Wisdom Of The Crowds?

Singapore's Tamil FM channel (Oli 96.8 FM) has chosen Kangal Irandal from Subramaniapuram as its Song of Year 2008. The annual ranking of Top 100 Tamil film songs is based on a public voting of the selected songs and it has sprung up a few surprises. The first song deserves its place. Similarly 6 songs from Vaaranam Aayiram figure in the Top 15 songs and this was also expected since this album was widely acknowledged as the best album of the year.

While I don't know how many people really participate in this voting, I have a feeling that even a small swing can push a song up or down. I was quite surprised to see 3 songs from Kuruvi making it to the Top 10. I really doubt whether Kuruvi deserves a place in the Top 10 list. The only song worthy of it is Thaen Thaen. If one were to look at the reasons behind Kuruvi's superior performance, one could be the general popularity of actor Vijay among Singapore locals and the other could be the lack of genuine public support for other well deserving songs. How else can I explain when I see a pretty average song like Mozha Mozhannu Yamma Yamma from Kuruvi at #16  while there are much better songs which make up the bottom of the list.

A Successful Duo Part Ways

The combination of Director Gautham Menon and Music Director Harris Jeyaraj produced some of the best music in recent times and it is sad to see them parting ways. Together with lyricist Thamarai, they made a mark in every film right from Minnale till the latest Vaaranam Aayiram. Kaaka Kaaka and Vettaiyadu Vilayadu were the other notable hits. Gautham Menon will be working with ARR in his next venture - Chennaiyil Oru Mazhaikaalam. A statement from Harris Jeyaraj confirms the break-up and says that there is no ill-feeling between them. Harris has established a permanent place in the Tamil Film Industry and is known to come up with amazing melody numbers film after film. The only accusation on HJ is that his songs are similar to his previous numbers. I believe HJ will not lose much as a result of this break-up.

I have a very good respect for Mr. Gowtham Menon and in return he has reciprocated the same. But now things have gone sour that it's better for us to part ways as good friends leaving behind some beautiful memories. With a heavy heart I have to take this decision on behalf of us. I know this might disappoint my fans, music lovers and well wishers in the industry. But it's best for us to leave it at this, since I always believed that to create soul stirring music, the bond between a music composer and the director is vital. Once it's lost, it is difficult to get back. (Link)

The Hindu adds:

According to industry insiders, Menon's domineering ways left Jayaraj exasperated in recent times. (Link)

Sad State of Tamil Lyrics

It is quite fashionable to put lot of catchy English words (Shankar style) in Tamil songs. This has now gone to an extent where one has to search for the Tamil words in such English songs. Sample this song from the movie Rendu:

Mobila Mobila

நான் உந்தன் post paida pre-paida சொல் சொல்

நெஞ்சுக்குள்ளே கேட்குதே நம் காதல் ringtonea

காதுக்குள்ளே பேசுதே உன் பேச்சு voicemaila

என் குட்டி இதயம் தவிக்கும்

என் பிஞ்சு விரலும் துடிக்கும் 

உன் numberukku phone பண்ணுதே 

phone பண்ணா

Subscriber cannot be reached at the moment

There will be a day when the TN govt. will have to give tax incentives to promote Tamil lyrics. Till such time, the promise of Tamil preservation will be just an eye-wash.

WorldSpace Goes Bust

WorldSpace Inc., a pioneer in the field of Satellite Radio has filed for bankruptcy. WorldSpace carved a name for itself providing quality music devoid of commercials. It targetted a premium audience and charged an annual subscription fee. Listeners also had to buy a compatible radio set to enjoy their programmes. The Carnatic music channel offered by WorldSpace was quite popular as there were no other competing offerings in Radio (FM etc) in this niche space. KL Radio, a Tamil channel from the stable of Dinamalar, was also available on WorldSpace. WorldSpace also caught the attention of the public by roping in ARR as their brand ambassador. ARR’s signature tune brought instant recognition to WorldSpace.

Digital satellite radio broadcasting company, WorldSpace Inc, has filed for bankruptcy protection in a court after failing to obtain new financing.

WorldSpace is present in over 130 countries worldwide. It launched its India services in 2000 with over 35 free-to-air channels. In 2002, it converted a few of its channels to pay and went completely pay in 2004. 

As at the end 2007, it had a customer base of over 1.6 lakh in India — over 93 per cent of its world-wide subscriber base.

 

It beams over 45 channels in India, most of which are branded ‘WorldSpace’ though a few are owned and operated by other players such as BBC, CNN, AIR and KL Radio. (Source: The Hindu Business Line)

From the beginning, I had my own reservations about the viability of a paid subscription model for commercial radio broadcasts in India. The hardware requirement was another drawback. In a market where FM channels reign supreme and where the FM feature is ubiquitous in mobile phones and car stereos, WorldSpace should have known that the writing was on the wall.