That,
in a nutshell, sums up my feeling after listening
to Arindhum Ariyamalum. A movie with newcomers
set in a young & urbane setting, and pretty
much looking like yet another skin-chick flick
from the stills. The similarity to Thulluvadho
Illamai does not stop here...music by YSR,
although very catchy and likeable, and exhibiting
proof of his versatility, also leads us to
some heard-it-before-somewhere thoughts.
Here's a brief review of the 5 tracks…
1, Konjam Konjam
Maheeva, Kammat.
YSR is perhaps second only to ARR, in using
new and fresh singers and the tradition continues
in AA as well. Its logical to assume that
the job is half-done when we hear a different
voice in each film; a fresh tone augments
the enjoying process of a song. Here, Maheeva
croons sensually to the accompaniment of Kammat
and chorus; setting the mood for a slow romantic
number right away; it slowly grows on you
and the lovely flute bits and Spanish interludes
nicely complement the song. Great number overall.
2, Yen Kannodu
Yuvan Shankar Raja, Nithis Gopalan
...Starting off rite away with Arabic phrases,
this number bears strong resemblances to YSR's
earlier techno-scores like 18 vayadhil The
violin bits
preceding the paragraphs and the accompanying
music in the 2nd paragraphs are nicely orchestrated,
overall giving the song the impression of
a fast peppy instrumental with intermitting
lyrics.
3, Thee Pidika
Anushka, Premji
...The Sound engineering in this song grabs
one's attention rite away..listen carefully
to hear the sound of the needle constantly
creaking on the gramophone record playing
the old track...starting out with an oldie
Kaamamum Kobamum Ullam
Nerambavae; the blend into the husky vocals
of Anushka seems a bit forced; and piques
one's curiosity as to why the old number is
used. That I guess will have to wait for the
movie's release. The English lyrics give the
impression of a hot
sexy number, and the dhabban - kuthu beats
that remix the old number are instantly foot-tapping.
Overall, a song that covers many generations
in one mix.
4, Yela Yela
Ranjith, Sujatha
...This number starts out sounding exactly
like ARR's Cyclist Rhythm from Meenaxii, and
then transforms into a folks song with nice
beats; but overall does not impress a lot.
It sure carries some creative use of instruments
though, and would perhaps sound better with
imaginative choreography and picturization.
5, Sil Sil
Sathyan, Chinmayee
...This catchy number completes the already
impressive album. Again set to folk beats,
and starting intuitively with raindrops in
the background, this song is foot-tapping
as well, and the chorus of the children is
very pleasing.
However the song with the kids, rain and folks-beats
and violin interludes does bear a passing
resemblance to the yester-year Hindi number
from Dil to Pagal Hai - Koi Ladki Hai.
That sums up the review. With some aggressive
promotion, this should prove to be another
winner for YSR and add another deserving feather
in his well-adorned hat.
