On a song - paluku telupu tallivE

Movie - Devasthanam
Lyrics - Swaraveenapani
Music - Swaraveenapani
Singers - Chitra and SPB
Raagam - Hamsadhwani

When I first heard this song on the movie's trailer on youtube, I was instantly stuck to it. Reason? The pure and immaculate voice of Chitra just took me to a different level altogether. May be this coming from a Chitra's devotee might not sound unusual, but believe me, give it a try and you wouldn't want to stop listening to this one!

Playback

As I have already mentioned Chitra is at her usual best with a little more than the normal best :-) Her pronunciation is matchless, just too perfect! For a song with Sanskritized Telugu lyrics like this one, I dont't think anyone else could've done justice if not for her!

Lyric

The song is about Goddess Saraswati! Though the pallavi takes of with very simple words like "telupu talli", as the song proceeds, we find more Sanskritized Telugu word usage. The catchy pallavi makes the listener instantly like the song! Usage of some off-beat words like madaalasa, SAStrAnvEshiNi, vaakjanani etc. is commendable! Neatly written song, indeed! :-)

Tune/Interlude 
What other raagam can best suit a devotional song like this if not for Hamsadhwani (the raaga in which the famous vaataapi gaNapatim is composed in). Instruments used are also very soothing on your ears!

Preview

Here is a part of the song from the movie's trailer.

Audio Review : Sri Rama Rajyam

Ilaiyaraaja composes music for this legendary mythological drama by Bapu-Ramana. While Jonnavithula got lucky this time to write all the lyrics, veterans SPB and Chitra shine in some of the numbers! Here is a detailed review of all the songs...
 

jagadAnanda kArakaa.. (5/5) 

A beautiful song about "Raama Raajyam and Raama Paalana" - this one is the STAR of the album for sure!

Playback - SPB, Shreya Ghoshal
No else could do justice to this song if not for SPB. Such a soulful rendition, this song, just shows you virtually, how glorious was the rule of Lord Rama! Shreya Ghoshal is as sweet as she always is! Though there are a couple of places where Shreya missed deerghaaksharams (poorNakumbham), she makes up to it with her sweetness! Chorus singers have done an excellent job which takes the song to the next level!

Lyric - Jonnavithula
Lyrics are as simple as the life of Lord Raama yet so rich as his rule!
The first two words of the pallavi have been used from Tyaagaraja's pancharatna kRiti.

Tune/Interlude
Composed in one of the most u sed raagas in film music, Suddhadhanyaasi - the song flows mellifluously without any dull moment. Orchestration is top-notch, with Raaja's signature all over it. The violin and flute pieces in the interludes before charaNams is a feast for Raaja's fans!

evaDunnaaDu.. (5/5) 
SPB..

Playback - SPB
Definitely I am not qualified enough to review SPB's rendition of a song! All that I can say about this number - it is as clear and pure as a crystal! SPB's expression at places like "chala challani" is like a dictionary for upcoming singers! He also sings for two different people in this number with a slight difference in modulation.

Lyric - Jonnavithula
In this one Jonnavithula explains all the qualities of Lord Raama in a 'Q&A' format! Its full of rich Telugu and Sanskrit adjectives and soothing on our ears!

Tune/Interlude
Ilaiyaraaja uses mOhanam for this number and is apt and beautiful. Again orchestration based on a rhythmic tabla patterns makes this an instant hit.

seetArAma charitam.. (5/5) 
Defines a rAgamAlika

Playback - Anitha, Keerthana
I am not sure if these girls have sung in any movies before, but for sure, this duo is a great find! They have done a fabulous job in this number. Right expression and right pronunciation! One of them (not sure who) sounds like Shreya Ghoshal.

Lyric - Jonnavithula
Jonnavithula's words trace the story of vanavaasam, right from Sita being taken away by Raavana till the time Raama and Sita go back to Ayodhya! Lyric is very powerful and beautifully put!

Tune/Interlude
Raaja composed a beautiful raagamalika with various raagas to blend with the mood of the lyric. The song starts with the mellifluous raaga bRndaavani followed by the intense rEvati. Then comes the melancholic chakravaakam followed by hindOLam. The agni pareeksha piece composed in chandrakouns is very impressive. The tailpiece is composed in madhyamAvati.

Sree rAma lErA O rAmA.. (5/5) 
A mix match of some of the most wonderful raagas..

Playback - Ramu, Shreya Ghoshal
Shreya Ghoshal shines in this number, by all means, pronunciation, diction, expression and what not! Ramu does a neat job.

Lyric - Jonnavithula
This song is like a wakeup call for Lord Rama for lOkakaLyaaNam (betterment of the world)!

Tune/Interlude
The beginning violin and flute piece is done in the majestic amRtavarshiNi raaga. The rest of the song is done as a combination of two serious raagas - hamsAnandi and pantuvarALi.
The second charaNam is done in a raagam close to bhoopAlam. Orchestration and compostion have the richness of Raaja's quality!

dEvuLLE mecchindi.. (5/5) 
Chitra and Shreya rock

Playback - K S Chithra, Shreya Ghoshal
Sweet, sweeter, sweetest! What else do you expect when two of the very best singers we have in the industry sing together?
Both their voices, however disticnt, synch up the the tee! While P Leela and P Susheela made their mark in Lava Kusa, Chithra and Shreya do an excellent job here living up to the expectations of their fans!
Both of them impress us in many places, both together and individually as well! This one will remain as one of those evergreen female-female duets!

Lyric - Jonnavithula
This song written in the lines of the classic vinuDu vinuDu from Lava Kusa, explains rAmAyaNa from the birth of rAma till the sItArAma swayamvaram. Just like the rest, the lyrics are simple and beautiful.
Use of certain rarely used words is impressive!

Tune/Interlude
Most of the song reminds you of "annula minnela" from the movie chanTi (chinna thambi in tamizh). The song set in roopakam is easy to make a sink in your mind, just like vinuDu vinuDu from Lava Kusa!
Something worth mentioning here is the final piece, which describes post-swayamvaram scene, is done a mOhanam-like raagam, which is very soulful!

gaali ningi neeru.. (5/5) 
The new version of "E nimishaaniki Emi jarugunO..

Playback - SPB
Excellent! This one is an award-winner, if given the right exposure! The way SPB says "rAmA..." is sure to drench your hearts!

Lyric - Jonnavithula
Excellent lyrics. Lakshamana on his way to the forest to send seeta off, sings this number showing his helplessness and questioning everyone (panchabhootAs, sages etc.) if someone could stop this by requesting Lord Rama!

Tune/Interlude
Raaja used his all-time favorite keeravANi raagam for this song. The melancholy of the raagam is perfect for the mood of the song! Simple orchestration highlights the singer's prowess!

rAmAyaNamu Sree rAmAyaNamu.. (5/5) 
The saga continues..

Playback - K S Chithra, Shreya Ghoshal
Again, the duo continues to enthrall us!
The lines "tanDri maaTa kOsam, koDuku tanDri kOsam"; "Emayyaa raamayya EmaipOvaalayya, mEmu EmaipOvaalayya" are beautifully rendered by the singers!

Lyric - Jonnavithula
This piece is a continuation of the story of rAmAyaNa, from the number "dEvuLLE mecchindi..", explaining the story of rAmA leaving from vanavaasam.

Tune/Interlude
This number is composed in sindhubhairavi raagam. Different flavors and moods have been churned in this song using a single raagam, which probably only Raaja could do!
Again, violin pieces stand as highlight!

danDakam (4.5/5)

Playback - Surabhi Sravani, Keerthana
Beautifully rendered, with the right volume and expression all through.

Lyric
Simple rAma danDakam

Tune/Interlude
Raaja uses the usual danDakam composition for this number. Reminds you of "jai chiranjeeva.." from jagadEkaveeruDu atilOkasundari.

seetA sImantam.. (5/5) 
A wonderful baby shower song

Playback - Shreya Ghoshal
Shreya's best solo number in this album!
Chorus songers give wonderful support!

Lyric - Jonnavithula
Jonnavithula shows the celebration of baby shower to all of us with his lyrics! Excellent job again!

Tune/Interlude
hindOLam - but this time in Raaja's style!
The orchestration of veeNa, flute, violin, tabla is very very rich! The song automatically sets a mood of celebration!

rAma rAma.. (4.5/5) 
Childhood memoirs

Playback - Swetha, Anitha
Perfect for a folk number. Sounds so much Telugu-ish, with no shallowness at any place!

Lyric - Jonnavithula
The lyric explains the childhood of Lava and Kusa drawing similarities to Lord Rama's childhood.
Definitely succeeds in bringing you some of your childhood memories!

Tune/Interlude
And this is how a folk number should be composed! The string rhythm pattern rocks the entire song!

kalayA nijamA.. (5/5) 
It's Tippu's show

Playback - Tippu
Definitely Tippu's best song till date! For all those who think Tippu is only for mass-masala numbers, here is a fitting answer!

Lyric - Jonnavithula
Lyrics have all the melancholic elements needed for the song!

Tune/Interlude
keeravANi raagam! Orchestration rocks again!

idi paTTAbhirAmuni.. (5/5) 
Defines how a Telugu folk number should be

Playback - Swetha
Awesome rendition! The the soul of Telugu folk is all shown in this song! I am completely impressed with this girl Swetha, who I am sure is different from Swetha Mohan!

Lyric - Jonnavithula
A simple folk lyric praising Lord Rama. Very meaningful and gets registered in your mind in no time.

Tune/Interlude
Raaja scores another 100 for this folk number!

SlOkAs..(5/5)

Playback - SPB
Awesome! The only two SlOkAs in this album, rendered with 100% soul and weight in them!

Lyric
Traditional

Tune/Interlude
saptASwarathamAruDham - naaTa raagam
mangaLam - madhyamAvati raagam

mangaLam.. (5/5) 
A befitting close to an awesome album

Playback - Anitha, Keerthana
As I already said, this duo is a great find and here they close the album on an awesome note!

Lyric
Traditional

Tune/Interlude
The usual mangaLam compostion in the raagam madhyamAvarti.

Verdict (5/5)*****

I don't really see anything negative in this album. Every song is well crafted with lot of care! Of late there haven't been any such albums with all the songs making an ever lasting impression! Thank you Raaja sir, for giving us such a wonderful album! The producer of this movie, Sai Babu should be immensely appreciated for his taste of music, hope he brings to us such gems from now on!

Just like the album Lava Kusa, this would be one to treasure for a life time! Get your copy today and enjoy Raaja's magic!!

Wishing the film all success!!

Audio Review: Karthik - Songs I Like

When I see Karthik performing carnatic numbers on television and stage shows, I always thought why not record them and release as an album. And here it is as "Karthik: Songs I Like" with some of the most famous carnatic songs in a fusion style. Below is a quick review about the album..(Music by Sai Madhukar)

mahAgaNapatim (Muthuswami Dikshitar, Naata raagam, Sanskrit)

Album starts of with this piece, a traditional way to pray the Lord Ganesha before starting any work! Composed in Naata(i) raaga, one of my favorites, has Karthik's signature all over the song. I have seen Karthik perform this one a couple of times on television, didn't seem to be much difference! You may find a similarity in the orchestration to the one in Morning Raaga, but again, it is the same song and same raaga! :)

kRshNA nee bEganE (Vyasatirtha, Yaman raagam, Kannada)

May be the most famously known Kannada kriti, performed by many singers already. Karthik again excels, this time in the raaga Yaman (or yamunA kaLyANi)! Simple orchestration with a few strings and flute accompaniement.

brOchEvaaru evarurA (Mysore Vasudevacharya, Khamas raagam, Telugu)

The famous Telugu kriti by Mysore Vasudevacharya is set in the raaga Khamaj (or Khamas). Though most of us are used to this one rendered by SPB and Vani Jairam for Sankarabharanam, Karthik does a good job too! Probably what was missing may be is the feel of the words in the beginning, which comes back on track even before you realize! Karthik's Telugu diction and pronunciation is almost flawless!

pibarE rAmarasam (Sadasiva Brahmendra, Chakravaakam raagam, Sanskrit)

Ah, Chakravaakam (Ahir Bhairavi in Hindustani)! One raaga which has a flavor of contemplation. Known to most Telugus because of Padamati Sandhyaraagam, this kriti in Sanskrit, rendered with many different variations with simple orchestration, leaves you in a trans state in the end!

Tribute to Bharathiyar (Subramania Bharathi, Raagamalika, Tamil)

A beautiful raagamalika with three of the most famous Tamil songs by Bharathiyar.Starts off with a beautiful violin piece in the lilting Sahaana raagam for the song "manathil uruthi vendum" followed by flute pieces that take a beautiful drift in to the soothing Yaman for the song "suttum vizhi chudarthaan". I always feel Yaman is Karthik's forte, for reasons many. He performs this Yaman as if he is pampering the song with his vocals! The final piece is composed in Sindhubhairavi for the song "nallathor veeNai seithe".

This is the only number in the album which I am not aware of earlier. But for Tamilians, I believe, these songs are a part of their daily life! This happens to be my favorite number in this album!

nagumOmu kanalEni (Tyaagaraaja, Abheri raagam, Telugu)

A Telugu kriti by Tyaagaraaja in the raaga Abheri. The beauty in this song lies in the crests and troughs of the notes in the charanam and Karthik does an excellent job! Again a mention for not tampering with the meaning of the song by breaking the words in inappropriate places :)

nAnATi bratuku nATakamE (Annamacharya, Revathi raagam, Telugu)

Revathi is one intense yet simple raagam, so is the orchestration and rendition of this song. Known to be one of the most philosophical songs written by Annamacharya, the song creates a mood of deep thought and stillness! Again, Karthik excels - especially with his diction. The shehnai piece before the second charanam is amazingly done!

mangaLam (Sree Ramadasu, Telugu)

'Energetic' is the word :)

I feel like listening to this Mangalam piece again and again. Karthik stands out, as usual, but something to mention here is the beautiful and sweet female vocals in the chorus! Well rendered with respect to diction and pronunciation. Nice tail piece to end the album with!!

Verdict (5/5)*****

A must listen for carnatic and fusion music lovers.

Hoping this is just the start and we would get to see more such albums from him!

Audio Review: Jhummandi Naadam

Of late when I heard the songs of Rama Rama Krishna Krishna, I felt very bad for the fall in the quality in M M Keeravani's (MMK) compositions, compared to his gems in the early 90's. Thankfully, Jhummandi Naadam proved me wrong.

sa-ri-ga-ma-pa-da-nee (4/5)
A one-on-one classical competition song

Playback - SPB and SPB
SPB sings for two singers, possibly Mohan Babu and Manoj Manchu. Reminds you of "naa paaTa panchAmRtam" style in the very beginning.
Balu's rendition in the second charaNam and the swaras in the end just makes you feel great! Proves again what SPB can add to a song.
Hats off to you, sir!

Lyric - Vedavyasa
Vedavyasa, who became popular with Sri Ramadasu, comes up with a clean lyric very apt to the situation.
Usage of words like shadjamam, mELakarta, atitaara sthaayi, ArOhaNa-avarOhaNa, varNamulu, swarajati, piLLaari geetaalu, rAgamAlika, dATu swaraalu etc. is very good.

Tune/Interlude
Vintage is the word. For this song, MMK chose his ever-charming Hindolam.
Violin and flute add to the tune right from the start to the end.
Though one might feel a deja-vu because of the over-usage of the raagam by MMK, this one has its own uniqueness.