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

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,

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

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. '

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'

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

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