Ilaiyaraaja Solla Solla cd

cd
2011/1977-83
new
Ilaiyaraaja (watch for a variety of alternate spellings) is the composer whose vocal acrobatics & silly synth cheese were nearly synonymous with the Tamil/Kollywood film industry from the late 70s til the late 90s (when the fashion for AR Rahman took over). This set sheds interesting light on his earliest years, and those records are harder to find in the wild. As a rule though, Ilaiyaraaja's disco tends to be fast & use cheap imported instruments (Yamaha DX7 in particular) while still retaining the wtf of 70s Bollywood. You also get a bit of an intro to South India playback singers like S Janaki & SP Balasubrahamanyam. Synths, electric guitars & drum machines, alongside veena, tabla, saxes, etc. Carnatic influence means Raja's tunes sometimes demand a great deal from the vocalist, and his writing can switch from polyphonic to polyrhythmic with impressive speed. Watch out especially for the internet hit from 'Ellam Inba Mayam', where the disco scene is a clear takeoff of Apna Desh's 'Duniya Mein Logon Ko'. Tracklisting: Kholapurase Kudasathrivasi, Thanimayil, Mayakhama, Vaa Naailukku Naall, Solla Solla, Raja Rani Jaakki, Thithikkum, One and Two Chachacha, Disco Sound, Yennadi Meenakshi, Kanavu Ondru, Naantraan Ungappanda, Sorgam Madhuvile, Ponnana Neram, Rasigane, Aadal Paadalil.