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