Naushad: Mela (1948/1980)

Mela's soundtrack creates a great mood inspired by romanticism, a certain "attractive despair", as I could name it, that is characteristic of a time in Hindi cinema, (and as far as I know maybe to other Indian cinemas as well) called the 40's. But this being 1948, I could also blame this "depression" on a certain, um, let me think...Partition. I think it's a mix of both the melancholy of the country's separation mirrored in the lover's separation that set the tone of the film and it's music. Also, the film visually looks like a filmed play as the director uses theatre to show the insignificance of the backdrop and the importance on concentrating more on the emotions and the characters (which Naushad picked up on and developed in his music). Also, I think, in those days, theatre had more prestige then cinema and early in the development of the film industry the only reference for cinema was theatre. Bizarrely enough, this does not take away from the realism, not portrayed visually but musically (emotionally as well) of the two main heroes Manju (Nargis) and Mohan (Dilip Kumar).

The 40's was the heyday of the "sad song". Not the kind you feel like skipping or fast forwarding, but the kind that people actually liked, and still like even today. One brilliant song "Gham Ka Fasana" is one of the finest examples of a great "sad song", and it is also my favorite track on the record. Naushad could have picked the melody queen, Lata or, Geeta, the empress of tragedy, but he chose Shamshad. I think he was looking for something raw. Her voice expressed the voice of the people, like the persevering village girl that wants more than what is destined for her. Mela is a high point in her career, although Shamshad's luck did not last long, when the "classical trend" came in the early 50's, Shamshad did not have the training to stay at the top.

Besides the classic sad song, some of Mela's most memorable tracks are, one of Mohd. Rafi's first big breaks with the song ''Yeh Zindagi Ke Mele'', and another one of my favourites ''Aai Sawan Rut ''. For the track ''Phir Aah Dilse Nikli'' you can almost imagine that you are sitting in a zeenat during the very late reign of the Mungals. (Well, at least that is what I imagined the vocals would have sounded like.)

Some other tracks I enjoy are the playful ''Pardes Balam Tum Jaoge'' and the duet ''Mera Dil Todnewale''. In the second one I mentioned, you can really hear the Talat Mehmood influence for sure, who was the usual voice of Dilip Kumar. He's not singing for Raj Kapoor that's for sure.

Overall good soundtrack, resembles Babul (my post) but let's Shamshad really shine trough. Inspired by emotion and the northern sound this album can seem dull on the first try, but the more you listen the better it gets. Enjoy!

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Shamshad Begum: Dharti Ko Aakash Pukare

2. Shamshad Begum & Mukesh: Main Bhanwra Too Hai Phool

3. Shamshad Begum, Mukesh & Chorus: Aai Sawan Rut

4. Shamshad Begum: Gham Ka Fasana

5. Shamshad Begum: Taqdeer Bani Bankar Bigdi

6. Zohra Ambala: Phir Aah Dilse Nikli

Side 2

7. Shamshad Begum: Mohan Ki Muraliya

8. Shamshad Begum: Pardes Balam Tum Jaoge

9. Shamshad Begum & Mukesh: Mera Dil Todnewale

10. Mohd. Rafi: Yeh Zindagi Ke Mele

11. Mukesh: Gae Ja Geet Milanke

12. Music

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Mela

Naushad: Babul (1950/1982)

Sorry, I seem to be on a roll for uploading mediocre music theses days and I am sad to say that Babul is not an exception (I will make it up on my next post). The album has 12 songs, and Naushad, who produced the film, should have sacrificed quantity and concentrated on quality. But I did notice some effort by Naushad to make some good songs that strengthen Dilip Kumar's romantic ''doomed lover/tragic hero'' persona.


Just one thing before I start on the songs. Shamshad Begum and Talat Mahmood vocals on this album represent 80% of what is good on the album. The other 20% is for the musicians and Naushad, who should have worked a bit harder. Come on Naushad, it makes me sad when I know you can do so much better!

Anyway, ''Huns Walo Ko'' is great to listen too, but the classic Babul song is ''Milte Hi Ankhen''. That song made me buy the album, but it's the only one that really got me.

The second side is better. It has nice duets like ''Nadi Kinare'' sung by Shamshad Begum and Talat Mahmood and ''Kisi Ke Dil Men'' sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum. I really like the vocal combinations in both of these songs. I find that they compliment each other well.


The tragic Dilip Kumar song, ''Mera Jeevan Sathi'' has to be my second favorite, with Talat Mahmood's striking vocals and great melody.


Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Panchhi Ban Men
2. Talat Mahmood: Husn Walon Ko
3. Shamshad Begum: Na Socha Tha Yeh
4. Talat Mahmood & Shamshad Begum: Milte Hi Ankhen
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Lagan More Man Ki
6. Shamshad Begum & Chorus: Chhod Babul Ka Ghar


Side 2
7. Shamshad Begum & Talat Mahmood: Duniya Badal Gayi
8. Shamshad Begum & Chorus: Dhadke Mera Dil
9. Talat Mahmood, Shamshad Begum & Mohd. Rafi: Nadi Kinare
10. Shamshad Begum: Jadoo Bhare Nainon Men
11. Shamshad Begum & Lata Mangeshkar: Kisi Ke Dil Men
12. Talat Mahmood: Mera Jeevan Sathi


Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3 .5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Babul

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

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: 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

Shankar Jaikishan : Shree 420 (2) (1955/1978) Pakistan

Another version of Shree 420 for Pakistan. It is missing the second half, with the male vocals, of "Ichak Dana Bichak Dana", but it has an additional Instrumental track of "Pyar Hua Igrar Hua". But it dosen't make up for the missing half of a song, that is why my rating is lower for this album.














Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Ichak Dana Beechak Dana
2. Mukesh & Chorus: Mera Joota Hai Japani
3. Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshkar: Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Sham Gai Raat Aai
5.Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi, Mukesh & Chorus: Ramaiya Vastavaiya

Side 2
6. Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey & Chorus: Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh
7. Manna Dey & Chorus: Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala
8. Lata Mangeshkar: O janewale
9. Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua (Instrumental)

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri & Shailandra

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now (only additional track): Shankar Jaikishan | Shree 420 (Pakistan)

Shankar Jaikishan: Shree 420 (1955/1979)

Shree 420 is an other classic score by Shankar Jaikishan, to me it's almost like a sequel to Awaara (see post of Awaara). The hits and my favorite songs on Shree 420 are "Mera Joota Hai Japani" (it's a classic), a tune that critics indian society just after the independence in 1947, (here are some of the translated lyrics)

My shoes are Japanese

The pants are from England

The red hat on my head is Russian

But even then, my heart is Indian

and "Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua", a classic love song. It's playful, and at times you even feel a sadness when hearing it. Lata's and Manna Dey's vocals are great together.



Another thing I like about the soundtrack is the contrast, like for example, the rich "westernized" society is represented by the song "Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh" and the poor street society is "Ramaiya Vastavaiya".





Overall , a great soundtrack, I am not a fan of "O Janewale", but I like the charming little song, "Ichak Dana Beechak Dana", (the clip has English subs.) Can you guess?



For more info on the movie and songs there is a cool blog called filmi geek that talks about Shree 420, have a look.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshkar: Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua
2. Manna Dey & Chorus: Dil Ka Haal Sune Dilwala
3. Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey & Chorus: Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Ichak Dana Beechak Dana

Side 2
5. Mukesh & Chorus: Mera Joota Hai Japani
6. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Sham Gai Raat Aai
7. Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi, Mukesh & Chorus: Ramaiya Vastavaiya
8. Lata Mangeshkar: O Janewale

Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri & Shailandra

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan | Shree 420

Shankar Jaikishan: Awaara (1951/1975) aka The Vagabond

The first Bollywood Lp I ever got, Awaara is a classic. I can listen to the whole album; all the songs seem to have a little something special. The Shankar Jaikishan team certainly impressed me with my first taste of Hindustani (Indian) music. The hit songs from Awaara are “Ek Do Teen” sung by one of my favorite, but unusual voices, Shamshad Begum, and “Awaara Hoon” the title track. The songs that I really enjoy, well ….wait….I really do like all of them. Ok then, so the one I like the least is “Naiya Teri Manjhdhar” because it’s just not that pretty to listen too then the others. But the last track, which is actually two songs but intertwined, ”Tere Bina Aag Yeh Chandni” and “Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi” is especially impressive. The song takes us on a 10 minute ride into the fantastic imaginary world of the protagonist, a dreamlike world that with the help of Lata’s voice is very haunting. Manna Dey then takes over with the drums for the nightmarish part, and then Lata comes back with the dark but hopeful “Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi”. The screaming at the end is a forerunner to what will come in Bollywood music in the 60’s and 70’s.


*Extra*: Something I Noticed About the Movie

I put the videos for fun, but some have English subtitles, so you can understand (unless you already speak Hindi). It was interesting and I was surprised at the directness in the song "Dam Bhar Jo Udhar Munh Phere" about sex, and towards the fact that they say they want to make love to each other and probably do. You would have never seen that in a popular American musical in the 50's. There is some sexual tension, at the end of "Ab Raat Guzarne Wali Hai" and I also have a supplementary clip that I found on you tube that either proves that Nargis and Raj Kapoor (the principal actors) were very good actors or were fery good lovers. You decide, and tell me what you think about the music and the clips.

I won't always do this but since it is easy to find all the clip for Awaara, I put them beside the track listing.

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Title Music videoclip
2. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Naiya Teri Manjhdhar
3. Shamshad Begum: Ek Do Teen videoclip
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Jab Se Balam Ghar Aae videoclip
5. Mukesh: Hanste Bhi Rahe Rote Bhi Rahe videoclip

6. Lata Mangeshkar: Ab Raat Guzarne Wali Hai videoclip

Side 2
7. Mukesh: Awaara Hoon videoclip
8. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Dam Bhar Jo Udhar Munh Phere videoclip
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Ek Bewafa Se Pyar Kiya videoclip
10. Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey & Chorus: Tere Bina Aag Yeh Chandni
11. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi videoclip (for song 10 and 11)

Lyrics: Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 4.5/5

Get the music now ! : Shankar Jaikishan Awaara