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