Kadhal Kavithaigal - SPB's field territory!

Some compositions are just tailor made and feels like it's been composed exclusively for SPB to do full justice. And boy oh boy does he do a wondrous job of it by elevating the number a further notch through his energetic rendering. The song in question is Kadhal Kavidhaigal from the movie Gopura Vaasalile.

It's a love byte set to tune in Malayamalava Gowla ragam. The prelude begins with the lady conveying her excitement towards her lover through the words "I love this lovable idiot" and then gets taken over by a gush of violins galloping in a gorgeous gusto followed by the chiming in of the wind flute to add some chirpiness.

And when SPB begins singing Kadhal Kavithaigal Padithidum it's a chilling feeling with love abounding in breathtaking fashion. There is an extra zep in his soulful rendition that brings out the love pep brimming in full finesse. Chitra complements SPB beautifully but the out and out show-stealer of this riveting composition is the man with the golden vintage voice.

This song also touches upon the 'Thala' in a lovely manner. Normally when a melody starts with the beat, it's termed as 'Samam' but when it starts at a different point from the beat it's known as 'Vishamam'. When melody starts first followed by the beat it's called 'Athitha Eduppu' whereas if the melody starts after the beat it's known as 'Anaagatha Eduppu'. This song employs Athitha Eduppu by having the melody line starting ahead of the beat.

I attempted a small take on the veena beginning from the Charanam and then connecting it back to the Pallavi where SPB is in his true elements decisively lighting up and lilting the number to glory beyond uncharted territory. This is an evergreen love song for the ages that always leaves a smile on your face. Sharing this sizzling song as an ode to SPB as a remembrance on his birth month anniversary and on the occasion of World Music Day.

Foot Tapping Chartbuster - Kadhalikkum Pennin Kaigal

This composition was an absolute rage back in the day. The 90s kids especially eulogized this and it struck such a chord with the trendy youths of heyday. It was also a resounding signal that ARR had well and truly arrived capturing the market with continuous back to back hits. This particular soundtrack Kadhalan was a rip roaring chartbuster covering tracks bespangled across diverse genres.

Kadhalikum Pennin is a number hard to pigeonhole into a particular dimension due to it's varied straddles sprawling imminently out and about. At times it feels like a foot tapping dance number but it also shifts pace to a melodic tonal feel with the irrepressible hums smidgeoned all over. And when you least expect it also goes into a classical mold. The legendary SPB shows his versatility in full vigor both as an actor and also singer bringing in the requisite thrills to this song.

I had a bit of fun trying a shot at this feet sweeper. Tried to capture the opening bass lines in the 3rd string which has a reverberating effect. Also it was lovely attempting the veena bit which seeps out of the blue during the interludes. Don't really know if I've done justice but boy was it a riot even to just attempt this trailblazer of a composition.

Running riot - Valai Osai

This song is a riot from the very inception. The way it picks up pace and gathers momentum throughout the course of the composition is something to behold. Though Lata Mangeshkar had sung a couple of songs before this one, it was Valai Osai that imprinted the stamp of her voice in Tamil Language

If one looks at Raaja's ouevre in terms of ragas touched, he would have virtually tried his hands at everything there ever was but if there is one raga that stands out then it's certainly Sindhu Bhairavi. The majority of numbers from a percentage terms composed by the Maestro would include this incomparable raga that is almost like a template design for breathtaking song constructs. 

If ever one feels demotivated, it's a tip to listen to this one as it can pep you up in an instant with it's high octane energy levels. A landmark number in every way with 4 legends Vaalee, Ilaiyaraaja, Lataji and SPB joining in to create a timeless eternal masterpiece. 

Attempted a portion of this song right from the interlude and then latching on to the charanam and clawing back on to the Pallavi. Just hope I've been able to capture a minute essence of this remarkable composition to the best of my ability.

Kaapi Konashtai and Breezy Bass - The magic behind Naguva Nayana/Paniyil Nanaiyum

'Naguva Nayana' is an iconic composition when viewed from the Kannada hinterland. Pallavi Anupallavi was the first movie that ace director Mani Ratnam helmed and this also happens to be the first ever pairing of the famed Mani Ratnam-Ilaiyaraaja duo who combined to produce sensational stunners from around the mid 80s till the early 90s. Almost every song from this combo sparkles with ecstasy and steeped in musical monarch. 

Around the mid 2000s, I heard that there was a Tamil version of this song and remember searching feverishly across erstwhile sites such as cooltoad, sukravathanee.tk, mohankumars etc but to no avail. Then finally I got to source it from a gentleman abroad who procured it once I described about this song and movie. I recall it was such a blissful experience listening to 'Paniyil Nanaiyum Malargal Rendu' for the first time though it was in it's dubbed avatar. 

This song has always remained a perennial favorite and I absolutely love the freshness that this song infuses every time you listen to it. You tend to mirage a verdant lushness to it that feels so invigorating and refreshing. The ebbs & flows of Kaapi ragam is handled so delicately and the way the bass breezes through is simply riveting. 

Just attempted a portion of this magical song. This beauty also happens to be one of my most favorite romantic duets rendered by SPB and Janaki/Chitra (former Kannada and latter Tamil). An evergreen number for the ages!.

June and the Music connection!

June is the month when the International Music Day is celebrated which falls exactly on Jun 21st. It also marks the summer solstice and said to be the longest day of the year. In the Tropical Zodiac the month of June consists of both Gemini & Cancer whereas as per the sidereal zodiac it includes the month of Taurus and Gemini coined locally as 'Vaigasi' and 'Aani'. 

From a constellation perspective the Sun traverses the 3 Nakshatras of Rohini, Mrigashira and Arudra during the month of June. Rohini happens to be the Nakshatra of Lord Krishna and everything associated with beauty comes under the ambit of this star and is there anything more beautiful than music? Mrigashira is said to be a soft & tender star and as per muhurtha it's said to be ideal to start learning any new activity like music on this day. Arudra or 'Tiruvadirai' as it's termed in the South is denoted itself by the symbol Veena, hence music and this star tend to blend really well. 

Apart from all the astronomical gazing, taking a cursory glance of some of the finest musicians many of them incidentally happen to be born in the month of June. Some all time favorite names that pop up include Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, SP Balasubramaniyam, Mellisai Mannar MS Viswanathan, Kavignar Kannadasan, Rahul Dev Burman, Madan Mohan, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson etc. Though the Music Day was just chosen to be one of the days in the year, the fact that it's in June seems to bear exemplary significance and relevance. 

The song dedicated for this music month happens to be a partnership of two legends who formed an irreplaceable musician cum lyricist duo churning out some of the most memorable hits from the bygone era. And the one who rendered this number has a repertoire of the greatest ever songs to be sung on celluloid running into plenty of '0000 multiples. And all these 3 legends were born in the month of June - Kannadasan (24th June), MSV (24th June) and SPB (4th June). 

Just tried attempting a small portion of this song. The way swaras alternate adds a diminutive touch giving it an extra zep. This jewel is almost half a century old and still lingers on merrily as ever in it's own dashing style. A truly evergreen number from the golden era of Tamizh cinema.

SPB - A Legend Unparalleled!

Few losses are hard to take and when it happens to be that of an individual who you're not personally associated with, it can only be by the impact created through a medium that predilects an everlasting effect on to you. The medium is music and the man Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam. The impact created is inconceivable and hard to jot down in mere words.

This person traveled throughout my journey of life uninitiated and in an unknowing manner. His presence accompanied us through his golden voice which soothingly and euphonically became a ritual in our everyday lives. If music had the power to heal, he was the designated voice to glow the torch and show us a ray of hope. It is with profound sadness that this thoroughbred icon isn't with us anymore to see the light of the day.

It is unacceptable that the one solely responsible to uplift our moods, stir our emotions and who provided unhindered happiness is not amongst us. He had no reason to leave us. The world he has gone to maybe a far better place than what it is currently but I'm very sorry to say that God really disappointed by snatching him away to his celestial abode. 

Listening to the reverberating opening hum of Mandram Vandhu leaves a spiral of waves shattering the heart to smithereens. Almost every single gem of a song that I've ever listened to was associated with his meritorious baritone. This is not just a loss to the music world but to humanity at large. His extreme accomplishments aside, he had a heart and personality that was impossible not to admire. There are people that are loved and hated but the word 'hate' just gets obliterated when it comes to SPB. There isn't a single negative streak in his DNA and not a mere soul could ever dislike him.

As SPB famously quips, "I know what I don't know", he knew how to sustain and work around his strengths not toying with areas beyond his capability. This not only characterizes his humble attitude but also a life lesson imparted to budding youngsters of being more open to accepting their inherent limitations thereby learning and paving the way for future growth. 

SPB will truly go down as a pantheon in his field and his incredible feats are unparalleled beyond reach by any stretch of the imagination. To consistently be on top of your game for over 5 decades and counting never giving the slightest hopes of ever slowing down shows what 'achievement' is all about.

We are all indebted to you forever Sir and thanks for all the boundless memories that have literally kept our lives up and running. This bond will only continue to prosper thanks to your rich legacy of diamond mines of music that you've kept as a treasure for all of us to cherish, thrive and rejoice. Love you SPB, may your legend be celebrated and continue to live and inspire generations forever till the eternity of time.

Nalam Vaazha - Mellow & Mellifluous!

There are compositions which happen to be mellifluously mellow that caress and comfort the soul. Nalam Vaazha definitely goes into that bracket. The way it slithers through you with unbridled with sweetness in abundance.

The underlying tone of this majestic melody is the fact that it touches virtually every single note and those slides which canoodle the chromatics is something worth rejoicing. It touches a chord and hits you straight in the heart.

This is generally viewed as a birthday song dedicated to celebrate an event. I choose this to usher in the sun's entry into Aries (Chithirai) signifying the beginning of a new year as per the Hindu calendar.

It was an indeed quite an exercise to play few titbits from this vintage musical construction of the 90's. Wishing the sun a very auspicious solar return as it ingresses onto Mesha rasi which in essence auspices the entry point of the zodiac.

Joyous Jotheyali!

Some compositions are simply sheer joy and Jotheyali fondly falls into that exquisite category. It just caresses off in blitzkrieg fashion right from start to finish. The turbo galloping pace does not hinder it from being lardy-dardy which it so crystal clearly is.

Though this song has a version in every regional linguistic, it's the original Kannada version that takes the cake. The lyrics meld so well with the tune and the synchronization is magical. This one's an evergreen timeless classic and makes me reminisce the good ol' Bangalore days when invariably every bus used to hoot this in full blast.

And from a technical perspective, the pallavi largely employs a hitherto unknown janya raga called 'Katyayani’ which is a derivative of Natabhairavi. You would also notice an eerie resemblance to 'Shivaranjani' with just the Dhaivatam being different. However as it takes off, lustre is added in the form of plenty of alien notes which is a signature of IR.

Do also observe the rivetting trills (rapid alternation between adjacent notes) at ’Ooooo Endha Mathadidhe' and charismatic chromatics (three or more consecutive notes played back or forth) gliding along nonchalantly. All in all makes for a thrilling glissading adventure.

I just tried a wild shot at a couple of portions of this song. These are numbers totally beyond my reach but ultimately it's just the bliss of having attempted it. As the saying goes it's 'Nothing but joy' at the end of the day.

Note: From an astrology point of view, if one is interested to know what planetary positions help in playing the veena, I would say Jupiter and Saturn are most important. The reason is because you make you use of the index finger and middle finger a lot to play the instrument. The mount ruling the index finger happens to be Jupiter and the mount ruling the middle finger happens to be Saturn. Ideally both these planets need to connected with the 3rd house which is known for skills, activities performed by the hand. In my own case both Jupiter and Saturn happen to have aspect on my 3rd house of Leo. Strength depends on where these 2 planets are placed and how they are influencing your 3rd house and also not to forget the zodiac sign in which your 3rd house is falling into. 

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Joyous Jotheyali! Some compositions are simply sheer joy and Jotheyali fondly falls into that exquisite category. It just caresses off in blitzkrieg fashion right from start to finish. The turbo galloping pace does not hinder it from being lardy-dardy which it so crystal clearly is. Though this song has a version in every regional linguistic, it's the original Kannada version that takes the cake. The lyrics meld so well with the tune and the synchronization is magical. This one's an evergreen timeless classic and makes me reminisce the good ol' Bangalore days when invariably every bus used to hoot this in full blast. And from a technical perspective, the pallavi largely employs a hitherto unknown janya raga called 'Katyayani’ which is a derivative of Natabhairavi. You would also notice an eerie resemblance to 'Shivaranjani' with just the Dhaivatam being different. However as it takes off, lustre is added in the form of plenty of alien notes which is a signature of IR. Do also observe the rivetting trills (rapid alternation between adjacent notes) at ’Ooooo Endha Mathadidhe' and charismatic chromatics (three or more consecutive notes played back or forth) gliding along nonchalantly. All in all makes for a thrilling glissading adventure. I just tried a wild shot at a couple of portions of this song. These are numbers totally beyond my reach but ultimately it's just the bliss of having attempted it. As the saying goes it's 'Nothing but joy' at the end of the day. #jotheyali #kannada #tamil #hindi #geetha #shankarnag #IR #SPB #music #ugadi #bangalore #1981

A post shared by Rajiv Shankar (@rajiv_revel) on Apr 7, 2019 at 2:39am PDT

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!

Energetic and Inimitable SPB!

There are certain songs which nobody but the great man can do real justice - the unmatchable energy , feel and sizzle he brings is truly a class of his own. In his own inimitable style he can elevate a song to an all together different level through his impeccable rendition.

Check out the way he just freaks out in this outstanding composition bringing out the perfect ambience of funkiness , craziness and wackiness. The way he goes Pa Pa Pa Pa Paaaaahhhh is just kickass awesomeness.
Sir , you really are a rockstar and truly epitomise legendaryness.

Happy B'day Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam aka SPB !!

Appappa Thithikkum - Japanil Kalyanaraman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2yGiUUAZ6c

Truly Goosebumpy Raajaish Moments !!

A myriad of emotions are experienced when listening to IlaiyaRaaja songs.
Some of the feelings you get are innermost to your senses and so deep that it is really hard to describe them in words.

I often tend to think Goosebumps has become a very common and often over rated word and generally used at will to describe different feelings.
I myself am guilty on occassions but there are portions/parts in certain songs which makes you inexplicably get a Namalukku Ariyamalaye Vara feel.

Somehow more than the musically histrionic numbers , it is those simple folkish songs mostly in 3 beat cycle which gives that உணர்ச்சி.

Here are some of my truly Goosebumpy Raaja moments :

1) Oorelaam Un Paattu Dhaan - Oorelaam Un Paattu
Am a big fan of Swarnalatha's version of this song. There is so much of soul ingrained all over this number that you just can't help but falling in love with it..Especially that Charanam portion when she renders 'Aalam Vizhudhugal Pole Aadum Ninaivugal Pole' with the violins backing up in arrangement , pppppaaaaahhhhh that’s all you want to say.


2) Thaana Vandha Sandhaname - Ooru Vittu Ooru Vandhu
Another folkish beauty based on the Karaharapriya scale , this one is a total stunner every way you look at it ..The way the word "Thaana" is illuthified giving such a nice variation and the heavenly violins in the 1st interlude is complete Pularippu..
But the truly defining moment is in the Charanam area when SPB renders 'கொத்துமல்லி கொண்டையிலாட குளிர் பார்வை வண்டுகளாட
புத்தம் புது செண்டுகளாட புது தாகம் தோணுமே' - what an impact he generates by traversing from one octave to another twice back and forth (Ri--->Ri , Ni---->Ni) , totally out of the skin singing by Balu leaving you stumped.


3) Kuyil Paattu - En Rasavin Manasule
Another Swarnalatha favourite folkish number based on the monstrous Shivaranjini.Here the sound of the flute feels like the chirping of the birds. The true moment of reckoning arrives during the portion 'mannavanum pOgum paadhaiyil vaasamulla malligaippoo meththai virippaen'
You just feel this line appears suddenly out of the blue and parallelly with the violins at the background communicating the desired emotion leaves you with a lump in your heart. Totally unexpected and out of the box.


4) Raasave Unnai Nambi - Mudhal Mariyadhai
Example of feel good is defined in this song .. Avalo oru mey marandha feel kudukkum indha paattu. Janaki Amma kudukara feele thani .. Edho pannum especially andha portion 'Unakke vachirukken moochu Ethukku intha kadhi aachu' giving the perfect tranquil ambience.


5) Indha Maan - Karagatakkaran
Personal favourite - a song which transports you to another world. Vayathu ellaam kalakkum when the violins are injected in the first interlude Uchchathukku pora feel when Raaja sings 'anname ahhhh (alaap) anname endhan swarname' adhukku mela additionally oru violins movement apdiye vera ulagam koindu poyidum that very moment.


6) Malligaiye Malligaiye - Periya Veetu Panakkaran
A song very close to my heart - thaana oru palpable excitement varum whenever I listen to it. The starting violins tell you whats in store and the portions that follow just blows you away.
However the defining moment of awesomeness happens during the takeover of the flute in the first interlude , the way it carries the interlude on top of the Tabla rhythm and leads towards the Charanam is simply mesmerising. Napolean sir at his real best , this bit just makes you jump with joy. Used to have this bit as my ringtone - Sarasangi Bliss
Ringtone :
https://soundcloud.com/skrajiv/malligaiye-flute-interlude
Song :


7) Madhurai Maarikozhundhu Vaasam - Enga Ooru Paattukkaaran
A feeling of துள்ளல் comes in whenever you listen to this song making you sway away to the quintessential Ta Ki Ta rhythm.
What a delight it is to listen to the violins unfurl briefly before being subjected to the introduction of Shehnai piece suddenly giving a totally different color and again paving way for the violins to finish off in style.
Then comes the Charanam and when you feel the song to be moving in one direction , a sudden burst of energy is witnessed when Chitra renders 'vettu adhu unakku mattum dhaanaa' going on a full throttle jump forward to the next octave giving such a wonderful rippling effect making you feel relished.


8 ) Maanguyile Poonguyile - Karagatakkaaran
Speaking of folk , one just cannot ignore the gargantuan Maanguyile .. Eppo indha paattu ketaalum oru thani sugam.
The employment of flute , violins , Nadaswaram , Thavil etc make it a grand orchestral spectacle but not for a moment does it compromise on the soul of the song which is truly rustic and native.These are things which mind boggle you about Raaja as to how he paints the perfect caricature in his own inimitable style according to the desired setting not diluting the essence at the slightest.
The most bamboozling part of this song however is the twist in the Charanam when SPB sings 'yaereduththu paaththu yemmaa neereduththu ooththu' - where a new note (Periya Gandharam) is introduced for the first time creating an unexpected sparkling chiaroscura making you completely bedazzled.
This note is not introduced till that part and when it is what a marvellous transmogrification it brings to the table enhancing the song to an alltogether different level.


9) Shenbagame Shenbagame - Enga Ooru Paattukkaran
This song in Sindhu Bhairavi ragam is inundated , soaked and embellished completely with soul in abundance , just the initial Alaap by Asha Bhosle gives such a magical feel and on top of it the portions of flute resonate and the violins tug at your heart strings stirring your emotions.
When Ashaji finishes the Charanam by singing 'ennoda pattu satham serum unna pinnale eppodhum unnathottu paadaporen munnale' , such an ineffable feel is generated making you truly lost for words.


10) Un Paarvaiyil - Amman Kovil Kizhakaale
Ennavo oru power irukku indha paattula , every next time you listen the more you tend to fall in love with it.
Raaja dumbfounds by taking a Hindustani based scale for a village setting and the output he creates is simply bewitching and breathtaking.
Every part of the song just makes you go bonkers but if you have to pick that one hair raising moment it is that flute portion in the second interlude.It just automatically brings a smile to your face and you just don't know what to say but if you have to describe this beauty in a single word maybe you can say its supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Another flute bit i pride on having as a ringtone.
Ringtone :
https://soundcloud.com/skrajiv/un-paarvaiyil-oraayiram-flute
Song :


Its unbeleivable to think how Raaja impacts and transcends our lives by churning out songs which truly touch the soul.
He is not just a composer but a Vaggeyakara and a rare breed.
Whether one is a Pati Thotti Rasigan or a musical connoisseur , Raaja connects everyone through his soul infusing music.
There is that amazing power in his music which just makes you forget yourself and be completely hypnotised to his music.
And thats precisely the most significant reason which makes his music truly special and in a league of its own.
#RaajaConnect #Goosebumpy

Remembering the Legend - Malaysia Vasudevan

As the Film Industry bemoans the sad demise of the great Malaysia Vasudevan(MV),its time to look back and go on a nostalgic trip paying homage to this wonderful man,his wide repertoire of songs and his diction over the Tamizh language.I have handpicked a few songs from his massive ouevre which are my personal favourites of MV and also which truly showcases his versatility.

Like the Trinity of Carnatic Music - Thiyagarajar,Dikshitar and Shyama Shastri and the woman trinity of Carnatic Music - MS Subbhalakshmi,D K Pattamal and ML Vasanthakumari,I firmly beleive MV rightfully earns his place in the trinity of Male Playback singing,the others obviously being SP Balasubramanian(SPB) and K J Yesudas(KJY).Though MV never really had the quantum of hits that his illustrious counterparts had,what defined MV was his uniqueness and enigmatic voice.Apart from the songs sung by SPB and KJY for Maestro Ilaiyaraja,there was another special category of songs which undoubtedly no one could do justice but the great MV.Songs characterized by resonance,mystiqueness,enigmaticness etc and MV perfectly enhanced the artistry of these numbers through his melifluous voice.

Now coming to my personal 10 favourite songs.

1) Song:Indha Minminikku
Film:Sigappu Rojakkal (1978)
MV and S Janaki(SJ) really freak out in this number.MV adding the perfect foil to SJ's humming/singing/laughing:),the chiaroscura is beautiful to witness and at the same time individually nonchalantly roaring through the entire song with his razor sharp vocals.Can anyone imagine this song was composed just 33 years ago?:).Well that truly explains the stuff of legends.

2) Song:Oru Thangarathathil
Film:Dharma Yudham (1979)
Here MV croons for the Superstar.Just when you hear the prelude,you can guess its a melodious number and Malaysia accentuates ir further with his soulful timbre laden voice.The old world charm and the profoundness is deeply visible.

3) Song:Kalangal Malai Kalangal
Film:Idhayathil Oru Idam (1980)
An outstanding composition unfortunately not heard by many.MV at his fervent best,the shrill in his voice especially in the pronounciation of 'Kal' is so captivating.The dulcet tone of SJ and the magnificient interludes,not to forget the unbelievable prelude which reaches a crescendo truly make this a stunner of a song.

4) Song:Alli Thanda Bhoomy
Film:Nandu (1981)
No two words about this one,its an absolute gem.A song which evokes a feeling of transporting you to another world.You can just press the Repeat button and go to your dream world.Based in Pahadi Raag,the song reaches undizzying heights after the Pallavi with the alternation of the 2 Ma's Suddha Madhyam and Prati Madhyam and especially when Malaysia sings 'ilamai ninaivai isaikkum therukkal' where the Prati Madhyam tenderly kisses the Suddha Madhyam literally gives goosebumps.

5) Song:Kodai Kala Katre
Film:Panneer Pushpangal (1981)
Well obviously! This is the song which epitomises Malaysia,the 1st song which comes to most people's mind when you think of MV.The nous with which he songs this song is so reposeful and calmness personified.The whole melange of MV'S easeness,the choral parts,the hypnotising Prelude,scale changes,soothing effect etc etc is undeniably sheer magic.

6) Song:Endrendrum Anandhame
Film:Kadal Meengal (1981)
MV well literally grooves,swings,rocks,zings,dances in this one.The Maestro plays around with Accoustics and Rhythms.Malaysia plays around with his voice.The result the listeners are treated to a sheer blissful experience.

7) Song:Poove Ilaya Poove
Film:Kozhi Koovuthu (1982)
Ilaya Malaysia at the forefront.A Raja song in Shankarabharanam,you can be rest assured that the song will be high on melodic content and obviously he doesn't disappoint.The Sangfroidness and control with which Malaysia goes about his job is amazing.It is wow to hear him sing Ennakku Thaane where he just gives that extra kick to his voice.

8) Song:Aasai Nooruvagai
Film:Adutha Vaarisu (1983)
Another rocking super song this time for the Superstar.Foot tapping is too small a word to describe this Dance Number.The trio of Superstar,Maestro and Malaysia virtually structure an edifice.:)

9) Song:Poonkathu Thirumbumma
Film:Mudhal Mariyadhai (1985)
If you are including Kamal and Rajini songs,how could you leave the thespian Sivaji out?:) This gargantuan song won Malaysia accolades of encomiums and rightfully so.He clearly displays why this song in the folk and rustic genre is an arcane act to follow.

10) Song:Ennamma Kannu
Film:Mr Bharat (1986)
A fun song to end it.Malaysia juxtaposing with SPB in a duet and you are treated with full on entertainment.Its like a walk in the park for the 2 veterans but the efficacy with which they dish out this number is infectitious. The breezy bass entwines around the vocals and joins in the fun.A mere delight.

It was indeed a joy ride choosing the songs. A heady mix of unknown and popular songs but each one embossed steeply with richness and brilliance! Malaysia Sir, hoping your subtle and tender voice will be heard for generations and generations to come!