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Chords & Notes

Saregama, Rs. 99.00

For a long time now Malayalam devotionals has been stuck on a worn out track. It has become predictable in verse, music and sometimes even orchestration. The eight songs in this album that venerate and sing about various deities have nothing exceptional to offer. What makes this album a wee bit different from the many churned out regularly are the vibrant singing, suitable orchestration and refreshing lyrics. These features might tempt you to put the music on a second time. P. Jayachandran, who lends his voice to only one song, the opening number `Thumbamakattuka.,' provides a rousing start. Madhu Balakrishnan stands out with his baritone voice and the dexterity with which he handles ragas. `Arayalilakal.,' `Vanayatra.' and `Characharangal.' are the pick of the lot. The other highpoint of the album is the orchestration by Murali R. Sangieth. Lyrics are by Dr. Vijayachandradas and music by S. K. Venugopal.

Moving away from the beaten track the Guruvayoorappan songs of this album do not ponder on the usual myths and stories which have become staple themes of lyricists. Dr. Vijayachandradas, the lyricist, has instead dwelled on different aspects of devotion, the importance, meaning of hymns, even a lullaby to put the lord to sleep. There is nothing extraordinary in the music or the orchestration. In fact, they could have easily used the nagaswaram instead of playing it on the keyboard. P. Jayachandran, Madhu Balakrishnan and Jyotsna are the singers.

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