Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Musical rediscoveries on a sleepy midnight

BK and me had this conversation on midnight today, and it really proved to be a wonderful stressbuster for both of us. But more importantly, it also unearthed some songs which we had taken for granted and dismissed as "GREAT songs, but we have listened to them enough, haven't we?". But thanks to a focus on 3 singers who we think are among the best in Indian cinema, some of these songs deserved yet another re-visit. Our findings are presented below.
1. Harini. The most under-utilized singer in Tamil Cinema. She is in the opposite end of the spectrum to Mirchi Suchi. If Suchi is the most "Prachodhaka" singer, she has to be the most "Saathvika" singer. Thanks to BK for this classification. She has been my favorite young female singer for ages now, yet - her outstanding contributions to the following songs will bring a calming influence to any life.
  • Kumari (Anniyan) - A short cameo in the middle and the end. But she does stand up to the genius that is Shankar Mahadevan and more than holds her own. Precision!
  • Sonnaalum Kaetpadhillai (Kadhal Virus) - In what has to be among the three most beautiful romantic melodies of ARR, "Soft" and "Lilting" reaches new heights. It's an all time classic, thanks to Harini.
  • Unnaale Unnaale (Unnaale Unnaale) - What is an otherwise average song reaches new heights due to this stud. CLASS= Harini!

2. Malaysia Vasudevan

  • Aagaya Gangai (Dharmayuddham) - We were literally pitting Ilayaraja's outstanding music against Janaki against this guy to see who wins in the end when we were listening to this song. And NOONE won! Respect! This speaks volumes about the guy. His controlled singing is outstanding in many songs, none more than this excellent composition.

3. Janaki

  • Ooru sanam (Mella thirandhadhu kadhavu) - The hands-down best ever female solo I have listened to. And Janaki is my all time favorite female singer. I bow to thee.
  • Thaalatudhe vaanam (Kadal MeengaL) - Listen to this N Times! Don't miss it. I really do not want to say anything.

Such is the richness in talent in India. I salute!