Maestro Ilaiyaraja New Albums 2011 - Hello Jaihind / Sri Rama Rajyam

[V_S]

I like the synth work he has put in for ASK. It is trendy and in line with what yuvan or GVP might have done (little edges remain). However the soul of the song remains in the tune and that still is the same ol 70s- 80s raja that we remain rooted to in our nostalgia. With PS - the album requirements speak of grandeur - (however no money for Budapest here) - so he goes for the mix which is good too.

Exactly, well said Jai! ASK is extremely satisfying with Maestro utilizing synth more amicably and it sounded so beautiful. Here I didn't feel so, as I mentioned in couple of songs I was little scary on its (synth) approach. It was rather loud too. Also that humming in Thedi vantha was not necessary. If you take out those, the soul of the song is never compromised that is default for any raja's song. My worry is, he should not knuckle under to keep it with the current trend. Raja should be doing what he is doing, just like that evergreen second interlude of Gum Sum Gum of Paa, refreshing Edaya Bagilu or even that magical sax in second interlude in Chinna Polike.

I remember about MSV sir now, not doing anything different except in Ninaithale Inikkum, where he made people turn around him. But if you hear some of his later year gems, Thirumaalin Thirumaarbil, Andamanai Paarungal, or Kana Kaanum Kangal, I used to argue with my father that they were very dull compared to Raja's songs that time (early 80's). But looking back now, those songs stood the test of time. So ultimately for me, the longevity matters rather than attracting the current generation for few impulses.