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)