Friday 10 December 2010

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Soul Of Bobby (1973)

10.12.10    54 comments

Soul Of Bobby

A much sought after and oft-requested classic. It's been a long time coming (I only managed to acquire a copy about a year or so ago) but well worth the wait. And many will already be familiar with it, by reputation if nothing else. For the uninitiated, what we have here is the result of somebody, possibly director Raj Kapoor, coming up with the fairly unique idea of releasing, in addition to the conventional song based soundtrack album, Laxmikant Pyarelal's background score to 'Bobby' as an extended instrumental suite, spread over two LP sides. And what a great idea that was.

It's a delight to listen to, from beginning to end. 'Soul Of Bobby' contains more or less everything a good Bollywood score can potentially throw at you; Indian classical, occidental pop, dramatic orchestrations, experimental playfulness, lounge, funk, jazz, exotica... the works. Seamlessly stitched together into a perfectly flowing whole. I've seen the movie and probably won't ever again; this record on the other hand, I can happily leave on repeat for hours on end.

Track listing:
1. Raj Kapoor: Introduction
2.-3. Background Music

54 comments:

  1. MFT3F10 December 2010 at 09:03:00 CET

    http://lix.in/-8f305f

    And that, for now at least, was the last post. The box is empty. Around 200 LPs and EPs ripped, scanned and shared. More than I thought, and taking a hell of a lot longer (4 years) than planned (2 years), though there have been a few new acquisitions along the way.

    It's been good though... partly because I got the chance to give my collection the evaluation I intended, but mostly because of the response. When starting Music From The Third Floor, I didn't dream it would pick up such a following. Therefore thanks are due, to those whom I've befriended along the way, to the many I've engaged in enlightening and fun discourse with, and to all who have shared insight, personal takes, sent me music and otherwise shown support. All very much appreciated.

    At the moment, there's a part of me not really wanting to hear another Bollywood song for at least a decade. Or maybe it'll simply be refreshing to be able to listen to one without having to author a commentary. Knowing myself though, I'll probably be tempted to grab additional soundtracks, if, as and when they should come my way. In which case, chances are I'll post them here. (That being one of the reasons I'm writing these words as a comment, and not as a seperate goodbye post). So hang on to the bookmark, if you want.

    I will obviously leave the blog online for as long as the powers that be allows it to, and will still be reading, and sometimes responding to any new comments that pop up. Other than that, this project is now completed.

    x

    ReplyDelete
  2. litlgrey10 December 2010 at 09:45:00 CET

    Wow, PC... holy cow! Not only for this news, but also for the cosmetic o'erhaul. Two milestones!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Blago10 December 2010 at 10:08:00 CET

    Thank you for this... and ALL the other great posts here. We knew it was coming but it's still sad to see you stop. I loved this place.
    But why the site design overhaul? Tis rather drastic... :) Huge big letters, but it's not clear that they represent Music From The Third Floor, imho. Are you planning to do something else with "the brand" in the future?

    ReplyDelete
  4. MFT3F10 December 2010 at 10:29:00 CET

    No immediate plans, no. I'm not even sure if 'Music From The Third Floor' was a very strong brand in the first place; most of the places that link to here refer to it as 'Third Floor Music', from the url. Essentially though, I was just tired of the old design, and knowing the blog was about to end, I wanted to leave it looking new and fresh. And I happen to like big bold typefaces at the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Reza10 December 2010 at 12:50:00 CET

    Well it's an album I do have, probably my number one fave bolly album so a cracking last post for everyone
    Would just like to say thanks for all you have posted and for your insightful album reviews, for me personally it's been fantastic
    Hard to believe it's been 4 years
    Hope you have a great xmas my friend

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous10 December 2010 at 14:19:00 CET

    Thanks for all the music.

    ReplyDelete
  7. memsaab10 December 2010 at 14:23:00 CET

    Well, I'd say I'll miss you PC but we'll keep in touch :) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing so much great music over the years, as well as your knowledge and your humour!

    I like the new look :) Have been thinking of doing a major overhaul over at my place too. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. MFT3F10 December 2010 at 14:41:00 CET

    Cheers Reza, you too. And Memsaab, of course we'll stay in touch!

    ReplyDelete
  9. dynamite ham10 December 2010 at 18:12:00 CET

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have shared over these years. And congratulations on curating such a rich collection of music with such panache.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous10 December 2010 at 18:13:00 CET

    Once again the same thing happening....All good things come to an end....eventuaaly...!

    ReplyDelete
  11. mumbler10 December 2010 at 18:36:00 CET

    Thank you for some amazing music! Sad to see it finally end, but happy to see you finish your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Chuckie Jo10 December 2010 at 19:10:00 CET

    And the best for last! Unlike some hyped records, "Soul of Bobby" deserves its rep and perfectly caps your project. That box of records couldn't have fallen into better hands. Thanks for all the time and effort and awesome sounds.

    ReplyDelete
  13. viz10 December 2010 at 19:37:00 CET

    I cant believe it that the show has ended... will miss it like hell.. but have to thank u from the bottom of my heart for all the effort.. u really like rock PC.. hope u r back asap! Till then take care and Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  14. rich10 December 2010 at 20:24:00 CET

    all of the albums u posted many thanx. i got alot of good indian from here. u will be missed

    ReplyDelete
  15. David McDougall10 December 2010 at 23:23:00 CET

    Not sure I've ever commented here before, but I extend a hearty thanks for adding so much to my musical life over these last 4 (!) years.
    Cheers,

    ReplyDelete
  16. joeysimms11 December 2010 at 00:35:00 CET

    Thanks alot for sharing all this fantastic music! MFTTF is far and away my favorite blog on the innernets. As a fellow Bollywood head I was very pleased to see so many of my faves get the loving attention they so richly deserve - a good 90% of my treasure is cassettes, so it's nice to hear some sweet vinyl rips.

    Now, if someone could kindly point me to another blog as awesome as MFTTF, but focusing on Telugu / Malayalam soundtracks of Illiayaraja ...

    ReplyDelete
  17. ajnabi195711 December 2010 at 01:02:00 CET

    thanks so much for this blog. I'm a late follower and totally bummed that this may be the end. You've brought lots of pleasure to all of us 'chelas'!

    All the best in the New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  18. ajnabi195711 December 2010 at 01:03:00 CET

    I'm a recent chela. Thanks so much. It has been one of the best blogs in the sphere. All the best in the New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  19. જયપાલ થાનકી11 December 2010 at 12:53:00 CET

    Great effort. Thanks a ton.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous11 December 2010 at 13:46:00 CET

    Thanks.
    Anonymous Malaysia.

    ReplyDelete
  21. mrdantefontana11 December 2010 at 19:55:00 CET

    Thank You for a great blog and some great music!

    ReplyDelete
  22. MFT3F11 December 2010 at 20:31:00 CET

    Thanks, it was always a thrill being mentioned on PCL LinkDump :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous11 December 2010 at 20:55:00 CET

    Thanks and good luck

    ReplyDelete
  24. bobb11 December 2010 at 20:58:00 CET

    Thanks for all the wonderful music!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous11 December 2010 at 21:28:00 CET

    Here I was making a collection of Asha Solos for you and after reading your post that you don't want to listen to another song is kind of disappointing. just last month you were praising Geeta Dutt's voice. That is what happens when you don't understand the lyrics
    and is not your culture.

    Oh Well.

    One thing you failed to mention is what kind of sampling did you do.
    I guess this kind of music no longer inspires you.
    I am sure you didn't spend $3000 for nothing.

    Good luck

    ReplyDelete
  26. Golu11 December 2010 at 21:49:00 CET

    Thanks a lot PC for all these wonderful shares. I have a couple of times before posted my thoughts here. It is sad to see you take a temporary break but i sincerely hope to see you back. The rips that you have come up with are of superb quality and not to mention the crystal clear scans of the vinyls which are almost impossible to get anywhere at all, all over the internet..

    Will Miss this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  27. MFT3F11 December 2010 at 21:56:00 CET

    Anonymous, I think maybe you've misunderstood, or taken that point way too literally. I simply meant that, after evaluating and posting some 200 Bollywood soundracks, I could do with a break and listen to something completely different for a while. It not being my culture and not understanding the lyrics doesn't play into it; western pop and rock is, and I once went off that for half a decade. I have nothing but good things to say about Geeta Dutt and this music that I've been blogging about for the past 4 years. I'd hardly have bothered if that wasn't the case. Good, exciting music, whatever the genre, wherever it originates from, will always inspire me.

    ReplyDelete
  28. vinylfanatic12 December 2010 at 07:35:00 CET

    Well. Thanks PC for all the efforts u made to create this beautiful blog. It was a real treat. somehow, the blog has become a part of my internet surfing. In every day or two, i sneak into the place for whatever new updates are. I just loved the your rips. I will certainly miss this place & surely will not delete it from my bookmark, hoping to see you back again ...Have a great time...GOD BLESS.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Mister Naidu12 December 2010 at 18:28:00 CET

    Thanks PC for your generosity in sharing all these albums over the past 4 years. Your excellent rips, scans and reviews were truly appreciated. Can't thank you enough! And I'll definitely be on the lookout whenever you decide to make another post. :)

    Enjoy your new-found freedom. You've earned it.

    Best of luck in whatever you do. Mary Crimble and a Happy New Year. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. MFT3F12 December 2010 at 21:18:00 CET

    Cheers mate, the same to you. And I'll see you at yours :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. DJ Kool S12 December 2010 at 21:23:00 CET

    Wow - what a way to finish. Really appreciate your massive effort on this blog - really made a lot of people happy.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous13 December 2010 at 13:03:00 CET

    Awesomeness! Really nice......
    Long time since I commented now =P I used to be the first one most of the time.
    This one is one helluva rarity. I posted this to my blog really long time ago. Great to see your rip. Cheers! :)

    Thanks for sharing all the music PC, I will continue sending u stuff over Facebook etc. Meanwhile, you know whom to hit up if you find another pot of Gold ;-) (I remember your generous "Pantera" offer) That came like a cute surprise.
    Take care, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mr. Funk Soul'd Brother.

    Harshi :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Veen14 December 2010 at 00:16:00 CET

    Noooo...my brother in arms, my muse....mat jao!!! The standard of Hindi vinyl rips died the day PC hung his hat. And that is the truth.

    Regardless, I hope you do keep in touch.

    Hugs and Kisses, Veen

    ReplyDelete
  34. SCHOOL N COLLEGE PROJECTS15 December 2010 at 12:01:00 CET

    A NICE RARE ALBUM THANKS FOR SHARING.

    Regards,
    Deepak

    ReplyDelete
  35. symaster17 December 2010 at 05:11:00 CET

    Say it ain't so!

    I'll echo the sentiments of Tom above, this is/was my favorite blog, and I really enjoyed your rips, covers, reviews, and comments from other loyal followers. Can't believe it's been almost four years.

    I guess I'll still end up checking in every once in a while hoping for a new post or upload, force of habit I suppose. Anyway thanks for sharing your collection, you did a great job... and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, PC.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sunny18 December 2010 at 05:32:00 CET

    Thank you PC for all these lovely rips.
    Please dont say you wont be back cause i am sure you will.
    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Anonymous18 December 2010 at 23:22:00 CET

    I've really appreciated the time and effort that has gone into this blog and the wonderful music you've posted.

    On the strength of only hearing a few things, I'd become interested in Bollywood music, but it wasn't until I found your blog several years ago I was able to really dig in.

    You've been an excellent guide into a fascinating music, and your contributions will be missed.

    Thanks for everything, PC!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Anonymous19 December 2010 at 09:55:00 CET

    Man I am soooooooo late to this party.... I should just go and drown myself in a spoonful of water... (an old Hindi expression) Aaaargh!!

    Discovered Greta's blog very recently and through her, you.... And got this last post of yours... and no re-up requests to be made either! "Naaaahhhhhiiiiinnnnnn"...... as Greta would have summed it so eloquently :-D
    I've been spending the last 3 days fuuurrrrriooooossly downloading whatever is still up :-(

    Oh those film names... They all bring tears of joy to my eyes when I read them... Of all the memories, the childhood ones are so comforting... How true, I realised!

    I loooovvveee Jazz, Funk and all those 50-60-70s sounds, primarily through my father listening to those genres and Hindi film songs themed on the western sounds (purely on radio.. he never was interested in collecting... I suspect, couldn't afford it is the right word)!! And as a South Indian too :-O.. His friends never could understand him...

    Such a veritable trove here.... I know you won't re-up them... but please be kind to the late party comers such as I! Please please pretty please....

    Only megaupload links are working on some of them.... and I am so grateful for it! But that means as a freeloader |-( I can only pick one file at a time and keep watch for that to complete... then there's a waiting time... sigh! But this is too good to be missed.....

    Can you please reconsider and re-post some old tracks once in a while... specially those only rapidshare links of yore? I know RS is a business and has to support themselves, but their policies for freeloaders is nothing short of discriminatory (even zShare, badongo, easy-share to some extent)... Depositfiles, Mega, filefactory and mediafire.... (Oh I lovvve Mediafire, freeloaders can download multiple files) seem to be more freloader friendly.... **Ahem.. cough cough** hint for you in case you decide to re-up in future.

    But, mustn't crib too much.... I really appreciate your effort to put this up for the rest of us....

    Thank you sincerely. Or even better, So long and thanks for the fish :-D

    Merry Christmas, happy new year... I hope you don't go off this for half a decade like rock and pop ;-)


    Surio.
    --

    ReplyDelete
  39. dark aleph19 December 2010 at 11:10:00 CET

    I came here with only the vaguest interest in Bollywood film music, and thanks to your always enlightening and lively commentary I leave two years later as a lover of the form with favourite films, artists, eras, and genres.

    Many thanks from a pupil for these teachings! It was too intimidating and unknown a world for me to begin exploring it alone.

    I know from experience that writing about the things you love can impair your ability to simply enjoy them. Now that you will no longer be listening to the music with a critical ear, I hope you quickly rediscover the innocent joy of just listening. May the beat go on!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Jake20 December 2010 at 07:02:00 CET

    Thankyou PC! Awesome blog, may it live long and prosper in internet land. Thankyou for all your hard work and dedication to sharing such great (and wonderfully strange at times) music. Look forward to your occasional revisits. Thankyou again!

    ReplyDelete
  41. princess bEcenstein21 December 2010 at 23:32:00 CET

    Thank you for sharing so much wonderful music with us PC. I've been intermittently following you since the beginning (although I never posted my appreciation enough) and am very sad that you've finally finished. Glad to hear that there's the chance you might post on the odd occasion. My two cents worth - would love some Lollywood. ;)

    Although I'm sure you're heartily sick of Bollywood at the moment I'm sure you won't be able to stay away from it forever - it's like an addiction!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. isfahani3 January 2011 at 21:39:00 CET

    Thanks very much for all the lovely music. Enjoy your break, you deserve it!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Talawallah15 January 2011 at 21:04:00 CET

    Thanks so very much for all the great music PC, and for being an inspiration (along with Memsaab) to start my own blog. 'Music From The Third Floor' nights will continue at my house for the foreseeable future.
    Peace.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Jake7 February 2011 at 00:50:00 CET

    Hey how about one post a month?!! We need third floor back!!!

    ReplyDelete
  45. MFT3F7 February 2011 at 08:51:00 CET

    I don't have anything left to post I'm afraid.

    ReplyDelete
  46. marrrtin24 February 2011 at 19:09:00 CET

    lol
    don't worry there is always more in bollywood & indian music !!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Stefan8 March 2011 at 18:22:00 CET

    Thank you so much for all the great soundtracks! I was following this blog for quite a while and it was kind of an entrance to a secret world to me. Hope you don't quit for ever...

    Best wishes from Berlin, Germany!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Zer0_II23 March 2011 at 05:52:00 CET

    PC,

    Hopefully you remember me. This is Zer0_II from the Digital Meltd0wn Music Blogroll. I have been updating all of the blogs I had tagged as being "on hiatus," and removing those which had been on hiatus longer than six months, unless I could get in contact with them and they notified me that they intended to update their blog in the future.

    I already noticed your comment above, so I'm not going to remove your blog from the list. I would like for you to contact me. There is something that I would discuss with you in a more private setting. If you could, please shoot me an e-mail to shockw4ve_x at hotmail.

    I look foward to hearing back from you. Take care.

    Zer0_II
    http://digitalmeltd0wn.blogspot.com
    http://music-bloggers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. MFT3F23 March 2011 at 16:11:00 CET

    Thanks for not removing me. In fact, there should be a new post or two within the next couple fo weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Other Dave3 April 2011 at 19:14:00 CEST

    Its 4 years of hard work and posts for a lifetime collection of music.

    Hats off to you PC. Thank you for every single bit that you have ripped ans saved and uploaded for us. I appreciate your work.

    Thanks once again

    ReplyDelete
  51. Jerry2 May 2011 at 05:15:00 CEST

    wanted to say thanks again for your posts. we are playing these tracks tonight on our radio show NPR 102.7 KRNN, sundays 9-11pm Juneau, Alaska. we began posting our episodes at www.alaskanscorcher.com so tonights show will be up tomorrow.

    thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  52. MFT3F5 May 2011 at 10:17:00 CEST

    Fantastic! Listening to the podcast as I type.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Chris Geddes29 August 2011 at 13:03:00 CEST

    Thanks for sharing these, it's a fantastic blog. I found your site while looking for rips of some of my Bollywood lps and have of course ended up with a whole load of new wants.
    Thank goodness they're not as expensive as a few years ago!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Unknown2 September 2013 at 11:27:00 CEST

    PC bro

    awesome & rare rip

    thanks for share

    please upload new link

    thanks

    ReplyDelete

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