Rahul Dev Burman: The Train (1970)

For several reasons, 'The Train' [review] is a landmark record. It was the first ever Indian soundtrack album to be released on the Polydor label, ending a decades long near monopoly on the part of the Gramophone Company of India (EMI/HMV). The latter was obviously very annoyed by this intrusion, and in fact counteracted by releasing an EP of cover versions of the film's songs. Unsuccessfully, I'd imagine.

[Update: Cover versions EP available here]

But more importantly, this is the score on which RD Burman first introduced his groundbreaking, Asha sung/Helen performed (usually), nightclub cabaret style. 'O Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha' has all the markings: A meaty backbeat, frenzied guitar licks, whirling strings, hard horn blasts, trippy organ breaks, wild bongo drums, mad sonic experimentation… and a flirtatiously sung tune featuring RD himself doing that kooky Mehbooba thing with his voice. Totally over the top, and terrific. There had been cabaret songs before this, but RD was taking it to a whole other level. And imitators would soon follow suit. (Sadly, the album doesn't include the amazing sounding background music that serves as the track's intro in the video, nor other instrumental pieces. Check the review linked to above for tasters.)

There's plenty more good tracks as well. 'Gulabi Ankhen' is wonderfully catchy pop with a great groove, the percussive 'Saiyan Re Saiyan' is similarly impossible to sit still to (I adore the instrumental build starting at around 1:25), the bossa-flavoured 'Kis Liye Maine Pyar Kiya' is Lata Mangeshkar at her loveliest, and 'Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahin' is another cabaret number - less out there than 'O Meri Jaan' but nevertheless fabulous.

Incidentally, this is the only album I'm familiar with where Rafi is credited with his unabbreviated, if unusually spelled, first name.

Track listing:
1. Mohamed Rafi: Gulabi Ankhen
2. Asha Bhosle & Rahul Dev Burman: O Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha
3. Asha Bhosle: Saiyan Re Saiyan
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Kis Liye Maine Pyar Kiya
5. Mohamed Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Mujhse Bhala Yeh Kajal
6. Asha Bhosle: Maine Dil Abhi Diya Nahin