Kalyanji Anandji: Laawaris (1981)

There was a time, when Bollywood music was doing the rounds in the trendiest of western clubs, that any late 70s/early 80s Kalyanji Anandji soundtrack with the slightest hint of disco or funk inevitably would be hyped as 'ultimate killer masterpiece', or something similar to the same effect. A few times I fell for it. Like when I bought 'Laawaris'.There's nothing out of the ordinary on this. Most

Rahul Dev Burman: Raton Ka Raja / Ehsan (1970)

   

At the time of writing, tattered copies of these 2 EPs (along with an admittedly sought after single from 'Apradh') are up for grabs on eBay. Starting bid? A measly US$320.

Call me funny, but I find that kind of ridiculous. Therefore:

2 MEGA RARE RAHUL DEV BURMAN SOUNDTRACKS!
8 PRE-RECORDED SONGS VALUED AT US$32 (MIN.) EACH!
FREE FOR THE TAKING!!

And take them you should, as both 'Raton

Rahul Dev Burman: Dil Diwana (1974)

This 1974 effort is a companion piece of sorts to 'Jawani Diwani' from a couple of years earlier. Both films involve the same producer, director and lead actors, and there seem to be recurring characters... I'll let others either confirm or dismiss any direct thread between the two though. Because all that concerns us here is that both scores are by the same musical genius, and that the 'Dil

Rahul Dev Burman: Khel Khel Mein (1974)

Getting this show back on the road: A week of RD Burman soundtracks, starting with 'Khel Khel Mein' from 1974. Increasingly though, after 40-something RD scores previously posted, the problem arises of what to write that I haven't already; I worry that my commentary is becoming redundant. Oh well... this particular effort is playfully poppy; nothing as outrageously 'out there' as Burman often

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.'

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

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