Friday, December 10, 2010

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Soul Of Bobby (1973)



A much sought after and oft-requested classic. It's been a long time coming (I only managed to acquire a copy about a year or so ago) but well worth the wait. And many will already be familiar with it, by reputation if nothing else. For the uninitiated, what we have here is the result of somebody, possibly director Raj Kapoor, coming up with the fairly unique idea of releasing, in addition to

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Music From The Third Floor: Vol. 7



I was fed up with the old blog design, so I changed it. Just in time for the seventh volume in the Music From The Third Floor compilation series. Good stuff!

Track listing:
1. Dance Music (from Amar)
2. Yeh Nach Wach Kya Hai (from Ek Haseena Do Diwane)
3. Peene Ke Baad Aati Hain Yaad (from Bullet)
4. I Am A Call Girl (from Call Girl)
5. Title Music (from Kismat)
6. Dil Ka Rishta Jod Diya Hai (

Monday, November 29, 2010

Sapan Jagmohan: Call Girl (1973)



I obtained this soundrack around the same time I first learned how to make MP3s from vinyl, something which resulted in me emailing the title track to everyone I knew with the accompanying message "LISTEN TO THIS!!" 'I Am A Call Girl' was, and still is, one of my favourite Bollywood tracks; the combination of seedy lyrics (sung in English by Ranu Mukherjee, whom I otherwise know nothing about)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: Bullet (1976)

'Bullet' [review] wasn't among the first Bollywood soundtracks I obtained, but it was one I really wanted from an early stage. Rumours had it that this was the ultimate RD Burman score, encapsulating everything his reputation as an ingenious sonic adventurer was based upon. And it had a lovely, mod/pop art flavoured cover. Such things appeal to me. Copies I came across tended to be very

Monday, November 22, 2010

O.P. Nayyar: Aar Paar (1954/1968)

I think it's fair to say that hadn't it been for the 60s/70s masala beat and funk stuff, Burman and Kalyanji Anandji et al., I wouldn't have been as much into Bollywood soundtracks as I arguably am. But I'd still have been a fan of Geeta Dutt; with all due respect to Asha and Lata, she's my favourite of the female playback singers. So when a vintage O.P. Nayyar score comes along which has her

Friday, November 19, 2010

Anand Milind: Jungle Love (1990)

It's funny how this album used to (probably still does) turn up on eBay at exorbitant 3-digit buy-it-now prices. I paid $10 for my copy. It's funny how they tended to be accompanied by descriptions of the "superhot megasexy NUDE WOMAN on cover" sort. Maybe someone should take these eager (evidently very young and innocent) sellers aside and explain to them a thing or two. It's also funny how I

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: Mr. Romeo (1973) / Humshakal (1974)

   

RB Burman in Lounge, two EPs worth, both excellent. Pretty much every track on these has a cool and laidback, quintessential 70s vibe to it; pretty much all of them are great. 'Yahan Nahin Kahoongi' and 'Hey Mujhe Dil De' (from 'Mr. Romeo') and 'Dekho Mujhe Dekho' and 'Hum Tum Gum Sum' (from 'Humshakal') are my current faves... but that could change. I really wouldn't mind getting hold of

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Shankar Jaikishan: Janwar (1965) / Pyar Mohabbat (1966)

   'Dekho Abto' is a song I find hard to qualify. Liking it, or not, I suppose, would depend a bit on whether one thinks that any foreign or exotic version of an overly familiar Beatles song is a good thing or not. And possibly how one responds to a 35 year-old sporting an ill-fitting Beatles wig in a picturization verging on parody. Personally I'm unmoved, but that may have to do with the fact

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Kalyanji Anandji: Kalicharan (1975) / Sapan Chakravarty: 36 Ghante (1974)

   Another batch of EPs, and for all their shortcomings (literally) I am rather fond of the format. Kalyanji Anandji's 'Kalicharan' is highlighted by the wonderful 'Yeh Pal Chanchal Kho Na Dena', featuring moogs stabs, great instrumental interludes and a lovely melody; incidentally available in all it's full length, high quality, picturized glory on Mister Naidu's latest Helen compilation. The

Monday, August 30, 2010

Kalyanji Anandji: Hera Pheri (1976)



'Hera Pheri' initially came to my attention due to its title music, Kalyanji Anandji's instrumental reworking of Joe Simon's 'Cleopatra Jones' theme. Both original and copy are fantastic blaxploitation workouts, and the latter is undeniably this album's selling point. That said, I'm very fond of Asha Bhosle's contributions to the soundtrack as well; the upbeat and funky 'Aapka Sarkar Kya Kuchh'

Thursday, August 26, 2010

O.P. Nayyar: Kismat (1968)



Here's a rather good O.P. Nayyar score, on which it's apparent why he was often referred to as the King of Rhythm. All sorts of rhythms. There's not much to dislike on 'Kismat' [review]; highlights include the swing flavoured rock'n'roll number 'One Two Three Baby', the old timey country song 'Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale' (featuring, it seems, The Monkees), the tipsily sung lounge track 'Aao

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: The Train (1970)

For several reasons, 'The Train' [review] is a landmark record. It was the first ever Indian soundtrack album to be released on the Polydor label, ending a decades long near monopoly on the part of the Gramophone Company of India (EMI/HMV). The latter was obviously very annoyed by this intrusion, and in fact counteracted by releasing an EP of cover versions of the film's songs. Unsuccessfully,

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Shankar Jaikishan: Chhotisi Mulaqat (1968)



Here's a great one from Shankar Jaikishan. 'Chhotisi Mulaqat' has the duo doing what I like most about them, mixing lively rock'n'roll, breezy pop and gorgeous melodies. Highlights? Take your pick: The exuberant title track, Asha's super sweet 'Mat Ja Mat Ja', Rafi's jumpy 'Na Mukhda Mod Ke Jao', Lata's beautiful, lounge-tinged 'Jeevan Ke Do Raahe Pe'... and everything in between. Near flawless

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Sonik Omi: Doctor X (1971)



The intriguingly titled 'Doctor X' is a soundtrack that, to the best of my knowledge, doesn't turn up very often. The same thing goes for the film I think; I can't even find an entry on IMDb, never mind locating clips on YouTube. But it happens to be my favourite Sonik Omi score (admittedly I've only heard a few), featuring a couple of really cool tracks.

The overall vibe is upbeat and fun. '

Monday, July 19, 2010

Naushad: Amar (1954/1977)



Although Naushad isn't among the music directors I actively look for, there are a few of his scores I rate highly. I've posted one of them before; here's another.

To my ears, 'Amar' [review] falls into the same general category as 'Detective' and 'Chhalia', full of enchanting melodies, exotic arrangements and old world charm. It's hard to pick highlights, but check out 'Oodi Oodi Chhai Ghata'

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Sachin Dev Burman: Jewel Thief (1967)



In my mind, this soundtrack always gets filed next to 'Teesri Manzil'. Maybe it's because I acquired both at around the same time; maybe it's because they're of the same (approximate) vintage and style. Or maybe it's because both are by RD Burman. Yes, Sachin Dev is the credited music director, but Pancham is all over this. And I'm not complaining; 'Jewel Thief' [review] [2] [3] is a charmer

Monday, July 5, 2010

Bappi Lahiri: Zakhmee (1974)



Three words: 'Nothing Is Impossible'. I'm almost tempted to leave this write-up at that; I reckon it's what Bappi Lahiri was thinking when scoring the centerpiece of 'Zakhmee'. Years before he became the king of cheesy disco, he took Burmanesque cabaret, garage rock and lounge, threw it all into a pot, mashed it up, turned everything inside out, and proceeded to record the resulting crazyness

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981)



(The lovely Greta over at MemsaabStory is posting her review of the actual film today. Make sure you head over there; double your fun!)

'Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai' is RD Burman in 80s disco mode; something of an acquired taste. Truth be told, had it been my first meeting with Bollywood soundtracks, this blog wouldn't have existed; I'd never have delved further. More often than not I find Hindi

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: Salaam Memsaab (1978)



Up until recently, this soundtrack was on my Bollywood want list. Now, after having obtained a copy, I'm not sure why. Not that I dislike 'Salaam Memsaab'; it does have its moments, but it's not really what I'd call an essential Burman score.

There's the instrumental of course; they tend to be worthwhile. It's quite long for a change, comprising two very different themes. The first has bongos,

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1970)



Take a look at the above cover. Click on it, view it in full size, and tell me what the hell is going on in that picture, because based on it, 'Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli' looks like one bizarre, demented film. A woman dressed as a cobra, a menacing looking guy in a devil cap, another sporting a swan wig and peacock feathers, and chorus girls in... what, anti-radiation helmets? All

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Sharafat (1970) / Salil Chowdhury: Mere Apne (1971)

   Been a while, sorry about that. Busy days. But here to tide you over until I get back on something approaching a regular schedule are a couple of singles I found in the back of the 7" box. Neither of the 'Sharafat' [review] songs are particularly noteworthy; 'Pehle Na Dekha' is an OK ballad, but forgettable. 'Mere Apne' [review] is a bit more interesting; 'Hal Chal Thik Thak Hai' is chirpy

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: Apna Desh (1972)



When I first saw the cover of 'Apna Desh' [review], I knew this was a record I needed to own. It took a while to get - copies always seemed to be snapped up right before my eyes - but after a few years my perseverance paid off. Hell, I even bought and watched the film while waiting (capsule review: It goes on and on, and then has a wonderfully camp last quarter) just to see the cover image in

Rahul Dev Burman: Nehle Peh Dehlaa (1976)



This just in, the LP version of 'Nehle Peh Dehlaa'. What I said here then, but with dialogue, an extra qawwali, and all songs are full length. Upgrade at will.

Track listing:
1. Asha Bhosle: Main Choron Ki Rani
2. Aziz Nazan Qawwal & Chorus: Sunle Too Binati Meri Haji Ali (Qawwali)
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar: Sawan Ka Maheena Aagaya
4. Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar & Manna Dey:

Friday, May 7, 2010

Kalyanji Anandji: Ek Haseena Do Diwane (1971)



Another fine effort from the Shah brothers. Peppy and poppy in tone, mostly; check out 'Aaja Ya Aajane De Paas' and 'Do Qadam Tum Bhi Chalo'. And the fab Northern Soul instrumental serving as an intro to 'Yeh Nach Wach Kya Hai'; I kind of wish they'd made it into a separate track. Luckily the subsequent Rafi song is good as well.

Curiously, my copy of 'Ek Haseena Do Diwane' is pressed under

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Kalyanji Anandji: Bluff Master (1962)



Kalyanji Anandji again, old style. Predictably, 'Bluff Master's [review] main attraction is the 'Title Music', a fun, jaunty, rockin' dance nummer with Latin flourishes. A couple of the songs deserve mention as well though... 'Jabse Tujhe Jaan Gayi' is high drama with a galloping beat, castanets and lashing whips; 'Ae Dil Ab Kahin Na Ja' has a gorgeous melody and an exotic, atmospheric feel;

Monday, April 26, 2010

Shankar Jaikishan: April Fool (1964)



'April Fool' is a relatively new acquisition; it's an album I never considered an essential purchase (for reasons long forgotten) but then a real cheap copy came my way so I figured, why not?

It's not bad actually... while not on par with some of Shankar Jaikishan's great rock'n'roll moments from a year or two down the line, it does contain elements of what was to come: 'Aa Gale Lag Ja' has a

Saturday, April 24, 2010

We Are Family



As the 10-day Bollywood spree over at the fabulous Anywhere Else But Here Today blog is coming to end, we've joined forces and put together a special compilation to celebrate.

Much of its contents will be familiar to regular Third Floor visitors, but note that it includes a couple of exclusives (thumbs up to Memsaab for helping out), in addition to a sneak peek at one I'll be posting in a few

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Kalyanji Anandji: Commander (1981)



Kalyanji Anandji's 'Commander' is one of those highly sought after soundtracks that many collectors are/were willing to shell out a sizable amount for. Myself included at one point, although luckily I managed to keep my cool until a reasonably priced copy came along.

So what's all the fuss about? Besides a fantastic looking cover, it's essentially the two electro tracks, 'Itni Jaldi Kya Hai',

Friday, April 16, 2010

Anywhere Else But Here Today…

"And I would rather be anywhere else but here today". Pop music is a universal language. And history's for exploring. Let's celebrate what's out there. The world's your oyster. And pop's your passport. Come on let's go…

Music From The Third Floor is proud to be associated with this blog.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: Double Cross (1973) / Nehle Peh Dehlaa (1976)

   Rounding off this week's EP section, here's a pair of nice RD Burman efforts. 'Double Cross' [review] has him in an upbeat poppy mood with four songs that, while hardly his finest are all sprightly and fun enough to get your feet tapping and your soul smiling. 'Main Jhonka Mast Hawa Ka' is my favourite I think (for the weird bits), with honourable mention going to 'Aiyo Aiyo Kahdo Zamane Se',

Friday, April 9, 2010

Do I really need more?

Those of you who have been keeping tabs on the number of soundtracks uploaded on Music From The Third Floor will undoubtedly have noticed that posts will be coming to an end before very long. By the end of 2010 at any rate. That is, unless I acquire more records. And while part of the blog's initial objective was to aid me in downsizing my collection, there is still a handful I'd be eager to get

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Naushad: Shabab (1954) / Laxmikant Pyarelal: Aap Beati (1976)

   An even odder pairing, perhaps, and a radical change of pace. 'Shabab' is traditional and low-key; pretty much what I expect from Naushad. There's nothing on it that really sticks out. It's pleasant enough, and 'Jogan Ban Jaoongi' is kind of nice, but in total probably not a record I'll play a lot.Laxmikant Pyarelal's 'Aap Beati' obviously has a more modern sound. But sans any of the stuff I

Monday, April 5, 2010

Kalyanji Anandji: Priya (1970) / Sapan Chakravarty: Naya Nasha (1973)

   A bunch of EPs coming up now, having discovered I have quite a few of them left. Pairing might seem (and is) a bit random, but seeing as I've gotten used to posting them in couples... Two fantastic ones to start off with though. 'Priya' is quite rare I think, which is a shame as the first side (at least) is super. 'Pretty Pretty Priya' is fab Beatlesque pop and will be familiar to those who

Monday, March 29, 2010

Kalyanji Anandji: Anjane Mein (1978)



For some reason, I never used to rate 'Anjane Mein' much; however listening to it now I'm thinking it's kind of alright. Both 'O Meri Jaan' and 'Gayi Kaam Se Yeh Ladki' have loads of neat instrumental bits (the singing parts leave me cold though); a nifty mix of east and west. 'Sachchai Ki Ra Men' and 'Jeevan Ke Sab Sukh Paye Too' are typically lovely Lata ballads and 'Dil Ka Rishta Jod Diya

Friday, March 12, 2010

Music From The Third Floor: Vol. 6

Honestly, I don't think there exists a better series of Bollywood compilations than this... now in its 6th volume. So good you almost want to see the films. Right?Click on the picture for printable cover art and annotated track listing, should you so require.And previous volumes are available again as well.Track listing:1. Everybody Dance With Me (from College Girl)2. Theme Music (from Raaste Kaa

Monday, March 8, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: Manoranjan (1974)



'Manoranjan' [review] is a great sounding RD Burman score. Arguably sans any very memorable stand-out tracks, but still, a great sounding RD Burman score. See, it's all in the arrangements, the details, the adventurousness. The Moog and close harmony singing in 'Dulhan Maike Chali', the oriental beat kicking off 'Aaya Hoon Main Tujhko Le Jaoonga', the playfulness of the two instrumentals (

Thursday, March 4, 2010

(Minor) hitch

Sharebee is being rubbish in that they won't let me upload - new post(s) as soon as they sort it, or I find an adequate alternative. Bear with me, yeah?
:)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Sachin Dev Burman: Talash (1969)

Here's one that's been requested a few times lately; quite rightly so as it's a good score. SD Burman composing and RD Burman arranging; frequently a winning combination. And 'Talash' is no exception.'Kitni Akeli' is my current favourite track; a lovely lounge-jazz number sung by Lata. Asha's two contributions are ace as well: 'Mera Kya Sanam' (very reminsicent of some other song... anyone?) is

Thursday, January 28, 2010

O.P. Nayyar: Mr. & Mrs. 55 (1955)

Another oldie. While not quite as good as the below, O.P. Nayyar's 'Mr. & Mrs. 55' [review] is a very worthwhile listen. There's a sweet, romantic vibe running through a lot of it, and what it perhaps lacks in terms of memorable songs, it makes up for in nostalgic charm. My favourite tracks are (predictably) Geeta Dutt's; 'Thandi Hawa Kali Ghata' and 'Nile Aasmani' in particular.Track listing:1.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Shankar Jaikishan: Anari (1959/1979)

Vintage Shankar Jaikishan, 'Anari' [review] [2] is delightful as can be. Lovely melodies, chirpy choruses, lively accordions, romantic strings, bicycle bells, Lata Mangeshkar... hard to resist really. I believe 'Nineteen Fifty Six' is the famous one, and it's indeed wonderful. But so is 'Ban Ke Panchhi'. And 'Tera Jana'. And at the moment I can't think of anything sweeter than 'Dil Ki Nazar Se.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Kalyanji Anandji: Haadsaa (1982)

I've mentioned a few times that Kalyanji Anandji scores post-1980 usually leave me cold... well, here's an exception. What's good about 'Haadsaa' is the fact that they seem to be exerting themselves again; trying to transcend what by 1982 had become formulaic, and mostly dull. Meaning better songs and melodies, more subtle/less tacky arrangements, and some pretty ace grooves. Hightlights are

Friday, January 1, 2010

Rahul Dev Burman: Caravan (1971)

One of RD Burman's most famous soundtracks, containing the quintessential Bollywood cabaret number 'Piya Tu Ab To Aja', sung by Asha Bhosle and performed on screen by the incomparable Helen. Song and scene both are awesome; elaborately arranged and staged, catchy, full of subtle (and not so subtle) eroticism - a classic. And a lot of you will know it already.The question is then, how's the rest