IlayaRaja's New Albums 2013-15 - Mahendran film/Thaarai thappattai/Mythri

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Congrats to all prolific postors Suresh, ragas, V_S for infusing a new lease of life to this hoary thread that was actually gasping for oxygen a few years before. Congrats are also due for Krish244, SKV,K for posting every news titbit about Raja feom nook and corner.
As observed by Suresh, 2010 had a long , dry spell and 2011, opening with “aiyaiyo” Ayyan, I didn’t have high hope . But Ponnar Sankar did kindle some expectation in the aftermath of Kalaignyar’s UO.
Ponnar Sankar is my IR album for 2011 with 4 out of 6 songs capturing my fancy.
“Bhavani varugira” is my song of the year for its unusually catchy rythms, scale shift,
IR’s experimentation with tribal folk fusion after many years and Shreya G to top it all.
Malar villile – my next pick has the breathtaking prelude. Postlude, beautiful BrindhavanaSaranga based tune, Shreya’s honey laced vocals , just ordinary interludes not withstanding.
Kannai padithen- Pleasing retro melody which is a fav of many here
Thedi vandha – Laid back Gowrimanhohari and Shreya’s sensual singing
The next album that I liked is Snehaveedu for its highlight being MELODY.
Chandrabimbathin – Has that superb swerve in rhythm , set to Sriranjini and undoubtedly my pick.
Chengathir kaiyum – Fir its asymmetric meter that was a thing of past esp with Raja
Amruthamay – Hari’s soothing voice and a breezy tone
Third is the most popular SriRamaRajyam which has bunch of melodies and which is heard often too. But I could not hide a tinge of disappointment as this musical has the least novelty from Raja. He has taken a very safe stance of using all clichéd ragas like Suddhadhanyasi, SindhuBhairavi, Keeravani, Hindolam instead of venturing into new ragas [reminded of magical Balanagamma, Kovil pura] . Despite sliding to number 3, I consider “Devulle menchulle”, “Srirama lera” and “kalaiya nijama”
Close to my heart. “Devulle menchulle” reinforces my belief that Raja can still recreate those late 70’s magical tunes if only he decides. How many of u feel this song resembles “vizhiyile malarndhadhu” and “vetri vetri” of Kattumarakkaran , to some extent? The transition during the Sita swayamvar portion ls truly mesmerizing.

Then the remaining movies Sengathubhoomiyile, Thandavakone and ASK did not appeal to me

Underrated song of 2011 - Devulle Menchulle, Malar villile