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Satyam: Khooni Kaun (1975) / Vijaysingh: Dimple (1975)

September 18, 2014, 11:44 pm
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Khooni Kaun

Chellapilla Satyam, aka Sathyam, was a Telugu music director whom I featured a long time ago when posting a – for this blog – rare Tollywood score. 'Khooni Kaun' is one of his considerably fewer Bollywood efforts, but a nice one; cheerful sounding and fun. Like many of his contemporaries, Satyam took cues from RD Burman – you can plainly hear Pancham's influence on 'Yeh Beta' with its upbeat sunshine pop sensibilities and in the wild horns, choppy organ, relentless percussion and general funkiness of 'Aa Lag Ja'. They're both cracking tunes.

Dimple

Vijaysingh's 'Dimple' offers more of the same. 'Jain Waadiyan Dilnasheen' is a sweet and lovely, almost loungy ballad sung by seldom featured Chandrani Mukherjee, 'Nadaan Hoon Sharmilee Hoon' is a summery 60s-pop-sounding duet, and 'Aao Sikhadoon Tumhen Khat Likhna' is a great fast-paced and slightly Latin-tinged number that's only let down by the non-inclusion of the harmonica intro heard in the film. 

Judging by the scarcity of clips and other info to be found online, neither of these films appear to be very well know. Does anyone know if LP versions of the soundtracks were ever released?

Track listing, 'Khooni Kaun':
1. Asha Bhosle: Yeh Beta
2. Mahendra Kapoor: Yoon Tere
3. Asha Bhosle: Aaja Re
4. Asha Bhosle: Aa Lag Ja

Track listing, 'Dimple'
1. Chandrani Mukherjee: Jain Waadiyan Dilnasheen
2. Asha Bhosle & Vijaysingh: Nadaan Hoon Sharmilee Hoon
3. Tirath: Na Ankhen Band Kar Saqi
4. Mohd. Rafi & Purnima: Aao Sikhadoon Tumhen Khat Likhna
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Sapan Jagmohan: Videsh (1981)

October 16, 2014, 11:57 pm
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Videsh

Sapan Jagmohan's greatest moment was in all probability 1973's superb 'Call Girl'. The composing duo was responsible for a number of additional scores though, of which 'Videsh' is quite enjoyable if not entirely spectacular.

It's fairly funky, much of it… opening track 'Meri Aakhon Mein Ek Sapna Hai' has been featured on compilations and contains an irresistible guitar intro (why can't Bollywood actors playing guitar in films ever even try to make it look believable?) and some interesting breaks, while 'Come On Baby Dil Kisko Degi' and its English language counterpart 'Don't Burn Me' are supremely cheesy (and catchy) dancefloor stompers. Is that The Osmonds''Crazy Horses' they've borrowed the whinnying sound at the end of the verses from?

Track listing:
1. Mohd. Rafi & Pankaj Mittra: Meri Aakhon Mein Ek Sapna Hai
2. Hari Om Sharan, Jaspal Singh, Diltaj Kaur & Chorus: Tera Naam Pyara
3. Ajit Singh & Chorus: Come On Baby Dil Kisko Degi
4. Mohd. Rafi: Londonwali Se
5. Ajit Singh & Chorus: Don't Burn Me
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Madan Mohan: Mahraja (1971)

October 23, 2014, 11:55 pm
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Mahraja

You know how when you once in a rare while hear a song that's so good you're convinced it's the best thing ever made, and never mind that it's probably not really; that feeling of exhilaration and amazement, of needing to play it again and again and making you want to tell everyone you know to check it out? That's what happened the first time I heard 'Kitni Haseen Hai Meri Pyar Ki Nazar'. Many will be familiar with Bollywood Funk; well this is Bollywood Punk and it is sensational. Raw, dirty, raunchy, sweaty; the surf rock intro, Asha sounding (and Helen looking) ooh so seductive, the Mariachi horns, the echo-drenched chorus, the gritty and distorted guitar sound; sparks flying! Absolutely amazing stuff.

And while there's nothing that can measure up to such an opening track, 'Mahraja' contains more songs that would easily highlight other soundtrack albums. 'Tum Se Bichhar Kar Chain Kahan Hum Payen Gay' is sumptuous orchestral pop sung by Lata, 'Main Ne Pee Kee Mera Dil Kiya' is an upbeat, country-tinged drunk song (Helen again looking irresistible in the film clip), and the traditional sounding 'Pee Kee Najar Gori Tanse Lipat Gayee' exudes a sense of wild urgency that inevitably draws you in. And in between there's an instrumental that sounds like old-school burlesque striptease music.

You might need a shower after listening to this one.

Track listing:
1. Asha Bhosle: Kitni Haseen Hai Meri Pyar Ki Nazar
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Tum Se Bichhar Kar Chain Kahan Hum Payen Gay
3. Dance Music
4. Asha Bhosle: Pee Kee Najar Gori Tanse Lipat Gayee
5. Asha Bhosle: Main Ne Pee Kee Mera Dil Kiya
6. Manna Dey: Raaste Ka Maal Saste Men
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Madan Mohan: Bhai Bhai (1956/1980)

October 31, 2014, 12:58 am
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Bhai Bhai

The Madan Mohan soundtracks I've featured so far have all been from the 1970s, yet his career did in fact extend back several decades. 'Bhai Bhai' is from 1956 and I was primarily attracted to it because of the lovely, lively 'Ye Dil Muje' which appeared (in shortened form) as 'Ae Dil Mujhe Bata De' on the Geeta Dutt compilation posted a few months back. She's credited under her maiden name on this issue of the soundtrack (one with a different cover had been released earlier); incorrectly I believe, as she had already been married to Guru Dutt a few years when it was recorded.

All the other songs on the album feature Lata Mangeshkar, Mohan's female singer of choice. It's a very lively score for the most part. 'Mera Nam Abdulrehman', 'Duniya Mein' and 'Sharabi Ja' are infectious and danceable and tear along at nearly frenzied tempos; as such the slower paced 'Ghar Mera' is an almost welcome respite. But as with many Bollywood soundtracks of the era, everything has that compelling, almost mysterious, old-wordly aura about it I find really appealing.

Incidentally, there's also an Ollywood film with the same title and from the same year as this one. I have to admit that led to some confusion while I was researching this post.

Track listing:
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar: Mera Nam Abdulrehman
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Duniya Mein
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Raja Jane Jani
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Sharabi Ja
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Ghar Mera
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Mera Chotta
7. Geetha Roy: Ye Dil Muje
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Dil Teri
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Kudar Jane Na
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N. Datta: Chehre Pe Chehra (1980)

November 7, 2014, 1:54 am
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Chehre Pe Chehra

This one I picked up on a whim, more or less. I had no prior knowledge of 'Chehre Pe Chehra'[review], and I had only noticed music director N. Datta (aka N. Dutta, full name Datta Naik) on a Mohd. Rafi compilation before. I guess I wanted to hear someone new for a change. It's nice when impulse purchases work out, as this isn't a bad soundtrack at all.

The first couple of tracks are slightly underwhelming (although I find the spaghetti westernish intro to 'Yeh Raat Nek Raat Hai' rather appealing) but from there on it starts getting good. I like the two cabaret/item numbers 'Le Jaam Le Jaam' and 'Main Hoon Pari'. The former seems to be played out in a cantina or saloon of some sort and has a distinct Latin flavour, while the latter is more akin to RD Burman's stuff with it's beat-heavy and effect-filled arrangement. And speaking of Burman, 'Aa Kuchh Karen' which is arguably my favourite track on the record has an intro very reminiscent of the fantastic dance music from 'Mukti'; that was bound to entice me.

You'll notice the cover also credits Salil Chowdhury. I'm guessing he was resposible for the incidental music accompanying the film's action and as such had nothing to do with the songs, but I'm not entirely sure. I don't think I've ever come across an extra credit for background music on a Bollywood soundtrack album before.

Track listing:
1. Mohd. Rafi & Sulakshana Pandit: Aaj Socha Hai
2. Manna Dey & Chorus: Yeh Raat Nek Raat Hai
3. Asha Bhosle: Le Jaam Le Jaam
4. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Main Hoon Pari
5. Sulakshana Pandit: Tum Se Kahna Hai
6. Dilraj Kaur & Chorus: Aa Kuchh Karen
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Bappi Lahiri: Wardat (1980)

November 13, 2014, 11:45 pm
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Wardat

Those of you who have heard Bappi Lahiri's 'Surakksha' soundtrack will likely have an inkling as to what to expect from its sequel. The 1979 original represented Bappi's first wholehearted foray into the disco genre, and a year later he had already pretty much turned it all up to eleven.

Bombastic, over the top, anthemic, camp, bonkers; I've long since run out of adjectives to describe his musical antics. And the visuals often match; check out 'Dekha Hai Maine Tujhko Palatke', 'Din Ho Ya Raat' or 'Na Mai Hun Tera' (my favourite) if you have no idea what I'm on about.

Derivative is another word you see a lot in connection with Bappi. On 'Wardat'[review][2] he even nicks from his (UK based) compatriot Biddu; after an intro that brings Ennio Morricone and Edda Dell'Orso to mind, 'Tu Mujhe Jaan Se Bhi Pyara Hai' sounds very much like something Nazia Hasan could have sung on 'Qurbani'.

So do I like it? Well it is kind of fun, but not as good as its predecessor. Still, you'll probably want to have it.

Track listing:
1. Bappi Lahiri & Chorus: Dekha Hai Maine Tujhko Palatke
2. Mohd. Rafi & Usha Mangeshkar: Sara Jahan Chhod Ke Tujhe
3. Usha Uthup & Bappi Lahiri: Tu Mujhe Jaan Se Bhi Pyara Hai
4. Bappi Lahiri, Annette & Chorus: Din Ho Ya Raat
5. Shailendra Singh & Chorus: Jalim Duniya Hum Pey
6. Usha Uthup & Bappi Lahiri: Na Mai Hun Tera
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Illaya Raja: Do Dil Deewane (1981)

November 20, 2014, 11:51 pm
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Do Dil Deewane

Ilaya Raja, or Ilaiyaraaja as he's more commonly known, is a South Indian composer I haven't featured much on this blog due to him working predominantly in the Tamil film industry, aka Kollywood. He was however responsible for a few Hindi soundtracks, among them 'Sadma' which included the stunning 'O Babuaa Yeh Mahua'; after being posted here it was sampled by Danish DJ collective Den Sorte Skole for their 'Lektion III' project.

Like 'Sadma', 'Do Dil Deewane' was a Hindi version of an original Tamil movie. And like 'Sadma', it boasts an excellent soundtrack, consisting of some delightfully sunshiny pop gems, sounding if not totally unique, at least different to almost anything I've heard from Bollywood music directors. All sung (or co-sung) by S. Janaki who's recorded somewhere in the vicinity of 15000 songs.

There's an alluring happy-sad melodicism to them, like something out of the classic songwriting school of masters such as Burt Bacharach. You can hear it on 'Dilbar Aa' ('Germaniyin Senthen'), and perhaps mixed with a bit of Abba on 'Yeh Jahan Tum' ('Azhagu Aayiram'). They're both fantastic tracks, neither of which I tire of listening to these days. The rest aren't half bad either; 'Aaj Khoye Se Ho Kyoon Tum' ('Naan Undhan Thaayaaga') and 'Kitne Rangeen Hai' ('Azhagiya') both have a curious country & western feel (if you can imagine country & western augmented by 80s synths) and 'Hai Pyar Ka Sangam' ('Dheiveega Raagam') is enticingly driven by a quirky stop-start rhythm.

None of them seem to be available on YouTube so I've linked to the Tamil originals (parenthesized) which are. And a word on the sound quality: It's kind of horrible; wobbly like a warped cassette tape – but you could argue that that only lends to its charm.

Regardless, a highly recommended soundtrack.

Track listing:
1. S. Janaki & Chorus: Hai Pyar Ka Sangam
2. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam & S. Janaki: Dilbar Aa
3. S. Janaki: Yeh Jahan Tum
4. S. Janaki: Aaj Khoye Se Ho Kyoon Tum
5. S. Janaki: Kitne Rangeen Hai
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Rahul Dev Burman: Mela (1971)

November 27, 2014, 11:55 pm
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Mela

Early 1970s RD Burman soundtracks tend to be easy to like, but I must admit it has taking longer than expected to get properly into 'Mela'. It's a fairly pleasant one to listen to, yet there seems to be something lacking; hooks maybe, both melody-wise and in terms of the arrangements. Songs such as 'Dekho Re Hua', 'Kya Soch Raha Re' and 'Meri Sakhiyo Bolo' are all quite good (and each have their moments of nice instrumental details); they're just not great. The closest to that is probably the droney, psychedelic sounding 'Rut Hai Milan Ki'. The thing is, that after playing this album I don't feel any particular need to do so again, and that's always a worrying sign. Maybe it'll grow on me more if I persevere? Or maybe I'm just so used to Burman being almost consistantly brilliant that anything less that breathtaking from him throws me.

Track listing:
1. Manna Dey: Dekho Re Hua
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Kya Soch Raha Re
3. Asha Bhosle, Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Meri Sakhiyo Bolo
4. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Rut Hai Milan Ki
5. Mohd. Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Gori Ke Haath Men
6. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Ek Bar Rakh De Qadam Zara Jhoom Ke
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Sonik Omi: Woh Main Nahin (1974)

December 5, 2014, 1:14 am
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Woh Main Nahin

Damn it, this pressing is so wonky I don't know what's happened... inexplicably there are portions of the record that sound as if they've managed to include the pressing machine's unoiled, squeaky parts onto it. Annoying, because while 'Woh Main Nahin' may be a minor soundtrack, the songs still warrant decent reproduction. So for those able to listen past the noise...

To me, Sonik Omi have always come across like RD Burman copyists, a bit. The Latin inspired cabaret elements on 'Tujhe Ek Ladki Mile Jawan' and the lounge-jazz start and easy-pop feel to the rest of 'Sanam Tu Hi Hai Tu Hi Tu Hi Hai' could easily be mistaken for something he could have done during the same period. But even if Sonik Omi's arrangements aren't particular original, they still often sound good, and the melodies are nice. At the end of the day that's what matters.

Track listing:
1. Asha Bhosle, Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Lehnga Khisak Jayega
2. Asha Bhosle: Tujhe Ek Ladki Mile Jawan
3. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: Sanam Tu Hi Hai Tu Hi Tu Hi Hai
4. Asha Bhosle: Cheecho Cheech Ganeriyan
5. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Chayeh Purush Ho Chahey Nari
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Rajesh Roshan: Julie (1975)

December 12, 2014, 12:27 am
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Julie

This one often turns up as a recommendation when Rajesh Roshan's work gets mentioned. And rightly so, as it's a very good record. Unlike many other mid-70s albums I've posted, there's nothing particularly out there or jazzy or funky within its grooves; 'Julie' is simply a collection of really nice, well crafted songs. That tends to work to.

In terms of arrangements and general tone I find the record has more in common with contemporary European soundtracks than anything else, especially on the stunning instrumental 'Julie Falls in Love' which almost sounds Italian, and on 'Dil Kya Kare'. Maybe it's just the whistling on the latter that gives me associations to Morricone's frequent collaborator Alessandro Alessandroni. Regardless, it's a lovely track. So are both 'Yeh Raaten' (where have I heard that bit starting at around 1:22 before? Bacharach?) and 'Bhool Gaye Sub Kuchh'. I've heard it said (by some) that Lata Mangeshkar was past it by this point in time; I think these songs are perfect for her.

The best known track is Preeti Sagar's sweet, poppy 'My Heart Is Beating', which just about manages to stay on the right side of saccharine. It's one of those rare Bollywood songs that are sung completely in English. Like 'Bobby' from a few years prior, the film is a teen love story exploring inter-faith/inter-caste relationships; the titular Julie is from an anglo-Indian family.

A beautiful, mellow soundtrack.

Track listing:
1. Kishore Kumar: Dil Kya Kare
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Yeh Raaten
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar: Bhool Gaye Sub Kuchh
4. Julie Falls In Love
5. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar: Bhool Gaye Sub Kuchh
6. Preeti Sagar: My Heart Is Beating
7. Asha Bhosle & Usha Mangeshkar: Sancha Naam Tera
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Rahul Dev Burman: Kudrat (1980)

December 19, 2014, 12:18 am
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Kudrat

The last regular post before Christmas. RD Burman again, and a rather good one even though it's not among his most memorable, or at least not the most immediately accessible.

'Kudrat'[review] has grown on me a lot since I first got hold of it. Contrary to some of Burman's better know soundtracks this doesn't contain anything very elaborate or explosive, just really well-crafted songs. The piano on both parts of 'Sajti Hai Yun Hui Mehfil' and the strings on the first 'Hamen Tumse Pyar Kitna' are sumptuous. Parveen Sultana's singing on the second version of the latter is spellbinding... it's always nice to come across singers I haven't heard before. Chandrashekhar Gadgil is another new voice and the groove on 'Dukh Sukh Ki' is irresistibly hypnotic. (A version sung by Mohd. Rafi serves as the film's title music; for reasons unknown to me it doesn't feature on the LP.) Best of all is the very cool, almost laidback disco track 'Chhodo Sanam' which is the sort of thing that will make you want to dance, but slowly, nonchalantly, with your eyes closed.

An album of music to relax to then. I'm sure I'm not the only one who can use that in December. I'll be back before the new year with a couple of specials; in the meantime, happy holidays to all.

Track listing:
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Toone O Rangeele
2. Anette & Kishore Kumar: Chhodo Sanam
3. Kishore Kumar: Hamen Tumse Pyar Kitna
4. Asha Bhosle: Sajti Hai Yun Hi Mehfil - Part I
5. Parveen Sultana: Hamen Tumse Pyar Kitna
6. Asha Bhosle, Suresh Wadkar & Chorus: Sawan Nahin Bhadon Nahin
7. Asha Bhosle: Sajti Hai Yun Hi Mehfil - Part II
8. Chandrashekhar Gadgil: Dukh Sukh Ki
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Various: Disco Hits From Hindi Films (1980)

December 26, 2014, 2:23 am
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Disco Hits

Stumbling over this recently, I was drawn to the cover not only because of it's enticing imagery, but because it looked very familiar. And no wonder, as an almost identical one was used on Cultures of Soul's 'Bombay Disco' set from earlier this year.

'Disco Hits From Hindi Films' came out at the height of things and contains… well basically what is says on the box. Some of the tracks will be well known to those who have followed the blog for a while. 'Om Shanti Om' actually makes its third appearance, 'Chhodo Sanam' was featured only a few days ago, 'Jab Chaye' is as infectious as ever. Of the previously unposted stuff there's always room for some Usha Uthup in my life – 'Hari Om Hari' is cool even if it is essentially a Hindi version of Eruption's 'One Way Ticket'. With a bit of 'That's The Way I Like It' thrown in. But hey, loads of Bollywood disco has Western heritage... sometimes it just works.

Need music for the New Year's party? A quick introduction to Bollywood Disco? Or simply a concentrated fix? This one's for you then.

Track listing:
1. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Om Shanti Om (from Karz)
2. Usha Uthup & Chorus: Hari Om Hari (from Pyara Dushman)
3. Anette & Kishore Kumar: Chhodo Sanam (from Kudrat)
4. Asha Bhosle: Jab Chaye (from Lootmaar)
5. Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Yaar Ki Khabar Mil Gai (from Ram Balram)
6. Bappi Lahiri & Chorus: Yaari Hai (from Shiksha)
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Various: Cabaret Songs From Films (1976)

December 29, 2014, 2:00 am
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Cabaret Songs

Before disco, there was of course the cabaret number. And considering how much these show-stopping songs have informed the whole Music From The Third Floor project I think it only appropriate that a compilation of some of the best ones should be the blog's 300th record posted.

This is one hell of a cool LP (in one hell of a hot sleeve). Ok, the tracks are edited so connoisseurs will want to search out full length versions, but any album containing 'Piya Too Ab To Aaja', 'Aa Jaan-E-Jaan', 'Mera Naam Hai Shabnam'and'Aaj Ki Raat' (which if push comes to shove probably continues to be my favourite Bollywood song ever) in any form will inevitably be worthwhile, regardless. Add to that a couple of killer tunes from soundtracks still on my want list (come on guys, help me find 'em) and this collection has me beaming.

Track listing:
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Main Ik Ladki Hoon (from Nirmaan)
2. Asha Bhosle & R.D. Burman: Piya Too Ab To Aaja (from Caravan)
3. Lata Mangeshkar: Thoda Se Thehro (from Victoria No. 203)
4. Asha Bhosle: Jaloon Main Jale Mera Dil (from Chhupa Rustam)
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Aa Jaan-E-Jaan (from Intaqam)
6. Asha Bhosle: Raat Akeli Hai (from Jewel Thief)
7. Asha Bhosle: Mera Naam Hai Shabnam (from Kati Patang)
8. Asha Bhosle: Hanhama Ho Gaya (from Anhonee)
9. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Woh Mere Pichhey Padi (from Ponga Pandit)
10. Asha Bhosle & R.D. Burman: Gulabi Chehra (from Madhosh)
11. Asha Bhosle: Reshmi Ujala Hai (from Sharmilee)
12. Asha Bhosle: Aaj Ki Raat (from Anamika)
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Charanjit Singh: Instrumental Film-Tunes (1975)

December 31, 2014, 3:24 am
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Instrumental Film-Tunes

2014 began with a collection of Charanjit Singh's reworkings of Bollywood movie hits, so why not end the year with another. Those of you familiar with these will know what to expect: a unique blend of garage-rock, lounge-pop and exotica, at times almost kitsch sounding (but in a deliciously good way) depending on his instrument of choice, all played by himself.

This one differs from the previous records featured in that it doesn't only contain RD Burman compositions. Additionally, the majority of them are from films I haven't posted the soundtracks from and thus new to me. But, just like before, everything on it sounds absolutely ace. I've heard Bollywood cover versions that sound really soulless; Charanjit Singh on the other hand seems to make everything he touches radiate with life. And joy.

See y'all next year!


Track listing:
1. Yeh Dosti - Transicord (Sholay)
2. O Manjhi Re - Claviolin (Khushboo)
3. Ek Main Aur Ek Too - Bass Guitar (Khel Khel Mein)
4. Aayega Aanewala - Transicord (Mahal)
5. Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi - Transicord & Claviolin (Chori Chori)
6. Ek Din Bik Jayega - Transicord & Claviolin (Dharam Karam)
7. Mehbooba Mehbooba - Transicord & Claviolin (Sholay)
8. Tumhen Yaad Hoga - Transicord & Claviolin (Satta Bazar)
9. Naina Barsen Rimjhim - Transicord & Claviolin (Woh Kaun Thi)
10. Tere Milne Se Pahle - Hawaiian Guitar (Ponga Pandit)
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Madan Mohan: Heer Raanjha (1970)

February 6, 2015, 1:06 am
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Heer Raanjha

When he wasn't rocking out surf-punk style, Madan Mohan would compose some of the most mesmerizing songs ever heard in Bollywood movies. If the ones on 'Heer Raanjha' aren't quite as mind-bogglingly remarkable as his greatest moments (which would come a year or two down the line), this is nevertheless an excellent soundtrack containing plenty to savour.

Both 'Meri Duniya Men' and 'Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil' belong to his school of atmospheric trippiness; beautiful shifting melodies, subtle backing and lush strings. 'Doli Chadhte Heer Ne Bain Kiye' too, but this one includes dramatic breaks that lend an extra bit of tension to the proceedings. There's more drama on the almost poppy sounding 'Milo Na Tum To' and 'Do Dil Toote Do Dil Hare', and 'Tere Kooche Men Tera Diwana' has so much happening it's practically an entire suite by itself.

The album is a useful reminder that Bollywood soundtracks don't always have to include Western elements for me to love them. Begging the question, have I already posted Madan Mohan's best work, or are there more gems to discover?

Track listing:
1. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Meri Duniya Men
2. Mohd. Rafi: Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Doli Chadhte Heer Ne Bain Kiye
4. Hemlata, Krishna Kalle, Usha Timothy, Balbir & Chorus: Jo Mama Mera Aa Jaega
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Milo Na Tum To
6. Mohd. Rafi: Tere Kooche Men Tera Diwana
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Do Dil Toote Do Dil Hare
8. Shamshad Begum, Jagjit Kaur, Noor Jehan & Chorus: Naache Ang Ve
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Ramlal: Geet Gaya Patharonne (1964)

February 23, 2015, 6:10 am
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TITLE

It's always fun coming across music directors and playback singers I haven't heard before. As much as I love the blog's mainstays it's kind of refreshing with the odd break from all the usual suspects. I know very little about who Ramlal (Choudhary) is or was other than that his Bollywood career only seems to have lasted a few films. His score for 'Geet Gaya Patharonne' is traditional all the way through, and while it perhaps doesn't grab me as a whole the same way the previous post did, it certainly has its share of notable moments.

I'm very enamoured with C.H. Matma's soulful 'Mundve Tale Garib Ke'. Driven by a harmonium (possibly played by the singer himself) and rhythmically unconventional, it's unlike most other Indian film songs. 'Tere Khayalon Me Hum' is a quite unbelievably stunning piece; dreamy, atmospheric, a thing of great beauty. Lata Mangeshkar usually sings these, but younger sister Asha does a wonderful job here. The lovely 'Aaja Jaane Ja Mere Meherban' features a very peculiar drill-like noise in addition to a wobbly clarinet, augmenting a charmingly old-fashioned sounding melody. And finally, the second version of the title tune is enchanting. It was classical singer Kishori Amonkar's sole venture into film music; her delivery is impeccable but she apparently disliked the industry too much to keep at it. I absolutely adore the choreography in the film sequence.

Definitely worth checking out, this one.

Track listing:
1. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Geet Gaya Patharonne
2. Asha Bhosle: Janewale O Mere Pyar
3. C.H. Atma: Mundve Tale Garib Ke
4. Mahendra Kapoor, Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Aayea Padhariye
5. Asha Bhosle: Tere Khayalon Me Hum
6. Asha Bhosle: Raat Nav Javan
7. Asha Bhosle: Aaja Jaane Ja Mere Meherban
8. Kishori Amonkar & Chorus: Geet Gaya Patharonne
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Rahul Dev Burman: Barsaat Ki Ek Raat (1980)

March 14, 2015, 7:44 am
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Barsaat Ki Ek Raat

Since rebooting MFT3F (after the initial project was finished) the aim has been to only obtain Bollywood soundtracks that I know or at least think I'll like. Inevitably though, the odd mispurchase will sometimes occur. Like with 'Barsaat Ki Ek Raat'.  In my defense it was part of larger lot I recently acquired; I probably wouldn't have given this soundtrack much thought otherwise. Or I'd have at least checked it out first. Because truth be told, it's a bit of a dud.

The melodies are forgettable and the arrangements mostly uninteresting. A cool synth and flute based intro gives hope for 'Haye Wo Pardeshi', and it's by far the best song on the album, but still a bit underwhelming. At least when you know what RD Burman was capable of. One of his lesser known soundtracks for a reason I guess; one for the completists.

Track listing:
1. Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar: Apne Pyar Ke Sapne
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Nadiya Kinare Pe
3. Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Manchali O Manchali
4. Kishore Kumar: Kaliram Ka Dhol
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Haye Wo Pardeshi
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Laxmikant Pyarelal: Anurodh (1976)

March 27, 2015, 4:15 am
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Anurodh

I'm on the fence about 'Anurodh'. Made during what I consider Laxmikant Pyarelal's least interesting couple of years (based on the stuff I've heard), it's the sort of soundtrack I have trouble qualifying. On the one hand I find every single melody forgettable (I've played the record four or five times and I'm unable to recall any of them), on the other hand I sort of appreciate its sparse arrangements including quite a few nice little instrumental details scattered throughout. Like the cool piano solo midway through 'Aapke Anurodh Pe', the atmospheric intro to 'Mere Dil Ne Tarap Ke' as well as a couple of pizzicato strings and saxophone interludes, and the variety of breaks on 'Aate Jaate Khoobsoorat' (accordion, mandolin, glockenspiel). The latter song also has a pleasant poppy groove and is the track I'd be most likely to return to. Otherwise this is an album probably not so much for me… one to find bits to sample from, if I'd been in the sampling business. Which I'm not.

Track listing:
1. Kishore Kumar: Aapke Anurodh Pe
2. Kishore Kumar: Mere Dil Ne Tarap Ke
3. Manna Dey & Chorus: Tum Besahara Ho (Sad)
4. Kishore Kumar: Aate Jaate Khoobsoorat
5. Manna Dey & Chorus: Tum Besahara Ho (Happy)
6. Kishore Kumar: Na Hansna Mere Gham Pe
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Rahul Dev Burman: Kasme Vaade (1978)

May 11, 2015, 4:48 am
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'Kasme Vaade' is another one of those RD Burman soundtracks that’s impossible to dislike yet difficult to get really excited by. The songs are kind of nice; 'Kasme Vaade Nibhayenge Hum', 'Gum Sum Kyon Hai' and 'Aati Rahengi Baharen' are poppy and pleasant, 'Mile Jo Kadi Kadi' has a likeable groove (traditional, not Western) and 'Kal Kya Hoga' is a typically Burmanesque mishmash of styles and themes. So what’s wrong then? I’m not sure. It’s hard to explain… perhaps there’s just not enough passion. I have no idea what RD’s brief (or mindset) was for this one, and I may be wrong but I get the sense of it being created on autopilot. It sounds adequate; not particularly great, but good enough.

And is that really good enough?

Track listing:
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar: Kasme Vaade Nibhayenge Hum
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar: Kasme Vaade Nibhayenge Hum (Part 2)
3. Asha Bhosle: Gum Sum Kyon Hai
4. Kishore Kumar, Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Mile Jo Kadi Kadi
5. Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar, Amit Kumar: Aati Rahengi Baharen
6. Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar & Amit Kumar: Aati Rahengi Baharen (Part 2)
7. R.D. Burman & Chorus: Kal Kya Hoga
8. Asha Bhosle & Anand Kumar: Pyar Ke Rang Se
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Rajesh Roshan: Aap Ke Deewane (1979)

May 22, 2015, 1:07 am
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Aap Ke Deewane

I still can’t decide to what (if any) extent I’m a fan of Rajesh Roshan. His music tends to vary from mildly pleasant to pretty good; never really bad but seldom truly spectacular. 'Aap Ki Deewane' is no exception.

Opener 'Ram Kare Allah Kare' is an easy going pop tune that turns out to be a bit of an earworm; if that’s a good thing or not is personal preference. 'Apni Khushiyan Tujh Ko' I like for its instrumental second half, especially the closing harmonica solo; it sort of brings Ennio Morricone to mind. Disco stomper 'Ham To Aap Ke Deewane Hain' might be the soundtrack’s best known track; with it’s incessant groove and rousing vocals it has the same sort of anthemic quality that makes Laxmikant Pyarelal’s 'Om Shanti Om' so memorable. (The film clip is mind-boggling by the way…)

My personal favourites (currently) are 'Mere Dil Men Jo Hota Hai' and 'Tum Ko Khush Dekh Kar'. String laden and stirring, they have the strongest melodies here; the latter in particular has the distinct European feel also heard on Roshan’s breakthrough score 'Julie'.

Track listing:
1. Lata Mangeshkar, Mohd. Rafi, Amit Kumar & Chorus: Ram Kare Allah Kare
2. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Apni Khushiyan Tujh Ko
3. Kishore Kumar, Amit Kumar & Chorus: Ham To Aap Ke Deewane Hain
4. Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar & Mohd. Rafi: Mere Dil Men Jo Hota Hai
5. Kishore Kumar & Mohd. Rafi: Tere Jalwa
6. Kishore Kumar, Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Tum Ko Khush Dekh Kar
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