Sunday, December 27, 2009

Bappi Lahiri: College Girl (1977)

One more before the end of the year; a worthwhile if uneven Bappi Lahiri score. It's from before his disco period, yet does contain signs of what was to come - especially noticeable on the title track. Both the synth-line at the beginning and the 'I love you' chorus in the middle are from Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love'; to Bappi's credit though, borrowing bits from the now classic electro anthem

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Raaste Kaa Patthar (1973)

I'm not sure how much the typically compressed 70s pressing has to do with it, but to me the soundtrack to 'Raaste Kaa Patthar' [review] sounds like a demo; made in a garage. Albeit a large one, to fit the orchestra, but still. There's a rawness to it that I don't hear on most other Bollywood albums - and it's all the better for it. It sounds dramatic, loud, distorted, full of jagged, jerky

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Kalyanji Anandji: Laawaris (1981)

There was a time, when Bollywood music was doing the rounds in the trendiest of western clubs, that any late 70s/early 80s Kalyanji Anandji soundtrack with the slightest hint of disco or funk inevitably would be hyped as 'ultimate killer masterpiece', or something similar to the same effect. A few times I fell for it. Like when I bought 'Laawaris'.There's nothing out of the ordinary on this. Most

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Raton Ka Raja / Ehsan (1970)

   

At the time of writing, tattered copies of these 2 EPs (along with an admittedly sought after single from 'Apradh') are up for grabs on eBay. Starting bid? A measly US$320.

Call me funny, but I find that kind of ridiculous. Therefore:

2 MEGA RARE RAHUL DEV BURMAN SOUNDTRACKS!
8 PRE-RECORDED SONGS VALUED AT US$32 (MIN.) EACH!
FREE FOR THE TAKING!!

And take them you should, as both 'Raton

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Dil Diwana (1974)

This 1974 effort is a companion piece of sorts to 'Jawani Diwani' from a couple of years earlier. Both films involve the same producer, director and lead actors, and there seem to be recurring characters... I'll let others either confirm or dismiss any direct thread between the two though. Because all that concerns us here is that both scores are by the same musical genius, and that the 'Dil

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Khel Khel Mein (1974)

Getting this show back on the road: A week of RD Burman soundtracks, starting with 'Khel Khel Mein' from 1974. Increasingly though, after 40-something RD scores previously posted, the problem arises of what to write that I haven't already; I worry that my commentary is becoming redundant. Oh well... this particular effort is playfully poppy; nothing as outrageously 'out there' as Burman often

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Ravi: Ankhen (1968)

While I'm not usually a fan of Ravi, here is one of his I'm prepared to give a few spins. 'Ankhen' is a spy film I think... the score isn't exactly overflowing with the sound and feel of international espionage (whatever that is), but it does include two great Lata Mangeshkar songs; the sweet and tuneful 'Milti Hai Zindagi Men' and the atmospheric 'Gairon Pe Karam'. I keep coming back to both.'

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Kalyanji Anandji: Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1968)

Pre-funk Kalyanji Anandji. And it's a keeper. There's not much for the sample-hungry beatheads on this one, simply a collection of great songs, for listening, mostly. Admittedly it's the (ubiquitous) jazzy cabaret number ('Hello Hello') that initially drew me to 'Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati' [review]; however Lata & Rafi's 'Jeevan Path Par' is an equal contender for best track. A lovely, melodious

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Man Mandir (1971)

I've mentioned earlier that Laxmikant Pyarelal scores from the early 70s (well, any era really) could go either way. A lot of them leave me cold, but here's one I like a lot. 'Man Mandir' has a full pot of good songs on offer, to pick and choose. Favourites? The lovely 'Ae Meri Ankhon Ke Pahle Sapne' (either version) and the the quirky 'Kahiye Ji Kya Loge'. But don't sleep on the rest; it's a

Monday, October 26, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979)

They just keep on coming... Another fine (if not essential) late 70s Burman effort. Three catchy easy-pop tracks ('Dil Men Jo Mere', 'Dekho Mera Jaadoo', 'Jeevan Ke Har Mod') and a cool instrumental (dramatic at first, then light and breezy) make 'Jhoota Kahin Ka' a very listenable soundtrack. And who other than RD begins an album with a Woody Woodpecker impression?Track listing:1. Kishore Kumar,

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Hamaare Tumhare (1978)

A RD Burman soundtrack from the late 70s that's not funky or full of beats, yet I still like it; yup, entirely possible. 'Hamaare Tumhare' is sweet, good natured and happy sounding from start to finish, and thus hard not to enjoy. Most of the songs are almost old-fashioned in tone, charmingly so, as if RD was updating a soundtrack from the 50s (probably not the case though). Listen to 'Ham Aur

Friday, October 16, 2009

Sachin Dev Burman: Prem Nagar (1974)

One more before the weekend; another late-period Sachin Dev Burman. And it's wonderful. 'Yeh Kaisa Sur Mandir' (for perfectly defining Bollywood's sitar & strings formula), 'Jaa Jaa Jaa' (for the bossa-tinged rhythm and dramatic breaks), 'Pyase Do Badan' (for its sexy seductiveness) and 'Bye Bye Miss' (for being fun and poppy with Shankar Jaikishan tendencies) are my favourites here - but there

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Bappi Lahiri: Disco Dancer (1982)

I have a soft spot for 'Jimmy Aaja'. It's quite probable though, that this is due to me liking M.I.A. and having heard her reworking of the song prior to the original. Bappi's is cheesy as hell, but memorable and kind of fun.Elsewhere... well, 'Disco Dancer' [review] [2] is a bit of a weird one. The music is Bappi Lahiri at his best, or worst, depending on whether or not you like his 80s disco

Monday, October 12, 2009

Kalyanji Anandji: Hum Tum Aur Woh / Kathputli (1971)

   Two more Kalyanji Anandji EPs; nice ones to boot. 'Hum Tum Aur Woh' includes 'Tu Milale Aaj Nigahen' and 'Husn Agar Zid Pe Aa Jae', uptempo songs that, while not spectacular, both have a good feel to them. 'Kathputli' (my preferred of the two) is highlighted by the lovely 'Tum Jo Hansage Duniya Hansegi' and Asha's cabaret number (or so I'd imagine; I've not seen the film) 'Jeena Kaisa Pyar

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Music From The Third Floor: Vol. 5

The fifth compilation of recent Third Floor choice cuts. Cool cabaret numbers, zany instrumentals, gorgeous psychedelic ballads, chirpy pop and a bit of funk; Bollywood style. Grab it quick though, as trolls apparently patrol these waters; previous volumes are being removed from a lot of the file hosts.Track listing:1. Title Music (from Dushmun)2. Leja Leja Leja Mera Dil (from An Evening In Paris

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Kalyanji Anandji: Professor Pyarelal (1980)

This one I originally had planned for later, but as it's been requested quite a few times, and I was listening to it anyway the other night, I felt like pushing it forward. So here's Kalyanji Anandji's 'Professor Pyarelal'.Most of it is pretty much as expected, considering the vintage (and a composing duo just past their prime); I don't find any of the songs particularly noteworthy. They're

Monday, September 21, 2009

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)

And while we're on the subject of mixed feelings... The arguably best track on 'Roti Kapada Aur Makaan' [review] has a great musical arrangement; dark, brooding, intensely dramatic; an ominous, booming piano and soaring strings. What spoils 'Aur Nahin Bus Aur Nahin' for me though, is the singing. Not a bad word about Mahendra Kapoor as such, but his voice here is way too predominant, too loud,

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Samadhi (1972)

'Samadhi' I'm definitely on the fence about... half the time I listen to it I think it's ace, the other half it does nothing for me. Tracks such as Bangle Ke Peechhe, 'O Yara Yara' and 'Jan-E-Janan' are all probably good songs, very uptempo, which I like, but I keep getting the feeling they're lacking in some respect. Not funky or Western sounding enough maybe? Nah. I'm not that one-tracked, am I

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Helen of Bollywood

Been meaning to blog about this for ages, but it's kept slipping my mind...A while back, some of us were discussing in the comments to some post or other the lack of decent Helen collections on DVD, and how great it would be if someone could compile one. Well now (as I'm sure a lot of you have discovered already), someone has. Over at The Bollywood DVD Restoration Project, the very wonderful

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Shankar Jaikishan: Aashiq (1962/1978)

According to the sleeve, Shankar Jaikishan's brief for this one was that "the music of this film had to be the expressive parallel of the central character's restlessness and hidden yearnings". I don't know if they succeeded or not as I've not seen the film. Unfortunately, there's nothing here that makes me want to.It's mostly traditional/classical sounding, without much in the way of attention

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Aandhi (1976)

One killer instrumental... and that, essentially, is all there is of much worth on 'Aandhi'. All the songs here are a bit dull; not really up to standard. Or at least not up to my expectations. They're very high when it comes to RD Burman. 'Music' however, ah, now that's something. Yes, it sounds like it was made a decade earlier (RD tripping in Haight-Ashbury) but it's nevertheless awesome.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

O.P. Nayyar: Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957/1978)

A short and sweet oldie from the King of Rhythm, O.P. Nayyar. (I had meant to post it last week but noticed at the last minute there were glitches in the initial rip. Hopefully it's OK now). There's nothing on 'Tumsa Nahin Dekha' that amazes me in a big way, but for vintage sounding songs and nice rhythms, you could do a lot worse. Best track is the bouncy 'Aaye Hain Door Se', with 'Jawanian Yeh

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Kalyanji Anandji: Rafoo Chakkar (1974)

Here's a good one. 'Rafoo Chakkar' is primarily sought after for its funky instrumental, on which Kalyanji Anandji took Henri Mancini's theme from 'The Thief Who Came To Dinner' and fused it with the sound of Isaac Hayes' 'Theme from Shaft'. The result is a Bollywood classic.I once received an email from a guy wondering about the rest of the soundtrack. He'd downloaded it via iTunes and wasn't

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Sachin Dev Burman: Barood (1975)

Remaining in Paris, on what I think is one of SD Burman's last scores. I might have bought 'Barood' in part due to the packaging; a lovely multifold cover (reminiscent of, if not quite as elaborate as the original pressing of 'Shalimar') and custom inner-sleeve. The latter features the press shot of Shoma Anand used in the current blog header btw. I don't find the music very exciting though...

Monday, August 3, 2009

Shankar Jaikishan: An Evening In Paris (1967/1975)

This one's marred by rubbish (horribly distorted) sound as well, damnit. Although I'm a bit on the fence in regards to 'An Evening In Paris' [review] [2]; I keep thinking I should like it a lot as it's Shankar Jaikishan in their good period, there's plenty of rock'n'roll, Paris... the problem is I'm not able to find many strong melodies to latch on to.OK, the title track is quite good, and 'Leja

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Heera Panna (1973)

Two instrumentals highlight 'Heera Panna'. The first is groovy easy-funk featuring wordless vocals from Usha Iyer/Uthup (I'm guessing), the second is no holds barred pysch-jazz with a relentless conga beat, screaming moogs and a whole lotta noise; tribal, raw, and brilliant. While quite a few Bollywood instrumentals of the era sounded like freak-out music, this is the only one I'm aware of

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Naushad: Leader (1963)

According to Stella at Parties, Sarees and Melodies, 'Leader' was something of a transitional work for Naushad, representing a bridge between the classic, folk-based soundtracks of the 50s and earlier, and the modern jazz & beat based sounds of the 60s and beyond. And that it thus divided its audience. It's certainly worth attention though, with interesting going-ons on both sides of the divide.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Shor (1972)

I seem to be on a mediocre streak at the moment... which always worries me as newcomers to the blog might think it dull. (Tell them it's not!) Another quickie: 'Shor' is hardly among Laxmikant Pyarelal's finest, but it does have its moments. A pleasant vibe throughout; listen to the chirpy 'Shehnai Baje Ne Baje', as well as 'Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai' with its violin intro and soft rolling rhythm -

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Dushmun (1973)

Another score with a great instrumental, and not very much else. 'Dushmun' [review] has loads of dialogue, and songs that are mostly nondescript and forgettable; 'Main Ne Dekha Tu Ne Dekha' being only a tad more interesting than the rest. 'Title Music' is what's worth the price of admission. It sounds a bit like Ennio Morricone guesting on the 'Dharmatma' soundtrack; a rolling rhythm, hypnotic

Friday, April 24, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Kaala Sona (1974) / Warrant (1975)

   Two more that sound rubbish; these even after cleaning. Bugger all you eBayers who equate dragged-through-gravel looking vinyl with EX+. I considered not posting them, but decided to go ahead, for reference if nothing else. Neither appear to be essential Burman though; much of what I said below also goes for 'Kaala Sona' and 'Warrant'. The only track really worth noting is Asha's cabaret

Monday, April 20, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972) / Khalifa (1974)

   Two scratched records that I've managed to make sound almost passable with clean-up software, but there might be a glitch or two somewhere along the way. If these are great soundtracks, and looking at the composer and vintage you'd think they would be, then they picked the wrong tracks for the EPs. Both records are dull and unremarkable, sans the magic RD Burman is capable of. 'Gham Hai Kisi

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Rahul Dev Burman: Abdullah (1979)

'Abdullah' might have been a better score had they left out the singing. Which I know sounds harsh, considering it features the likes of Asha, Lata, Rafi and Kishore. However their efforts here are forgetable, and if not for the inventiveness and distinctiveness of RD Burman's arrangements (much more than his compositions), this would be a bland affair. 'Dance Music' is arguably (and predictably)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Sonik Omi: Umar Qaid (1974)

Unsurprisingly, it's the cabaret number that highlights this otherwise not very interesting score from Sonik Omi. 'Aag Men Jale Jawani' is full of bounce and rich in detail, falling somewhere between the jazzy rock'n'roll of 60s' Shankar Jaikishan, and RD Burman's later sonic adventurousness. An excellent track.None of the other songs are very memorable, and the arrangements fail to excite me.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Hemant Kumar: Sahib, Bibi Aur Gulam (1962/1970)

'Sahib, Bibi Aur Gulam' [review]: A nice one from Hemant Kumar; old school, charming, sweet. And I like Geeta Dutt. I don't have a lot featuring her, but what I do is generally lovely. 'Piya Aiso Jiya Men' (especially) and 'Na Jao Saiyan Chhod Ke Baiyan' are no exceptions. (Capsule review, designed to facilitate catching up on posting.)Track listing:1. Title Music2. Asha Bhosle: Bhanwara Bada

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Shankar Jaikishan: Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968)

I really like 'Jhuk Gaya Aasman'. Lots of good stuff, not necessarily spectacular, but with a fun feel throughout. 'Unse Milee Nazar' is happy sounding pop'n'roll (sung by Lata for a change), 'Kisiki Jaan Lete Hain' is the energetic cabaret number (Asha and Helen, natch), 'Sacha Hai Pyar' has a nostalgic sounding melody with a bit of a Parisian feel, 'Meri Ankhon Ki Nindiya' is essentially

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Sachin Dev Burman: Téré Méré Sapné (1971)

When I first started acquiring Bollywood soundtracks, upon realizing that they could be real patchy affairs, and acknowledging that there was no way I'd be able to remember Hindi song titles, I used to stick Post-it notes on them, jotting down which (if any) tracks would be worth coming back to.The note on the cover of 'Téré Méré Sapné' [review] says "none". Consequently I hadn't played it more

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Badle Ki Aag (1982)

I blame blaxploitation.com for this one. One of my favourite websites of yore, their list and capsule reviews of funky soundtracks was a great source of inspiration as well as shopping guide, and a 4 out of 5 rating is what induced me to buy it. Most of the time they could be counted on. Not always though. 'Badle Ki Aag' isn't very good. 'Jawani Men Aate Hain Daur Char', the disco selling-point

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Kalyanji Anandji: Yaadgar (1970)

More Kalyanji Anandji, pre-prime this time. Or at least pre-funk. 'Yaadgar' is still a reasonably good effort from them - it has a great cabaret number in 'Baharon Ka Hai Mela': Masala beat in a Shankar Jaikishan vein, jazz-tinged rock'n'roll, playful, infectious, fun. The lovely 'Jis Path Pe Chala' is worth a mention (and a listen), in addition to 'Woh Khet Men Milega' after its first few (dull)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Kalyanji Anandji: Ghungroo (1983)

'Ghungroo' [review] is the most recent Kalyanji Anandji score I have, and as might be expected by the date, it's a bit unexciting. Not exactly bad; in fact several of the songs are moderately pleasant, albeit in a forgettable kind of way... it's just very apparent that the Shah Brothers' most creative years were behind them at this point.The first (short) version of 'Tere Daras Ke Pyasa' would be

Friday, January 23, 2009

Bappi Lahiri: Josh (1981)

Same year, same guy, but a lot better than the previous post. There are loads of reasons to dislike Bappi Lahiri. Like when he shamelessly steals other people's music; a near endless line of tacky rip-offs. But there are reasons to like him as well. Like when he steals other peoples' music, but actually gets it right. Case in point: 'Sab Kuchh To Hai'. Essentially a remake of 'The Sound Of

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Bappi Lahiri: Jyoti (1981)

The soundtrack to 'Jyoti' became something of a cause célèbre a few years ago, when Dr. Dre was sued for 500 million dollars because Truth Hurts' massive hit 'Addictive' had sampled one of its songs. (The irony of such a suit should be apparent to anyone familiar with Bappi Lahiri's reputation). Subsequently, for a few mad months in 2003, it was among the most sought after of Bollywood albums,

Monday, January 12, 2009

Sachin Dev Burman: Gambler (1971)

I quite like 'Gambler'. Half the score is background music, credited to Sachin Dev Burman but with plenty due to Rahul Dev... hard to go wrong with that. All the instrumentals are ace, possessing a mod, groovy vibe; upbeat and bouncy ('Title Music'), jazzy and cool ('Gambler As Trumpeter'), laid back and European sounding ('Gambler's Dilemma'), funky and wild ('Gambler in Danger')...The songs are