Dinesh, I understand your point as I too grew up listening to ARR's songs all
my life. Without meaning to sound disrespectful to MDs like Ilayaraja,
Jatin-Lalit and others, I wish to state that I never had much interest in
Indian music before Roja. I found that most of the tunes to be repetitive,
predictable and at most times distasteful (at least to me). And the only time I
actually listen to these songs was when they are played in the movie. So much
so, that the thought of purchasing the audio cassette never occured in my mind.
And then, Roja came. It swept me like a fresh breath of air. The blissful
Chinna Chinna Aasai still gives me goosebumps today! Movies like Gentleman,
Puthiya Mukham, Thiruda Thiruda, Duet followed suit and by then, I was hooked
to ARR's music. The first cassette that I bought in my life was ARR's
Gentleman. (I actually saved my allowance money for months to purchase the
cassette). The first cd that I bought was ARR's Minsara Kanavu. In short, it's
safe to say that my life revolved around ARR's music. I grew up with them...I
grew up in them.
Therefore, it came as no surprise to me that he went on to make major changes
to his music. Why should I? The revolution he made was the sole reason that
generated me to listen to Tamil music in the first place. Thus, I'm proud to
say that I love Guru, Rang De Basanthi, and Blue as much as I love Roja,
Gentleman and Puthiya Mukham. I would go on to say that the new genre he
creates, the new tunes he invents is as priceless as any of his previous
compositions.
And that is the reason why I beg to differ with Sriram's and your opinion. When
you say (and I quote) "And i too truly believe the lack usage of carnatic
raagam is the sole
fact of his lack of soulfulness albums nowadays", naturally, it would irk some
members' feelings. You have rights to your own opinion of course, nevertheless,
stating your opinion as a fact is totally uncalled-for.
I agree when some say ARR has reduced the usage of carnatic music in his recent
songs. But to quote that as the reason for the lack of soulfulness in his
recent albums is definitely debatable. To begin with, carnatic music is not the
only genre in Indian music. History states that carnatic is the sub-genre of
Indian classical music. The other being Hindustani music, which have also
played a major role in all indian music (and I truly believe that Tamil films
are no exception to them either). Therefore the limitation of a particular
genre of music will definitely not be a reason for lack of any soulfulness in
any music, let alone ARR's.
In your previous mail, you mentioned about a gentleman who is well versed in
carnatic music. Your mail suggested that you agree with his view that the lack
of carnatic music is the reason why many feel that ARR has lost his touch, and
that's the sole fact.
Allow me to pose a question. Do you know what raga was used to compose En Veetu
Thothatil from Gentleman, or Ennavale from Kadhalan?
Truthfully, I didn't know that pure carnatic music were used to compose these
masterpieces. To me, they were film songs and more accurately, ARR's songs. I
never bothered to analyse the genre of the songs...not back then and not even
now. And I believe many don't analyse them either. They simply enjoy the songs
for the way it has been created.
The same goes for Rehnuma in Blue. I love this song...I've been hearing them
for the umpteenth time now. What genre of music does this song generate from?
Again, I have no clue. I just love it for the way it has been presented.
And to think about it, does Rehnuma which seemingly a western song lack the
soul of Ennavale, a classical based song? In my opinion, they don't. If
Ennavale was composed today, using western music and western instruments, I
believe it would still be soulful. Because soul doesn't lie in a particular
system of music...it lies in the way the song is presented.
People who are inclined towards carnatic music might find songs like Fiqrana
and Rehnuma as "soul-less". Likewise, those who love western music might find
songs like Sowkiyama from Sangamam a-little-too-hard-to-digest. But ARR's music
was never catered to fulfil a certain section's need. The beauty of his music
is that he never left any stones untouched. There's always something for
everyone. That is why he, a Tamilian, could create a storm in the Bollywood, a
territory where many south musicians wanted to venture but failed. And that is
again why he managed to storm into Hollywood and succeed there as well.
I don't want to tell your good gentleman friend to listen to Rehnuma before
deciding on the "lack of soul" topic. In all probabilites, his love for ARR's
carnatic touch is what preventing him from finding other genres as soul-less.
But growing up with ARR's music, my only wish is that ARR doesn't limit
himself to a particular system of music. I don't ever want to state that I love
ARR's music because he brings out the carnatic touch so beautifully, or that
his western music is to die-for!
I love ARR's music because they never cease to surprise me...because they never
fail to bring a happiness to me...and because they complete me!
--- On Sun, 10/11/09, Din, D, Nesh <dinesh.theb...@hotmail.com> wrote:
From: Din, D, Nesh <dinesh.theb...@hotmail.com>
Subject: [arr] Re: Right to opinion - do you think these songs lack soul?
To: arrahmanfans@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2009, 1:58 AM
Dear Chord, its very difficult to explain from my point of
view. You see, i have been an ARR fan ever since 4 y/o (the time Roja released)
- apparently which ever song i enjoyed back then, had music by ARR only, be it
Duet, Pudhiya Mugam, Thiruda Thiruda, Love Birds, Kadhalan, May Madham, etc
etc. :), i grw up listening to ARR's Tamil songs only.
But became a true maniac from Kadhalar Dhinam. So this only means his carnatic
pattern is inside my blood. Though i enjoy allot the songs u mentioned below,
its been quite sometime i re-visited them (thanks for reminding me though). My
hands never fail to click on his Duet, Thiruda Thiruda, Kadhalan, Iruvar,
Indian, May Madham, Alaipayuthey etc etc folders or Cds, but the list of songs
u mentioned does slip off my mind nowadays. Not saying its lacking soul, but
just using that line as 1 of our member mentioned it and in a way, it does
apply to my kind of expectations from boss. The current songs are extremely
good, new in every aspects, which is why many r appreciating ARR more, because
of the innovative songs he provides. His current songs have more complicated
twist and what not. That i agree. :)
But this does not mean i expect a Roja, Thiruda Thiruda album from him anymore.
Im quite contented with what he has done in 1990s. I can go on listening it for
the rest of my life, still studying those songs. :)
But its a hard fact that the lack of usage of carnatic these days in his songs
is why many fans r complaining the 'missing touch'. That is why i posted it
here, just to let some people know, and not a request for ARR to compose songs
the same style again. Please note that.
The day i found it out, asked that gentleman who is well versed in carnatic
music and referred back to my frens, and its a bullseye! Thats the sole fact.
Thats why i was actually expecting a more detailed information from Swaps, who
is a master of music here. But he must be busy.
ps : ill tell u a few songs that will make the whole list u gave collapse for
me :).
Anjali Anjali - Duet
Pennala Pennala - Uzhavan
Ennavale - Kadhalan
:) Subham. :)
--- In arrahmanfans@ yahoogroups. com, "ichord" <purev...@.. .> wrote:
>
> Hey Din,
>
> You said, "the lack usage of carnatic raagam is the sole fact of his lack of
> soulfulness albums nowadays". Now I will interpret that as you thinking that
> nothing that ARR has created recently has soul, am I correct? If you miss
> Carnatic raagas, that I can understand, but please do check out the flute
> continuum raaga ending of Rehna Tu from D6 when you can.
>
> I'm just curious here, but do you feel the following recent songs by ARR lack
> soul?
>
> Starting from Guru:
> Tere Bina
> Aye Hairathe Aashiqui
> Jaage Hain
> Jashne Bahaar
> Khwaja Mere Khwaja
> Man Mohanna
> In Lamhon Ke Daaman
> Jashne Bahaar Instrumental
> Khwaja Instrumental
> Jaane Tu Mere Kya Tha (Sukhwinder version)
> Meherbaan
> Mile Wahaan Wahaan
> Ishq Ada Hai (male and female)
> Hawa Sun Hawa
> Muskura
> Tu Meri Dost
> Zindagi
> Dil Ka Rishta
> Man Mohiney More
> Kaise Mujhe
> Kaise Mujhe Instrumental
> Dil Gira Dafatan
> Rehna Tu
> Masakli
> Marudhani
> Arziyan
> Man Chandre
> Silent Invocations
> Mosquito
> Himalaya
> Kural
> Mylapore Blues
> Dreams on Fire
> Latika's Theme
> Jason and Cynthia Suite
> Intervention
> Undress
> Sajna
> Kurukuru Kan
> Salvadore
> Waterfall
> Animal Spirits
> Jason and Cynthia Piano Theme
> Arya
> Atmosphere
> Opening
> Tango
> Waltz
>
> If you do think all of these songs lack soul, then I have very little more to
> comment. Thanks.
>
> --- In arrahmanfans@ yahoogroups. com, "Din, D, Nesh" <dinesh.theboss@ >
> wrote:
> >
> > Greetings sriram, ur post is absolutely true. I have been a member of this
> > group ever since 2001 , and back in those days, members who are active were
> > never harsh and rude towards the members as like nowadays. Not willing to
> > mention the names here. I have expressed about this here few months back.
> > Nowadays members can post without thinking whether is it rude or not. They
> > just easily call people names and throw rough words on their own fellow
> > brothers. Sarcasm is the popular attitude among the members here nowadays.
> > Shame on them!
> >
> > About the criticism, yes, members nowdays r afraid to face any negatives
> > review towards ARR songs nowadays. If u say 1 negative word about the
> > songs, u will have to prepare to face all kinda 'colorful' criticism from
> > the people here. This behavior truly irks me.
> >
> > And i too truly believe the lack usage of carnatic raagam is the sole fact
> > of his lack of soulfulness albums nowadays. I do hope this will reach
> > A.R.Rahman. Unless A.R.Rahman is happy on how the way it is nowdays, that
> > he is getting the recognition with the current pattern he is using, then we
> > can just drop this matter.
> >
> > --- In arrahmanfans@ yahoogroups. com, "sriramvr_in" <sriramvr_in@ > wrote:
> > >
> > > Each member has a right to his opinion. I have been silently listening to
> > > the comments made about me reg. criticism of album Blue "lacking soul". I
> > > Stand by the fact anytime, anyday. Unfortunately there isn't anything
> > > which I can take as constructive from those criticisms! Wish them luck
> > > and prosperity throughout their life.
> > >
> > > Gopal, This group used to be a great forum previously but the fact that
> > > many new people are fearing to accept any criticism these days! ARR fans
> > > have the right to criticise ARR. Right to constructive criticism will be
> > > only a healthy leading indicator and which will be wholeheartedly
> > > welcomed by the Master himself. But unfortunately there aren't too many
> > > members who like constructive criticisms these years.
> > >
> > > Had one valid point from a member saying that probably lesser usage of
> > > carnatic raagas might be the reason. Reasonings like those will be an
> > > eye-opener and will help in identifying the reason.
> > >
> > > What justification to be given when it simply lacks "soul"?
> > >
> > >
> > > V R Sriram
> > >
> >
>
