Shankar Jaikishan: April Fool (1964/1970)

The very versatile Shankar and Jaikishan team bring us the lovely and mildly jazzy April Fool .

I don't usually fall for the "love songs", but this time I did with "Meri Muhabat". It has great melody and wins it's place as my favorite on the record. And guess what, it's sung by my favorite playback singer Mohd. Rafi, that's a plus! But, I must add that none of the songs on the album really wowed me at all, I was kind of disappointed.

The songs that stand out a bit are the "Title Music" and the attractive and soft "Aa Gale Lag Ja" .

I haven't seen the movie but there seems too be the image of a modern and independent woman (in a swimsuit, drinking and dancing) in the film which is represent in"Mera Naam Rita Christina" as a fun and westernised song. I also think it is a disguise in the movie, so she dresses like a vamp, but I can't be sure.

I also enjoy "April Fool Banaya" which is the most upbeat and fun song on the record.

Sorry, but overall this record doesn't do anything for me.

* If you watch the clip, this guy has the best sweaters ever.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Title Music

2. Mohd. Rafi: Aa Gale Lag Ja

3. Lata Mangeshkar: Mera Naam Rita Christina

4. Mohd. Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur: Tujhe Pyar Karte Hain

5. Mohd. Rafi: Meri Muhabat Pak Muhabat

Side 2

6. Mohd. Rafi: Kehdo Kehdo Jahanse Kahdo

7. Lata Mangeshkar: unki Pehli Nazar Asar Kargaye

8. Mohd. Rafi: April Fool Banaya

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan April Fool

Update

Hi everyone ! I updated these files. They are 192kbps MP3's instead of 97kbps WMP files.

For files just click on the link beside each album cover, or click on the usual link on the albums old post. (Posts: Barsaat, Namak Halaal or Navrang)

Links:

Shankar Jaikishan: Barsaat

Bappi Lahiri: Namak Halaal

C. Ramchandra: Navrang

More uptades of old albums I posted will be coming at the soonest in the new year. Until then, enjoy!

Shankar Jaikishan: Janwar (1965) ep

Janwar has some great tracks (I wish I had the hole album, but you can get an extra song that isn't on the ep at Eastern eye).

* I am putting this on up just to see if I finally have files that are of a normal standar (192 kbps) (and especially if litlgrey can ok me) and then I will put up all the albums on the parties, sarees and melodies blog at that bit rate. Anyway I will continue about Janwar...

It best knows for "Dekho Abto" which is a hindi remake of "I want to hold your hand" from the Beatles. It's a good song, but there are some unknown playback singers (well to me). They are S. D. Batish and S. Balbir, if anyone knows a bit of info on these guys it would be great to hear it.

"Lal Chhadi" and "Tumse Achha" are fun as well.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Lal Chhadi

2. Mohd. Rafi: Meri Mohabbat

Side 2

3. Mohd. Rafi, Asha Bhosle (S. D. Batish & S. Balbir) & Chorus: Dekho Abto

4. Mohd. Rafi: Tumse Achha

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Janwar

Shankar Jaikishan: Barsaat (1949/1973)

Barsaat is Shankar's and Jaikishan's first movie score. Not only was this movie a hit, but it established Raj Kapoor and his team as one of the best movie makers of the 50's.

Many songs on this album. Not all great, but still good. The classic "Mujhe Kisi Se Pyar Ho Gaya" is one of my favorites. As well as "Barsaat Men Ham Se Mile" which are the songs that stand out on the record.

"Palti Kamar Hai" is most appreciated, while watching the film. The longing village girl (played by Nimmi) sadly waits the return of her lover, but in a parallel montage, you see he is dancing with an other woman without any care in the world. Great use for a song in a flick.


Great duet, "Chhod Gaye Balam" Lata and Mukesh's vocals are great. Again, this is better while watching the film. This is not the case of the film being better that the soundtrack, it's just that the images and the songs really do complete each other.

I also enjoy "Ab Mera Kaun Sahara", even if it is a sad song. Well when you thing about it about 90% of the film, the characters are kind of depressed. It's melancholic (Not as much as Aag, but still) and a romantic view of despair and seeing no hope, but looking and singing really well as you do it.

I recommend this soundtrack , but I recommend the film (because you have both) more. Also because the imagery (especially the lighting) is brilliant.

Tracks

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Jiya Baqarar hai
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Mujhe Kisi Se Pyar Ho Gaya
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Palti Kamar Hai
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Bichhde Hue Pardesi
5. Mohd. Rafi: Zindagi Men Hardam

Side 2

6. Lata Mangeshkar: Hawa Men Udta Jae
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Ab Mera Kaun Sahara
8. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh : Chhod Gaye Balam
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Meri Aankhon Men Bas Gaya
10. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Barsaat Men Ham Se Mile

Lyrics: Hastrat Jaipuri, Shailendra, Jalal Malihabadi & Ramesh Shastri

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Barsaat

Shankar Jaikishan: Awaara (1951/1966) ep

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Ab Raat Guzarne Wali Hai
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Dam Bhar Jo Munh Phere

Side 2
3. Lata Mangeshkar: Ek Bewafa Se Pyar Kiya
4. Mukesh: Awara Hoon

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

For music and more, see Awaara

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Bobby (1973) ep

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Shailendra Singh: Main Shair To Nahin
2. Chanchal: Bashak Mandir Masjid Todo

Side 2
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Shailendra Singh: Chabi Kho Jae
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Ankhiyon Ko Rahne De

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

For music and more, see Bobby

Bappi Lahiri: Namak Halaal (1982)

Namak Halaal was my first Bappi Lahiri record. I like his music no matter how cheesy it gets. He is the beat master and he knows how to make amazing dance tunes. He takes chances and makes wild music, heavily inspired by disco and western music of the time.


The intro to the record is great. And the first song,"Pag Ghunghroo Baandh" is a classic. Lots of funky beats and a few synthesizers. Kishore Kumar (50's actor and singer) took home the 1983 filmfare award for best playback singer for this song.

"Raat Baaqi Raat Baaqi" has some diologue by "Shashilicious" (expression taken from Post-Punk cinema club) and the male vocals are sung by the composer Bappi Lahiri .



A nice duet, "Aaj Rapat Jaayen To" is a charming and more traditional song, compared to the others.


Amitabh's drunken song, "Thodisi Jo Pee Lee Hai" has a catchy tune.


And, the last song (I know only 5) "Jawani Jan-E-Man" is disco inspired. I like the guitar solo near the end of the song.

I noticed that what I like the most in every song, it's the instrumental parts. Lahiri knows how to intertwine the basic song then he takes the melody somewhere else and then comes back, all with great ease. Anyway, great record overall.


For info on the movie check out:
- Filmigeek review
- PPCC's review
- Bollybob's page


Tracks:

Side 1
1. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Pag Ghunghroo Baandh
2. Asha Bhosle, Bappi Lahiri & Shashi Kapoor: Raat Baaqi Baat Baaqi

Side 2

3. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Aaj Rapat Jaayen To
4. Kishore Kumar: Thodisi Jo Pee Lee Hai
5. Asha Bhosle: Jawani Jan-E-Man

Lyrics: Prakash Mehra & Anjaan

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Bappi Lahiri Namak Halaal

C. Ramchandra: Navrang (1959)

C. Ramchandra made Navrang's soundtrack as colourful and grandiose as the movie. There is no Lata Mangeshkar (queen of the fifties as the usual female voice for C.Ramchandra) too be found. Instead C. Ramchandra chose her sister, Asha Bhosle. Her voice on this album is magnificent from beginning to end.

Especially with songs like "Kari Kari Andhiyari Thi Raat", "Are Ja Re Hat Nat Khat", "Adha Hai Chandrama Raat Adhi" and my favorite "Tu Chhupi Hai Kahan".


This is one of my favorite C. Ramchandra albums, I only know the hindi one's (and I'm still looking for my favorite, Nirala). He started his career for Tamil and Marathi films, I would love to hear them. He is definitely on my top 5 composer list, because of his versatility, from classical to rock'n'roll or jazz, he is great to listen too. But if we come back to Navrang, it's a great album.



Tracks:

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle & C. Ramchandra: Kari Kari Andhiyari Thi Raat
2. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Are Ja Re Hat Nat Khat
3. Asha Bhosle: Aa Dil Se Milale

Side 2
4. Asha Bhosle & Manna Dey: Tu Chhupi Hai Kahan
5. Mahendra Kapoor: Shyamal Shyamal Baran Komal Komal Charan
6. Asha Bhosle: Tum Mere Mai Teri
7. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Adha Hai Chandrama Raat Adhi

Lyrics: Barat Vyas

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: C. Ramchandra Navrang

Naushad: Andaz (1949/1971)

I liked, Andaz, the movie (mostly because the cast comprises of the 3 greatest hindi actors of all time, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Nargis, all in one film) but the music not so much. Frankly, I was disappointed. Usually Naushad delivers, but sadly not this time.

The songs aren't worth mentioning one at a time. The album in it's entirety is boring and feels flat. The only two songs that are acceptable, are the first and the last. ''Jhoom Jhoom Ke Nacho Aaj'' is a classic, then the last one and my favorite is ''Dar Na Mohabbat Karle''. Is it just me or I can't hear any piano, yet in the film (young and skinny) Dilip Kumar is playing that instrument. Ah whatever, I don't care because this is a great Shamshad Begum and Lata duet. I love it when they sing together.





Tracks:


Side 1
1. Mukesh: Jhoom Jhoom Ke Nacho Aaj
2. Mukesh: Tu Kahe Agar
3. Mukesh: Toote Na Dil Toote Na
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Tod Diya Dil Mera
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Koi Mere Dil Men



Side 2
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Uthaye Ja Umke Sitam
7. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Yun To Apas Men Bigadte
8. Mukesh: Hum Aaj Kahin Dil Kho Baithe
9. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Meri Ladli
10. Lata Mangeshkar & Shamshad Begum: Dar Na Mohabbat Karle



Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Naushad Andaz

Shankar Jaikishan: Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960)

I got this one a while back and I didn't listen to it until about a few weeks ago. I was delightfully surprised that I liked it. But I prefer listening to the record without the videos that go with each song.

Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai's main character, Raju, played by Raj Kapoor, makes his living by singing.

The first song ''Mera Naam Raju'', great up beat start, with a great melody and a funky intro that adds a slight Arab twist.

''Kya Hua'' is a nice Lata and Asha duet.

I had already heard ''Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai'' on a compilation album, so this was the only song I knew before listening to the entire record. I wasn't disappointed, all the songs seem to have a link that makes the album great as a hole. (Here is an extended beginning with good music that is not on the album.)

Next is the playful ''Ho Main Ne Pyar Kiya'' and then after is ''Pyar Kar Le'' which I find boring.

''Ham Bhi Hain Tum Bhi Ho'' (or as I like to call it, aka Hoy hoy!) is great fun.

I didn't like this ''Begani Shadi Men Abdulla Diwana'' at first, it grows on you.

We have the classic ''O Basanti'' which is the sad song on the album.

The record ends with ''Aa Ab Laut Chalen'', one word, wow. What makes this song special is the descending female vocals with the ascending chorus in the back. I think it sounds great in a kind of creepy good way.

Good album overall.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mukesh: Mera Naam Raju
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Asha Bhosle: Kya Hua
3. Mukesh: Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Ho Main Ne Pyar Kiya
5. Mukesh: Pyar Kar Le

Side 2

6. Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt, Mukesh, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Ham Bhi Hain Tum Bhi Ho
7. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Begani Shadi Men Abdulla Diwana

8. Lata Mangeshkar: O Basanti Pavan

9. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Aa Ab Laut Chalen

Lyrics: Shailandra

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan| Jis Desh Men ...

Shankar Jaikishan: Amrapali (1966/ 1979)

Amrapali was a flop when is was released in 1966. But I don't really know why? And weirdly enough, it was picked for India's entry as best foreign film for the Oscars.

Sticking with the theme of high class prostitutes. Amrapali is basically considered the same thing as Umrao Jaan but higher class and from a different time (about 500 B.C.). She is a Nagar Vadhu (bride of the city) and lives with the royals.

This is one of my favorite Shankar Jaikishan soundtracks. It's a little known gem. And I haven't seen the movie, but the music is definitely not the cause for it's bad luck at the box office.


I prefer the second side with ''Tadap Yeh Din Raat Ki'', ''Nacho Gao Nacho'' and the wonderful instrumental ''White Dress'' (I listened too it over and over again)

I also like "Neel Gagan Ki Chhaon" that is on the first side. The other two tracks are ok, but I don't find myself listening to those much.

Too bad that Shankar and Jaikishan didn't decide to put the instrumental bit when Amrapali has a dance battle. Here is the clip . It's intense and kind of funny, so enjoy!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Jao Re Jogi
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Tumhen Yaad Karte Karte
3. Lata Mangeshkar: Neel Gagan Ki Chhaon

Side 2
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Tadap Yeh Din Raat Ki
5. Chorus: Nacho Gao Nacho
6. Instrumental: White Dress Dance

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Amrapali

Khaiyyam: Umrao Jaan (1981)

The soundtrack of Umrao Jaan centers on the character of a female poet/tawaif (high class prostitute) from the1840's. She was born into a normal family but is kidnapped by her uncle and sold too a brothel. Never the less, she becomes highly educated, and also trained in dance (Kathak) and song. Throughout the movie the songs are mainly used too describe Umrao Jaan's her inner thoughts, mostly her sadness that she expresses trough her performances.



The poetess is praised for her lyrical genius and that is what, I find, stands out in the songs. Written by Shahryar, the language he uses is manipulated with great precision. Very interesting to listen too (if you can't understand Hindi or Urdu, like me, here are the lyrics).

The most popular songs are the classics,''Dil Cheez Kya Hai'' and ''In Ankhon Ki Masti'', here is the sample of the lyrics of the second.

...
There are thousands of legends attached to these eyes
There are thousands of legends
The lust of these eyes

You are not the only one alone
You are not alone in love with me, disgraced
In love with me, disgraced
In this city, like you
In this city, there are thousands of madmen like you
There are thousands of madmen
There are thousands intoxicated by the lust of these eyes
The lust of these eyes

Only I, only I
Only I serve liquor with my eyes
Serve with my eyes
To say it, in the world
To say it, in the world there are thousands of bars...

My favorite songs are actually the less known .''Kahe Ko Byahe Bides'' and ''Pratham Dhar Dhyan-Raag Mala'' in which Umrao Jaan learns too sing.

This is definitely not an album that can get you out of the blues, but more of a romantic view of despair, love and hate. Great classical inspired music.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle: Dil Cheez Kya Hai
2. Asha Bhosle: Justuju Jiski Thi
3. Jagjit Kaur: Kahe Ko Byahe Bides
4. Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Shahida Khan & Runa Prasad: Pratham Dhar Dhyan-Raag Mala

Side 2
5. Asha Bhosle: In Ankhon Ki Masti
6. Talat Aziz: Zindagi Jab Bhi
7. Asha Bhosle: Yeh Kya Jageh Hai Dosto
8. Asha Bhosle: Jab Bhi Milti Hai
9. Shahida Khan: Jhoola Kinne Dala

Lyrics: Shahryar

Stella_1's score : 3.5/5

Get the music now: Khaiyyam Umrao Jaan

Requests

Hi, I am sorry for being so slow these past months. It's just that I am a student and I don't have much time too upload my records. But I have some time in my schedual in the week of the 12th of november 2007. And I haven't chosen which ones too upload next. So basically, just write the names of the records and your requests. If I have them, I will make them a priority. Thanks for your patience

Stella_1

Naushad: Leader (1964)

Naushad has some suprises on this album. Leader brings changes in his style that is defined mostly by indian classical and folk music. This soundrack is like Naushad à la S .Dev Burman.

Aspecially, with songs like ''Mujhe Dunyawalo Deedar Hai'', ''Ajkal Shauqe'', ''Hameen Se Mohabbat'' , and ''Aj Hai Pyar Ka Faisla''.The first one is more jazzy and typical 60's bollywood. The last one has a simple melody but is accompanied by a wacky video. It's great stuff.


But you still can hear the old Naushad, in''Ek Shahinsha Ne Banavake'' also mostly in the instrumental intro to ''Dayya Re Dayya'' which is, by far, the best song on the album. S. Dev Burman takes those horns as an intro to the song Hothon Pe Aisi Atba , three years later in Jewel Thief (1967)


What makes Leader special and a good soundtrack too some and a bad soundtrack too others, is the fact that it mirrors the transition between the old 50's bollywood and the new jazzy rock'N'roll sounds of the 60's. It's not really one or the other. I personally am also a bit in between, I don't love it, and I don't hate it. But it sure is a classic worth listening too. Tell me what you think.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Tere Husn Ki
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Ek Shahinshah Ne Banavake
3. Mohd. Rafi: Mujhe Dunyawalo Deedar Hai
4. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Ajkal Shauqe

Side 2
5. Asha Bhosle, Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Dayya Re Dayya
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Aj Hai Pyar Ka Faisla
7. Mohd. Rafi: Hameen Se Mohabbat
8. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Apni Aazadi Ko Ham

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Leader

Naushad: Amar (1954/1977)

I know, an other one from Naushad, Amar is a pretty good soundtrack. There are few of the songs that I really got addicted too. The first is ''Tere Sadqe Balam'' it sounds great and also means something. In short, in means, take advantage of every happy moment because you never know if you will have an other like it. The second I am addicted too is ''Na Shikwa Hai Koi'' , I just love to listen to it. I wish I knew what it meant? (probably something sad)



All the songs have female vocals except for one. "Insaf Ka Mandir Yeh" is not even sung by Dilip Kumar's character, yet it describes his emotional struggle. It's a good song, but I find it more meaningful when I watch the clip.


No sitars for poor Nimmi's songs. "Oodi Oodi Chhai Ghata" is playful."Umangon Ko Sakhi" is nice, and the village song "Ek Baat Kahoon Mere Piya" is boring.

For "The sad songs" like "Na Milta Gham To" and "Janewale Se Mulaqat", I like "Radha Ke Pyare Krishna Kanhai" the best.

Basically this album is for people who like sweet soft melodies. Tell me what you think.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Oodi Oodi Chhai Ghata
2. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Insaf Ka Mandir Hai Yeh
3. Asha Bhosle: Radha Ke Pyare Krishna Kanhai
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Umangon Ko Sakhi
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Janewale Se Mulaqat
6. Dance Music

Side 2
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Tere Sadqe Balam
8. Asha Bhosle: Ek Baat Kahoon Mere Piya
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Khamosh Hai Khewanhar Mera
10. Lata Mangeshkar: Na Shikwa Hai Koi
11. Lata Mangeshkar: Na Milta Gham To

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Amar

Naushad: Kohinoor (1960/1978)

Sorry, not much to say about Kohinoor, the title means Diamond by the way, besides that it's sweet. It's not Naushad's best work, it's nothing compared to "Baiju Bawra" and "Mughal-E-Azam"

The playback singers are great. I enjoyed the first track "Jadoogar Qatil" , it's a mix of melodies as well as a mix of sounds caused by the of indian and western instruments. But my favorite on the album is "Tan Ragloji Aaj Man Ranglo" , a beautiful duet sung by Lata and Mohd. Rafi (my favorite male playback singer). The last song, "Madhuban Men Radhika Nache" also deserves mention, it's a 2 part "grand finale" that is great to listen too, what I like about it is the tabla that embellishes the accelerating rhythm.




If you watch the clips, Dilip Kumar is great , it really looks like he is playing the sitar. It's so rare too see the actors actually playing the instruments or at least imitating realistically a musician.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Asha Bhosle : Jadoogar Qatil
2. Lata Mangeshkar : Dil Me Bajin pyar Ki Shehnaiyan
3. Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus : Tan Rangloji Aaj Man Ranglo
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi : Do Sitaron Ka Zamin Par

Side 2
5. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi : Koi Pyar Ki Dekhe Jadoogari
6. Mohd. Rafi : Dhal Chuki Sham-E-Gam
7. Mohd. Rafi : Madhuban Men Radhika Nache - Part 1
8. Mohd. Rafi : Madhuban Men Radhika Nache - Part 2

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Kohinoor (there are only 7 tracks, because 7 and 8 are together)

Rahul Dev Burman: Teesri Manzil (1966)

I decided to put Teesri Manzil up even if Music from the Third Floor (Teesri Manzil means Third Floor by the way) already did, but it's not available to download on his blog anymore, so I just wanted to make this classic accessible again, as soon as I could.

The film stars Shammi Kapoor, which is a 60's rock'n'roll teen Idol, he's a mix between Elvis and the Beatles. Teesri Manzil is a classic by Rahul Dev Burman. It's a romantic and fun soundtrack with an experimental twist that is powered by a big range of musical instruments.

The first track is a great instrumental song, it's a wacky mix of spy movies, horror movies and rock'n'roll soundtracks in one. It's one of the best first tracks on a bollywood vinyl ever! It really sets the right mood and atmosphere for the popular "Aaja Aaja". Well, it's officially called "Main Hoon Pyar Tera" it's a Hindi rock'n'roll classic. (If you like Gunaam from Ghost World this is for you!)

Next is "Deewana Mujhse Nahin" a love song that doesn't boar you because it's playful. Like Guide witch is by his father many of the songs on the record include the dialogue. Pitche Pitche Pitche!

Gentle ladies? No wonder she says shut up idiot! And when "Main Inpe Marta Hoon" finally begins, there is a great upbeat tune with some yelling that bring a more experimental feel, a little bit like the Broadway classic West Side Story from 1961 (Cool). Sorry Burman, but it's this song just isn't as "cool".

Rahul Dev Burman starts with the drums on "O Haseena" and "Tumne Mujhe Dekha". The first is a really great duet and the second a slower love song.

"O Mera Sona" is another great duet, one of my favorite's on the album.

Please leave your comments, I know you are going to like this one.

*Extra* If you want some interesting info on this or other bollywood movies there is a great web site called Planet Bollybob!
Also there a site by a professor at the University of Iowa with some info on the movie and actors Philip's fil-ums: notes on Indian Popular Cinema.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Title Music
2. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Main Hoon Pyar Tera
3. Mohd. Rafi: Deewana Mujhse Nahin
4. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Main Inpe Marta Hoon

Side 2
5. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: O Haseena
6. Mohd. Rafi: Tumne Mujhe Dekha
7. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: O Mera Sona
8. Music

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Rahul Dev Burman | Teesri Manzil

Shankar Jaikishan: Chori Chori (1956/1975)

By the time Chori Chori was released the Raj Kapoor and Nargis couple was over. But that didn't affect the music, the Shankar Jaikishan team did very well. They basically defined the sound of the golden age of the Bollywood, the 50's. From Barsaat in 1949 to Jish Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai in 1960. The musical duo even won Chori Chori a filmfare award for best soundtrack.

The most popular Chori Chori songs are the romantic "Aaja Sanam" and "Jahan Main Jaati Ghar" (which is represented on the back of the Lp). They are both charming.

"Man Bhavan Ke Ghar" is for people who like the Mangheskar sisters duet in Azad, but this one in Chori Chori is even better. It was one of my favorites when I first got into Bollywood.

Weirdly enough I would always skip "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" because I didin't like the into. Then one day I let it play a little bit longer and it's now one of my favourites.

"Rasik Balma" is a beautifully sung song by Lata. I love the sitar, which is a rare instrument on the album.

"Us Paar Sajan" is good, it's sounds like some Indian folk.

A good cheerful first song,"Panchhi Banoon Udit Phiroon" makes me think a little bit of Madhumati.

Sorry if all I'm saying is how good the songs are, well that's really what I think and "Sawa Lakh Ki Lottery" is great. I love the duets on the Lp.

"All Line Clear" it good , but it's just weird after hearing an emotional song like Aaja Sanam, and then have this comical tune. It's the one I least like.

The last song, "Thillana" rocks. It's classical, but folk. It sticks out a lot from the rest of the album. I like what's different. I can't describe it, well you just have to hear it for yourselfs. Let me know what you think of it!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Panchhi Banoon Udit Phiroon
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey: Aaja Sanam
3. Mohd. Rafi: All Line Clear
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Sawa Lakh Ki Lottery
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Rasik Balma

Side 2
6. Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshkar: Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi
7. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Us Paar Sajan
8. Lata Mangeshkar & Manna Dey: Jahan Main Jaati Ghar
9. Lata Mangeshkar & Asha Bhosle: Man Bhavan Ke Ghar
10. M. L. Vasanthakumari: Thillana

Lyrics: Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Chori Chori

S. Dev Burman: Guide (1965/1966)

Guide is said to be one of the best bollywood soundtrack's of all time, but I don't feel that way about it. To me, it's not the greatest, it's in the "good soundtrack" category because it only has a few good songs. And honestly the movie makes you like the songs more not the opposite. The soundtrack should complement the movie, or I don't even mind when the soundtrack is better than the movie but in the case of Guide I was disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high.

Don't worry, I'm not that disappointed, this is still a good record. "Gaata Rahe Mera Dil" the first song and the hit tune of the movie, with it's mildly jazzy-rock'n'roll feel, is a romantic and classic duet by Kishore Kumar and Lata.

What I find special is the fact that they left the dialogue at the beginning of some tracks. Like for example the laugh in "Aaj Phir Jeene Ki". The song is my favorite, it's so carefree, because of it's simple and sweet melody.

"Sainya Be-I-Maan" and "Piya Tose Naina Laage Re" are great, but you really appreciate the music after watching the dancing and decor in the videos. The second of the two has some wacky noises in it.

After there is the charming, "Tere Mere Sapne" that has the same feel as the first song on the Lp.

The songs I don't like are "Din Dhal Jaye" and "Kya Se Kya Ho Gaye"

"Wahan Kaun Hai Tera" and "Megh De" are sung by S. Dev Burman and they are both better than I expected.

So, overall it's a good soundtrack but it's missing some extra something. It's said to be a classic , you listen and decide for yourselfs.


Tracks:

Side 1
1. Kishore Kumar & Lata Mageshkar: Gaata Rahe Mera Dil
2. S. D. Burman: Wahan Kaun Hai Tera
3. Lata Mageshkar: Piya Tose Naina Laage Re
4. Mohd. Rafi: Din Dhal Jaye

Side 2
5. Lata Mageshkar: Aaj Phir Jeene Ki
6. Mohd. Rafi: Tere Mere Sapne
7. Lata Mageshkar: Sainya Be-I-Maan
8. Mohd. Rafi: Kya Se Kya Ho Gaye
9. S. D. Burman: Megh de
10. Manna Dey & Chorus: He Ram (Bhajan Traditional)

Lyrics: Shailendra

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: S. Dev Burman Guide