S. D. Burman: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958/1989)

Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi is not my favourite soundtrack nor is S. D. Burman my favourite composer. None the less, this hindi comedy does have it's own charm. Kishore Kumar's "Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si" is the best song on the record, and is today considered a classic.

For a comedy, which usually tends to lack in the song department, this record tries its best to cater and reach out to the common city folk with it's modern upbeat music. I like it because its, in a way, unsophisticated and humble which makes it easy to relate to and accessible to everyone.

One of my favorite songs on the record is "Tum Tumare Hain". It's performed by the lovely Helen with her dance mentor Cukoo.

But the most important figure on this album and the "soul" behind the songs comes from Kishore Kumar's voice. He acts through his singing, this very strong asset of his makes listening to the record worthwhile. Enjoy.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Title Music

2. Kishore Kumar & Manna Dey: Babu Samjho Ishare

3. Kishore Kumar: Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si
4. Kishore Kumar: Hum The Who Thi

5. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: In Hathon Se Sabki Gaadi

Side 2

6. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: Haal Kaisa Hai Jabab Ka (with dialogue)

7. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: Main Sitaron Ka Tarana

8. Asha Bhosle: Ruk Jao Na Jee

9. Asha Bhosle & Sudha Malhotra: Hum Tumhare Hain

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: S. D. Burman Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi

Kalyanji Anandji: Upkar (1967)

Even though I do not admire Manoj Kumar as an actor, I appreciate the films he has directed. Upkar as a film, is very evident in theme yet it’s experimental in its photo direction. And this is particularly evident in the song sequences with even make the music more notable (and sadly not the other way around).

The story is that of a young man played by Manoj Kumar, who is forced to sacrifice his education for his brother's played by Prem Chopra (looking quite handsome indeed!). Chopra’s character goes away to study and later returns as a young westernized and selfish man. Many of the themes in the film; East vs. West, Country vs. City and Rich vs. Poor are reflected in the brothers’ relationship.

On the side of the Indian simpleton with superior moral values is the patriotic song "Mere Desh Ki Dharati". It reminds me of the “we proudly work our land” type of patriotism found in Mother India (1957). The cover of the album also shows Manoj’s character admiring Nehru while holding a plow as in THE song of the album.

You don't need fancy lounges or glamorous city clubs, just check and see how much "Punjabi style" fun you can have with the village song "Aaye Jhoomke Basant". I dare you not to dance!

The next song "Gulabi Raat Gulabi" is associated with the "EVIL" West! (you know, Wizard of Oz's Wicked Witch of the West type of West or the Pardes (Sharukh Khan version) type of West). But it's one of the best songs on the album, sung by the one and only Vamp Queen Asha Bhosle. The song is divided into two parts. Asha sings to the consumerist westernized party goers and the second part is sung by Mohd. Rafi as images of hungry and miserable street goers are shown as they try and survive in the slums.

No sharabi (alcohol) for you mister!

Also, lend an ear to "Kasme Wade Pyar Wafa" and "Diwano Se Mat Puchho".

It's a classic film and soundtrack, but not one of my personal favourites. I absolutely recommend watching the film, Kamini Kaushal and Pran are amazing!

Take that Slumdog Millionaire!

Tracks:


Side 1

1. Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Mere Desh Ki Dharati

2. Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor, Shamshad, Sunder & Chorus: Aaye Jhoomke Basant
3. Manna Dey: Kasme Wade Pyar Wafa

Side 2

4. Mukesh: Diwano Se Mat Puchho
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Har Khushi Ho Wahan
6. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Gulabi Raat Gulabi

7. Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Mere Desh Ki Dharati

Lyrics: Gulshan Bawra, Prem Dhawan, Qamar Jalalabadi and Indiwar

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Kalyandi Anandji Upkar (link to Music From the Third Floor, because my computer is STILL broken.)

O. P. Nayyar: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963/1978)

I was totally ready to praise Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon with it's wonderful cover (Asha Parekh looks great!). And without even knowing who the composer was I put on the first track.....Ahrg! No...nahin! Not the horse trotting songs! Picture my reaction in cinematic terms. The scene starts, I've just heard the song, then there is a shot of horse hooves trotting, quick shot of O. P. Nayyar, back and forth shots, horse trotting-O. P. Nayyar, horse trotting-O. P. Nayyar, then a turning spiral superimposed on a spinning picture of me looking confused and demented. The album cover was a trap! And it only got worse as I realized that there is not 1, not 2, but 3 "horse trotting songs" on the same record. Didn't I just mention in my last post that Nayyar needed to crank up the originality button. If some people couldn't hear the constant auto-copying last time (Kashmir Ki Kali or Kismat), this record is certainly proof of it. If some people don't know what type of song I am talking about, a standard O. P. Nayyar soundtrack has at least 1 song with a beat that resembles the sound of a horse trotting. Too name a few examples, you have Naya Daur's "Maang Ke Saath Tumhara" or "Piya Piya Mora Jiya Pukare" from 1955's Baap Re Baap " and then the less evident "Deewana Hua Badal" from Kashmir Ki Kali or "Dekho Kasam Se Kehte Hain" from Tumsa Nahin Dekha, and I could go on.

Anyway, on this record the three "horse trotting songs" consist of the title track "Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon", "Ankhon Se Jo Utri Hai Dil Men" (the beat is used more subtly since it's played on the guitar) and "Lakhon Hain".

My favorite song has to be "Dekho Bijli Dole Bin Badal Ki" probably because it is inspired by classical music, but I also think that I have a weakness for dance battles especially in Indian movies (e.g. Vijayantymala Vs unknown in Amrapali, Vijayantimala vs Helen in Prince or Padmini vs Vijayanthimala in the tamil film Raj Tilak). Also, even though I like classical music I also enjoy O. P. Nayyar's Punjabi inspired songs, which in this specific film is shown in "Aji Kibla".


I would simply like to end this post by saying that my intentions are not to bash O. P. Nayyar, I even applaud him for having succeeded in the film industry without having musical training or using the instant success magnet Lata Mangeshkar. I also applaud him, for his courage to be different and original at the beginning of his career and not following the latest craze, but making one instead. But as I once said, there is missing something, especially at the stage in his career of Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon. The folk songs seem to be fuller but most of the time you can almost listen to this album and not even know when the songs change from one to the other because the mood and style do not vary much through the record. And as I have said before, I still find that his music becomes more and more unoriginal as time passes, especially after listening to more and more of his work. But even with that said, I cannot say that this is a bad soundtrack, just an unimaginative one.

Thanks and Enjoy!

Both screencaps are from Apni East India Company

Track:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon

2. Asha Bhosle: Dekho Bijli Dole Bin Badal Ki

3. Mohd. Rafi: Anchal Men Saja Lena

4. Asha Bhosle: Ankhon Se Jo Utri Hai Dil Men

5. Asha Bhosle: Mujhe Pyar Men

Side 2
6. Mohd Rafi: Lakhon Hain

7. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Zulf Ki Chhaon

8. Mohd. Rafi: Aji Kibla

9. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Hamdam Mere

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the Music now: O. P. Nayyar Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon

O. P. Nayyar: Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

The film, Kashmir Ki Kali , introduced Sharmila Tagore to Hindi cinema (she is of course Bengali, and is a distant relative of the TAGORE. Previously, she acted in two Satyajit Ray films, World of Apu (1959) and Devi (1960)) co-starring with an always charming and overly expressive Shammi Kapoor. Even though the film is set in Kashmir, generally for many films, O. P. Nayyar, who is Bengali (Jan. 12th Correction who is Punjabi), focuses on Punjabi folk which I consider to be Nayyar's forte (strength).


The film was a big hit and the soundtrack as well, but I truly think that it was Shammi Kapoor's persona, more than O. P. Nayyar's songs, that helped sell records. Because I find the music not bad, just uninspired.



Two tracks which I enjoy are, firstly, my favorite, "Subhan Allah Haseen Chehra" with Rafi's wonderful voice on the most melodious song on the record, accompaning some folk instuments and harmonium. Secondly, "Meri Jan Bale Bale", (love "Punjabi Shammi" ! My heart goes oy! oy! bale bale!) is a great song but Asha's voice isn't Punjabi sounding at all (Shamshad or Noor Jehan would have been better) and is missing a little authenticity. Though Mohd. Rafi is not "authentic" compared to let's say Gurdas Mann, but he seems to get away with it more easily.


I also enjoy, "Diwana Hua Baadal"but honestly I am not impressed with this album. Maybe my hopes where too high, but I am beginning to become too familiar with O. P. Nayyar's work, and the more I listen too his soundtracks, the more it's all sounding the same. It sounds as if Nayyar would say: "I'm cool. I am the highest paid music director. I sound western and rebellious. Come targeted urban youth! Want to rock'n'roll?". Ah, but this type of music would later become either a musical and creative trap for O. P. Nayyar (or a way to make easy money in the film music industry by duplicating his own style, either way it's starting to get to me. I mean, give me Naushad or give me R. D. Burman, but not the squeaky clean somewhat repetitive attempt to be different. C. Ramchandra was western before him and Shankar Jaikishan could imitate Nayyar better than he could imitate himself with rock'n'roll songs (e.g. Gumnaam, Junglee) which had at least some melody. I know I'm a sucker for classical inspired albums or really wacky musical gems , but O. P. Nayyar is on the bottom in my best composers list. Ok, ok, I will stop this useless rambling, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. So I hope you enjoy the record more than I do! I encourage you too watch the film.


In the 60's there was Kashmir Ki Kali, now we get Mission Kashmir? Sad. One day peace will come and we will be singing and dancing in Kashmir once again.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Taarif Karun Kya Uski

2. Mohd. Rafi: Hai Duniya Usiki Zamana Usika

3. Asha Bhosle: Phir Thes Lagi Dil Ko

4. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Meri Jan Bale Bale

5. Asha Bhosle: Balma Khuli Hawa Men

Side 2

6. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Diwana Hua Baadal

7. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Isharon Isharon Men Dil Lene Wale

8. Mohd. Rafi: Subhan Allah Haseen Chehra

9. Mohd. Rafi: Kahin Na Kahin Dil Lagana Padega

Lyrics: S. H. Bihari

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music Now: O. P. Nayyar Kashmir Ki Kali

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Bobby and, Shankar Jaikishan: Mera Naam Joker (Instrumental)

This record is nothing like the Soul of Bobby (Soooo good! You can get a sample at Eastern Eye), this record is more of a cocktail or diner reception kind of thing going on, but at times it's a little funky. I enjoy it but it's nothing mind blowing. (Wait, I never say "mind blowing", it must be from all the Hindi movies I have been watching.)

The record is accredited to two music assistants. The first is Sumit Mitra a musician for Laxmikant Pyarelal's Bobby. The second is Arun Paudwal for Mera Naam Joker, a music assistant as well as a composer for Marathi and Hindi films. He was married to the well know playback singer Anuradha Paudwal.

Just to add, I enjoy the Bobby songs more, well simply because the Bobby songs are better. What do you think? Are you a Mera Naam Joker fan? Tell me about it!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Bobby: Main Shair To Nahin
2. Bobby: Mujhe Kuch Kahena Hai
3. Mera Naam Joker: Kehta Hai Joker
4. Mera Naam Joker: Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan


Side 2
5. Bobby: Chabi Kho Jae
6. Bobby: Na Mangu Sona Chandi
7. Mera Naam Joker: Jane Kahan Gaye Woh Din




Bobby: Sumit Mitra
Mera Naam Joker: Arun Paudwal



Stella_1's score: 3/5



Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan & Laxmikant Pyarelal Bobby & MNJ (Instrumental)

O. P. Nayyar: Kismat (1968)

At the first glance, you know that this record is certainly not like Phagun. Instead, Kismat incarnates the typical rebel O. P. Nayyar style. His music was rebellious for it's time, but now it's pretty clean, so let's just call his style non traditional. On this record he is inspired by some jazzy rock'n'roll of the 60's with a little folk as well.


In general the songs are very guitar based. You have the almost county "Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale" and the bouncy "Aankhon Men Qayamat Ke Kajal".You also get great instrumentals with "One Two three Baby" which is also available on Bombshell Baby of Bombay vol.2, that you can find on Bombay-Connection Records.

My favorites are the Punjabi inspired "Karja Mohhabat Wala" and the heroine's drunk song "Aao Huzoor Tumko".



I understand that O. P. Nayyar makes the music and melodies simple as to make it easy for the viewers to instantly connect with the songs. But from my personal perspective, I feel that the music is in need of multiple layers, but he doesn't provide that. I prefer O. P. Nayyar's earlier work such as Aar Par, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Paghun and Naya Daur. In the 60's he was popular because he did not follow trends, he made them. But I have a feeling that during this period when Kismat came out, he was just copying his own music, making this record unoriginal and a bit boring to listen to today.


But I still like to rock'n'roll from time to time. So Baby, tell me what you think!


Tracks:


Side 1
1. Mahendra Kapoor: Aankhon Men Qayamat Ke Kajal
2. Asha Bhosle & Shamshad Begum: Karja Mohhabat Wala
3. Title Music


Side 2
4. Asha Bhosle: Aao Huzoor Tumko
5. Mahendra Kapoor: Lakhon Hain Yahan Dilwale
6. Mahendra Kapoor: One Two Three Baby


Lyrics: Noor Dewasi & S. H. Bihari


Stella_1's score: 3 /5


Get the music now: O. P. Nayyar Kismat

Khemchand Prakash: Mahal (1949/1978)

Mahal was one of the first ''horror'' hindi movies. The film, which made Madhubala a star, was produced by the famous studio, Bombay Talkies.


This all female soundtrack is normal for the 1940's when heroines were more popular than the heroes.

Everyone who knows Mahal associates ''Aayega Aanewala'' as the hit of the movie and also as one of Lata Mangeshkar's best. But I prefer the next one on the album ''Ek Teer Chala'' because the beginning sounds so creepy. Well when I think about it the hole album has a creepy feel to it, in part because of the notes chosen by the composer, Khemchand Prakash.


My favorite is ''Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya''. Give it a chance, it gets good from the middle of the song .


The dance music is good, but I find it more atmospheric then for dancing.


The album has great dramatic and sad music, but it fails to impress me. I don't have much to say about it because I can't connect with this album. If I do in the future I will post an update on this post, but for now I just not into this one.

Tell me what do you think of Mahal.


Tracks:

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Aayega Aanewala

2. Rajkumari: Ek Teer Chala

3. Rajkumari & Zohra Ambala: Chhun Chhun Ghungharwa

4. Dance Music

Side 2

5. Lata Mangeshkar: Mushkil Hai Bahot

6. Rajkumari: Ghabra Ke Jo Ham
7. Rajkumari: Main Hoon Hansee Hoon

8. Lata Mangeshkar: Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya

9. Music

Lyrics: J. Nakshab

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Khemchand Prakash Mahal

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

S. Dev Burman: Chhupa Rustam (1973)

Chhupa Rustam isn't bad, but I can't help thinking , haven't I heard that before, but it was better when I heard it last. It feels like S. D. Burman is copying a sound that is popular for that time. And honestly, I actually don't mind really cheesy songs if they can make it up with great melodies or fantastic beats and instrumentals. So, when a song feels empty, like most on the record, it kind of gets on my nerves. That's the problem I have with S. D. Burman, it's like trying to squeeze juice out of a rock.

Asha Bholse totally saved this album by breathing some life into her songs, that without her, would have been static. In short I would have dissed this soundtrack if it wasn't for her.

The best songs are the last three. "Suno Suno Suno" has a nice earthy more traditional vibe. "Jaloon Main Jale Mera Dil", has a nice atmosphere, but tries to much to be a "Helen song" that doesn't quite do the trick. My favorite and last tune is "Main Hoon Chhui Mui" because of the vocals and again the songs jazzy atmosphere.


Here is Part 1 and Part 2 of the video for the qawwali , it's ok but nothing great.


Also, I am not shure if I like or dislike this video for the song "Jo Main Hota" ... you decide.

I think that people who haven't heard many Hindi soundtracks will certainly enjoy this album more than I did. But I am telling you that there are much better choices out there. And knowing Vijay Anand films, his movies, from my personal point of view, are better than the music in them.

Tracks:


Side 1
1. Manna Dey & Chorus: Chhupe Rustam Hain
2. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Jo Main Hota
3. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Bolo Kya Ham Ko Doge


Side 2
4. Kishore Kumar: Dheere Se Jana
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Suno Suno Suno
6. Asha Bhosle: Jaloon Main Jale Mera Dil
7. Asha Bhosle: Main Hoon Chhui Mui


Lyrics: Neeraj & Vijay Anand

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: S. D. Burman Chhupa Rustam

Naushad: Ram aur Shyam (1967)

I don't have lots to say about the Ram aur Shyam record except that the cover of the album is great but most of the songs are disappointing. It's as if Naushad is using an old formula that doesn't work anymore or maybe he was just tiered and didn't put much effort into it . In the 60's Ram aur Shyam is nothing compared to his classics like Leader(1964) or Ganga Jumna(1961).

There are two songs I like on the record. The first one is ''Dhire Dhire Bol Koyee Sun Lega'' mainly because it's the most danceable song on the record, but honestly it doesn't get me moving. Oh! By the way, if you watch the video, the main female dancer is the golden head bobber in Gumnaam's ''Jen Penchan Ho''.

The second song that I find acceptable is ''O Balam Tere Pyar Ki Thandi Aag Men''. It has a nice melody

There is no spark to this album. I couldn't even listen to the hole thing in one go. I hope that you enjoy this album more then I did, I know it's supposed to be a classic.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki Salami Lele

2. Asha Bhosle, Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Dhire Dhire Bol Koyee Sun Lega

3. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: O Balam Tere Pyar Ki Thandi Aag Men

Side 2

4. Lata Mangeshkar: Maine Kab Tumse Kaha Tha

5. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Main Hoon Saaqi Tu Hai Sharabi

6. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Aayee Hai Baharen Mite Zulmo Sitam

7. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Aaj Sakhi Ri More Piya Ghar Aaye Re

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Naushad Ram aur Shyam

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Humjoli (1970)

I picked this album next because I just watched Om Shanti Om (Main Hoon Na was better) . The "Dhoom Tana" sequence had a few references to Humjoli. Obviously when Sharukh Khan is playing badminton is refers to "Dhal Gaya Din". But there is also the costume that Deepika Padukone wears in the sequence that is inspired by Mumtaz in the "Tik Tik Tik Mera Dil" song. OK, enough about that, let's talk about the songs of Humjoli.

The music is very integrated into the movie. Like the first song uses the sounds that the girls shout, from each team, when they are playing a game. The song is even called "Hu Tu Tu Tu". Also in "Dhal Gaya Din" the sound of the bird (badminthon ball) hitting the racket is integrated in the song. In "Chai Shuru Hoja" the sound of the caracters hitting the other men is present in teh music.

If "Tik Tik Tik Mera Dil" is supposed to be the vamp song, this is the most innocent one I have ever heard. It's ok, it has like a 5 seconds wacky instrumental break. I can give it that.


"Yeh Kaisa Aya Zamana" is an annoying song at first because you have no idea what is going on, but once you know that there are 3 parts to the song you get it. The first is the older generation, the second music from the 50's and then last is the coolest and newest music.

My favorite on the album is "Haye Re Haye"

I liked the soundtrack, but from a light and fun point of view. It's not meant to be good music, it's simply music to entertain, basically it's bubble gum. Humjoli is Bollywood's version of 60's teen movies.




Tracks:

Side1
1. Asha Bhosle, Kamal Barot & Chorus: Hu Tu Tu Tu
2. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Haye Re Haye
3. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Dhal Gaya Din


Side 2
4. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Tik Tik Tik Mera Dil
5. Mukesh, Kishore Kumar & Mehmod: Ye Kaisa Aya Zamana
6. Mohd. Rafi & Kishore Kumar: Chai Shuru Hoja


Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Laxmikant Pyarelal Humjoli

Satish Bhatia: Boond-Jo-Ban-Gayi Moti (1967)

I am almost certain, unless I am misinformed, that this is the only music composed by Satish Bhatia for films. So if you like his work, well this is the only thing that you get. The core of his music is not the rhythms instead he focuses on the melodies and the vocals.

My favorite song on the album is "Ankhiyan Tarsan Lagi" because of the the mix of great music and the vocals. It sounds like something in between southern and northern indian regional music.

As I was saying the vocals are the core of the melodie. Aspecially in songs like ''Han Main Bhy Pyar Kiya'' where the femal vocals go over the male one's.

For a few songs on the record the vocals are by Suman Kalyanpur, she wasn't hired to sing for films because many thought that she sounded a lot like Lataji and was only imitating her. The first time I heard her voice I knew it wasn't Lata Mangeshkar because Kalyanpur's is softer and less powerful. Anyway, I guess it doesn't help your singing career if you sound like someone else.

Also, there is a little taste of some jazzy rock'n'roll in songs like ''Lovely Lovely Hai Sama'' and ''Meri Zindgi Ek Khwab Hai'' (the intro is great!) .

Overall, it has a few good songs, but nothing that makes me want to comeback and listen to it again.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle & Manna Dey: Boond-Jo-Ban-Gayi Moti

2. Suman Kalyanpur: Ankhiyan Tarsan Lagi

3. Mukesh: Yeh Kaun Chitrakar Hai

4. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Lovely Lovely Hai Sama

Side 2

5. Asha Bhosle: Meri Zindgi Ek Khwab Hai

6. Mukesh & Suman Kalyanpur: Han Main Bhi Pyar Kiya

7. Suman Kalyanpur: Kya Maine Preet Me Paaya
8. Suman Kalyanpur: Dil Mera Gum Sum

Lyrics: Bharat Vyas

Stella_1's score: 3/5

Get the music now: Satish Bhatia Boond-Jo-Ban-Gayi Moti

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

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

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

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