Shankar Jaikishan: Jahan Pyar Miley (1970)

All credit to Mohd. Rafi, who recorded some superb songs for Shankar Jaikishan, but it's the female sung tracks that appeal to me on their 1970 score for 'Jahan Pyar Miley'. Of the two versions of the title tune 'Chale Ja Chale Ja' I prefer Suman Kalyanpur's - something about its groove. And I'm really taken by the energetic and lavishly orchestrated 'Nas Nas Men Agan'; the scene in the film looks gorgeous and I wish the clip was in better quality. The best and I believe most famous track is the dazzling cabaret number (and Helen-vehicle) 'Baat Zara Hai Apas Ki'; steamy, jazzy (French New Orleans-tinged) and wonderful. The video clip features the main song; on record we're treated to a playful build-up as well.

A word on its playback singer, Sharda (aka Sharada). She's appeared on a few soundtracks posted earlier, most of them by Shankar Jaikishan, but is considerably less known than the likes of Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar. I've tended to enjoy her contributions; in addition to the above (for which she won a Filmfare Award), 'Leja Leja Leja Mera Dil' from 'An Evening In Paris', 'Hello Hello Sun Sun Sun' from 'Pyar Mohabbat' and 'Jane Chaman Shola Badan' from 'Gumnaam' all spring to mind. She released a self-penned, non-filmi EP in 1971; very groovy and kind of garage/psychedelic sounding; copies are hard to come by and likely out of my preferred price range, but I am intrigued. She even went on to score a few soundtracks herself; that's certainly something to investigate.

Track listing:
1. Mohd. Rafi: Chale Ja Chale Ja
2. Sharda: Baat Zara Hai Apas Ki
3. Mohd. Rafi: Dil Hai Ke Dharakta
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Nas Nas Men Agan
5. Mohd. Rafi: Ae Jan-E-Baharan
6. Suman Kalyanpur: Chale Ja Chale Ja


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Shankar Jaikishan: Shikar (1968)

As acquisitions become rarer, new posts become less frequent. But I do have a couple left in the box, starting with a late 60s Shankar Jaikishan score; they tend to be good value. And while 'Shikar' [review] might not be in my top anything of theirs, there's a nice (poppy) vibe running through it which makes for pleasant listening.

'Shikar Karne Ko Aaye' has a bright folky feel; even before finding the YouTube clip I could have guessed it was set in the countryside. Upbeat 'Hai Mere Pass To Aa' is another opportunity for Helen to be as sexy as only she can. Asha Parekh dances seductively to the great cabaret number 'Parde Men Rahne Do'; the instrumentation and arrangement is slightly more traditional here, yet it's my favourite track on the album. I've also grown a bit of fond of 'Jabse Laagi Tose Najariya'. There's always something to be said for both Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar on the same song.

Track listing:
1. Mohd. Rafi: Shikar Karne Ko Aaye
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Asha Bhosle: Jabse Laagi Tose Najariya
3. Asha Bhosle: Hai Mere Pass To Aa
4. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Parde Men Rahne Do
5. Asha Bhosle: Main Albeli Pyar Jata Kar
6. Mahendra Kapoor & Krishna Kalle: Mere Sarkar Meri Aahonka Asar Dekh Liya


If the above post gave you some joy or value, if you've ever been inspired by the contents of this blog, please consider leaving a tip. In addition to showing your support, you could gain access to currently unavailable downloads. Or, maybe buy a copy of MFT3F's unique guide to 100 Bollywood Soundtracks Every Music Lover Ought To Hear. Either way, you'll be letting me know the work I've put into this matters to you, and you'll be motivating me to continue.

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Shankar Jaikishan: Sachaai (1969)

More Shankar Jaikishan, and more good songs to savour. Unsurprisingly it's the cabaret numbers that initially stand out on 'Sachaai': 'Ae Dist Mere' is archetypal Mohd. Rafi sung rock 'n' roll (duetting with Manna Dey on this occasion), catchy as ever and containing some very trippy sitar breaks. And 'Kabse Dhari Hai', while pretty great in its own right, becomes downright stunning when matched with its visuals; Helen trapped in a whisky decanter on a technicolor set reminiscent of something Busby Berkely might have dreamed up.

Elsewhere, opener 'Mere Gunah Maaf Kar' is a dramatic (and pained) sounding waltz with a memorable melody, and conversely, closer 'Sau Baraski Zindagi Se' is a sweet, groovy, fireworks-filled pop tune.

Track listing:
1. Mohd. Rafi: Mere Gunah Maaf Kar
2. Asha Bhosle: Beet Chali Haae Ram
3. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Kabse Dhari Hai
4. Mohd. Rafi & Manna Dey: Ae Dost Mere
5. Asha Bhosle: O! More Saiyan
6. Asha Bhosle & Mohd. Rafi: Sau Baraski Zindagi Se


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Shankar Jaikishan: The Gold Medal (1975)

I'm having some trouble dating 'The Gold Medal'. According to Wikipedia, it premiered on 3 March 1969. Its IMDb entry however states 1984 as the year of release, while the Censor Board certificate displayed at the beginning of the film suggests 1979. The only thing that seems clear is that Shankar Jaikishan's soundtrack came out in 1975. So based on that, in addition to input received from MFT3F followers on Facebook, I'm inclined to believe that Wikipedia is mistaken, and that the film was produced around the mid-70s but not officially released until the 80s. If anyone knows otherwise, or a precise reason for the confusion, please let me know.

The music then, and a couple of noteworthy songs: 'Main Tumko Dekhti Hu' has a lovely melody, wrapped up in traditional percussion and soaring strings. Delightful 'Dheere Dheere Mere Dil Ke Paas' and cool cabaret number 'Mere Katil Utha Botal' bring the great S-J scores of the late sixties to mind (as well as renewed doubts as to when this was actually recorded). The rousing 'Aazadi Aayi Bhi To Kya' is kind of catchy too. Jaikishan passed away in 1971 so Shankar alone may have been responsible for this soundtrack; the two composers were generally at their best when working together, but some of the these later efforts are still worth checking out.

Track listing:
1. Asha Bhosle: Main Tumko Dekhti Hu
2. Mahendra Kapoor: Zamana Hare Note Ka
3. Sharda: Dheere Dheere Mere Dil Ke Paas
4. Asha Bhosle: Mere Katil Utha Botal
5. Mohd. Rafi: Aazadi Aayi Bhi To Kya
6. Inderjeet Singh Tulsi: Mere Malik Meri Baksh Dena Khata


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Shankar Jaikishan: Bombay Talkie (1970)

I suppose technically 'Bombay Talkie' [review] [2] isn't a Bollywood film. A US production, made by the subsequently world-renowned duo of Ismail Merchant and James Ivory, it nevertheless features several Indian star actors, deals with Bombay's film industry, and most importantly, is memorably scored by Shankar Jaikishan. Additionally, the soundtrack album was only released in India. So it definitely belongs on MFT3F.

Many of the tracks are variations on the film’s lovely title music, done in an assortment of styles. 'Now I Shall Call You Ma' (sitar based) and 'Picnic In The Cave' (flute and harpsichord) are particularly pleasing, as well as loungy vocal version 'Good Times, Bad Times', sung by the deliciously smoky-voiced Usha Iyer (aka Usha Uthup). She also performs the two versions of 'Hari Om Tat Sat', charming in a nostalgic sort of way. A bit of an earworm to be honest. With its eye-catching on-screen set, 'Typewriter Tip, Tip, Tip' is the most famous song; an archetypal Shankar Jaikishan cabaret number.

Music from the film was later used to good effect by Wes Anderson for his 2007 film 'The Darjeeling Limited'.

Track listing:
1. Title and Theme: Bombay Talkie
2. Mohd. Rafi: Tum Mere Pyar Ki Duniyamen
3. Incidental Music
4. Devotion
5. Rajput Suite
6. Now I Shall Call You "Ma"
7. More Incidental Music
8. Usha Iyer: Hari Om Tat Sat (Disc version)
9. Usha Iyer: Hari Om Tat Sat (with Orchestra)
10. Picnic In The Cave
11. Birthday Party I
12. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Typewriter Tip, Tip, Tip
13. Meeting
14. Birthday Party II
15. Usha Iyer: Good Times, Bad Times


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Shankar Jaikishan: Ek Phool Char Kante / Iqbal Qureshi: Love In Simla (1960)

To the extent Shankar Jaikishan's 'Ek Phool Char Kante' is well known it will likely be for featuring actor/singer/Elvis-soundalike Iqbal Singh's 'Bombshel Baby' [sic], a track that would lend its title to Bombay Connection's superb compilation 'Bombshell Baby of Bombay' in 2006. What's interesting, apart from it being an ace early rock 'n' roll number with a wonderful swing to it, is that the words were changed from slightly suggestive 'Bombshell Baby of Bombay' on the record to the rather more pedestrian 'Beautiful Baby of Broadway' in the film. Why isn't quite clear; the aforementioned compilation's liner notes suggest "Perhaps the Indian censor board was wary of the explosive potential of the lyrics...". Similarly styled (and almost as fab) 'O Meri Baby Doll' was however deemed appropriate.

The other two tracks are nice too, especially Lata's lovely 'Banwari Re'.



There's more of the same to be found on Iqbal Qureshi's 'Love In Simla' [review]. Part rock'n'roll, part Latin ballroom, the lively 'Gaal Gulabi Kiske' wouldn't have sounded out of place on a Shankar Jaikishan score, and 'Dil Thaam Chale' proves how effective the sound of a train engine works as rhythmic backing, here with the added effect of getting stuck in my head for a few hours after every time I hear it. Both are great songs.

Two EPs of songs from this film were made (no LP was released at the time), unfortunately I don't have the other one.

Track listing, 'Ek Phool Char Kante':
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Banwari Re
2. Mohd. Rafi: O Meri Baby Doll
3. Mukesh: Matwali Naar
4. Iqbal Singh: Bombshel Baby

Track listing, 'Love In Simla'
1. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Dil Thaam Chale
2. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Al Baby Idhar Aa
3. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Love Ka Matlab Hai Pyar
4. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Gaal Gulabi Kiske


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Shankar Jaikishan: Aaj Ki Taza Khabar (1973) / Dhoop Chhaon (1977)

Considering the soundtrack's relative obscurity (I believe this EP was the only release afforded), Shankar Jaikishan's 'Aaj Ki Taza Khabar' [review] is suprisingly good. 'Khilta Hua Shabab Hai' has a joyful 1950s vibe; 'Raat Hai Bhat Hai' sounds somewhat similar to the composing duo's famous rock 'n' roll numbers of the subsequent decade. 'Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachao' has a funky groove bringing the music up-to-date, and 'Happy Birthday To Pinky' is as upbeat as is required of a birthday song. Quite delightful.



'Dhoop Chhaon' isn't as immediate but has been growing on me. 'Bheegee Bheegee Raat Suhani' was the one that attracted me to it in the first place; a loud and frantic, sort of depraved sounding beat number that reminds me of Sapan Jagmohan's best stuff. The other three tracks are more conventional (for lack of a better word), but melding modern and traditional influences to create a trio of undeniably worthwhile songs. 'Ek Shahari Chhora' is my favourite, for the moment. Sound quality isn't the best though; my copy of the EP is very worn unfortunately.

Still, these are two more reasons why one shouldn't necessarily write off Shankar Jaikishan scores made after Jaikishan's passing.

Track listing, 'Aaj Ki Taza Khabar':
1. Asha Bhosle: Khilta Hua Shabab Hai
2. Kishore Kumar: Raat Hai Bhat Hai
3. Kishore Kumar: Mujhe Meri Biwi Se Bachao
4. Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Happy Birthday To Pinky

Track listing, 'Dhoop Chhaon'
1. Mohd. Rafi: Joode Men Gajra Mat Bandho
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Bheegee Bheegee Raat Suhani
3. Asha Bhosle: Mushkil Hai Bahot Mushkil
4. Usha Mangeshkar, Kalyani Mitra & Chorus: Ek Shahari Chhora

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Shankar Jaikishan: Dil Daulat Duniya (1972)

I took me a while to discover that Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal had passed away in 1971, and that soundtracks credited to Shankar Jaikishan made after that were in fact Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi solo efforts. Apparently there had been an agreement between the pair that in the event of one's death, the other would maintain their common name. A lovely gesture, but one which unfortunately doesn't take away the impression that S-J scores from the 1970s generally aren't as exciting as the earlier works. But there are exceptions, and while I admit to being slightly lukewarm towards 'Dil Daulat Duniya' [review] at first it has gradually become something of a favourite.

It features a handful of cool songs, of which I like the cheerful 'Deep Jale Dekho', the boisterous 'O Meri Lara Loo' and the frothy (literally) 'Masti Aur Jawani Ho' best. Along with a couple of upbeat Kishore Kumar tracks and two multi-textured instrumentals they add up to a decidedly high-spirited soundtrack; no slow numbers at all. Maybe it doesn't contain any single moments of true wonder, but the sum of all the good stuff it does have more than makes up for it. I always wondered why this LP used to be found in the very expensive sections of those selling Bollywood soundtracks; I kind of get it now.

Track listing:
1. Music
2. Asha Bhosle, Usha Khanna & Rekha Jaikar: Deep Jale Dekho
3. Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle & Sharda: Masti Aur Jawani Ho
4. Music
5. Kishore Kumar: Ruk Meri Rani
6. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: O Meri Lara Loo
7. Kishore Kumar: Sath Men Pyara Sathi Hai

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Shankar Jaikishan: Barsaat (1949)

One more Shankar Jaikishan soundtrack. 'Barsaat' [review] [2] is notable for being the duo's very first score, instantly successful and a first-rate beginning to an illustrious career.

Every elegantly arranged song, most of them performed by Lata Mangeshkar, is noteworthy; melodically sublime and rhythmically striking. 'Barsaat Men Ham Se Mile' and 'Patli Kamar Hai' were apparently (at least according to Wikipedia) the first title song and cabaret number respectively in a Hindi movie. Both are wonderful, but it's the dramatic, deliciously exotic sounding 'Bichhde Hue Pardesi', 'Ab Mera Kaun Sahara' and 'Chhod Gaye Balam' that I mostly come back to these days.

There's no filler here though. This is a top notch album, marred only by the slight truncation of songs to fit them all in. The full length versions can be heard on YouTube.

Track listing:
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Jiya Beqarar Hai
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Mujhe Kisi Se Pyar Ho Gaya
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Patli Kamar Hai
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Bichhde Hue Pardesi
5. Mohd. Rafi: Zindagi Men Hardam
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Hawa Men Udta Jae
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Ab Mera Kaun Sahara
8. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Chhod Gaye Balam
9. Lata Mangeshkar: Meri Aankhon Men Bas Gaya
10. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Barsaat Men Ham Se Mile

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Shankar Jaikishan: Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai (1961)

More of the same. And much like the previous post, 'Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai' is a charmer. Bridging the old world nostalgia of the 1950s and earlier with the modern rock and jazz infused sounds of the new decade, Shankar Jaikishan's score contains infectious melodies, hooks and beats from start to finish. It's difficult to highlight any particular tracks on this one; 'Teri Zulfonse Judai To' and 'Uff Umma' are current favourites, along with the percussive 'Tum Jaise Bigade Babu', sadly missing the film clip's groovy East vs. West dance-off. And the 'Title Music', essentially an instrumental version of the album's title track, is very hard to resist.

Track listing:
1. Title Music
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai
3. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Teri Zulfonse Judai To
4. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Sau Saal Pahle
5. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Uff Umma
6. Mohd. Rafi: Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Nazar Mere Dil Ke Par
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Tum Jaise Bigade Babu
9. Mohd. Rafi: Mohabbat Isko Kahte Hain

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Shankar Jaikishan: Professor / Asli Naqli (1962)

My favourite Shankar Jaikishan albums tend to feature their trademark blending of traditional Indian sounds and imported music styles, most of them from the latter half of the 1960s. But seeds were being sown earlier, plainly heard on these two wonderful scores from 1962.

Stylistically and in terms of quality there's not a lot to separate the pair. The award winning soundtrack for 'Professor' [review] contains 'Khuli Palak Me Jhuta Gussa', a superb Mohd. Rafi track with a catchy melody and a great Latin beat. The delightful duet 'Main Chali Main Chali' is similarly irresistible. Sunny sounding 'Hamre Gaon Koi Aayega' and the more melancholy 'Aawaz Deke' invoke tradition; both are fantastic.

And the songs on 'Asli Naqli' follow suit. 'Kal Ki Daulat Aaj Ki Khushiyan' and 'Gori Zara Hans De Too' are zesty and cheerful and contain hints of the exuberant rock 'n' roll numbers that would come a few years down the line. 'Lakh Chhupao' and 'Tera Mera Pyar Amar' are appealing Lata Mangeshkar showcases, the first playful and flirtatious, the second an atmospheric mid-tempo ballad with a French tinge.

Track listing 'Professor':
1. Mohd. Rafi: O! Gulbadan
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Asha Bhosle: Hamre Gaon Koi Aayega
3. Mohd. Rafi: Khuli Palak Me Jhuta Gussa
4. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Main Chali Main Chali
5. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Aawaz Deke
6. Manna Dey, Asha Bhosle & Usha Mangeshkar: Yeh Umar Hai Kya Rangeeli

Track listing 'Asli Naqli':
7. Mohd. Rafi: Kal Ki Daulat Aaj Ki Khushiyan
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Lakh Chhupao
9. Lata Mangeshkar & Mohd. Rafi: Tujhe Jeevan Ki Dor Se
10. Mohd. Rafi: Pyar Ka Saaz Bhi Hai
11. Lata Mangeshkar: Tera Mera Pyar Amar
12. Mohd. Rafi: Gori Zara Hans De Too

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Shankar Jaikishan: Nadaan (1971)

My copy of 'Nadaan' [review] is a Dutch reissue of unknown date and possibly dubious legality. But then I only paid $10 for it, considerably less than the 3-digit sums collectors have been known to fork out for Indian originals. Is it that good then? Well, one song is.

'Naach Ae Dil' is Shankar Jaikishan doing big band rock 'n' roll dance as only Shankar Jaikishan could. Surf rock guitar riffs, train siren horns, high-octane drumming... think 'Jan Pahechan Ho' and 'Kiss Kiss' and you'll get the idea. OK, it doesn't have Rafi on vocals, but we get a fired up Asha instead (plus Helen) so who's complaining?

There's a lot of percussive action on the rest of the album as well, albeit of a more traditional nature. I'm quite fond of 'Bol Nadaan Dil' and 'Jeevan Bhar', and 'Ae Baadal Jhoom Ke Chal' has a drum pattern that curiously brings the samba-reggae style of Brazilian Olodum to mind; surely a coincidental resemblance. Good stuff all of them, but inevitably it's the awesome dance number I keep returning to.

Track listing:
 1. Asha Bhosle: Bol Nadaan Dil
2. Mukesh: Ae Baadal Jhoom Ke Chal
3. Mukesh & Chorus: Mehnat Hamara Jeevan
4. Mukesh: Jeevan Bhar
5. Asha Bhosle: Chubh Gai Karejwa Men Nainwa Ki Sui
6. Asha Bhosle: Naach Ae Dil

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Shankar Jaikishan: Pyar Mohabbat (1966)

'Pyar Mohabbat' is another soundtrack I've previously posted a truncated (and trashed) EP version of; I wanted a better sounding LP primarily due to being charmed by its two Sharda songs. 'Hello Hello Sun Sun Sun' and 'Tere Siva' are probably still my favourite tracks on here, with Asha Bhosle's 'Tujh Ko Dekh Ke' coming very close. On the whole though, this is a pleasantly upbeat album which I've found myself listening to quite a lot recently.

I must say I find the cover rather strange; maybe the image of Dev Anand feeding Saira Banu a fish makes more sense if you've seen the movie.

Track listing:
1. Usha Mangeshkar & Asha Bhosle: Aaj Aaye Re Banke More Sainya
2. Mohd. Rafi: Mil Gai Mil Gai Mil Gai Re
3. Mohd. Rafi: Aap Naraz, Khuda, Khair Kare
4. Manna Dey & Mohd. Rafi: Dekho Dekho Madam
5. Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle: Pyar Mohabbat Ke Siva
6. Sharda: Tere Siva
7. Sharda: Hello Hello Sun Sun Sun
8. Lata Mangeshkar: Sabhi Kuchh Hai Tujh Men
9. Asha Bhosle: Tujh Ko Dekh Ke

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Shankar Jaikishan feat. Rais Khan: Raga Jazz Style (1968)

'Raga Jazz Style' isn't a soundtrack. However it's a Shankar Jaikishan album, featuring a host of top jazz musicians with long track records in Bollywood; Manohari Singh, Leslie Godinho, Sebastian D'Souza and Lucilla Pacheco to name a few. My knowledge of Indian Jazz is sadly lacking, therefore I'm unable to comment on it in that context. But I have to say I think this is a pretty darn wonderful LP. I'd be interested to hear the views of any aficionados out there.

I will undoubtedly be investigating further, as increasingly I've been wanting to find out more about the actual musicians, jazz and otherwise, working in Bollywood. Ideally I'd have done so before posting this, but as it's been such a long time since the last one I thought I'd leave this gem as is.

Track listing:
1. Raga Todi
2. Raga Bhairav
3. Raga Malkauns
4. Raga Kalavati
5. Raga Tilak Kamod
6. Raga Miyan Malhar
7. Raga Bairagi
8. Raga Jaijaiwanti
9. Raga Mishra Pilu
10. Raga Shivranjani
11. Raga Bhairavi

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Shankar Jaikishan: Patita (1953)

You know when you hear a song, or a part of a song and you're certain you've heard it before somewhere? That obviously happens a lot with Bollywood music, but the sense of familiarity I got when first hearing 'Yaad Kiya Dil Ne' was stronger than usual; it really annoyed me that I couldn't place it. ItwoFS, the site dedicated to listing the "inspirations of Indian film music composers" proved unhelpful for once, and it took a sudden vague recollection of this for me to finally figure out the song is based on (or at least bears a striking resemblance to) the Bob Russell/Carl Sigman tune 'Ballerina', once popularized by (among others) Bing Crosby. Unsurprisingly then, the Hindi version is delightful.

And the same can be said for pretty much all of 'Patita', an early score from Shankar Jaikishan. If not entirely traditional (there are quite a few Latin flourishes to be found), this is strictly old-school; melodious songs verging between happy and melancholy, all evocative of times, simpler ones perhaps, long passed. While there's nary a dull moment on this LP, I might pick the breezy, cheerful 'Andhe Jahan Ke Andhe Raaste' as my favourite.

Track listing:
1. Lata Mangeshkar: Kisine Apna Bana Ke Mujhko
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Hemant Kumar: Yaad Kiya Dil Ne
3. Talat Mahmood: Andhe Jahan Ke Andhe Raaste
4. Talat Mahmood: Tujhe Apne Paas Bulati Hai
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Mitti Se Khelte Ho
6. Talat Mahmood: Hai Sabse Maghur Woh Geet

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Shankar Jaikishan: Janwar (1965) / Pyar Mohabbat (1966)

'Dekho Abto' is a song I find hard to qualify. Liking it, or not, I suppose, would depend a bit on whether one thinks that any foreign or exotic version of an overly familiar Beatles song is a good thing or not. And possibly how one responds to a 35 year-old sporting an ill-fitting Beatles wig in a picturization verging on parody. Personally I'm unmoved, but that may have to do with the fact that I'm not that much of a Beatles fan in the first place. It's kind of fun, but hardly an essential Shankar Jaikishan moment. Of the tracks on 'Janwar' [review], I find the Caribbean flavoured 'Tumse Achha' more to my liking. (No less silly a clip though).



'Pyar Mohabbat' [review] I'm really only posting for reference; the entire side one is marred by crap sound and thus a bit useless. A shame, as Sharda's 'Hello, Hello, Sun Sun Sun' is a sweet little charmer. But on the bright side, the LP version of the soundtrack can be found over at My Music Movies & Mutterings.

Track listing, Janwar:
1. Mohd. Rafi: Lal Chhadi
2. Mohd. Rafi: Meri Mohabbat
3. Mohd. Rafi, Asha Bhosle, S.D. Batish, S. Balbir & Chorus: Dekho Abto
4. Mohd. Rafi: Tumse Achha

Track listing, Pyar Mohabbat:
1. Sharda: Hello, Hello, Sun Sun Sun
2. Sharda: Tere Siva
3. Mohd. Rafi, Kishore Kumar & Manna Dey: Mil Gai Mil Gai Mil Gai Re
4. Mohd. Rafi: Aap Naraz Khuda Khair Kare

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Shankar Jaikishan: Chhotisi Mulaqat (1968)

Here's a great one from Shankar Jaikishan. 'Chhotisi Mulaqat' has the duo doing what I like most about them, mixing lively rock'n'roll, breezy pop and gorgeous melodies. Highlights? Take your pick: The exuberant title track, Asha's super sweet 'Mat Ja Mat Ja', Rafi's jumpy 'Na Mukhda Mod Ke Jao', Lata's beautiful, lounge-tinged 'Jeevan Ke Do Raahe Pe'... and everything in between. Near flawless, in fact.

Track listing:
1. Mohd. Rafi, Asha Bhosle & Chorus: Chhotisi Mulaqat
2. Mohd. Rafi: Aai Chand Ki Zebai
3. Asha Bhosle: Mat Ja Mat Ja
4. Mohd. Rafi: Na Mukhda Mod Ke Jao
5. Mohd. Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur: Tujhe Dekha, Tujhe Chaha
6. Lata Mangeshkar: Jeevan Ke Do Raahe Pe
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Kal Nahin Paaye Jiya

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Shankar Jaikishan: April Fool (1964)

'April Fool' is a relatively new acquisition; it's an album I never considered an essential purchase (for reasons long forgotten) but then a real cheap copy came my way so I figured, why not?

It's not bad actually... while not on par with some of Shankar Jaikishan's great rock'n'roll moments from a year or two down the line, it does contain elements of what was to come: 'Aa Gale Lag Ja' has a loungy ballroom feel to it, but driven by frenetic strumming, and the fun and lively 'Mera Naam Rita Christina' includes twangy guitar bits scattered throughout. 'Kehdo Kehdo Jahanse Kehdo' has elements of country & western, rhythmically anyway, in addition to some nice sax interludes. Worth a listen.

And it just dawned on me, this post is 25 days late.

Track listing:
1. Title Music
2. Mohd. Rafi: Aa Gale Lag Ja
3. Lata Mangeshkar: Mera Naam Rita Christina
4. Mohd. Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur: Tujhe Pyar Karte Nain
5. Mohd. Rafi: Meri Muhabat Pak Muhabat
6. Mohd. Rafi & Suman Kalyanpur: Kehdo Kehdo Jahanse Kehdo
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Unki Pehli Nazar Kya Asar Kargaye
8. Mohd. Rafi: April Fool Bandaya

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Shankar Jaikishan: Anari (1959/1979)

Vintage Shankar Jaikishan, 'Anari' [review] [2] is delightful as can be. Lovely melodies, chirpy choruses, lively accordions, romantic strings, bicycle bells, Lata Mangeshkar... hard to resist really. I believe 'Nineteen Fifty Six' is the famous one, and it's indeed wonderful. But so is 'Ban Ke Panchhi'. And 'Tera Jana'. And at the moment I can't think of anything sweeter than 'Dil Ki Nazar Se. When old-world Bollywood sounds this good, I can do without the funky stuff.

Track listing:
1. Mukesh: Sab Kuchh Seekha
2. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Dil Ki Nazar Se
3. Lata Mangeshkar & Chorus: Ban Ke Panchhi
4. Lata Mangeshkar: Tera Jana
5. Lata Mangeshkar: Ye Chand Khila Tare Hanse
6. Mukesh: Kisi Ki Muskarahaton Se
7. Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey & Chorus: Nineteen Fifty Six, Fifty Seven, Fifty Eight

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Shankar Jaikishan: Aashiq (1962/1978)

According to the sleeve, Shankar Jaikishan's brief for this one was that "the music of this film had to be the expressive parallel of the central character's restlessness and hidden yearnings". I don't know if they succeeded or not as I've not seen the film. Unfortunately, there's nothing here that makes me want to.

It's mostly traditional/classical sounding, without much in the way of attention grabbing arrangements. Thus leaving me very little to latch on to or get excited about. I might return to 'Mehtab Tera Chehra' as it's quite pleasant, and there are some instrumental details in 'O Shama Mujhe Phoonk De' that I like, but not much else. I suspect (hope at least) that those familiar with the context or able to understand the lyrics will appreciate 'Aashiq' more.

Track listing:
1. Mukesh: Main Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka
2. Lata Mangeshkar: Lo Aai Milan Ki Raat
3. Mukesh & Chorus: Yeh To Kaho Kaun Ho Tum
4. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: Mehtab Tera Chehra
5. Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh: O Shama Mujhe Phoonk De
6. Mukesh: Tum Aaj Mere Sang Hanslo
7. Lata Mangeshkar: Jhanan Jhanjhanake Apni Payal
8. Mukesh: Tum Jo Hamare Meet Na Hote

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