Shankar Jaikishan: Bombay Talkie (1970)

Bombay Talkie is quite a find. The music, by Shankar Jaikishan, is the only collaboration between themselves and the famous Merchant-Ivory film team (Ismail Merchant and James Ivory). The english film, starring Shashi Kapoor, his wife Jennifer Kendal and Zia Mohyeddin, mostly takes place in Bombay of the late 60's early 70's. Vikram (Shashi Kapoor) is an aging hero stuck in an unhappy arranged marriage with his wife Mala (Aparna Sen). Lucia, a three time married middle age novelist, takes a liking to Vikram while Hari, a Bombay screenwriter, madly in love with her, does as she pleases. This has to be my favorite Merchant-Ivory film ever! But I won't say any more than that, as I will probably review the film one day. For now, let me talk about some of the soundtrack's great songs.

The tracks comprise, mostly of various versions of the Bombay Talkie Theme, "Title and Theme" can be heard in the Title Credits along with "Tum Mere Pyar Ki Duniyamen" a few seconds before that. In this particular sequence, the "Title and Theme" is played as hand painted portraits (filmi style) of the cast and crew are shown around the streets of Mumbai.

Besides the theme variations, five, of what we can call conventional, songs are found on the record. Along with the previously mentioned "Tum Mere Pyar Ki Dumiyamen" you have to start with the great and famous "Typewritter Tip Tip Tip" song because, well, just because. With the fantastic Helen and Shashi dancing on a giant typewriter, what else do you need. A young and spunky Usha Lyer gives us two versions of "Hari Om Tat Sat" (हारी ॐ तट सात). One is the orchestrated version which is

the film version and the other version is the "official" version. She also sings the vocals to the Bombay Theme tune "Good Times, Bad Times".


As for the variations I enjoy the "Rajput Suite" "Now I Shall Call You Ma" and especially "Picnic in the Cave" with it's new wave synthesisers.

Overall, though it's not entirely a commercial Hindi film soundtrack, it is very enjoyable and interesting to listen too. As much for it's filmi songs, instrumentals and some rare Usha Lyer (now Usha Uthup) tunes. Just listen for yourselves!

Oh, and once your done listening to the music, those who have not seen the movie yet, rent it or buy it NOW!

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Instrumental - Title and Theme
2. Mohd. Rafi - Tum Mere Pyar Ki Duniyamen

Variations of theme:
3. Instrumental - Incidental Music
4. Instrumental - Devotion
5. Instrumental - Rajput Suite
6. Instrumental - Now I Shall Call You Ma
7. Instrumental - More Incidental Music
8. Usha Uthup - Hari Om Tat Sat



Side 2

9. Usha Uthup - Hari Om Tat Sat (with Orchestra)

Variations of theme:
10. Instrumental - Picnic in the Cave
11. Instrumental - Birthday Party 1
12. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar - Typewriter Tip Tip Tip

Variations of theme:
13. Instrumental - Meeting and Birthday Party 2
14. Usha Uthup - Good Times, Bad Times


Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri, Usha Lyer/Uthup only for "Hari Om Tat Sat"

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Bombay Talkie

Hemant Kumar: Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam (1962/1970)

Basically, Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam is a classic Indian film, based on the book by Bimal Mitra. It was India's entry for the Oscars in 1963 and stars Meena Kumari (in one of her most famous roles) as a drunken rich house wife in the province of Bengal during the end of the 1800's.


Initially, I got this album for two songs. The first, and my favorite, "Piya Aiso Jiya Men" is simply a classic Geeta Dutt song that I love. The second is "Sakhiya Aaj Mujhe Neend Nahi Aayegi", beautifully sung by Asha Bhosle and wonderfully picturised by Guru Dutt on the lovely Meenu Mumtaz (Minoo Mumtaz).

But after listening to the album for a while, I slowly fell in love with the song "Meri Baat Rahi Mere Man Me".

It's always a pleasure to hear Geeta Dutt, and on the record you sadly don't get her vocal intro to the song "Chale Aao, Chale Aao" which is in the film (and can be heard in the clip). But Geeta Dutt was most famous for the song "Piya Aiso Jiya Men", as the caracter heartbreakingly calls out to her neglecting husband.

I also enjoy the playful "Bhanwara Bada Nadan" picturised on Waheeda Rehman. But every song on the album has its own charm and I am sure everyone would like one, at the least.

On the back of the record the song titles are translated, so I wrote them down below each one. Enjoy!

I just learned that the film is supposed to be remade, by Rituparno Ghosh starring Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham(I posted the poster just below.) I don't know? a classic is a classic, I wouldn't have remade it, especially with poptart actors, well it's their chance to prove that they can act, and I hope they succeed.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Title Music

2. Asha Bhosle: Bhanwara Bada Nadan

Oh! How ignorant is the wasp!

3. Asha Bhosle: Meri Baat Rahi Mere Man Me

Unexpressed remained what I wished to say

(the secret of my heart)

4. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Sakhiya Aaj Mujhe Neend Nahi Aayegi

Thou dispenser of wine, tonight sleep will forsake me

Side 2

5. Geeta Dutt: Chale Aao, Chale Aao

Come to me, come to me

6. Asha Bhosle: Meri Jaan O Meri Jaan

(Thou art) my life, my life, do not torment me so

7. Geeta Dutt: Piya Aiso Jiya Men

Oh lover! Deep in my heart have you found a place

8. Geeta Dutt: Na Jao Saiyan Chhod Ke Baiyan

Though released is your hand, do not leave me, love

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Hemant Kumar Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli (1970/1971)

This is a great soundtrack and, in my opinion, one of Laximikant and Pyarelal's best. Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli is a bit on the experimental side, but most of the songs are based on very simple melodies. The main character of the film is a young woman with a passion for the arts, more precisely song and dance. So this album suits the film well in the sense that the music must be very theatrical and grandiose (two defining features of later films by V. Shantaram) to be incorporated with dance. Most songs have long instrumental intros, breaks or outros that create strong emotional and atmospheric moods.

One of the most famous tracks is "Taron Men Sajke Apne Suraj Se" inspired by this famous song (I would be surprised if you have never heard it before, but I posted the link anyway) from the classic spaghetti western, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966). Original music by the famous composer Ennio Morricone.

Also the title track "Jal Bin Machhli" is also well known. In the video the heroine dances and tries to imitate a gold fish out of water. There is also a new remix version (2005) by Akriti.

"Baat Hai Ek Boond Si Dil Ke Pyale Men" brings back memories from an obscure Disney film from 1985, called Return to Oz. I don't know if it's the fact that in this film similar music, by David Shire, is used to create a very creepy setting or atmosphere. It is present in a scene when Dorthy, once in Oz, meets a princess who collects the heads of many young women to use as her own. Return to Oz Clip (You hear the music at around 2:40 into the clip and the section I am referring to in the Jal Bin Machhli song is an instrumental bit starting at 50 sec). I would also like to mention that this comparison is totally unimportant to this post and that it is only a personal connection that I made.

So continuing, the best example of theatrical music on this record is a song I enjoy, "O Mitwa Yeh Duniya To Kya Hai". The last instrumental part gets quite "groovy" for the time. The clip has such great interpretive dancing.

For the rest of the album, the other songs do not impress me as much, but are also good.

I posted the original cover of the Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli vinyl which I find amazingly bizarre and psychedelic. I love it!

Tracks

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Jal Bin Machhli

2. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Baat Hai Ek Boond Si Dil Ke Pyale Men

3. Lata Mangeshkar: Karja Laga Ke Bindiya Saja Ke

4. Lata Mangeshkar: Jo Main Chali Phir Na Miloongi

Side 2

5. Mukesh: Taron Men Sajke Apne Suraj Se

6. Lata Mangeshkar: O Mitwa Yeh Duniya To Kya Hai

7. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Jhoomke Gaye Dil

Lyrics: Majrooh

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Laxmikant Pyarelal Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli

Rahul Dev Burman: Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973)

Yaadon Ki Baaraat is one of my favorite soundtracks, almost all the songs are great on there own as well as in a whole. Burman creates music for the youth of India, fresh, western and wacky, just the right stuff to get the conservative parents angry. It's not serious music but it's good music.


The plot of the movie centers around three brothers who's parents were killed mainly because their father was a painter who could paint and identify the face of a thief who robed a bank. (As tough being a blond bearded and haired Indian man isn't enough for the police to identify him.)

Anyway, the first song is before all the killing. The perfect little family sings the title song ''Yaadon Ki Baaraat''. If you watch the clip, how could a beautiful girl like that end up with a man like that, (Besides the fact that he has that artist-musician- guy with cool glasses thing going on) it must have been an arranged marriage. Also interesting is that in the clip the youngest boy is played by a little Aamir Khan. And an other plus is that the children singing playback are Padmini Kolhapure and her sister.

The very popular ''Chura Liya Hai Tum Ne'' is actually inspired by the Title Track for the 1969 film, If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium. The Burman track has some of the best Asha vocals.

''Lekar Hum Diwana Dil'' has to be my favorite. It's pure fun. This song with funky music and great vocals made Neetu Singh a star.

The youngest brother, Ratan aka Mondo sings ''Aap Ke Kamre Men'' which is a medley of songs split between a few Hinglish phrases (Come on, sing baby!) My favorite part of the song is when they start singing ''hare ha ha'' with a musical interlude including the finale "Dum Maro Dum" from Zeenat Aman and R. D. Burman's earlier hit Hare Rama Hare Krishna(1971)

You also have the second version of ''Yaadon Ki Baaraat'' when the brothers reunite. Ah! They can once again be a family.

The song ''O Meri Soni'' is the one I like the least, but it still has it's charm especially in the instrumental parts.

And remember, never trust a man with different shoe sizes, especially size 8 and 9. He is probably the one that killed your parents when you when young. Even if you're not a orphan just watch out! Oh, ya, and you never know who could be on the other side of sliding walls, so beware.

Music from the Third Floor also reviewed this album,Yaadon Ki Baaraat , take a look at what he thinks.

Telugu remake "Annadammula Anubandham", made in 1975. Here are some videos:

Churaliya-Telugu

Lekar Hum-Telugu

Yaadon Ki Baaraat-Telugu

Tracks:


Side 1
1. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: Lekar Hum Diwana Dil
2. Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar & R. D. Burman: Aap Ke Kamre Men


Side 2
3. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: O Meri Soni
4. Lata Mangeshkar, Padmini, Shivangi & Chorus: Yaadon Ki Baaraat
5. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Chura Liya Hai Tum Ne
6. Kishore Kumar & Mohd. Rafi: Yaadon Ki Baaraat



Lyrics: Majrooh


Stella_1's score: 4/5


Get the music now: R. D. Burman Yaadon Ki Baaraat

Madan Mohan: Madhosh (1951/1982)

Madan Mohan's Madhosh really surprised me. The cover seemed so dull, so I didn't listen to it entirely until a few weeks ago when I just let it play. Wow, it really is good. But most of all, it's different. The only other music of Mohan's that I have heard and loved is the soundtrack to Veer-Zaara (2004) which took old songs of his and updated them for modern viewers.

The most popular and what has to be my favorite song of Madhosh is the only male track ''Meri Yaad Men Tum Na Aansoo Bahana'' sung by the great Talat Mahmood.

I enjoy all the tracks except for the last two which I find plain and unnecessary (depending on the context the tracks are probably necessary for narrative structure of the movie, but since I haven't seen it, so when I say unnecessary it means too the record as a musical whole).

Anyway, the first track ''Hamen Ho Gaya Tumse'' is very nice. It is a song that is at the time modern but still has a very prominent 40's sound. The slithering and sinister clarinet mixed with Lata's vocals make it delightful to listen to.

Also enjoyable are the Dil Dhak Dhak-1 and 2. They are a mix of tribal back vocals and sweet principles voices. The contrast is greater for Dil Dhak Dhak-2 when Lata Mangeshkar is the main singer. The instuments also clash with a mix on indian and western instuments. At the end, during the solo instumental part of Dil Dhak Dhak-2, it reminds me of the title music from Detective by Mukul Roy (Geeta Dutt's brother). Link to Music from the third floor's review and music.



Two lovely songs are ''Meri Dil Ki Nagariya Men'' and ''Chhode Mujhe Na Ja''. They are both calm and melancholic, I especially like the echo effect in the second one.



''Pagadi Pahenke Turredar'' is ok, but you know me I love Shamshad so much, but sadly I was disappointed. Mohan did not use her to her full potential.




Just to point out, the record has some of the best playback singers like Shamshad, Mahmood and also Lata (at her prime in the 50's, I think anyway). But for the third track ''Dil Dhak Dhak-1''I have one question, who is this Miss Chand? I haven't heard of her before and I can't find any info. If anyone knows about this fine singer, let me know.



Tell me what you think!



Tracks:


Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Hamen Ho Gaya Tumse
2. Talat Mahmood: Meri Yaad Men Tum Na Aansoo Bahana
3. Miss Chand & Chorus: Dil Dhak Dhak-1
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Dil Dhak Dhak-2



Side 2

5. Lata Mangeshkar: Meri Dil Ki Nagariya Men
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Chhod Mujhe Na Ja
7. Shamshad Begum & Chorus: Pagadi Pahenke Turredar
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Meri Ankhon Ki Neend Legay
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Jab Aanewale Aate Hain



Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan



Stella_1's score: 4/5



Get the music now: Madan Mohan Madhosh

N. Dutta: Sadhna (1958/1982)

In the early days, N. Dutta was the assistant to musical director S. D. Burman , so I was scared that there would be a S. D. Burman clone out there, but ''S. D. Burman the second'' he is not (I was relieved). N. Dutta's soundtrack for Sadhna is a little unexpected gem. Every song has it's own charm, making none of them a bore to listen to.


In the film,Vyjayanthimala (one of my favorite and one of the best dancers in Indian cinema) plays a courtesan. Thank god, because that's a good excuse for great dancing (Kathak) and great music.Well it basically insists on having a brothel scene, ''Kahoji Tum Kya Kya Kharidoge'' is what you get. The tabla is great and there are just enough rhythm changes to make you head spin (but in a totally good way).

Like I said in my last post, the best qawwali that I've heard up to date is ''Aaj Kyon Hamse Parda Hai'' . It has great music and vocals.

Next on my favorite list is a song sung by Geeta Dutt, Yeay! (Her and Shamshad Begum have to be the best playback singers ever). We only get one song on the album sung by her, but it's one of the best. ''Tora Manva Kyo Ghabraye'' is a mellow song with a timeless memory. It has a sweet into as well (nice flute).

The rest of the songs ''Aise Vaise Thikane Pe Jana Bura Hai'' , ''Sambhal Ae Dil'' and ''Aurat Ne Janam Diya Mardon Ko'' are quite nice. I enjoy this album very much. What do you think?



Tracks:

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Kahoji Tum Kya Kya Kharidoge

2. Lata Mangeshkar: Aise Vaise Thikane Pe Jana Bura Hai

3. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Sambhal Ae Dil

Side 2

4. Mohd. Rafi & Balbir: Aaj Kyon Hamse Parda Hai

5. Lata Mangeshkar: Aurat Ne Janam Diya Mardon Ko

6. Geeta Dutt: Tora Manva Kyo Ghabraye

Lyrics: Sahir

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: N. Dutta Sadhna

O. P. Nayyar: Phagun (1958/1989)

Now this is one I like. I love this entire album (It has 12 songs). I don't think everyone will, because it's really for the 50's fans. It can be dull if you like the wacky and weird, but give this one a listen, you might be delightfully surprised.

Even tough it's not as musically detailed or refined as some more classical inspired soundtracks, I am attracted to it's simplicity.

The title music at the beginning is a dramatic intro. (that should be required for all hindi films).

The classic, "Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya" comes next. It is also the theme of the soundtrack, and can be heard in the "Title Music","Piya Piya Piya" and "Teer Yeh Chup Ke". It's the fist time I have heard a theme in old hindi cinema. They have it all the time now, but it is especially used in western classical scores.

The dramatic start and mainly the chorus at the end of "Barso Re" make it stand out a bit. Also enjoyable are"Chhun Chhun Ghungroo Bole" and "Teer Yeh Chup Ke".

The song I least like is "Shokh Shokh Aankhen". I don't know why, but I noticed it was the most western inspired, with it's guitar and accordion.

The end of the 50's was a peek for Asha Bhosle's voice. It's great on this album.


Here is a modern remake of "Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya". Oh, god! I think I will stick with the 1958 version.

Enjoy the album and leave me your comments!

Track

Side 1
1. Title Music
2. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya
3. Asha Bhosle: Sun Ja Pukar
4. Asha Bhosle: Chhun Chhun Ghungroo Bole
5. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Ja Meri Chhod De Kalahi
6. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Shokh Shokh Aankhen


Side 2
7. Asha Bhosle: Piya Piya Piya
8. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Tum Rooth Ke Mat Jana
9. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Main Soya Aankhiyan Meeche
10. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Barso Re
11. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Bana De Bana De Prabhuji
12. Asha Bhosle: Teer Yeh Chup Ke


Lyrics: Qamar Jalalabadi


Stella_1's score: 4/5


Get the music now: O. P. Nayyar | Phagun

C. Ramchandra: Navrang (1959)

C. Ramchandra made Navrang's soundtrack as colourful and grandiose as the movie. There is no Lata Mangeshkar (queen of the fifties as the usual female voice for C.Ramchandra) too be found. Instead C. Ramchandra chose her sister, Asha Bhosle. Her voice on this album is magnificent from beginning to end.

Especially with songs like "Kari Kari Andhiyari Thi Raat", "Are Ja Re Hat Nat Khat", "Adha Hai Chandrama Raat Adhi" and my favorite "Tu Chhupi Hai Kahan".


This is one of my favorite C. Ramchandra albums, I only know the hindi one's (and I'm still looking for my favorite, Nirala). He started his career for Tamil and Marathi films, I would love to hear them. He is definitely on my top 5 composer list, because of his versatility, from classical to rock'n'roll or jazz, he is great to listen too. But if we come back to Navrang, it's a great album.



Tracks:

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle & C. Ramchandra: Kari Kari Andhiyari Thi Raat
2. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Are Ja Re Hat Nat Khat
3. Asha Bhosle: Aa Dil Se Milale

Side 2
4. Asha Bhosle & Manna Dey: Tu Chhupi Hai Kahan
5. Mahendra Kapoor: Shyamal Shyamal Baran Komal Komal Charan
6. Asha Bhosle: Tum Mere Mai Teri
7. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Adha Hai Chandrama Raat Adhi

Lyrics: Barat Vyas

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: C. Ramchandra Navrang

Shankar Jaikishan: Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960)

I got this one a while back and I didn't listen to it until about a few weeks ago. I was delightfully surprised that I liked it. But I prefer listening to the record without the videos that go with each song.

Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai's main character, Raju, played by Raj Kapoor, makes his living by singing.

The first song ''Mera Naam Raju'', great up beat start, with a great melody and a funky intro that adds a slight Arab twist.

''Kya Hua'' is a nice Lata and Asha duet.

I had already heard ''Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai'' on a compilation album, so this was the only song I knew before listening to the entire record. I wasn't disappointed, all the songs seem to have a link that makes the album great as a hole. (Here is an extended beginning with good music that is not on the album.)

Next is the playful ''Ho Main Ne Pyar Kiya'' and then after is ''Pyar Kar Le'' which I find boring.

''Ham Bhi Hain Tum Bhi Ho'' (or as I like to call it, aka Hoy hoy!) is great fun.

I didn't like this ''Begani Shadi Men Abdulla Diwana'' at first, it grows on you.

We have the classic ''O Basanti'' which is the sad song on the album.

The record ends with ''Aa Ab Laut Chalen'', one word, wow. What makes this song special is the descending female vocals with the ascending chorus in the back. I think it sounds great in a kind of creepy good way.

Good album overall.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mukesh: Mera Naam Raju
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Asha Bhosle: Kya Hua
3. Mukesh: Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Ho Main Ne Pyar Kiya
5. Mukesh: Pyar Kar Le

Side 2

6. Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt, Mukesh, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor & Chorus: Ham Bhi Hain Tum Bhi Ho
7. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Begani Shadi Men Abdulla Diwana

8. Lata Mangeshkar: O Basanti Pavan

9. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Aa Ab Laut Chalen

Lyrics: Shailandra

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan| Jis Desh Men ...

Shankar Jaikishan: Amrapali (1966/ 1979)

Amrapali was a flop when is was released in 1966. But I don't really know why? And weirdly enough, it was picked for India's entry as best foreign film for the Oscars.

Sticking with the theme of high class prostitutes. Amrapali is basically considered the same thing as Umrao Jaan but higher class and from a different time (about 500 B.C.). She is a Nagar Vadhu (bride of the city) and lives with the royals.

This is one of my favorite Shankar Jaikishan soundtracks. It's a little known gem. And I haven't seen the movie, but the music is definitely not the cause for it's bad luck at the box office.


I prefer the second side with ''Tadap Yeh Din Raat Ki'', ''Nacho Gao Nacho'' and the wonderful instrumental ''White Dress'' (I listened too it over and over again)

I also like "Neel Gagan Ki Chhaon" that is on the first side. The other two tracks are ok, but I don't find myself listening to those much.

Too bad that Shankar and Jaikishan didn't decide to put the instrumental bit when Amrapali has a dance battle. Here is the clip . It's intense and kind of funny, so enjoy!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Jao Re Jogi
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Tumhen Yaad Karte Karte
3. Lata Mangeshkar: Neel Gagan Ki Chhaon

Side 2
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Tadap Yeh Din Raat Ki
5. Chorus: Nacho Gao Nacho
6. Instrumental: White Dress Dance

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Amrapali

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

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

Naushad: Baiju Bawra (1952/1975)

Baiju Bawra is another soundtrack by Naushad. If you liked Mughal-E-Azam there is a very strong chance that you will like this album as well. The first song, "Tori Jai Jai Kartar" gave me a bad first impression of the record, but don't worry it's the worst song of the album. It's a raga sung by Ustad Amir Khan, and yes I still find his singing annoying. It's a good thing it's a short song. The second song is my favourite. I know I said that I prefered Shamshad Begum's voice to Lata's in the song "Teri Mehfil Men Qismet Azmakar" (Mughal-e-Azam) but at the end of "Doi Koi Gae" Lata's voice really over shadows Shamshad's.

"Mohe Bhool Gaye Sanwariya" is a little less classical but focuses on the melodies and emotion. Lata'a voice is great, in a weird haunting way.

I usually like upbeat tracks, but "Too Ganga Ki Mauj" is an example of a good slow song. My favourite parts are when there is some "snake charmer flute", and I especially like the end when Lata and the chorus sing, even if it's just for a little moment.

In "O Duniya Ke Rakhwale", the background vocals, in the beginning part, really give a kick to the song. Mohd. Rafi's voice is the essence of the tune. Naushad should have put a song like this for Dilip Kumar's caracter in Mughal-e-Azam.

"Insaan Bano" and "Bachpan Ki Mohabbat" don't reach out and get me, there is nothing that special about them."Man Tarpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj" is good when the drums and party start, it's good.

"Jhoole Men Pawan Ke Aai Bahar" is a good song, very playful. If you watch the clip, at the end of the video they are standing together and you can see the sky. It makes me think of this song (at the end of the clip, as well, you can see the silhouettes and the sky) in Mother india (1957)

If you're like me, and you don't really like Ustad Amir Khan's singing, I find that both "Sargam" and "Aaj Gawat Man Mero" are acceptable. He's not that bad.

For the score I would have given it 4/5, but I gave it 3.5/5 because I am not attracted to listen to this record over and over again. I listen to a few songs from time to time. I know the music is very good, I guess it's just not as good as Mughal-e-Azam, for me anyway. But it's deffinitely worth a listen.

*Update (January 08) Ok, now that I have gotten used to more classical soundktracks, I absolutly love this album. It just took me some time. 4/5!

Tracks:

Side 1
1. Ustad Amir Khan: Tori Jai Jai Kartar
2. Lata Mangeshkar, Shamshad Begum, Mohd. Rafi & Chotus: Door Koi Gae
3. Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Too Ganga Ki Mauj
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Mohe Bhool Gaye Sanwariya
5. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Jhoole Men Pawan Ke Aai Bahar
6. Ustad Amir Khan: Sargam

Side 2
7. Mohd. Rafi: Man Tarpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Bachpan Ki Mohabbat
9. Mohd. Rafi: O Duniya Ke Rakhwale
10. Mohd. Rafi: Insaan Bano
11. Ustad Amir Khan & pt.d.v. Paluskar: Aaj Gawat Man Mero

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 4/5

Get the music now: Naushad Baiju Bawra

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Bobby (1973)

Bobby ,this is an example of a soundtrack that is better than the movie (there is some bad acting, but that seems to be a must in Bollywood). I know Bobby was a hit, but I think it was in most part because of the songs, the Laxmikant Pyarelal team really came to it's rescue. Bobby is a really fun soundtrack , it's light, and just makes you dance. This is the first 70's album I ever heard, it's not very experimental like Rahul Dev Burman's famous soundtracks, but it does have it's own charm, even if it's a little cheesy.

The movie is most known for "Main Shair To Nahin", it's a good track, but as you have all surely noticed I like songs that are upbeat, like"Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate", witch is the second part of a duo of a first part mexican styled song called, "Na Mangun Sona Chandi" that I don't really like. After there is "Mujhe Kuchh Kahna Hai" (tum tum TUM...!), it is a bit slower but is a fun track, I like it. "Chabi Kho Jae" (If you watch the video: one pieces rock!,....Cough!)

"Beshark Mandir Masjid Todo" is like a track from a completely different movie, with Chandal's unique voice, it's interesting. As is "Ae Phansa", a groovy track a little reminiscent of the 60's, I really like the instrumental bits.

There is a cool track, here , but I think it's only available on a special Bobby Lp, if anyone has it, I would like to know the name of that song. Thanks













Here are an 7'' and a cassette for Bobby as well.

Tracks :

Side 1
1. Shailendra Singh: Main Shair To Nahin
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Shailendra Singh : Mujhe Kuchh Kahna Hai
3. Chandal: Beshark Mandir Masjid Todo
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Shailendra Singh: Chabi Kho Jae

Side 2
5. Manna Dey, Shailendra Singh & Chorus: Na Mangun Sona Chandi
6. Lata Mangeshkar & Shailendra Singh: Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Ankhiyon Ko Rahne De
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Ae Phansa

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi & Vithal Bhai Patel

Stella_1's Score : 4/5

Get the music Now : Laxmikant Pyarelal | Bobby

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