2012-02-20
Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra got her start in 1979, when she was discovered in a talent contest by composer, Ilaiyaraaja. Together, the two created soundtracks to many Indian films, turning K.S. Chithra from a Kollywood singer to an outright star. (Kollywood=Kodambakkam, which is an area in Tamil Nadu, India and the center of the second largest film industry in India after Bali) At the height of her career, in the mid-1980’s, K.S. Chithra was the most sought after female singer for film composers. Indeed, she now has over 15,000 songs in her portfolio! This release is essentially her greatest hits. It focuses on her most productive years with Ilaiyaraaja, the mid to late 1980’s. There are vocal falsettos, synthesizers and drum machines, and occasional male singers here as well. This is Indian pop as I imagine it would sound on the radio in 1980’s India. Rebecca RuthBLACKMORE’S NIGHT
The Village Lanterne
FORRO IN THE DARK
Bonfires of Sao Joao
Phases
For Life
Various Artists
Bridge to Havana
ZIGGY MARLEY
Love is My Religion
Charanga Cakewalk
Loteria de la Cumbia Lounge
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.