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

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.)

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.)

Naushad: Mela (1948/1980)

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

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

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

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

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

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Shamshad Begum: Dharti Ko Aakash Pukare

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

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

4. Shamshad Begum: Gham Ka Fasana

5. Shamshad Begum: Taqdeer Bani Bankar Bigdi

6. Zohra Ambala: Phir Aah Dilse Nikli

Side 2

7. Shamshad Begum: Mohan Ki Muraliya

8. Shamshad Begum: Pardes Balam Tum Jaoge

9. Shamshad Begum & Mukesh: Mera Dil Todnewale

10. Mohd. Rafi: Yeh Zindagi Ke Mele

11. Mukesh: Gae Ja Geet Milanke

12. Music

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Mela

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

Usha Khanna: Hawas (1974)

PC and I decided to post this album at the same time, on the same day. (Though I thought it was supposed to be posted at 9 pm, when it was actually 9 am, sorry). I don't know if he liked the record, but I kind of did. (To read what he thought see the post, Hawas)

Hawas creates great atmosphere. But even though it runs in the same vein as the 1973 hits Bobby and Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Hawas is less pop and a little more "soft funk". Or, at the least, it creates a more mature branch of the 1970's teen romance/dramas anyway. Also, Hawas, means "lust"in hindi, so in a sense the music has to be more mature to represent the theme and content of the film.



Usha Khanna is one of the only female music directors in the Indian film industry (some others are Saraswati Devi, Jaddan Bai (Nargis's mother) and Ishrat Sultana). She started her career with Dil Deke Dekho in 1959 which was primarily based on western rock'n'roll, and as with Hawas, though now in the 70's, she remaines inspired by western music but certainly had evolved with the changing times.



The best songs on the record are the "vamp songs" sung by Asha Bhosle. You have "Aao Yaro Gao", that has to be my favorite on the album for "semi bad girl" Rekha, and for the classic bad girl Bindu ,"Apne Dil Men Jagah Dijiye" is ok but I actually like the intro better then the song itself.

For the rest of the tracks, "Yeh Hawas Kya Hai" (Again, an amazing intro and great mood) is pretty good,"Teri Galiyon Men" is ok and "Kal Raat Usne" is nothing special.



And that is actually it, because there are only 5 tracks. So enjoy!

(I added a picture of the original record cover on the left!)



Tracks:


Side 1


1. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Aao Yaro Gao
2. Asha Bhosle: Yeh Hawas Kya Hai


Side 2


3. Mohd. Rafi: Teri Galiyon Men
4. Asha Bhosle: Apne Dil Men Jagah Dijiye
5. Asha Bhosle: Kal Raat Usne



Lyrics: Sawan Kumar

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the Music Now: Usha Khanna Hawas

S. N. Tripathi: Rani Rupmati (1957/1981)

One word that I would use to describe Rani Rupmati is "lovely". S. N. Tripathi's soundtrack (also his film, since he directed it) was made when classical music could be filmy music. Like Baiju Bawra, it draws on ragas like, Darbari, Sarang and Bhairavin (and no, I don't know what I'm talking about when it comes to different ragas, this was just written on the record), but unlike Baiju Bawra the emotional discharge and content of the songs seem more dulled and the focus is based more on the melody.

Rani Rupmati is set in the time of the Mughals, more precisely during the rule of Akbar. And is inspired by the true love story of Roopmati, a hindu court singer, and Baz Bahadur, a muslim sultan. Not to spoil anything, but the relationship does not end well. The music is mostly inspired by classical Hindustani music of that time. Some of Rupmati's poems still exist today and are even translated to english. Although, I do not know if any of the music on the vinyl is inspired by her music.

Anyway, the song,"Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet" is really great, and I guess that I am not the only one who liked it because it's sung twice, once by Mukesh and the second time by Lata Mangheskar (Lata Version). I am going to have to go with Mukesh version as my favorite.

My favorite song is "Jhan Jhan Jhan Baje Payaliya" and I also like the duet between Rafi and Krishna Chonkar, "Baat Chalat Nai Chundari".


Also like Baiju Bawra, there is a singing competition between a court singer (Manna Dey) "Udja Bhanwar" and Roopmati (Lataji) "Aaja Aaja Bhanwar" as they try and make a flower, which holds a bee, blossom and close. Here is a video of both songs.

I don't like this song much, but it take place before the battle between Rupmati's love, Baz Bahadur's army and the invading troops of Akbar. In "Itihas Agar Likhna Chaho" you have Rani Rupmati getting ready for battle. Enjoy.

Overall, I really enjoy listening to this record and I hope you do too. I haven't seen the film but it doesn't look too bad. If any has please feel free to comment. Thanks

Tracks

Side 1

1. Mukesh: Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet

2. Lata Mangeshkar: Raat Suhani Jhoome Jawani

3. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Phulbagiya Men Bulbul Bole

4. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Jhan Jhan Jhan Baje Payaliya

5. Manna Dey : Udja Bhanwar-Darbari

Side 2

6. Lata Mangeshkar: Aaja Aaja Bhanwar-Sarang

7. Lata Mangeshkar: Jeevan Ki Beena Ka Taar Bole

8. Mohd. Rafi & Krishna Chonkar: Baat Chalat Nai Chundari-Bhairavin

9. Usha Mangeshkar: Ankhon Men Surma Daal Ke

10. Usha Mangheskar & Chorus: Itihas Agar Likhna Chaho

11. Lata Mangeshkar: Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet

Lyrics: Bharat Vyas

Stella_1's Score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: S. N. Tripathi Rani Rupmati

Naushad: Gunga Jumna (1961/1978)

The soundtrack to Gunga Jumna runs in the same veins as O. P. Nayyar's music for the 1957 film Naya Daur. The music also resembles some of Naushad's earlier work in Amar (1954), especially in what I like to call the "village girl songs". In short, the sound is not original, but that does not take away from the quality of Naushad's work. Gunga Jumna was nominated for a Filmfare award that year.

As far as the plot goes the now famous pair (after the success of Devdas in 1955, Naya Daur in 1957 and Madhumati in 1958) goes on to make another hit by playing lovers in early post-independent India. With Dilip Kumar playing the role of the hard working Gunga and Kumar's fictional well educated brother Jumna played by his real brother Nasir Khan, with Vyjayanthimala as the lovely and colourful heroine. Themes such as right vs wrong, village vs city and battling social status of the new educated vs uneducated India live together and create friction in the film.

But if we come back to the music, it is mostly based on folk, with it's regional instruments and simple melodies.

To start, we have the beautiful Helen doing some Kathak on "Tora Man Bada Papi", well it's more like dancing around (it's good dancing, but not Kathak) in a Kathak outfit, not actually dancing a classical Indian form. The song is kind of plain, it does not interest me much, but I like the video.


After, looking at the big difference between the lives of the two brothers (Ganga and Jumna) as children, the video reflex's the contrast present in society of the "new India". This patriotic song, "Insaf Ki Dagar Pe" is a little to idealistic, but at least it is looking to a bring future. Everyone needs hope.

My favorite song has to be "Do Hanson Ka Joda", I love the sarangi (or sarod, I'm not sure), its beautiful. It's sad, simple and sweet.

Two other songs that I like are "Jhanan Ghoongar Baje" and "Dagabaz Tori Batian", because they are joyful and playful.

"O Chhalia Re Chhalia" and "Naina Lad Jaihen" (in this one you get Dilip Kumar dancing, yay!) just didn't get me moving. Ok....my foot was taping, but I expected more.

Overall, there are more ordinary songs than good songs. The album flows very well and I am sure Naushad put effort into this soundtrack.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Lata Mangeshkar: Dagabaz Tori Batian

2. Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi and Chorus: O Chhalia re Chhalia

3. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Jhanan Ghoongar Baje

4. Mohd. Rafi: Naina Lad Jaihen

Side 2

5. Lata Mangeshkar: Do Hanson Ka Joda

6. Hemant Kumar & Chorus: Insaf Ki Dagar Pe

7. Asha Bhosle: Tora Man Bada Papi

8. Lata Mangeshkar: Dhoondo Dhoondo Re Sajna

Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Naushad Gunga Jumna

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

Roshan: Bawre Nain (1950/1980)

Roshan, who was a musician trough out the 40's, got his first break as a music director with Bawre Nain. Heavily inspired by the 40's sound, this record represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. But the overall sound of this album is melancholic and slightly romantic (as in the artistic current).  

The most popular song on the record is ''Khyalon Men Kisi Ke'', it's sneaky and seductive.

You can find some joyful songs on the album, but you still feel some pain in the music. Like the playful ''Mujhe Sach Sach Batado'' and ''Roothe Hue Chanda''. They still feel a little bit like when someone sad tries to be happy.

My favorite songs on the album are the lonely ''Teri Duniya Men Dil Lagta Nahin'', the lovely duet ''Mohabbat Ke Maron Ka'' and ''Sun Bairi Balam''

It's not the greatest album, but still it is special. It has it's own original charm that makes it stand out. I enjoy it, what do you think? 

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Geeta Dutt & Mukesh: Khyalon Men Kisi Ke

2. Rajkumari & Mukesh: Mujhe Sach Sach Batado

3. Rajkumari: Roothe Hue Chanda

Side 2

4. Mukesh: Teri Duniya Men Dil Lagta Nahin

5. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Mohabbat Ke Maron Ka

6. Rajkumari: Kyon Mere Dil Men

7. Rajkumari: Sun Bairi Balam

Lyrics: Kidar Sharma

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Roshan | Bawre Nain

Shankar Jaikishan: Ujala (1959/1990)

Even if Shankar Jaikishan knew Shammi Kapoor because of there association with his brother, Raj Kapoor, it wasn't until Shammi did Ujala that they first collaborated together. Ujala has some gret tunes.

I first heard a glips of Ujala with the song "Jhoomta Mausam Mast Mahina" (my favorite) that was on a compilation Lp called Best of the 50's that came out in the 60's. This record came out in 1990, so does that mean that you couldn't listen to the rest of the songs until then.Well, I guess if you wanted the soundtrack to Ujala, you either had a cassette copy (I don't even know if it exists) or a 78 record or you had to wait until 1990 to get this Lp. It's just weird that they waited that long, because it's a decent soundtrack.

Anyway, like I said "Jhoomta Mausam Mast Mahina" is great, as well as "Duniyawalo Se Door" which is a cute playful love song that I really like. I also enjoy the typically 50's melody of the first song "Suraj Zarra Aa Paas Aa".

You also have a rare Mukesh and Mohd. Rafi duet with the song "Yaro Surat Hamari Pe".

Next you have two songs that resemble each other "Tera Jalwa Jisne Dekha" and "O Mora Nadan Balma".They are the "cabaret" numbers, but I think Shankar Jaikishan could have simply chosen one of them for the movie.

Ujala reminds me of Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (to see the post click here) , especially when you hear the songs "Aa Ab Laut Chalen" from JDMGBH and "Ab Kayan Jahen Hum" from Ujala. Both soundtracks where made during the same periode and Shankar Jaikishan seem to like using a chorus in the late 50's and beginning 60's.

I enjoyed this album very much, what do you think?

Oh and don't pay attention to the creepy Shammi Kapoor picture, because he is so cute in film.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Manna Dey & Chorus: Suraj Zarra Aa Paas Aa

2. Lata Mangeshkar: O Mora Nadan Balma

3. Mohd. Rafi & Mukesh: Yaro Surat Hamari Pe

4. Lata Mangeshkar: Tera Jalwa Jisne Dekha

Side 2

5. Manna Dey & Lata Mangeshar: Jhoomta Mausam Mast Mahina

6. Mukesh & Lata Mangeshkar: Duniyawalon Se Door

7. Manna Dey & Chorus: Ab Kahan Jayen Hum

8. Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey & Chorus: Chham Chham Chhumak Chhumak

Lyrics: Shailendra & Hasrat Jaipuri


Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Shankar Jaikishan Ujala

Kalyanji Anandji: Raja Saab (1969)

At first, I was a little scared of the album. The cover of Raja Saab reads "cheesy romantic comedy" with bollywood's "good girl" Nanda and the "good guy" Shashi Kapoor. But as much as I like Shashi Kapoor, I was hesitant because, Raj Kapoor (his brother) once said that Shashi would choose some of his roles for money and not quality. Plus the man, for some weird reason, can't dance, so my hopes weren't high on having great dance songs. The only good factors that attracted me to this album were of course, 1 : Mohd. Rafi and 2: the fact that it was composed by the duo Kalyanji Anandji. But once I listen to it, to my surprise the music eclipsed the movie and the people related to making the music on the album really came through, thanks guys.


The first song ''Raju Ka Hai Ek Khwab'' and the last ''Jin Ki Kismat Men'' are basically the same song but the intros and the tempos are different. I prefer the last version.

One of my favorite songs on the album is "Tu Jungle Ki Morni" and even if I don't understand that much hindi, I think it's the stupidest (meaning the lyrics don't mean much) song on the record, but it's the bounciest one

But honestly, I enjoy listening to all the songs on the album. They all have a little something special even is they are cheesy. The other one's I enjoy are the funny "Kal Raat Wali" and the slower more romantic "Sajna Tere Bin" and "Humne Aaj Se Tumhen".

For what it is, a light and fun soundtrack, it's great fun. It's good classic 60's bollywood. Tell me what you think?

Tracks

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Raju Ka Hai Ek Khwab

2. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Humne Aaj Se Tumhen

3. Mohd. Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur: Tu Jungle Ki Morni

Side 2

4. Mohd. Rafi: Kal Raat Wali

5. Lata Mangeshkar : Sajna Tere Bin

6. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Kisi Meherban Ki

7. Mohd. Rafi: Jin Ki Kismat Men

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: Kalyanji Anandji Raja Saab

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

Rahul Dev Burman: The Train (1970)

Well, The Train is a good soundtrack for a bad film. The songs aren't serious . They are, like most of the songs from the 60's and 70's, light hearted and mostly for entertainment. So in that context, the songs are great fun to listen too. (Good for parties)


The best songs are given to two of the greatest vamps in hindi cinema, Helen and Aruna Irani. Helen gets great cabaret numbers, the first "Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahin" is amusing, but I prefer the great vocals and sixties swing in "O Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha" (even if the guy in the video strangely looks like Prince, hum... maybe that's where he got his look?) Aruna Irani gets my favorite song on the album, "Saiyan Re Saiyan" it's great to dance to.

At least these ladies can dance because they have to make up for the main actrice in the movie, Nanda, that can't. In "Gulabi Ankhen" Rajesh and Nanda just ruin the great song with there bad, but weirdly charming, dancing.

The slower songs, "Kis Liya Maine Pyar Kiya" and " Mujhse Bhala Yeh Kajal "arent anything special. But between the two I prefer the first.

Tell me what you think.

Tracks:

Side 1

1. Mohd. Rafi: Gulabi Ankhen

2. Asha Bhosle & Rahul Dev Burman: O Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha

3. Asha Bhosle: Saiyan Re Saiyan

Side 2

4. Lata Mangeshkar: Kis Liye Maine Pyar Kiya

5. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Mujhse Bhala Yeh Kajal

6. Asha Bhosle: Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahin

Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Stella_1's score: 3.5/5

Get the music now: R. D. Burman The Train

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