for a separate/special moment to relish this soundtrack.Quote:
Originally Posted by app_engine
+2 -> This song neeral udal is superb . It justs has that feeling of listening to the devaram /thiruvasagam by odhuvaar in old big templesQuote:
Originally Posted by V_S
+3 on Neeral Udal Kazhuvi :smile: and so wonderfully put forth by Suresh. This is a such an arresting song that you cannot get distracted from. The orchestration and the rendition create a very surreal ambiance. I haven't listened to anything like this before, IR :notworthy:
Not sure if already posted. Promo of SPB/ShreyaG song for RamaRajyam. What a combo :bow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNCV7mERTTQ
Manicka vinayakam - IR : is this is the first ? He has done a rocking job !Quote:
Originally Posted by rajkumarc
Kaattu Vazhi Thumbam Illai - Penetrates everywhere right from the word start. A perfect song for meditation and also need to listen in a dark room at night. A song like this 5 times every day is equivalent to mediate for 30 minutes. As we start listening and meditate, the prelude flute already takes us to the dark forest at night, as if we are walking in fear and trance with no visibility. Lyrics and singing follows it exactly for us to hear and walk towards where we hear it. After hearing 'kaattu vazhi thunbam illai kallum mullum thollai illai' we get some confidence and after this line 'sumaigalellaam sumaiye illai kaala dhooram bayame illai' we get more and more confidence and once we hear the name of God 'Shambo shiva shiva shiva sada shiva shiva' all fear leaves us and we walk towards him, as we start seeing the light. Such a wonderful beautiful haunting song after long time.
Unlike other melodies, this song and tune has not much variations, but how come it still etches and makes a deep impact right and makes us surrender right from the first listen. It's all because Raja is singing it with powerful lyrics, that too a song in the name of God, Shambo shiva shiva shiva sada shiva shiva… Yes as Sunil said, the middle-eastern (feel with mandolin?) is there. I feel it's because Maestro want to differentiate it from totally devotional feel and since it's also for a film. The low flute and haunting synth arrangements takes our breath away. Even though they seem very simple and straight forward, these arrangements support the tune excellently and pierces the song to provide the serenity just the Shambo shiva shiva chants provides the light.
Haunting low flute with mandolin in the first interlude takes us to meditation. Second interlude seems to me a string instrument rather than flute with mandolin. 40 seconds of pure divinity. No one would have ever imagined getting this divine feel with synth as Maestro does. I just can't stop listening to the interludes. Everytime I listen my eyes become more wet.
Another 'Pitchai paathiram yendhi vanthen ayyane en ayyane'. I hate to compare both these masterpieces, but unable to resist as i think both belong to same genre, genre of God, Lord Shiva. If Pitchai paathiram is rich in orchestration, Maestro keeps the orchestration simple, but haunting. Tunewise, again the variation in former especially the connecting last line from charanam to pallavi gives the depth, here Maestro chants Shambo siva siva to connect to pallavi with serenity. Singing wise, Raja takes honor here slightly better than Madhu, given his experience and his affinity towards singing these type of songs. So it's a tie for me. Still I prefer Raja's singing, so more rewinds for this one.
Stuck in the first song. Can't think of listening to any other song from this soundtrack for few days. It will take a big round to come back to next song. I believe this song is enough for me in Thandavakone. Five minutes of pure bliss. :notworthy: