S. D. Burman: Taxi Driver (1954/1977) Pakistan

Ok, ok. I actually enjoyed the Taxi Driver soundtrack more than Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi. And I have to admit that I am finding some S. D. Burman songs which I enjoy very much (hey, don't even think about it...this doesn't mean that I am a S. D. Burman Fan). I have still to find an entire "Dada" album that impresses me. To date, this is the closest, if you don't count Aradhana (composed by S. D. Burman/R. D. Burman). And bizarrely enough S. D. Burman won the Filmfare Award for best music director in 1955 for the song "Jahen To Jahen Kahan" and not for the entire album. Actually, the first two years the award was given, it was awarded for a song not an album (Naushad won it in 1954 for "To Gauga Ki Mauj" from Baiju Bawra).

I agree with Filmfare on this one, I very much enjoy Talat Mahmood's version of "Jahen To Jahen Kahan". I usually associate Mahmood with Dilip Kumar, and Dev Anand with the equally talented Hemant Kumar (aka Hemanta Mukherjee), but this combo does just fine in the picturization of this lovely tune. Lata also takes a stab at the same song but I it's left emotionless next to Talat Mahmood's version.

I also admire "Dil Jale To Jale", an "almost vamp song" for Lataji with its catchy and fine swaying melody. Do like the two little gore playing instruments in the band (I just had to post pics...).

The duet "Dekho Mane Nahin Roothi Haseena" is good and playful. Yet I still don't know exactly who the male playback singer Jagmohan is? My closest guesses are either Jagmohan Bakshi a music composer, associated with Sapan Sengupta for the Sapan & Jagmohan team, or Jaganmoy Mitra the Bengali singer.

Also worth a listen is "Ae Zindigi Aaj Raat Jhoom Le". But I would have liked it if the intro to the song (shown in the link) would have been on the record. To bad.

Overall, this album is worth a listen, and I hope you appreciate it more than I do.

Tracks

Side 1

1. Asha Bhosle: Jeene Do Oji O

2. Lata Mangeshkar: Jaen To Jaen Kahan
3. Asha Bhosle & Jagmohan: Dekho Mane Nahi Roothi Haseena

4. Lata Mangheshkar: Ae Zindigi Aaj Raat Jhoom Le

Side 2

5. Kishore Kumar: Chache Koi Khush Ho Chahe Galiyan Hazar De

6. Talat Mahmood: Jaen To Jaen Kahan

7. Lata Mangeshkar: Dil Se Milake Dil Pyar Kijiye

8. Lata Mangeshkar: Dil Jale To Jale

Lyrics: Sahir

Stella_1's score: 3.5

Get the music Now: S. D. Burman Taxi Driver

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

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

S. D. Burman: Aradhana (1969)

Aradhana is a very pleasant soundtrack! But, just when I was going to admit to finally really liking a S. D. Burman soundtrack, I found out about S. D. Burman, who was ill during the recording, who let R. D. Burman record some songs himself. The two hits "Roop Tera Mastana" and "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani" are all Burman junior, hip and young, yet all the credit "officially" goes to S. D. Burman.

Raju Bharatan, writer for the Hindustan Times, explains why this is: "That was the norm in our films then. That, first, two songs of a production had to be recorded -- as the launching-pad. Plus the news of such a recording had to appear as a published item in an industry-respected paper like the weekly Screen. Only after that would finance for a film flow. So it was as finance for Aradhana was set to flow that SD fell ill." excerpt from The Aradhana Syndrome by Raju Bharatan (click on the title to read full article)

The first two songs, and the only ones recorded by Burman senior, were two duets "Gun Guna Rahe Hain" and "Baghon Mein Bahar Hai", who's male vocals were both sung by Mohd. Rafi. But the two hits which were also picturised on Rajesh Khanna were the memorable and my favourite songs, "Roop Tera Mastana" and "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani" sung by Kishore Kumar.

Besides this being a good record, Aradhana is also an important marker in showing the shifting of popular style in Hindi film music. This soundtrack is an exception as it includes the hit making team of Mohd. Rafi and S. D. Burman, and the future hit makers Kishore Kumar and R. D. Burman. The second who had already defined his style composing for Teesri Manzil in 1966 would surpass the firsts popularity with legendary albums as Kati Patang, Caravan and Hare Rama Hare Krishna about a year after the release of this album.

But one track I enjoy is the trademark S. D. Burman solo "Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana" Other ones are also found in classics like Guide in 1965 and Amar Prem in 1971 (although the last was composed by R. D. Burman). These songs bring a very earthy or organic feel that, takes us from the filmi illusion of life to a more and more down to earth emotional connection. I think one of S. D. Burman's fortes.

A remix of "Roop Tera Mastana" from the 90's and 2008's "Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte" from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring Sharukh Khan has the intro of "Mere Sapno Ki Rani" in Priety Zinta sequence.

Tracks:

Side1

1. Kishore Kumar: Roop Tera Mastana

2. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Gun Guna Rahe Hain

3. Kishore Kumar: Mere Sapnon Ki Rani

4. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Baghon Mein Bahar Hai

Side 2

5. Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar: Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera

6. Lata Mangeshkar: Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu

7. S. D. Burman: Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Stella_1 score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: S. D. Burman Aradhana (link to Music From the Third Floor, because my computer is broken.)

Bhupen Hazarika: Aarop (1973)

Aarop is my first taste of Bhupen Hazaika's music and, as far as I can tell, this soundtrack is distinctly 70's yet the music has a very organic feel. The closest I can compare it to is Ananda Shankar's Sa Re Ga Machan album (you can get a track on eastern eye), yet this one is a lot less experimental and more filmi. This "organic feel" is mostly caused by Hazaika's choice of instruments. Even though most songs have the classic high pitch violin intros, most of the time a light mix of classical and western instruments added to the sweetest melodies which are often played on the flute, are accompanied by some traditional folk instruments. The singers all have very good classical background, especially Manna Dey and Lakshmi Shankar, but you won't hear pure classical music on the record. Basically, this album has great vocals with music that has hints of earthy/indian/filmi/classical/western/folk music etc. Yeah, I know it's a mix of a lot of things, and weirdly enough, except for the last song, each category is so diluted by one or the other, that it creates a united feeling yet at the same time creates one that points in no particular direction.

I would never have guessed that my favourite song on the album, "Jab Se Too Ne Bansi Bajayi Re",was sung by a 47 year old woman. Lakshmi Shankar is a trained classical singer with a lovely youthful voice that portrays, in the song, innocents and a feeling of loss and hope at the same time. I love it.

"Nainon Men Darpan Hai'' is the only song I could find the video for. It is probably the most popular as it is sung by top playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. But I find it very ordinary and moulded to be very filmi. Deja Vu or in this case Deja Entendu. Yawn.



The album ends with a totally R. D. Burman sounding cabaret number that seems a little out of place compared to the rest of the record. I feel as if the composer just wrote it because the film format, especially of the 70's, demanded a sexy upbeat track for the vamp. In this case, the song called "Sub Kuchh Mila Too Na Mila" is sung by no other than Asha Bhosle and, judging by the back cover, is picturised on Bindu.


Even though no specific songs, except "Jab Se Too Ne Bansi Bajayi Re" really capture my attention, the whole soundtrack is well constructed and I feel connected to the overall sound. It's kind of like I know what he's going for, and he's almost there but not quite. Also, I find Hazarika used each singer to his advantage, Lata and Kumar for the popular tune, Asha for the cabaret, Manna Dey to sing for the mature hero and Lakshmi Shankar, somewhat underused, for the simple melody. He knew what each singer could do best.

Enjoy!



For more info on Bhupen Hazarika (he's coming out with a new album) here is a link to a fan blog and to his web site.



Tracks


Side 1


1. Manna Dey: O Phoolon Ke Desh Wali
2. Manna Dey: Haath Mere Hai Madhu Ka Pyala
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar: Nainon Men Darpan Hai
4. Asha Bhosle: Chale Aao



Side 2


5. Manna Dey: Toot Gaya Mera Sapna Suhana
6. Bhupen Hazarika & K. N. Sharma: Hey Jai Yashoda Nandan
7. Lakshmi Shankar: Jab Se Too Ne Bansi Bajayi Re
8. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Sub Kuchh Mila Too Na Mila



Lyrics: Maya Govind



Stella_1's score: 3.5/5



Get the music now: Bhupen Hazarika Aarop

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

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

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

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