Friday, November 30, 2007

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

9 comments:

litlgrey said...

It took three or four attempts to get this download link to work. It is finally running. Since this was recorded in 1982, long after Bollywood began upgrading its recording facilities, it is possible to hear both the voice of Kishore Kumar and all of the magnificently cheesy instrumentation of Bapphi Lahiri in a fidelity comparable with soundtracks released in either London or Hollywood at that time. I know this because "Namaak Halaal" was released on CD as a two-fer by SareGama some years ago - now out of print again.
Whatever your reason for posting soundtracks at the astonishing bit rate of 97kbps stereo - less than half the accepted bit rate for both CD quality and for most other music blogs, it would be wonderful if this time you could waive your policy so we can hear this original soundtrack as big and bountiful as the original recordings were, and as glorious as the large, magnificent cover art scans you post!

Thank you for this blog!

Stella_1 said...

Sorry, I have an old program , so I can't record it at a better quality. If you know any that I could get on the internet that are better, please suggest some.Thanks.

litlgrey said...

If you have nothing but Windows Media Player, just check the Preferences in order to change the way it rips files. Change from .wma to MP3s, and set the bit rate for not less than 192kbps.

If you can't see how to do that, download a simple to use program such as Apple iTunes. You'll see... it will be easy!

Stella_1 said...

Ok, but once I have changed the settings that you said in windows media player, do I have to rip the album again? Sorry , I`m don't know much about ripping music from vinyl.

litlgrey said...

If those are your originals, and you don't have WAV files at full bit rate, then the answer is yes, you'd have to re-rip!

Don't worry, you'll get it sorted out.

Desimusicclub said...

Lovely review of the album - 'Pag Ghunghroo Baandh' was such a phenomenal hit when it was first released! You couldn't go to an Indian party without hearing it at least once. 'Aaj Rapat' is one of the most sensual videos on the Indian screen & the song is just amazing too. I also remember when we had college parties we played 'Jawani Janeman' near the end of the night to much appreciation!

Anonymous said...

First of all - Thank you (long overdue) for all your efforts. I wish I had more liesure to read your blog in detail, however I cannot but appreciate your thorough and detailed efforts. At the risk of sounding ungrateful I'd like to second litlgrey's request for higher bit rate rips, especially since you share some wonderful albums (fresh from hearing some gems from Umrao Jaan).

Till then... thanks again :)

a ppcc representative said...

You are, as always, totally awesome in providing us with such treasures! The PPCC thanks you.

songspk said...

Bappi lehiri is also awesome singer thanks for sharing his news,