Why I Consider IR Unparalleled

[venkkiram]

The recent attempt on Piono from Mr. Vicky.

Malaysia Vasudevan is a soulful singer whose solos always have a deep impact in me. So its only natural that today's pick is by him.

In this song the first 8 bars of Pallavai (i.e., the from 'Poove Ilaiya Poove' until 'Enakkuthaane' ) have three distinct arrangements.

First two variations are executed without much ado and used only once in the whole song.

1. The first version is when Malaysia Vasudevan is talking the dialogues "Kaamatchi". The bass track is parallel to the melody and provides a beautiful contrast.
2. The second of the variation is when "Poove Ilaiya Poove" starts (without the rhythm) and actually acts as the prelude. The three notes of B-C#-D bass and the corresponding D6th, C# Aug, D by the strings ensemble is to die for..
3. The third variation is the main bass track played every time the pallavi appears in the rest of the song.

I tried playing all the 3 variations as it is in the same order as the original so the listeners can appreciate it.

But I have mixed feelings about umpteen such superior ideas peppered all over a song in a non eye catch way (rather ear-catchy way). One one hand it demonstrates the wizardry of Raaja. Given a chance, Raaja will perhaps compose 20 other bass tracks for the same melody. On the other hand such tracks are not easily picked up by listeners and lay wasted behind insignificant movements/ picturizations of the song.

Compare that with the music directors of today who get one idea and chew the same again and again in a song (and even across multiple songs !!)