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