We now have  the awesome variety in Delhi-6. However, I am not going to talk about Delhi 6.It has a ‘must buy’ tag on it already. Let me divert your attention to a hidden treasure in Rahman’s new album – Connections.

Available (for now) exclusively in Nokia X-press music phones, Connections is a full-fledged album by AR Rahman. I am hopeful that soon this will be available in standard CDs in stores.

‘Connections’ is unlike anything you have heard from AR Rahman. Really, unlike anything. This time AR goes spiritual and solace is the theme of the album. If you love Lounge by Prem Joshua, Kauresh and the likes, you will simply love Rahman’s Connections! This is mind-numbingly superb album that calms you, makes your brain cooler and infuses positive energy.

Heres my take

Himalaya – A solo grand piano performance interlaced with pads so perfect that you know the mood of the album is ‘Positive’ and unyielding love for others. The sustaining piano in the same range is pure peace spilled all over. Wow!

Jiya Se Jiya – This is sort of sweet speed breaker! Full on percussions and loud performance asking us to offer ‘free hugs’ to one and all and spread love across man kind. The video of track features Rahman and the people from the ‘Free Hug campaign. (www.freehugscampaign.org) . Nice peppy track..

Anyways..moving on

Kural – This is god. Rahman at one point did speak of mixing Thirukural in a manner that reintroduces the divine Tamil text to modern day youth. Rahman has used the hymns of Thirukural and layered it soft English spoken words by Blaaze re-iterating the attribute of respect over fame and money. Kural has the artist recite the 97th chapter of Thirukural – Maanam ( Tamil for respect/Dignity) where it says –  Honor and Respect supersedes any material gain. The song is very very deep and insightful. Do find more on this track at the end of this post.

Man Chandre – Beautifully rendered, Man Chandre is an Indian ballad. Sweet, smooth and comforting. However, AR has done a few numbers like these in his films

Mosquito – Funny in its name, the track is actually very serious. The long riffs of Sarang(I think) is interrupted often to create that mosquito effect! Very interesting. If you are into Indian classical, this is for you.

Mylapore Blues –Mylapore is a very important place in Chennai. There is so much history and intellect in that place of the town. This Indian blues track is a mix of mridangam and blues! Interesting huh, hear it and you will be amazed. You need to have an ear for variety to appreciate. If you are into peppy commercial music, forget this track.  You want to kick back in the evening and just ease –off then buy this.

Silent Invocation –A,B and C  - This is  a three part track with nothing but flute and mild bass lines. This is a mega meditative track. Long enough to make you think deep inside of your persona, or even empty your chaotic mind from worldly thoughts. Silent Invocation is Rahman at his spiritual best and does it work or what! Close your eyes, relax and find yourself at peace.Real peace.

Let me now go back to a very special track – Kural in this album

The track – Kural features couplets from the 97^th chapter – Maanam (Respect/Dignity).  Thirukural is a collection of  1330 Tamil couplets organised into 133 chapters written by Thiruvalluvar, dating back to3rd century BC.  The track Kural is a great respect to this timeless work of wisdom

The lyrics are in Tamil and translation is as follows

Inri amayiach sirippana aayinum
Kunra varupa viddal

Even if indepensible,even if of special advantage or gain
give up things effecting dignity and honor

Seerinum seeralla seyyarae seerodu
paeranmai vaendu pavar

Those who indulge in fame will not indulge in deeds and works not matching their dignity

Perukkanththu Vaendum panithal siriya
surukkaththu vaendum uyarvu

Humility is a virtue in prosperity and fame, even in adversaries, uphold Maanam ( Respect/Dignity)

Thalaiyin izin-tha Mayiranaiyar man-thar
n-ilaiyin inzin-thak kadai

Decline of status in society effects, dignity
Just like a fallen strand of hair

…..

This is a seriously moving composition. 

Track List

•  Himalaya Instrumentals
• Jiya se Jiya A.R.Rahman | Backing Vocal : Raqueeb aalam
• Kural – Blaaze 
• Mann Chanda re –  Sukhwinder Singh
• Mosquito – Instrumental 
• Mylapore Blues  -Instrumentals
• Silent Invocation A  - Instrumental
• Silent Invocation B  - Instrumental
• Silent Invocation C  - Instrumental