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