Bappi Lahiri: Pyaas (1982)

Pyaas is a good record, but it was released in 1982 the same year that Disco Dancer and Namak Halaal came out. The music is ok but it could never beat those two soundtracks.



"Om Namah Shivae" (Male), I first heard on the "Disco CD" on Bollywood for beginner's vol.2. But there are two versions on the record. The first is sung by Kishore Kumar and his son Amit Kumar. This version, my favorite, is more disco-funk and longer than the second. Asha Bhosle (who is starting to get older and it shows in her voice as well) sings the softer version. Strangely, this one loosely resembles The Lipps 1980 release and mega hit "Funkytown".


For the rest of the songs Bappi Lahiri cools the disco down and moves towards a slower more traditional and mellow vibe. Aspecially, with "Dard Ki Ragini", Lata almost goes semi-classical, well maybe not, but for Bappi it's close.

Sorry the quality of second side of the album isn't very good. Too bad because I enjoy the soft "Sath Mera Chhodakar". So sorry for the clicks. And while I am apologising, I am sorry but I couldn't find one video of Pyaas, so sorry again.

Yes, this album has a qawwali too, "Hamari Yaad Ki" which is quite nice. (My next record post has a qawwali as well, that's even better. I guess that it's my current theme at the moment, 3 records in a row)

Anyway, listen and tell me what you think!




Tracks:

Side 1
1. Kishore Kumar, Amit Kumar & Chorus: Om Namah Shivae
2. Asha Bhosle: Raat Sone Ko Hai
3. Kishore Kumar & Manna Dey: Phool Chahiye Na
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Dard Ki Ragini


Side 2
5. Asha Bhosle: Om Namah Shivae
6. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Sath Mera Chhodkar
7. Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Hamari Yaad Ki (qawwali)
8. Kishore Kumar: Phool Chahiye Na (Sad)


Lyrics: Kulwant Jani, Naqsh Lyallpuri & Shiv Kumar Saroj

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Bappi Lahiri Pyaas

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