RD Burman acquisitions are few and far between these days; a combination of already owning a lot of his best scores and the scarcity (and exorbitant asking prices) of those I don't. 'Bond 303' had been on my want list since almost day one, so I was pleased to finally acquire a copy without having to rob a bank first.
It's an enjoyable album, especially considering the vintage – mid-80s was a bit past Burman's prime. 'Main Hoon Lilly' seems to be most people's favourite and I'm not one to disagree; funky in a laid-back sort of way; titillating rhythm, loads of fun instrumental breaks and a stellar melody. And the triumvirate of RD, Asha Bhosle, and Helen on screen always did tend to work.
I'm also fond of 'Dil Agar Jawan Ho To' with it's cool jazzy vibe interspersed with disco bits. 'Main Tera Diwana' and 'Ab Jo Hoga So Hone Do' are nice too, both poppily upbeat. And the inclusion of instrumentals are usually a plus on Burman soundtracks; three of them here, all simply entitled 'Music'. The first is a compelling piece of electro-funk, the second a miniature suite of sorts; loud, dramatically orchestrated (reminiscent of Bernard Herrmann) yet ingeniously initiated by drum and bass-styled electronica. The last is a mysterious but groovy sounding snippet (a mere 30 seconds) comprised of just drums, bass guitar and a piano. I find them all excellent.
Track listing:
1. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Raaste Men Kal Ek Ladki Mili
2. Kishore Kumar, Rahul Dev Burman & Annette: Dil Agar Jawan Ho To
3. Amit Kumar, Suresh Wadkar & Kalyani: Main Tera Diwana
4. Music
5. Asha Bhosle: Main Hoon Lilly
6. Music
7. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Ab Jo Hoga So Hone Do
8. Music
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