Laxmikant Pyarelal: Raaste Kaa Patthar (1973)

I'm not sure how much the typically compressed 70s pressing has to do with it, but to me the soundtrack to 'Raaste Kaa Patthar' [review] sounds like a demo; made in a garage. Albeit a large one, to fit the orchestra, but still. There's a rawness to it that I don't hear on most other Bollywood albums - and it's all the better for it. It sounds dramatic, loud, distorted, full of jagged, jerky rhythms; I love it!

It's hard to pick highlights on a record that's more or less terrific from start to finish, but let's give it a go: 'Main Sharab Bechati Hoon', starting off with an ominous flute, angry guitar strums and loose percussion, is a gorgeous ballad interspersed with a variety of cool, upbeat breaks; 'Theme Music' is a wild and wonderful organ laden soul jazz instrumental with spaghetti western guitar bits and frantic horn solos; and the amazing 'Ma Ma Ma Ya Ya Ya' sounds like a jubilant carnival number, perhaps as played by old school Motown session musicians.

Get this one! And Merry Christmas.

Track listing:
1. Asha Bhosle: Main Sharab Bechati Hoon
2. Mukesh: Raaste Kaa Patthar
3. Mukesh & Asha Bhosle: Ib Tum Paas Naa Aana
4. Theme Music
5. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Ma Ma Ma Ya Ya Ya
6. Mukesh & Asha Bhosle: Main Hardum