Various: Gujarati Film Songs (1970)

As long as we're exploring different regions of India, here's a compilation that's been lying around for a while featuring songs from Gujarati cinema, aka Gollywood or Dhollywood, the latter sobriquet apparently chosen for a profuse use of the Dhol drum. And this is a very percussive, mostly traditional set of songs. Not my preferred cup of tea usually, but I actually find myself enjoying some of these quite a bit.

A few well known names crop up in addition to several I'm not at all familiar with. Asha Bhosle's 'Dham Dhamak Dham Sanjelu' is hugely compelling, and Geeta Roy (Dutt) sounds typically lovely on 'Ratana Ramada'. Dilip Dholkia appears to have worked in Bollywood under the name Dilip Roy; his 'Taari Aankhno Baheeni' is a charming old-school jazz tune. 'Mhare Te Gamde' features Ameerbai Karnataki and sounds sweetly folky.

Note: Track info is mostly taken from the record's Discogs entry as everything on the cover and labels is in Gujarati.

Track listing:
1. Lata Mangeshkar & Pinakin Shah: Mehndi Te Lagi Malave (Garbo) (from Mehndi Rang Lagyo)
2. Dilip Dholkia: Taari Aankhno Baheeni (from Divadandee)
3. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Dham Dhamak Dham Sanjelu (from Narsaiyyanee Hundi)
4. Mukesh: Najarna Gam Chalkavi (from Akhand Saubhagyavati)
5. Geeta Roy: O Bhabhi Tamen Thoda Thoda (from Gunsundari)
6. Geeta Roy & A.R. Ojha: Ratana Ramada (from Mangal Fera)
7. Krishna Kalle: Banina Char Char Phool (from Samay Varte Savadhan)
8. Manna Dey & Kamal Barot: Jut Javo Chandanhar Lavo (from Akhand Saubhagyavati)
9. Geeta Roy: Aaj Mari Nanandiye Melun Bharyun (from Gunsundari)
10. Ameerbai Karnateki: Mhare Te Gamde (Ras) (from Ranakdevi)
11. Geeta Roy: Taliona Tale (Garbo) (from Mangal Fera)

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Various: Cabaret Songs From Films (1976)

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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Various: Disco Hits From Hindi Films (1980)

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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Mohd. Rafi: Rare Hits Vol. 1 (1987)

I'm not sure about this one's origin, or indeed its legality... I suspect 'Rare Hits Vol. 1' (I've never seen a second volume) might not be entirely sanctioned. But never mind; neither is this blog, technically. Concluding this week's Mohd. Rafi series then; sixteen tracks he recorded between 1961 and 1966, presented in chronological order. Whether or not they're actually rare, I have no idea.

It's back to regular services next.

Track listing:
1. Agar Dil Kisise (from Bada Admi)
2. Woh Saadgi Kahen Ise (from Shama)
3. Cheda Jo Dilka Fasana (from Nakli Nawab)
4. Zara Sun Haseena (from Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya)
5. Phir Aane Laga Yaad (from Ye Dil Kisko Doon)
6. Teri Tasveer Bhi Kuch (from Kinare Kinare)
7. Hamne Kya Pyar Kiya (from Naag Mohini)
8. Zindagi Tu Jhoomle Zara (from Kaise Kahoon)
9. Mere Mehboob Kahin Aur (from Ghazal)
10. Paas Baitho Tabiyat (from Punar Milan)
11. Mana Mere Haseen Sanam (from The Adventures Of Robin Hood)
12. Jaane Woh Kaun Hai Kya (from Bheegee Raat)
13. Haye Tabassum Tera (from Nishan)
14. Jaane Kahan Dekha Hai (from Biwi Aur Makan)
15. Teri Zulfen Pareshan (from Preet Na Jane Reet)
16. Khamosh Zindagi Ko (from Naag Mandir)

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Mohd. Rafi: Lingering Memories (1981)

An interesting side effect of exploring these Rafi albums is coming across music directors (composers) I haven't heard of before, never mind posted stuff by. I make no claims to MFT3F being in any way comprehensive, but I believe I have at least touched on most of the important MDs active between 1965-1985. But prior to that? I feel I've only scratched the surface.

Husnalal Bhagatram, N. Dutta, Lalaassar Sattar, Rono Deb Mukerji, S. N. Tripathi, C. Arjun, G.S. Kohli, Ghulam Mohammed… who were they all? It's tempting to research properly, and one day maybe I will. Are any of them particularly worth noting?

I like this album; 'Mainne Chand Aur Sitaron Ki Tamanna Ki Thi', 'Chiragh Dil Ka Jalao' and 'Aai Bahorah Ki Sham' all sound beautifully evocative.

Track listing:
1. O Door Ke Musafir - Chorus (from Uran Khatola)
2. Mainne Chand Aur Sitaron Ki Tamanna Ki Thi (from Chandrakanta)
3. Chiragh Dil Ka Jalao (from Chirag)
4. Na Kisi Ki Ankh Ka Noor Hoon (from Lal Qilla)
5. Bhoola Hua Fasana (from So Saal Baad)
6. Basti Basti Parbat Parbat (from Railway Platform)
7. Jaag Dil-E-Diwana (from Oonche Log)
8. Aai Baharoh Ki Sham (from Wapas)
9. Mere Pyar Men Tujhe Kya Mila (from Suhagan)
10. Adam Ka Lahu (from Tu Hi Meri Zindagi)
11. Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe (from Kanyadaan)
12. Too Kahan Yeh Bata (from Tere Ghar Ke Samne)

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Mohd. Rafi: Homage To The Immortal Voice (1980)

Released shortly after Mohd. Rafi's passing in 1980, this album is more an audio documentary than a conventional collection of songs. It features a lot of narration, which I'm obviously unable to comment on (and there's no written mention of who it is supplying it), interspersed with musical extracts. Perhaps surprisingly, it's the single non-Filmi song that I find myself liking the most at the moment.

Track listing:
1. Ham To Chale Pardes (from Sargam)
    Yahan Badla Wafa Ka (from Jugnu)
    Bapuki Amar Kahani (from Bapuki Amar Kahani)
    Tere Bharose He Nandlala
    Man Tarpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj (from Baiju Bawra)
    Ab Kya Misal Doon (from Aarti)
    Chaudhvin Ka Chand (from Chaudhvin Ka Chand)
    Ham Bekhudi Men (from Kala Pani)
2. Teri Zulfon Se Judai (from Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai)
    Kahan Ja Raha Hai (from Seema)
    Teri Aankhon Ke Siva (from Chirag)
    Sau Baar Janam Lenge (from Ustadon Ke Ustad)
    O Door Ke Musafir (from Uran Khatola)
    Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari (from Kaagaz Ke Phool)
    Yeh Zindagi Ke Mele (from Mela)
    Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paoge (from Pagla Kahin Ka)
    Ehsan Mere Dil Pe (from Gaban)

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Mohd. Rafi: We Remember… (1979)

I have a confession to make. With the exception of Geeta Dutt, I've never really been that big a fan of any of the famous Bollywood playback singers. Obviously I love loads of the songs that Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mukesh, Mohd. Rafi et al. lent their voices to, but more often than not that is due to the composition and the arrangments. I know I've mentioned on occasion how nobody did ballads quite like Lata; gone on about the spectacularly cool Asha-sung cabaret songs; enthused about those quintessential Rafi beat numbers… but that has as much to do with the material the vocalists were given, I think, as what they did with it. To me anyway. Sacrilege? Well maybe. Don't get me wrong; their contribution to Bollywood film music is massive and I'm not knocking any of them; it's just that the singing has never been my primary approach to enjoying it.

Which is why I never look for singer-based compilation albums, and why I've never given these Mohd. Rafi ones I obtained years ago many listens, or even much thought. You could say it was about time, and it pleases me to find there's plenty on them I find worthwhile.

Track listing:
1. Tujhe Kya Sunaoon (from Aakhri Dao)
2. Ajab Hai Dastan (from Shararat)
3. Duniya Ek Kahani (from Afsana)
4. Sau Baar Janam Lenge (from Ustadon Ke Ustad)
5. Main To Tere Haseen Khayalon Men (from Sangram)
6. Wadiyan Mera Daman (from Abhilasha)
7. Kabhi Na Kabhi (from Sharabi)
8. Ham Tum Se Juda Ho Ke (from Ek Sapera Ek Lutera)
9. Itni Haseen Itni Jawan Raat (from Aaj Aur Kal)
10. Akela Hoon Main Is Duniya Men (from Baat Ek Raat Ki)
11. Tum Chali Jaogi (from Shagoon)
12. Tasveer Banata Hoon (from Diwana)
13. Lal Lal Gaal (Chorus) (from Mr. X)
14. Ae Chand Ki Zebai (from Chhoti Si Mulaqaat)
15. Ek Haseen Sham Ko (from Dulhan Ek Raat Ki)
16. Mohabbat Ki Rahon (from Uran Khatola)
17. Shama Men Taaqat Kahan (fron Naya Kanoon)
18. Phir Wohi Bhooli Si Yaad Aayi Hai (from Begana)
19. Hai Kali Kali Ke Kab Par (from Lala Rookh)
20. Mohabbat Ke Dhoke Men Koi Na Aaye (from Bari Bahen)
21. Yeh Wadiyan Yeh Fizayen (from Aaj Aur Kal)
22. Caravan Guzar Gaya (from Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal)
23. Zamin Bhi Wohi Hai Wohi Aasman (from Chandni Chowk)
24. Sawan Ke Mahine Men (from Sharabi)

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Mohd. Rafi: Ghazals From Films (1963)

Another playback singer compilation; a collection of ghazals sung by Mohd. Rafi. "Ghazal" is a term relating more to lyrical than musical content, but it comes as no surprise that these are, to a large extent, low key, traditional sounding songs. I know that many who follow the blog have, like me, a fondness for the stuff Rafi did with Shankar Jaikishan (especially), those cool jazz or high energy rock 'n' roll numbers; there are however no 'Jan Pahechan Ho's here.

But it's an album worth attention nonetheless. Lots of lovely songs; 'Ab Kya Misal Doon', 'Husna Wale Tera' (I love the glockenspiel sound) and 'Tero Pyari Pyari' (which is Shankar Jaikishan) are current favourites. There's something warm and reassuring about Rafi's voice on everything here. I like it.

This is the first in a five day series of Rafi LPs. Sort of by popular demand.

Track listing:
1. Chaudhvin Ka Chand (from Chaudhvin Ka Chand)
2. Teri Zulphonse Judai (from Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai)
3. Ab Kya Misal Doon (from Aarti)
4. Dil Men Chhupake (from Aan)
5. Ye Aansoo Mere (from Hamrahi)
6. Jo Baat Tujhme Hai (from Taj Mahal)
7. Nahin Bhoolegi Woh (from Barsaat Ki Raat)
8. Husna Wale Tera (from Gharana)
9. Ham Bekhudi Men (from Kalapani)
10. Teri Pyari Pyari (from Sasural)
11. Zindagi Aaj (from Son Of India)
12. Hum Ko Tumhare (from Ek Musafir Ek Hasina)

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Geeta Dutt: Hit Songs From Films (1969)

I don't often buy compilations, be they of film music or otherwise, but when there's a Geeta Dutt album sitting inexpensive and unloved on eBay... that's hard to resist.

And she's my favourite playback singer. Funny that actually, considering she was long before the period in Bollywood film music I usually prefer. Something about her voice though… Music critic Raju Bharatan said "The first thing that strikes one when you hear Geeta Dutt sing was that she never sang. She just glided through a tune. Of all her contemporaries her musical training was perhaps the sketchiest but what she lacked in training and technique, she more than made up with her ability to breathe life and emotion into any song she was singing."

Highlights? There are 12 of them.  

Track listing:
1. Babuji Dheere Chalna (from Aar Paar)
2. Ae Dil Mujhe Bata De (from Bhai Bhai)
3. Hawa Dheere Aana (from Sujata)
4. Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Laga Lo (from Pyaasa)
5. Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam (from Kaagaz Ke Phool)
6. Kaise Koi Jiye (from Baadbaan)
7. Jaane Kya Tu Ne Kahi (from Pyaasa)
8. Jata Kahan Hai Diwane (from C.I.D.)
9. Na Ye Chand Hoga (from Shart)
10. Na Jao Saiyan (from Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam)
11. Mera Sunder Sapna Beet Gaya (from Do Bhai)
12. Ghubhat Ka Pat Khol (from Jogan)

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Lata Mangeshkar: Songs For Children

A while back, I was asked by a reader if I could recommend some Bollywood songs aimed at kids. At the time I couldn't, but being a parent myself, the request did pique my curiosity. I've always had a soft spot for artists who show the youngest segment of their audience their due respect, so when this album turned up I found it hard to resist.

And as it turns out, 'Songs For Children' is a great collection. No one in Bollywood sang ballads like Lata Mangeshkar, and there are quite a few really lovely ones here. Nothing in the way of spectacular trimmings, just very good melodies, subtly and beautifully arranged. 'Aa Ja Ri Nindiya Too Aa', 'Dhire Se Aaja Ri Akhiyan Men' 'Door Ke Ae Chanda' and 'Chanda Hai Too Mera Suraj Hai Too' (which I've posted before) are my current favourites. The songs on the second half are slightly more upbeat, and within this context I find them less interesting, but they're still worth checking out.

I'm obviously unable to determine if all lyrics for these were written with kids in mind; I suspect most of the films they're taken from aren't specifically children's movies. "A treasure of memorable lullabies and melodious songs for children" the liner notes say, "for parents it is an ideal gift to give to their children and to the children of their friends". To be honest, the album doesn't interest my own son much, but that probably has to do with cultural context and language. And possibly vintage. Would Hindi children like this album, in 2011?

Track listing:
1. Aa Ja Ri Nindiya Too Aa (from Do Bigha Zamin)
2. Dhire Se Aaja Ri Akhiyan Men (from Albela)
3. Neend Pari Lori Gae (from Char Diwari)
4. Door Ke Ae Chanda (from Ek Dil Sao Afsane)
5. Mere Chanda Mere Nanhe (from Aakhri Khat)
6. Chanda Hai Too Mera Suraj Hai Too (from Aradhana)
7. Ek Do Teen Chaar (from Sant Gyaneshwar)
8. Yeh Kahte Hain Baba Mere (from Mere Lal)
9. Main Ek Nanha Sa Bachcha Hoon (from Harishchandra Taramati)
10. Meethi Meethi Baaton Se Bachna Zara (from Qaidi No 911)
11. Bachche Nab Ke Sachche (from Da Kaliyan)
12. Tumhin Ho Mata (from Main Chup Rahungi)

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The Magnificent O.P. Nayyar: His Memorable Film Hits (1979)

Following on from the last post, an album that compiles some of O.P. Nayyar's earlier songs. Hits the title says, though I wouldn't really know; I'm sure some of them were.

There's some ace stuff on it though: The lovely 'Haath Aaya Hai Jab Se Tera Haath Men' (from 'Dil Aur Mohabbat') with its funny Hawaiian sounding break, the happy 'Piya Piya Piya Mora Jiya Pukare' ('Baap Re Baap') with a bit of yodelling in it, the cool and slighty jazzy 'Raat Sard Sard Hai' ('Jaali Note'), the charming 'Too Zara Si Baat Pe' ('Mr. Lambu'), and best of all, the delightfully chirpy 'Chor Lutera Daku' ('Ustad'). Geeta Dutt has a really sweet voice... and you can hear where Nayyar's reputation as the King of Rhythm was coming from.

And more. Lots of goodies. As Best Of's go, 'The Magnificent O.P. Nayyar' is a swell album.

Incidentally, Nayyar was the only Bollywood music director of note to never once utilize Lata Mangeshkar. Funny chap.

Track listing:
1. Mohd. Rafi & Geeta Dutt: Tumhin Ne Dard Diya Hai (from Chhoo Mantar, 1956)
2. Geeta Dutt: Chor Lutera Daku (from Ustad, 1957)
3. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Yun Muskuru Ke (from Qaidi, 1957
4. Asha Bhosle, Shamshad Begum & Mohd. Rafi: To Bolo Kya Karo Ge (from Do Ustad, 1959)
5. Asha Bhosle & Mahendra Kapoor: Haath Aaya Hai Jab Se Tera Haath Men (from Dil Aur Mohabbat, 1968)
6. C.H. Atma: Diya To Jala (from Dhake Ki Malmal, 1956)
7. Asha Bhosle & Kishore Kumar: Piya Piya Piya Mora Jiya Pukare (from Baap Re Baap, 1955)
8. Shamshad Begum, Kishore Kumar, Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Aaj Suhani Raat Re (from Naya Andaz, 1956)
9. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Raat Sard Sard Hai (from Jaali Note, 1960
10. Suraiya & Mohd. Rafi: Too Zara Si Baat Pe (from Mr. Lambu, 1956)
11. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Raat Bhar Ka Hai Mehman Andhera (from Sone Ki Chidiya, 1958)
12. Kishore Kumar: Surma Mera Nirala (from Kabhi Andhera Kabhi Ujala, 1958)

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The Best Of Music Director Ravi (1984)

Other than 'Kaajal' (below), the only other Ravi soundtrack I own is an e.p. - which I vaguely recall being quite good but I'm going to wait a bit before posting. (I need to find it first... after last year's move there are still loads of things that aren't where they're supposed to be). Instead, here's a compilation of songs taken from other scores of his... some quite nice, some a bit dull, most of them low key, none that I find exceptionally exciting if truth be told. A few of them were probably hits though.

Regular services to follow.

Track listing:
1. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Jab Liya Hath Men Hath (from Vachan, 1955)
2. Asha Bhosle: Kaise Kahun Main Baat (from Gehra Daag, 1963)
3. Mohd. Rafi: Yeh Wadiyan Yeh Fizayen (from Aaj Aur Kal, 1963)
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Aap Ki Inayaten (from Vandana, 1975)
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Lo Aagai Unki Yaad (from Do Badan, 1965)
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Badle Badle Mere Sarkar (from Chaudhvin Ka Chand, 1960)
7. Mahendra Kapoor: Aap Aayen (from Gumrah, 1963)
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Ai Mere Dil-E-Nadan (from Tower House, 1962)
9. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Mujhe Pyar Ki Zindagi Denewale (from Pyaar Ka Saagar, 1961)
10. Mohd. Rafi: Husna Se Chand Bhi Sharmaya Hai (from Door Ki Awaz, 1964)
11. Lata Mangeshkar: Hazar Baten Kahe Zamana (from Ghatna, 1974)
12. Mohd. Rafi: Bhala Karne Wale (Ghar Sansar, 1958)
13. Lata Mangeshkar: Sab Kuchh Luta Ke (from Ek Saal, 1957)
14. Salma Agha: Faza Bhi Hai Jawan (from Nikaah, 1982)
15. Mohd. Rafi: Raze Dil Unse (from Apna Banake Dekho, 1962)

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