Thoongatha Vizhigal - Raunchy & Mesmerizing Amruthavarshini

This one's a raunchy number set to Amrithavarshini Ragam. The song zips through in a rapturous rapid motion and keeps gathering momentum continuously. The interludes especially undergo a full monty prancing from one end of the horizon to the other and all of it happens within the blink of an eyelid.

The soundtrack as a whole is as divergent as it gets exploring and fusing varying genres and producing a tremendous sound output with each of the tunes also being musically enriching. They are at a faster tempo than usual and most of the numbers especially possess the ammunition of being ready made foot tapping chart busters.

I tried undertaking an attempt at the charanam division of Thoongatha Vizhigal and as you can invariably see the pace just keeps gathering inch by inch and jostles up suddenly where you would note Janaki Amma monarching her way towards unheralded territories touching the zenith before humbly coming back down to earth. It was pretty difficult to tackle those parts as the speed was a bit too yonder for my own inability. Anyways tried my level best within the limited capacity to march up to the frenetic turbo movement to stay in sync and not lose track. Hope the end result wasn't way too off the mark 🙂.

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This one's a raunchy number set to Amrithavarshini Ragam. The song zips through in a raptourous rapid motion and keeps gathering momentum continously. The interludes especially undergo a full monty prancing from one end of the horizon to the other and all of it happens within the blink of an eyelid. The soundtrack as a whole is as divergent as it gets exploring and fusing varying genres and producing a tremendous sound output with each of the tunes also being musically enriching. They are at a faster tempo than usual and most of the numbers especially possess the ammunition of being ready made foot tapping chartbusters. I tried undertaking an attempt at the charanam division of Thoongatha Vizhigal and as you can invariably see the pace just keeps gathering inch by inch and jostles up suddenly where you would note Janaki Amma monarching her way towards unheralded territories touching the zenith before humbly coming back down to earth. It was pretty difficult to tackle those parts as the speed was a bit too yonder for my own inability. Anyways tried my level best within the limited capacity to march up to the frenetic turbo movement to stay in sync and not lose track. Hope the end result wasn't way too off the mark 🙂. #song #music #Amrithavarshini #rain #IR #Maniratnam #Thoongathavizhigal #agninakshatram #1988

A post shared by Rajiv Shankar (@rajiv_revel) on Apr 24, 2020 at 7:10am PDT

The best soundtrack from the Mani Ratnam - Ilayaraja duo!

Ah! This is an extremely hard proposition to nail down. It's almost like asking a mom to select the best of her kids. However zeroing on the options at hand, it's really hard to pick as each of the soundtracks had something or other going for them.

But narrowing down deeper, if I would have to select one album that truly defines the Mani-IR combo or even Tamizh cinema as a whole, I would have to go with Agni Natchathiram. The compositions were light years ahead of it's times and packed a punch by being way too uber cool.

The usage of drum kits came to the forefront with this album. The hep hipster version of Ninukori took the country by storm. It almost felt absurd to completely makeover an out and out carnatic composition in an all together new avatar but the result obtained was stupendous. The intro number Rajathi Raja was a trailblazer and Oru Poongavanam is a song which will make you float in air. Rojapoo Adivandhadhu was a monstrous composition with the bass bazooking from all sides and of course the seductive Thoongatha Vizhugal in Amrutha Varshini ragam is another scorching number.

The close competitors for this album include Mouna Ragam, Nayagan, Thalapathi, Anjali and even the rather supposedly tame Pagal Nilavu and Idhaya Kovil which had very nice melodies as well as some foot tapping songs.

But for sheer versatility and dexterity, my unanimous vote goes to Agni Natchathiram, a revolutionary soundtrack for the ages. It still retains the impact and kick and that is likely to stay on forever.

Pudhucheri Kacheri - A sheer combined brilliance of Kodambakkam

சரக்கிருக்கு
Sa ri ga ma pa
முறுக்கிருக்கு
Ri ga ma pa da
எனக்கெதுக்கு 
Ga ma pa da ni
மனக் கவலை
Ma pa da ni sa

What tongue in cheek word play by Vaali, side gap la Ilayaraaja teaches Sarali varisai with vocal harmony in background. SPB does a rollicking voice over and Kamal dances to glory in his bagpiper avatar.

Kodambakkam was once infested with such sheer creativity. Audacious levels of thought process and bang on execution. And the fecundity to conjure up brilliance at that pace was astonishing. Such joy this song is, with lyrics weaved magically. Wonder where all the talent got dissipated down the years. Those days, those days only. 25 years old and certified agmark gold. Absolutely delightful!

ஏழிசையாய் - A Kaleidoscope in Kambhoji!

I have always been fascinated and gone on a trance listening to this composition. The way the symphony reaches a crescendo from 2:00 onwards leading to Abhishek Raghuram rendering ஏழிசையாய் at 2:18 is like opening the doors to the celestial abode of heaven. Never heard such a beautiful transition and the way it seamlessly moves from western classical to Indian classical is simply sublime.

If you observe, the symphonic piece is in the 4 beat cycle (4/4) and switches unobtrusively to the 3 note thalam (6/8) within the flash of an eyelid and it all happens serenely without diluting the essence one blotch. The percussion bits add to the delight and the way Abhishek goes back and forth in Kambhoji is so joyous. The subtle phrases adds colour throughout establishing the beauty of the raga. The manner in which the song connects to the Pallavi of Aezhisayai, the wondrous chiaroscuro invoking the fusion and the clarity of thought in doing all this leaves you spellbound. And that signature ending traversing backward across the octave and then going frontal to give the finishing flurry is like the icing on the cake.

There are masters in Western classical music and pioneers in Indian classical music but simply no one virtually blends the two so effortlessly with nonchalant ease bringing out the virtuosity of dimensions like Ilaiyaraaja. Truly an International treasure belonging to India. 

5 years of Andrum Indrum Endrum - Ilaiyaraaja Live in Concert

5 years ago on this very day Wednesday 28th Dec 2011, a musical tsunami swept us all away and it was such a privilege to soak in the droplets of the rain of sound. Each one of us who were present at Nehru Indoor Stadium experienced an evening to remember for a lifetime.

We were all swaying and dancing internally to the tunes being performed by the magician along with his sterling orchestra and troop of singers. That enakku ariyama mesmerising feel was just too much to take with the music captivating the siege of people assembled to witness this spectacle.

The introduction of Raaja entering in singing Janani Janani, the acoustic brilliance and the 3 hand tap thigh beat of Paruvame, violin virtuosity unleashed in Sundari Kannal, the legend Balamurali Krishna at 80+ enthralling the stage with the Reeti Gowlai based Chinna Kannan Azhaikiraan, the full octane energy blast of Madai Thirandhu to just name a few memorable moments. We didn't even mind KJ Yesudas missing the Charanam in order to hear the mind boggling repeat interlude of Poove Sempoove (napaasai max) and that most cherished moment of witnessing the 3 legends born in the 1940's IR, SPB, KJY sharing the stage together to perform Kattu Kuyilu from Thalapathi was epic goosebumps. It was one astonishing musical concert and when SP Balasubramanyam ended the show symbolically with Ilamai Idho Idho at 12 in the night, that was when it hit us that we were privy to one of the finest musical event's performed in Chennai.

I have attended plenty of concerts before and after but nothing even falls within a patch of 'Endrendrum Raaja'. The way the music unfurled on that day was marvellous and it was truly a blessing being there. It was almost 5 hours of musical hysteria and most of the audience were in sheer disbelief to know what hit them.

Raaja's music will always be a constant in life but being there experiencing live unadulterated pristine music right from the soul of the heart is an all together different experience. Kudos to the team for pulling off this great musical heist. You just didn't want this soiree to ever end. A redux of 5 years since the day the musical avalanche blew us all away. 

Raaja 'X' Factor Phaser Effects and Vamping Techniques

Phaser Effect is a technique used to create an extra effect mostly by modulation.Vamping is generally a repeated musical sequence or progression. These are techniques which drive a song making it extra special and giving the desired punchy effect it requires. As usual Raja's usage of these technique makes us go high in spirits. We shall see the employment of these techniques in some of Raaja's vintage compositions.

1) Bulbul Maine - Sandhyakku Virinja Poovu
Starting this thread with this miraculous malayalam composition rendered by KJ Yesudas which to be frank is a pretty unknown commodity. But wait till you give it a listen, as I'm sure you'll fall hook, line & sincer listening to the vamping and phasing touches beautifully caricatured by Raaja. It is flooded with unbelievable effects throughout the song. The guitar portions are especially mind boggling and out of the world.

2) Senorita - Jhonny
This is an evergreen favourite. The effects are in full flow right from the start and goes at a razor sharp pace accentuating the pep making the song listening experience a truly remarkable one. I believe scissors could have been used to create that effect. You would find lots of wacky sounds throughout but it just doesn't deviate from the flow of the composition one bit.

3) Naalo Chinukulatho - Darja Donga
I don't really have to say anything much on this. Just the opening bits itself transport the aural experience with fluid vamping effects. This composition also has a breezy bass touch to go on top of this and the pace of the song undergoes turbulent phases. A vintage classic from Andhra Land.

4) Aye Zindagi - Sadma
The Vamping appears just before the pallavi portion giving a trigger as well as a pulsating effect. The little bits complementing the singing also uses a bit of these techniques. A song for the ages.

5) Poo Malarnthuda - Tik Tik Tik
Poo Malarnthuda is a fantastic illustration employing these technique. The 1st interlude Violin is just freaking out at a frenetic level.

6) Netru Indha Neram - Tik Tik Tik
While speaking about Poo Malarnthuda, it is difficult to ignore the classic Netru Indru Neram also from the same movie. It has some Wowwww effects flooded especially interlaced in the 1st interlude. A kick ass funky song in all respects.

7) Manadhil Enna Ninaivugalo - Poonthalir
Now coming to a literal stunner in F Major Manadhil Enna, a song composed over 3 decades ago but even when you listen to it today it'll shake and stir you. Vintage Raaja of the highest order.

8) Summa Nikathinga - Thoongathe Thambi Thoongathe
A total riot of a song, an entertainer right from start to end. Check out the rippling sound created as soon as the singing starts of Summa Nikathenga which has a teasing kind of effect and you witness this through the whole of the composition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaPWpVWJT-4

9) Paruvakalangalin - Moodupani
Paruvakalangalin has amazing effects interspersed all through the length & breadth of the composition. It is a bit sad that it never enjoyed a run time as much as its illustrious counterpart En Iniya Pon Nilave. A song that has always fascinated me. There are trademark Vamps appearing fleetingly, in fact the entire song has different guitar usages throughout. An ephemeral but everlasting song.

10) Endrendrum Anandame - Kadal Meengal
Probably a song known more for its complex cross rhythm patterns, it also has some amazing effects and Malaysia Sir has literally freaked out in rendering this. Kamal must have been upset that a composition of this magnitude was perhaps not pictured on him. Wah re Wah! - What a composition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxAQOrkpBrk

11) Solla Solla Enna Perumai - Ellaam Inba Mayam
This is an absolutely sensational retro classic. Some wonderful vamping touches there appearing time and again with the rockstar SPB just pushing his limits to another level. Another song worth praising to the sky.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2phTrVo_X4

12) Irandum Ondrodu - Panakkaran
Ending on a high note with this composition from a Rajinikanth film. The song instantly signals your dancing instincts. Listen to the tonal quality and simply be beduffled. All these sounds just don't fall out of place and only enhance the crinkles even further.

IR Playlist - Genre Abounding and Themes Galore!

There are different Isaignani songs which kindle our emotions in different ways. For every situation, mood, feel, thought etc his music always comes in handy. One can always start forming their very own Raaja playlists from his mast oeuvre. A theme can be undertaken and it could be anything ranging from songs on a rainy day to a long distance drive or maybe an instrument usage such as Guitar Ragalai/Violin Convergence or perhaps foot tapping dance chart busters or even numbers apt for a festival occasion like Pongal, Diwali etc and lots more. It can be made more interesting by having various themes to enjoy one's own self and thereby also celebrate some of his greatest creations. Start music!

One particular theme which Raaja has walked the walk and talked the talk is with regard to flower songs. The Govt of Tamil Nadu can consider providing a honour to Maestro Ilaiyaraaja for beautifying and glorifying the 'flower' or 'poo' to such an extent in his compositions.

Attached below is the list of Maestro Flower Songs.
1) Chinna Poo Chinna Poo - Japanil Kalyanaraman
2) Aivagai Malargale - Adhigaaram
3) Poovarasampoo Poothaachu - Kizhakke Pogum Raiyil
4) Poovadikalil Alayum - Vyaamohan (Malayalam)
5) Poove Ilaya Poove - Kozhi Koovudhu
6) Poo Malaye - Pagal Nilavu
7) Poove Poochudavaa - Poove Poochudavaa
8) Chinna Chinna Roja Poove - Poovizhi Vasalile
9) Poovadai Kaatre - My Dear Kuttichaathan
10) Poovukku Poovale - Anand
11) Poove Sempoove - Solla Thudikkudhu Manasu
12) Then Poove - Anbulla Rajinikanth
13) Poova Eduthu - Amman Kovil Kizhakkaale
14) Senthaazham Poovil - Mullum Malarum
15) Aayiram Malargale - Niram Maaratha Pookal
16) Poovil Vandu - Kadhal Oviyam
17) Poonthottam Poovil - Nadhiyai Thedi Vantha Kadal
18) Poovaana Aetta Thottu - Ponmana Selvan
19) Poovendrum Ponne Endrum - Dhruva Nathchathiram
20) Poonthalir Aada - Panneer Pushpangal
21) Poo Malarnthida Nadanthidum - Tik Tik Tik
22) Poovum Thenral Kaatrum - Pickpocket
23) Poo Pookum Masam - Varsham 16
24) Poo Poo Poo Poo Pootha Solai - Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu
25) Poove Poove Ponnamma - Paattuku Naan Adimai
26) Poovile Medai - Pagal Nilavu
27) Vanamellam Shenbagapoo- Nadodi Pattukaran
28) Poo Mudithu Pottu Vaitha Nila - En Purushan Dhaan Enakku Mattum Dhaan
29) Oar Poomaalai - Iniya Uravu Poothadhu
30) Poovizhi Vaasalil - Dheepam
31) Poothu Poothu Kulungudhadi Poovu - Kumbakkarai Thangaiyaa
32) Malargale Nadhaswarangal - Kizhakke Pogum Raiyil
33) Hoomale Hoomale - Hoomale (Kannada)
34) Jeeva Hoovaagidhe - Nee Nanna Gellaare (Kannada)
35) Vaa Vaa Manjal Malare - Rajadhi Raja
36) Naan Thedum Sevvanthi Poovithu - Dharma Pathini
37) Putham Puthu Poo Poothatho - Thalapathi
38) Poo Poothadhu - Mumbai Express
39) Pothi Vecha Malligai Muthu - Mannvasanai
40) Rojaappoo - Agni Natchathiram
41) Malliga Mottu Manasa Thottu - Sakthivel
42) Kodiyile Maliya Poo - Kadalora Kavithaigal
43) Poo Sirikkudhu - Vaalmiki
44) Azhagiya Malargalin - Ullasa Paravaigal
45) Pani Vizhum Malarvanum - Ninaivellam Nithya
46) Pudhiya Poovidhu - Thendrale Ennai Thodu
47) Kothamalli Poove - Kallukkul Eeram
48) Poo choodum - Aan Azhagan
49) Rojavai Thalattum Thendral - Ninaivellam Nithya
50) Alli vacha malligaye - Inimai Itho Itho
51) Chembaruthi Pen Oruthi - Raman Abdullah
52) Roja Poonthottam - Friends
53) Pattu Poove Mettu Paadu - Chembaruthi
54) Solai Poovil - Vellai Roja
55) Malargalil Aadum - Kalyanaraman
56) Sempoove Poove - Siraichalai
57) Magizham Poove - Pudhiya Adimaigal
58) Thalaiye Kuniyum Thamaraye - Oru Odai Nathiyagiradhu
59) Sithakathi Pookale - Rajakumaran
60) Kaathodu Poovurasa - Anbukku Naan Adimai
61) Malargalile aaradhanai - Karumbu Vil
62) Poonkaviyam - Karpura Mulai
63) Thalam Poove - Kai Kodukkum Kai
64) Poomele Veesum - Echchil Iravugal
65) Poonkodi Than - Idhayam
66) Oru Poo Vanatthila - Kazhugu
67) Yezhaippoo unnai - Echchil Iravugal
68) Sembaruthi Poove - Naanum Oru Thozilali
69) Adukkumalli - Aavarampoo
70) Adukkumalligai - Thangamagan
71) Sendhoorappoove - 16 Vayathiniley
72) Indha Poovukkoru Kadhai Undu - Iravu Pookkal
73) Indha poovukkoru arasan - Poovarasan
74) Idhu Rosappoovu - Naan Sigappu Manithan
75) Malligai Maalai Katti from Puthiya Raagam
76) Poo Enbadha - Uyire Unakaaga
77) Anbu Malargalin Solai - Kannukku Mai Ezhudhu
78) Poove Nee Naanaagavum - Kannukku Mai Ezhudhu
79) Vaada Malliye - Kannukku Mai Ezhudhu
80) Sevvandhi Poomudicha - 16 vayathinile
81) Thamarai Kodi - Ananda Kummi
82) Va Va Mysooru Malligae - Aduthathu Albert
83) Oru Poongavanam - Agni Natchathiram
84) Roja Thottam - Alai Osai
85) Aayiram Thamarai - Alaigal Oyvathillai
86) Azhagaana Pookkal - Anbe Odi Vaa
87) Rathiriyil Poothirukkum Thamarai - Thanga Magan
88) Poovendhum - Anthapuram
89) Nattu Vecha Rosa Chedi from Aranmanai Kili
90) Senthazhampoovil - Athiradippadai
91) Panneer Pushpangale - Aval Appadithaan
92) Devan Thiruchabhai Malargale - Avar Enakke Sondham
93) Kurunji Malaril - Azhage Unnai Aarathikkiren
94) Poojaikketha Poovidhu
95) Sevvarali Thottathile from Bhagavathypuram Railway Gate
96) Sembaruthi Poovukku - Dharma
97) Poovodu Kaatru Vandhu - Dharmam Vellum
98) Poothu Nikkudhu - Echchil Iravugal
99) Poo Vendumey - En Iniya Pon Nilaave
100) Manadhil Ore Oru Poo Poothathu from En Purushan Thaan Enakku Mattum Thaan
101) Parijaadha Poove - En Rasavin Manasule
102) Madhura Marikkozhundhu - Enga Ooru Paattukkaran
103) Shenbagame - Enga Ooru Paattukkaran
104) Malligappoo Kattilile - Enna Petha Rasa
105) Malare Pesu from Geethanjali
106) Poove Idhu - Graamathyu Athiyayam
107) Vaadatha Rosappoo - Graamathyu Athiyayam
108) Poo Vaadaikkatru - Gopurangal Saivathillai
109) Kaatru Poovil - I love India
110) Eeramana Rojave - Ilamai Kaalangal
111) Mottu Vitta Mullai Kodi - Indru Nee Naalai Naan
112) Thazhampoove - Indru Nee Naalai Naan
113) Or Poomaalai - Iniya Uravu Poothathu
114) Malli Malli - Iravu Pookal
115) Yaar Veettu Roja - Idhaya Koyil
116) Poothathu Poovu - Jagan Mohini
117) Poo Potta Dhavani - Kaakki Sattai
118) Malare Malare - Kadhal Kadhai
119) Malare Malare Ullasam - Un Kannil Neer Vazhinthaal
120) Poojaikkaha vazhum poovai - Kadhal Oviyam
121) Nadhiyilaadum Poovanam - Kadhal Oviyam
122) Sangeetha Jathi Mullai - Kadhal Oviyam
123) Poovarasampoove - Kadavul
124) Kothamalli Poove - Kallukkul Eeram
125) Vanthaaley Allippoo - Kan Sivanthaal Mann Sivakkum
126) Maalai Soodu - Kanne Radha
127) Roja Poonthottam - Kannukul Nilave
128) Chinna Poove Poove - Kattumarakkaran
129) Mama Poo Poo - Kavalaipadaathey Sagotharaa
130) Poo Polaeh - Kavari Maan
131) Kaatrum Poovum - Kavidhai Paadum Alaigal
132) Karpura Mullai Ondru - karpura mullai
133) Pacha Mala Poovu - kizhakku Vaasal
134) Poo Nilavonnu - Kizhakkum Merkkum
135) Then Thoongum Poove - Kodai Mazhai
136) Roja Ondru - Komberi Mookkan
137) Roja Onru Ullankaiyil poothadhu - O Maane Maane
138) Poothu Poothu Kulunguthadi Poovu - Kumbakarai Thangayya
139) Malligai Poovukkul - Magane Magane
140) Madhu Malargale - Magane Magane
141) Kaathirunda Malli malli Mallu Vetti Minor
142) Aavaram Poovaithottu - Manamagaley Vaa
143) Pavala Malligai - Mandhira Punnagai
144) Sevvanthi Pookkalil - Mella Pesungal
145) Endha Poovilum - Murattu Kaalai
146) Naan Poo Eduthu - Naanum Oru Thozhilali
147) Pattu Poove - Naanum Oru Thozhilali
148) Gulu Gulu Malare - Nee Sirithaal Deepavali
149) Paarijadham Pagalil - Nilavu Suduvathillai
150) Poove Pani Poove - Nilavu Suduvathillai
151) Pookkal Sindhungal - Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal
152) Malliye - Pandithurai
153) Aayiram Poovum Undu - Pasa Mazhai
154) Solai Malare - Paattu Vaathiyaar
155) Malligaye - Periya Veettu Pannaikkaran
156) Poove Varuga - Periyamma
157) Potteney Poo Vilangu - Poo Vilangu
158) Iniya Malargal - Poonthottam
159) Yezhai Poo Unnai Theduthey - Pudhiya Adimaigal
160) Ye Marikkozhundhu - Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu
161) Manakkum Malligai - Rickshaw Mama
162) Athimara Poo Idhu - Saadhanai
163) Nenjukkuam Poo Manjangal - Sattai Illadha Pambaram
164) Malliga Mottu - Sakthi Vel
165) Vaasalile Poosanipoo - Shenbagame Shenbagame
166) Un Pakkathula Oru Poova Vecha - Sendhooram
167) Vaasamalli Poovu - Sevvandhi
168) Gundu Malli - Solla Marandha Kadhai
169) Kan Malargalin - Thai Pongal
170) Pani Vizhum Poo Nilavil - Thai Pongal
171) Malligai Pandha - Thanga Mama
172) Poothathu Poonthoppu - Thanga Manasukkaran
173) Mullai Arumbe - Thanikkaattu Raja
174) Then Malli Poove - Thiyagam
175) Naan Thanga Roja - Time
176) Solai Pushpangalae - Ingeyum Oru Gangai
177) Sengamalam Sirikkudhu - Dhavani Kanavugal
178) Germaniyin Sendhen Malare - Ullasa Paravaigal
179) Narumana Malargalin - Urangaatha Ninaivugal
180) Malare Nalamaa - Urimai
181) Poove Siru Poove - Va Va Vasanthame
182) Chinna Chinna Poo - Chinna Kannamma
183) Nerunjippoo - Vazhga Valarga
184) Azhagu Malaraada - Vaidehi Kathirundhaal
185) Pattu Poo - Veera
186) Malare Thendral - Veetila Viseshanga
187) Kombula Poova Suthi - Virumandi
188) Poovai Virinju - Adharvam (Malayalam)
189) Thenchodi Poove - Anuraaga Kottaram (Malayalam)
190) Alli Poove from Bhagya Devadha (Malayalam)
191) Malar Thoppinil - Dooram Arike (Malayalam)
192) Shivamallipoove - Friends (Malayalam)
193) Punnarapoovilum - Friends (Malayalam)
194) Chempoove - Kalaapaani (Malayalam)
195) Pala Poo Mahangalazha - Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal (Malayalam)
196) Alliyilam Poovo - Mangalam Nerunnu (Malayalam)
197) En Poove - Pappayude Swandham Appoose (Malayalam)
198) Thazhampoo Thalil - Oomakkuyil (Malayalam)
199) Poo Kumkumapoo - Rasathanthram (Malayalam)
200) Mandarapoo - Vinoda Yathra (Malayalam)
201) Oru Pushpavum - Vyaamohan
202) Sooreedu poova - Anthapuram (Telugu)
203) Sindhoorapu Poo thotalo - Killer
204) Malle Puvvulo - Malle Puvvu (Telugu)
205) Ponnaaram Poovaram - Pagalil Oru Iravu
206) Banti chaamanti - Abhilasha (Telugu)
207) Navvinthi malli chendu - Abhilasha (Telugu)
208) Malli Malli -Rakshadalu (Telugu)
209) Malle Poovula - Sreekaram (Telugu)
210) Poovakelu - Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai
211) Indha Maamanoda Manasu Malliyapoo - Uthama Raasa
212) Panpaadum Thaamaraye Vaa Vaa - Nee Thodum Podhu
213) arumbaagi mottagi poovagi - Enga ooru kaavalkaaran
214) Arumbarumba Saram Thoduttha - Chinna Thaayi

Similar to this a bucket load of many different playlists can be considered as IR compositions have so much muster in them that it not only captures varied emotions but also captivates the senses.

Raaja - The Boss of Bass!

Bass generally means sounds at a lower frequency. They act like a harmonizing effect to the main melody. In Raaja's case, the bass by itself sounds so rich and when combined with the song it reaches proportions of enormity. Raja's usage of Bass is unparalleled and his idea of composing bass is an experiment by itself. Let's take a look at some of his bass based bazooka bastions.

1) Devanin Koil Moodiya Neram - Aruvadai Naal
One of the first songs which pierced my heart with absolutely breathtaking Bass is Devanin Koil Moodiya Neram. The song opens up with some wonderful chanting by Maestro. When Chitra sings in her super sweet melodious voice, its hard not to notice the Bass seeping up in parallel from the other side and providing ample harmonic backing transcending the song to an all time high. Its a feeling of ecstasy listening to this composition. Bliss of the highest order!

2) Vaan Megam - Punnagai Mannan
Talking about Bass, its tough to look beyond this stunner! This is epitome of Bassness personified. The bass track by itself is mind boggling and goes twinkling along on its own merry way. I somehow feel Raja's bass in Rain songs is extra special and they sound like the nectar filled droplets. A hallmark song in Maestro's career. Every time you feel so refreshed and rejuvenated listening to this. A composition which makes you absolutely stupefied.

3) Dhegam Pon Dhegam - Anbulla Malare
A super hard hitting Bass Track. It happens to be a very rare song in an hitherto rare ragam Revagupti rendered absolutely masterfully by S Janaki with the bass beautifully complementing
and painting the perfect picture throughout the song. Enigmatic, Erotic & Enthralling!

4) Penmaane Sangeetham - Naan Sigappu Manidhan
Sometimes i wonder as to why he even writes a Bass track for these sweet sacharine Shankarabaranam kinda melodies like Penmaane Sangeetham? The song already sounds so melodious and you tend to think what else do you need and then you realize that you missed out on the lovely breezy Bass Guitar which goes by the side as S Janaki does the humming that is simply unimaginable. To even imagine that so much is packed in a mere 4 1/2 mins makes you truly wonder 'What this man is made of'.

5) Aala Asathum - Kanni Raasi
A classic in Chalnaatai, this one's a bombshell. Check out the finesse bass touches (surprising it includes a lot of Ma2 in the form of a bass chromatic which goes Ga2 Ma1 Ma2 Pa which does not form part of the Chalnaatai scale, but the result is wow). In the 1st interlude the Bass seems to act as the counterpoint partner to the main melody. A song which lifts your spirits and makes you go full throttle. Freeflowing freakoutness!

6) Chinna Chinna Vannakuyil - Mouna Ragam
This song from this evergreen movie simply has a superlative bass track. A song not very popular as the other tracks in this masterful album but the bass here is absolutely gob smacking stuff . Have always been fascinated by the Bass track making it have a special place in my heart.

7) Megam Kottatum - Enakkul Oruvan
The bazz bedazzles and makes you dance joyfully in the rain. The bass lines are a sheer delight and they flow in their own merry way. Awesomeness beyond Awesomeness. Enjoy the Pouring Rains with this bass beauty.

8) Kannan Vandhu - Rettai Vaal Kuruvi
You just cannot but not drooooolllll over this Bass Beauty. Simply Superb and lost for words.

9) Vaanile Thenile - Kaakhi Chattai
A Bass beauty, its just impossible not to tap your feet when listening to this one. Bass magic written all over the soul.

10) Anjali Anjali - Anjali
Anjali Anjali cannot be classified under one genre alone, its a spectacle in every way and is a song which is always addictive and I can listen to this riveting Shankarabaranam any moment any time of the day. There is some wonderful bass throughout the song and especially notice the portion from 01:53 to 01:59 where there is an absolutely breathtaking Bass played along the notes Pa Ga Ma Ri Ga Sa Pa Sa. Also there is a nice bass playing the notes Pa Ni Sa Ga (repeat twice) and then Pa Pa' Ri' Ni when the lyrics go Nadakum Nadakum. Can listen to this song a gazillion times and feel so ecstatic still listening to it the next time.

Raaja's Golden Arpeggios or Broken Chords!

In music, an arpeggio is a technique where notes in a chord are played or sung in sequence one after the other rather than being played simultaneously. For instance C Major Chord consists of C E G . Instead of playing it in unison, if we play by breaking it and playing as separate notes it constitutes an Arpeggio. There are plenty of Maestro's songs which have Arpeggios/Broken Chords where we will take a look at a sample few:

1) Vinnaar Amudhey - Baba Pugazh Maalai

Hear the melody going in parallel with the song. This is a wonderful illustration of using a broken chord or Arpeggio.

2) Maamanukku Mylapore - Velaikaran

An absolute fun riot song with rollicking lyrics, its impossible not to tap your feet when you listen to this. The song also has some really catchy Arpegios, hear the Bass Arpegios from 01:07 to 01:16

and also the trumpet has fun between 02:44 to 02:46

3) Minmini Paarvaigal - Julie Ganapathi

Minmini Paarvaigal is a gem from Raja in the 2000s and is a really nice composition where the starting notes themselves represent a Broken Chord. It utilizes the notes 

Sa Ga Pa (C Minor) Minmini

Sa Ga Pa (C Minor) Paarvaigal

Sa Ma Da (F Minor) En Nenjam

4) Nilave Nee Vara Vendum - En Arugil Nee Irunthal

Check out the soul ridden broken chords on this soul stirring number Nilave Nee Varavendum from En Arugil Nee Irunthal which is another 90's beauty. Look at the delectable prelude using chordal break ups and forming a melody Pa Sa Ga2 4 times (C Minor), Ni2 Ga2 Pa (E Minor) Ni2 Ma1 Ga, Pa Ga Sa (C Minor), Pa Sa Ni. You also hear the broken chord Pa Sa Ga2 (C Minor) going continuously during the 2nd interlude and acting as a counterpoint to the lush filling mellowy guitar melody moving in parallel. Truly a camaraderie between the Guitars, Violins and Flute.

5) En Gaanam - Eera Vizhi Kaaviyangal

Absolutely wonderful layering with broken chords playing a major role. Hypnotically bliss listening to it all by yourself.

Raaja's Goose-bumping Trills!

Trills are rapid alternation between 2 adjacent notes. It generally occurs at a very fast pace . For instance continuous repetition of the notes Da & Ni (Carnatic) or A & B (Western). Maestro has used Trills mostly in his WCM compositions and its more prevalent in his background music where he uses trills to communicate an emotion or convey a feeling. We shall now explore some of his Trills which has truly thrilled us.

1) Title Score - Nenjathai Killathe
Whenever i listen to this piece , get a feeling of ecstasy.The piece keeps getting better as you hear more and when it finally ends with the Trill , its like attaining Nirvana. Check out the trill towards the end 2:02 to 2:04 which thrills us to bits. The notes go A Bb or Da2 Ni2 continously and ends .So Awe-inspiring and Heavenly!

2) Title score - Azhagarsamiyin Kudhirai
I also spot a small Trill in the awesome ASK piece. Another BGM piece which tears your heart.
Check out the Trill at 01:06-01:07 and the same again at 01:32-01:33.

3) Jeevitham Manogatham - Time

Stumbled across another stunning WCM Based composition Jeevitham Manogatham from Time ..

Check out the excited Trills at 0:02 and 0:09 ..A brilliant Western composition sung by Sujatha , not to be missed.

4) Putham Puthu Kaalai - Alaigal Oyvathillai

Talking about Trills , how could i miss this one? Infact its the trills played on the flute in the prelude right from the start which acts as the gateway to the beauty that is about to unfold soon. There is a marriage happening between the Trills and Chromatics during the prelude. First its a Trill between the notes Sa and Ri2 it goes Sa Ri2 multiple times and ends on Sa , now ri1 is introduced and the notes play a chromatic Ri1 Ri2 Ga2 , to be taken over by the trill again which plays Ri2 Ga2 numerous times and ends on Ri2 , and then there is a downward chromatic starting from Ri1 and goes Ri1 Sa Ni3 Ni2 Da2 Da1Pa Ma2 Ma1 and then there's a trill again between Ga2 and Ma1 continously which leads the way for another chromatic Ri2 Ri1 Sa and then the violin slowly open up. One of the most heavenly songs ever created. Period. All this happens in a matter of 15 seconds. What a heavenly composition!.

In a nutshell Trill (Sa&Ri)-> Short chromatic forward ->Trill (Ri&Ga) -> Long Chromatic backward -> Trill (Ga&Ma) -> Short Chromatic backward

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwr17VHk8GY

5) Maniye Manikuyile - Nadodi Thendral

This is trills of the reverberating kind to thrill your senses. Hear from 01:30 onwards to experience it.

6) Hey Indha Poongatru - Uthiri Pookal

There are trills throughout this short song between different swaras. First by the flute at 00:19 when there is alternation between the notes Sa and Ri , then between Ri and Ga at 01:19 , 01:21 and 01:23 , then between Pa and Da at 01:27 and then between Da and Ni at 01:30. Listening to this dries up your heart and leaves you with a lump on your throat. Just love this song

7) Dhoorathil Naan Kanda - Nizhalgal

The trills in this song capture the emotions so perfectly in this soulful number.Probably the least known number from this movie but no less from the other three in terms of histrionics. Check out the trills appearing in the 1st interlude. Check out the emotion filled Trills on the flute at 01:32

8) Yamunai Aatrile - Thalapathi

Yamunai Aatrile starting there seems to be a flute trill. Just love this song for the sensory aural treat and the amazing picturisation.

9) Thendral Kaatre - Kumbakariah Thangiah

Check out the the lovely folkish trills on the flute at 1:05, so native and so feel good.

Maestro's folk based compositions generally have some a tinge of a western touch and this song truly exemplifies that by using some WCM techniques in a rustic atmosphere and he makes it sound so serene.

10) Theme Music - Raaja Paarvai

Something to get mesmerised, 1 and a half minutes of pure bliss. Close your eyes, open your ears and travel with Raja sir somewhere farrrrrrr away where everything else ceases to exist. There is a small resonating trill on the violin towards the end of the piece at 01:26 with the notes playing Ga and Ma in alteration. Simply Superb!