May 27 2022
View Author
4
Shit like this on the list is both refreshing and infuriating.
Refreshing because it is good, fun, interesting, and also not something I would regularly be exposed to! It's why I started this project and keeps me coming back.
It's infuriating because the fact that it is included here means that Robert Dimery, the original author of the 1001 albums list is aware that music like this exists. He's clearly aware that there is an entire world of music out there. SO WHY HAVE I LISTENED TO 200 80s BRITISH NEW WAVE ALBUMS AND 200 SCOTTISH ROCK ALBUMS FROM THE 90S??!!?
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Jan 26 2022
View Author
3
I did like this album, but I wonder how familiar the author of 1001 albums is with Indian music and whether they would have selected this movie soundtrack if they had the same breadth of familiarity that they obviously have with american & english music.
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Dec 02 2021
View Author
4
This was a funky listen!
Also, indicative of how much of an afterthought world music is to this list. The original entry was "Shalimar/College Girl" because the list author had a bootleg album that threw two unrelated soundtracks together! 😆
"College Girl" is also worth checking out. The track "College Girl 'I Love You'" lifts a chunk of Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" which is fun, and "Everybody Dance With Me" uses the riff from Iron Butterfly's "In A Gadda Da Vita"...
Fave track (on Shalimar) - "Countess Caper (Music)" - loved that Bollywood spaghetti western vibe! The opening track "Title Music" was also very atmospheric...
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Oct 12 2023
View Author
5
I don’t think I need to listen to anymore albums after this one. Shut ‘er down boys, we’re done.
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Jan 08 2024
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3
Guessing the plot to this film, I’ll go -
A police constable is on a holiday cruise, stopping over in India somewhere, he’s not adverse to other cultures, such as dancing the cha-cha-cha early in the film but does see himself above it. Gets himself embroiled in a local crime of passion falling for the daughter of the victim as they have to combat someone bringing back colonialism to the region. They succeed, but he has to go back to his life and they share an emotional farewell on the docks as he boards. As she cries and waves him off, he comes up Behind her, choosing to stay. It’s never explained how he got of the boat. They embrace. Credits roll.
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Nov 27 2023
View Author
5
"Shalimar" is a movie soundtrack composed by legendary Indian music director and actor Rahul Dev (R. D.) Burman. The movie "Shalimar" is a 1978 bi-lingual Bollywood film.
The soundtrack album opens with "Title Music." Drums and an Indian melody that you hear when a guy is dealing with a cobra. There's horns both like in a big band and jazzy. Wow, this goes all over the place. I think a harbinger of things to come. "One Two Cha Cha Cha" starts out with 60's sounding music and a synth background which quickly goes to the Cuban cha cha. Horns are added. The songs ends with a sitar on top of a Carribbean beat. This is fun.
"Dialogue Tum Ek/ Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na Thay (I)" starts out with movie dialogue and people chanting. Kishore Kumar takes lead vocals with a soaring, romantic delivery. Backing chanting vocals and a rhythm with a more African style. Layered strings on top of it all. "Mera Pyar Shalimar" is a ballad sung by Asha Bhoule. Bass, strings, a carribean beat. The melody is aided by what sounds like a harp and is probably a veena. A flute. Very dramatic and probably a key point of the film. "Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na Thay (II)" closes the album. More laidback than Part I with Usha Uthup on lead vocals. A gentle way to end with strings. I think the movie had a happy ending.
This was a great experience. I had no idea what to expect. I thought soundtracks were not part of this challenge unless entirely by one band; I'm glad this one got in. This album should be the poster child for not boring. A lot going on. A lot of songs are busy and changes styles. Carribean, baroque, Indian, 50/60's pop, jazz, polka, Spanish, Cuban, African (and I'm missing a few I know). I might need to watch this movie. An album to pick up if you see and definitely listen to.
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Jul 16 2022
View Author
5
LET´S DO CHAHACHABURU
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Mar 25 2024
View Author
4
Burman is like the John Williams or Hans Zimmer of Bollywood: he’s iconic and he’s the master of composing for film. I’ve heard a lot of his work together with Asha Bhosle, but never this soundtrack. I hadn’t heard of Shalimar, but a Bollywood movie starring Rex Harrison seems super interesting.
The title credits music has a James Bond-esque feel to it (not so much as the vocal Bond main themes, but the “James Bond Theme”, “007 Theme”, or the “Suspense Motif” by Monty Norman, John Barry, and David Arnold, respectively). The rest of the songs follow some excellent Bollywood dance numbers interspersed with great suspenseful film music and (what I assume are) leitmotifs.
I’m really glad this album was included in the 1001. This was new to me and this is not the type of music I’ve come to expect from the book.
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Jan 03 2022
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3
This was pretty fun to listen to but really just in a kitschy way. It's not very good.
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Nov 16 2023
View Author
5
This is offensive and this album should NOT be on the list!!! We're music critics goddamnit! You think this is a game...?! It is NOT a game!
Ok. Now that we've gotten that out of the way this is a straight five. It's way too much fun for this list and that's what I like about it. Way cool, and way fun in a retro old-world sense. It invokes otherworldly nostalgia that give me curiosity wiggles. It's just awesome. And yes, I'd totally listen to this again.
Oh! Let's get this Shalimar thing on the big screen!
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Nov 25 2022
View Author
5
This absolutely slapped
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Apr 14 2022
View Author
5
I'll take a lot more where that came from. What a bright spot! It seems to have an optimism that might have been more common a decade earlier, combined with that wonderful Indian sound that brings me right back to Jaipur.
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Nov 28 2021
View Author
5
Really good as far as movie soundtracks go!
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Mar 31 2022
View Author
4
It's nothing something I would listen to over and over again, but that is just because of my own cultural and generation biases.
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Nov 23 2021
View Author
3
Interesting, I don't think I'd listen to it again but I enjoyed it.
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Feb 05 2024
View Author
1
what the fuck
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Sep 11 2022
View Author
1
this is why the queen was so keen to keep hold of the commonwealth, she was bang in to this stuff.
i on the other hand am not bang in to this.
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Jan 24 2024
View Author
3
Some of this is pretty interesting, particularly the weird funky tracks, and the album gets better in the back half - especially on Romantic Theme and Baby Let’s Dance Together, but overall I had a hard time staying interested in what Shalimar had to offer.
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Jul 08 2022
View Author
3
R. D. Burman is a behemoth of a workhorse within the Bollywood industry. Between his start in 1966 to his final film in 1987 (a mere 7 years before his death), Burman would have release 331 film scores. Shalimar is just one piece of his long legacy.
Almost coming full circle, the characteristics of South Asian music that influenced psychedelic music are now giving a psychedelic edge to this soundtrack. Shalimar was apparently slated for crossover appeal to America, allowing Bollywood to break out and garner worldwide success. Too bad it was anything but.
Given the 70's track record of soundtracks tinged with psychedelia (see: Shaft in 1971, Superfly in 1972), it makes sense for this soundtrack to follow relatively close behind. As far as soundtracks go, this one is fine. I don't know much about Bollywood nor do I find it particularly captivating, so the appeal of this soundtrack is sadly limiting.
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Feb 03 2022
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3
While I still appreciate getting albums like this, this is the first one I didn't enjoy very much. The last few songs were pretty good but the rest were more annoying than anything.
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Nov 23 2021
View Author
3
i literally could only listen to two songs but they were nice !!!!!
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Aug 28 2024
View Author
1
I’m not gonna listen to this
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Apr 27 2023
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1
I can't stand Indian music to begin with and this doesn't help. Christ almighty what a tough listen. WTF is what the Yoko Ono-esque screeching? 2/10.
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Apr 12 2023
View Author
1
There are better examples of Bollywood music than this surely? It's so stylised and anglicised I find it awkward.
To add to all this I thought we weren't allowed 'Various Artist' albums.
Never mind.
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Jan 05 2023
View Author
1
Oh my. Again, not sure WHY such a poorly recorded collection of songs from a 1978 Bollywood OST must be heard before someone dies. Not that the composition or effort in writing each song is bad, but good lord, the worst of my CDs I would get from a 1994 Columbia House or BMG subscription seem to best this. This seems like a box-check on a diversity and inclusion requirement.
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Nov 18 2024
View Author
5
I'm jamming out to the Bollywood vibes when I'm hit with Baby Let's Dance Together! 6/5 for that song alone.
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Sep 25 2024
View Author
5
What a true delight. I loved how funky it was. I loved how sloppy it was. I loved how shrill it was. I loved it!
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Sep 05 2024
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5
All I knew before is that Shalimar was the name of my grandmother's favorite perfume.
Apparently this is my last album in the project. I'm so happy that it was something different from the usual themes and it felt like a wonderful discovery on my last day listening to assigned music. What a great variety of sounds and styles! I think I'm going to have to watch this movie.
Goodnight, everybody!
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Sep 05 2024
View Author
5
Now for something completely different, and that is a good thing. I appreciate the exposure to new works.
Is this the end of our list????
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Sep 05 2024
View Author
5
Well, all right. I really hope this actually is our last album because this is right where I want it to end.
Fun and 70s and new to me.
That's the way, uh-huh uh-huh, I like it!
Thank you so much, Alexander!
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Sep 05 2024
View Author
5
This project has been 1089 straight days of listening to an album a day. It’s become such a part of my life that it was hard not to dream about what the final album on this incredible journey might be. Reviewing yesterday’s Pavement album, one of my associates listed a bunch of deserving artists who have not appeared on this list which only added to my anticipation. What will it be? Something that will make me scream in agony - more Elvis Costello anyone? Someone underrated I was hoping to see like the Pointer Sisters? Or maybe something in-between - a Britpop band from the early 90s I’ve never heard of for a real “meh” finale?
When I saw the cover of this Bollywood soundtrack from the 70s show up it was completely unexpected - beyond my expectations of the unexpected - unexpectedly unexpected! Will this be a satisfying way to conclude this project?
The title track sounded like a funky 70s police drama set in India. Groovy, exotic, I’m digging this. Ok… ok… Hmmmm… this is up my alley…
A wackadoo sitar-infused cha cha cha song is up next… ONE TWO CHA CHA CHA… and then… “That’s the way, uh huh uh huh, I like it.” A KC and the Sunshine Band callout!? Didn’t see that coming…
I transferred listening to my headphones for a visit to the grocery store as Hum Bewafa Harris Na Thay ended with “Whirrrr Whirrrr CH CH CH CH CH”. Don’t know what is happening and don’t much care because I’m grinning from ear to ear!
Countess’ Caper came on and suddenly I’m in a 70s spy thriller slinking my way through the produce aisle until spotted - resulting in a mad dash through the store. At least that’s what my soundtrack was telling me.
Naag Devta is a fantastic tune... and Baby Let’s Dance Together was pure 70s bliss. The closing track brought it all home as I could see the credits roll to the La la la la la la la la la la las and Hmmm Hmmmm Hmmm Hmmmmm Hmmmmmmms.
As I listen to this album a second time I think it is a really fitting and suitable end to this list. It’s a lot of strange and nostalgic fun that managed to surprise and delight me even after so many other albums. Somehow it seems like a perfect end to this project.
Terrific!
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Aug 20 2024
View Author
5
Better than every Bond soundtrack by a mile.
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Jun 06 2024
View Author
5
This is why I'm here
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May 11 2024
View Author
5
Sample heaven. Desperately want to see this film. This was a great soundtrack. Some real bangers. Naag Devta is rad. This whole album is rad af. Funky, jazzy Indian disco. Wish there was more like this on this list.
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Feb 14 2024
View Author
5
françois de roubaix vibes
shalimar
one two cha cha cha
countess' caper
naag devta
aaina wohl rehta hai
romantic theme
mera pyar shalimar
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Feb 14 2024
View Author
5
The grooves are slick and irresistible. And the singers involved are all incredible in their own ways. Who knows a soundtrack of a Bollywood film from the '70s could slap so hard? Unique, refreshing, and fun experience.
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Feb 12 2024
View Author
5
loved!
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Jan 29 2024
View Author
5
Beautiful soundtrack!
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Jan 18 2024
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5
This album blew me away! Was not expecting it. Very layered and textured with some great vocal performances. Lots of various instrumentation and cool time changes
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Jan 04 2024
View Author
5
this is awesome even if tracking it down was confusing
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Nov 01 2023
View Author
5
This was a better album than I was expecting romantic theme is a great song
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Nov 01 2023
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5
This is an amazing soundtrack. I'd say as a soundtrack for a movie it's almost perfect. Shalimar did a great job of mixing Western music norms with Indian ones and the result was excellent!
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Oct 25 2023
View Author
5
Fantastic album. The kind of music I signed up for when I downloaded the app. Nothing I would have sought or listened to on my own but so fun and good and clocking in under 60 minutes.
Spaghetti westerns, bollywood sounds
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Oct 20 2023
View Author
5
Excellent soundtrack, excellent album!!! One two cha cha cha is an absolute banger which I already listen to on the reg! Excellent dinner party music and all round good times! Fun to listen to the soundtrack, I haven't seen the film but I really love a bit of Bollywood. So much talent packed in there, interesting and fun sounds. This kind of music always puts me in a great mood and also the automatic next track from Spotify was another banger so that's great too.
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Apr 10 2023
View Author
5
Locura total de banda sonora setentera bollywoodense. Salta del jazz al funk de guitarras wawa, del italowestern de trompetas y cítaras al chachachá, del folk hindú al easylistening. Entretenido y muy bonito. Sorpresa total
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Mar 22 2023
View Author
5
Id listen to this movie all day
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Jan 29 2023
View Author
5
Crazy but I’m totally into this.
I’d have never thought I’d enjoy it so much.
I’d definitely listen to this again.
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Sep 02 2022
View Author
5
j'adore, très riche musicalement
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Dec 13 2024
View Author
4
the instrumental tracks are far better than the tracks with vocals but still. very fun ost
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Dec 09 2024
View Author
4
Very enjoyable, but then I’ve always had a soft spot for Bollywood movies as there was always one on late Sunday night when I got home from a 4 hour train ride back from seeing my girlfriend!
Again I would question whether this was an “essential” album or if it were even the best of this genre but it made a pleasant change.
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Dec 06 2024
View Author
4
It was quite a fun listen overall, and I guess that Bollywood soundtrack was selected because of its tongue-in-cheeks winks to Western music, sprinkling the mix with references a non-Indian listener might find amusing or entertaining going from a lot of Ennio Morricone-adjacent pieces to funk (the one about KC And The Sunshine Band's "That's The Way (I Like It)" on "One Two Cha Cha Cha" had me laugh out loud). The moods and tones are also varied, and can make up for enticing, vintage background music. And the compositional work and arrangements are often stellar.
That said, I'm not sure those assets are enough to include that album in a list of mandatory listens. We're reaching the limits (and even the slight absurdity, let's admit it) of the 1001 Albums project here. I bet there are dozens of other great Bollywood soundtracks out there, given how pivotal music is in the Indian film industry. I dunno... Maybe this album should be presented in a separate book listing motion picture soundtracks instead.
I shouldn't even grade this thing. Going for a pretty positive one, because the record isn't bad by all means. It's just that its fun parts are very derivative anyway, which is a very conscious choice from its composer, and therefore not a flaw. And yes, there are also beautiful songs in that record. Yet until I know more about Bollywood music, if I ever do so one day, I won't decide in one way or another if this should be a mandatory listen for everyone.
Number of albums left to review: the 80-ish extra LPs listed on this app, included because different past editions of the book have mentioned albums that have since been dropped in subsequent editions.
Number of albums I'll keep in my own list: half, approximately
Number of albums I *might* keep: a small quarter, approximately (including this one)
Number of albums I won't keep: a large quarter
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Nov 22 2024
View Author
4
I enjoy world music, but I always feel like the picks are something out of left field just to be included and not the best or most accessible options out there. This does have a cool retro-exotic vibe that feels missing in modern times. It sounds like there's an adventure underneath it all.
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Nov 22 2024
View Author
4
I can't fit this in any sort of continuum of music I normally do and don't like. It was totally left field for me as an album. I didn't even listen to it in the same circumstances that I've listened to most of these other albums. That said, I kind of loved it.
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Nov 21 2024
View Author
4
Loved that!
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Nov 08 2024
View Author
4
Is this the greatest Bollywood album ever made? I have no idea, and this book is clearly not going to provide me with enough context to know before I rate and review Shalimar.
What I will say, though, is that it’s a ton of fun! Half groovy referential disco mixed with kitschy, sappy movie romance songs. Both of those things are right up my alley, and no language or cultural barrier could ruin those good vibes for me.
Maybe I should dive a little deeper into Bollywood soundtracks, clearly.
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Oct 24 2024
View Author
4
Interesting!!
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Oct 24 2024
View Author
4
Now this is what I'm after. Something completely different than what I hear on the day to day. It's a pretty interesting combination of jazz with a unique flair from the more traditional Indian sounds included.
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Oct 03 2024
View Author
4
Great soundtrack with some real style to it. At times it sounded almost like Ennio Morricone, which is certainly a compliment.
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Sep 25 2024
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4
Its all over the place but not in a bad way. I never thought I would ever enjoy an album full of Bollywood music. Real funky and just plain cool. Baby Lets Dance Together is a real jam.
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Sep 22 2024
View Author
4
4/5
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Sep 20 2024
View Author
4
This was unique and not what I expected. Fun and had some interesting patterns. Will revisit again!
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Sep 12 2024
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4
Didn't think I'd ever listen to a Bollywood soundtrack, but I definitely didn't also think it would go kind of hard
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Sep 12 2024
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4
WOW!!!!!!!! i enjoyed this so much. i loveeeeee how intricate the percussion in indian music often is. sounds much closer to 60s kitsch/yé-yé music than late 70s western music, but that’s obviously part of why i liked it so much lol.
i can definitely appreciate the point that some others have made in their reviews about this being an odd choice because it’s a movie soundtrack and perhaps not the best/most interesting representation of indian music, and that if the editors of the list had a greater familiarity with indian music, they might not have picked it.
fav tracks: title track; baby let’s dance together; mera pyar shalimar
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Sep 12 2024
View Author
4
Loved it
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Aug 20 2024
View Author
4
Whoa, cool surprise! Some songs I liked way better than others, but enjoyed the listen.
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Aug 14 2024
View Author
4
The cover of this album got me hyped to listen to this record, and sometimes you can judge an album by its cover. This shit is awesome from the first track. It's highly versatile, with a lot of Indian music and elements, but fused with a lot of western music, particularly the soundtrack-style cinematic elements. Really cool album that I'm going to seek out on vinyl
4/5
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Aug 07 2024
View Author
4
I wish this was English so I could understand what they’re saying but wow, why is this better than most British and American albums I’ve listened to? And why haven’t I heard more of these soundtracks?? This was so much better than the stereotypical Indian music I expected to hear.
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Aug 02 2024
View Author
4
Loved this. Joyous stuff, and made me want to see the film itself.
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Jul 28 2024
View Author
4
Cool to hear some world music here, it's nothing I would have ever seeked out on my own. It's good, but not amazing. Surprised how much Latin influence there is throught the soundtrack. My favorite is Aaina Wohi Rehta Hai, this one is really nice with good singing and destinctive Indian intruments and sounds. I also liked the Romantic Theme and Mera Pyar Shalimar
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Jul 27 2024
View Author
4
Ooh. Ok. Finally something interesting after 7 straight days of mediocrity.
First off, the title theme sounds a lot like music I was listening to in the late 90s/early 00s when I was on this kick, but also the culture was looking closely at this sort of stuff. Not least Cornershop obviously.
A mix of kitsch cuckooing and more pure Bollywood soundtracking. I would have dug this to fuck back then. And I still do now. It's going straight in my 'must remember this' playlist.
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Jul 26 2024
View Author
4
**Album Review: Shalimar by Rahul Dev Burman**
**Introduction**
"Shalimar," released in 1978, is a Bollywood soundtrack composed by Rahul Dev Burman, one of the most prolific and influential music directors in Indian cinema. The film, directed by Krishna Shah, starred Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman, and international actors like Rex Harrison and Sylvia Miles. The soundtrack, though not as commercially successful as some of Burman's other works, remains a significant piece due to its eclectic mix of genres, innovative orchestration, and memorable melodies.
**Lyrics**
The lyrics for "Shalimar" were penned by a team of lyricists including Anand Bakshi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, and Kaifi Azmi. Each of these lyricists brought a distinct flavor to the songs, contributing to the album's diverse lyrical landscape.
1. **Anand Bakshi**: Known for his ability to craft relatable and emotionally resonant lyrics, Bakshi’s contributions include songs that explore themes of love, betrayal, and adventure. His lyrical style is straightforward yet evocative, making the songs accessible and memorable.
2. **Majrooh Sultanpuri**: Sultanpuri's lyrics often delve into philosophical and poetic realms. In "Shalimar," his work adds a layer of depth and introspection, particularly in the more contemplative tracks.
3. **Kaifi Azmi**: Azmi’s contributions are marked by his progressive and socially conscious approach. His lyrics in "Shalimar" reflect a sense of urgency and drama, perfectly complementing the film's adventurous narrative.
**Music**
Rahul Dev Burman’s composition in "Shalimar" is a testament to his versatility and innovative spirit. The album features a fusion of Western and Indian musical elements, showcasing Burman’s ability to transcend traditional boundaries.
1. **Diverse Genres**: The soundtrack includes a mix of disco, funk, rock, and classical Indian music. This eclecticism is evident in tracks like “One Two Cha Cha Cha,” which blends disco beats with traditional Indian instrumentation, and “Hum Bewafa,” a soulful ballad with haunting melodies.
2. **Instrumentation**: Burman’s orchestration is rich and varied. He uses a wide range of instruments, from the sitar and tabla to electric guitars and synthesizers. This blend of instruments creates a unique soundscape that is both contemporary and rooted in tradition.
3. **Vocal Performances**: The album features vocal performances by some of the most iconic singers of the era, including Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, and Lata Mangeshkar. Their emotive and powerful renditions add a layer of depth to Burman’s compositions.
**Production**
The production quality of "Shalimar" is notable for its time. Burman, known for his meticulous attention to detail, ensured that each track was polished and well-balanced.
1. **Sound Engineering**: The album’s sound engineering is impressive, with a clear separation of instruments and vocals. This clarity allows listeners to appreciate the intricate arrangements and subtle nuances in the music.
2. **Innovative Techniques**: Burman experimented with various recording techniques, such as multi-tracking and the use of electronic effects. These innovations contributed to the album’s modern sound and set it apart from other Bollywood soundtracks of the time.
3. **Collaboration**: Burman’s collaboration with international musicians brought a new dimension to the album. The influence of Western music is evident, but it is seamlessly integrated with Indian musical traditions, creating a cohesive and distinctive sound.
**Themes**
"Shalimar" explores a range of themes, reflecting the film’s adventurous and dramatic narrative.
1. **Adventure and Mystery**: The soundtrack captures the film’s adventurous spirit, with songs that evoke a sense of excitement and intrigue. Tracks like “One Two Cha Cha Cha” and “Mera Pyar Shalimar” are upbeat and energetic, mirroring the film’s plot.
2. **Love and Betrayal**: Several songs delve into themes of love and betrayal, a staple in Bollywood narratives. “Hum Bewafa” and “Aa Jane Ja” are poignant ballads that explore the emotional complexities of relationships.
3. **Cultural Fusion**: The album’s fusion of Western and Indian musical elements reflects the broader theme of cultural exchange. This blend highlights the universality of music and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.
**Influence**
While "Shalimar" may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Burman’s other works, its influence is undeniable.
1. **Innovation in Bollywood Music**: The album’s innovative approach to composition and orchestration set a new standard for Bollywood music. Burman’s use of diverse genres and modern production techniques inspired a new generation of composers.
2. **Cross-Cultural Appeal**: By incorporating Western musical elements, Burman expanded the appeal of Bollywood music to international audiences. This cross-cultural approach paved the way for future collaborations between Indian and Western musicians.
3. **Legacy of Performers**: The vocal performances in "Shalimar" are among the best in Bollywood history. Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, and Lata Mangeshkar’s contributions to the album have left a lasting legacy, influencing countless singers who followed.
**Pros and Cons**
**Pros:**
1. **Innovative Composition**: Rahul Dev Burman’s ability to blend diverse musical genres created a unique and memorable soundtrack.
2. **High Production Quality**: The album’s production quality was ahead of its time, with clear sound engineering and innovative recording techniques.
3. **Iconic Vocal Performances**: The contributions of Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle, and Lata Mangeshkar elevate the album, adding emotional depth and power to the songs.
4. **Thematic Richness**: The album’s exploration of various themes, from adventure to love and betrayal, adds a layer of narrative complexity.
**Cons:**
1. **Commercial Reception**: Despite its artistic merits, "Shalimar" did not achieve the same level of commercial success as some of Burman’s other works, which may have limited its immediate impact.
2. **Eclectic Nature**: The album’s diverse range of genres, while innovative, might not appeal to all listeners, particularly those with a preference for more traditional Bollywood music.
3. **Context Dependency**: Some songs are closely tied to the film’s narrative, which might affect their standalone appeal outside the context of the movie.
**Conclusion**
"Shalimar" by Rahul Dev Burman is a testament to the composer’s innovative spirit and his ability to push the boundaries of Bollywood music. The album’s diverse genres, high production quality, and iconic vocal performances make it a significant piece in Burman’s discography. While it may not have achieved the same commercial success as some of his other works, its influence on Bollywood music and its legacy in terms of musical innovation and cross-cultural appeal are undeniable. Despite some drawbacks, "Shalimar" remains a valuable and memorable soundtrack, showcasing the genius of Rahul Dev Burman and the timeless appeal of Bollywood music.
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Jul 22 2024
View Author
4
Love getting albums like this that I would never normally be exposed to
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Jul 22 2024
View Author
4
An unexpected gem, I want to go and watch the movie now!
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Jul 19 2024
View Author
4
cha cha cha
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Jul 15 2024
View Author
4
01) Title Music - 8,0
02) One Two Cha Cha Cha - 8,5
03) Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na Thay - 7,5
04) Countess Caper - 7,5
05) Naag Devta - 7,5
06) Aaina Wohi Rehta Hai - 7,5
07) Baby let's Dance Together - 7,5
08) Romantic Theme - 7,5
09) Mera Pyar Shalimar - 7,5
10) Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na Thay (Happy) - 7,5
TOTAL: 7,65 (77/100)
Current ranking: 112/244
Wikipedia says: "R.D. Burman married Asha Bhosle in 1980. Together, they recorded many hit songs". Thanks to the song "Brimful by Asha", Asha Bhosle is the only person I know from the world of Bollywood, and here is her husband as the main and responsible for this and hundreds of other Bollywood soundtracks. Asha is also featured, on song #9.
When I got this album I thought shit, here's another boring one I have to listen to, this is going to be another one star, maybe two.
But two songs in, and here I am, moving to the rhythms of these cute, optimistic songs that I would never have listened to if this project hadn't forced me to.
This was very educational and quite entertaining, Asha Bhosle will surely not be the only one from Bollywood that I have heard of after this...
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Jul 12 2024
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4
This is the reason I love this list. It's nice to see music on this list that isn't from the UK in the 80s, 90s, and 00s.
We're supposed to experience other cultures and there is no better way to examine anything without hearing their music. Indian soundtracks are an amazing meshing of current western and local which is a great sound.
4/5
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Jul 11 2024
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4
Ton of fun with this one! Maybe closer to a 4.5
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Jul 11 2024
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4
Dramatic and groovy album with rich arrangements. Enjoyed the trill-loving Hum Bewafa Hargiz Na Thay and the upbeat One Two Cha Cha Cha. Mera Pyaar Shalimar is also a gorgeous track with simple lead vocals - love how Shalimar is sung drawn out. This movie soundtrack was epic. Maybe I'll watch the movie one day.
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Jul 11 2024
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4
Difficult to fully judge without having seen the film, but a really lovely piece of music! A bunch of really catchy tunes, but the instrumental tracks are really impressed me most! I’d love to see more surprises like this come up on here!
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Jul 11 2024
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4
So fun! Love soundtracks and happy to listen to one for a movie that I would likely never be exposed to otherwise. Curious to know exactly why this is on this list but grateful for the uniqueness!
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Jul 10 2024
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4
I’m also gonna review this on Letterboxd because I think it counts as having watched it
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Jul 09 2024
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4
Altough it probably is much better if listened with the movie, including this album on the list already deserves 4 stars. I came here for it.
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Jun 26 2024
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4
Was it tough to listen to? Yes, sometimes. Am I glad I listened it? Yes.
I guess this must be the Morricone from India. I'm giving this 3.6 stars (round up to 4).
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Jun 20 2024
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4
woah! this was awesome. fun listen.
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Jun 14 2024
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4
Interesting to hear, cool tracks. Will put the movie on my list to watch, too :)
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Jun 13 2024
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4
really surprised by this
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Jun 02 2024
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4
There are stretches in this challenge when you hear a lot of similar music. Even when it's good, it can all start to sound the same. Then suddenly, they slip in some funky Bollywood soundtrack and it forces you to pay attention again. Man, this was a fun album. It's almost abrasive at times ('Naag Devta') while also giving off strong James Bond vibes. It really speaks to the power of music in cinema that I can almost create a movie in my mind while listening to this. My biggest complaint is that I don't know where to seek out more music like this.
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Jun 02 2024
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4
4/5 - weirdly good
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May 31 2024
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4
Honestly pretty cool movie album
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May 22 2024
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4
Ha ha holy smokes this rips. I wonder what the movie is like.
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May 20 2024
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4
Bollywood epic
With international flair
And a classy vibe
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May 15 2024
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4
# Playlist track
- One Two Cha Cha Cha
# Notes
- This is super interesting. Kind of made me want to see the movie.
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May 12 2024
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4
Not something that I would typically listen to, but enjoyable. Deserves some credit for being less anglocentric than most of the list.
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Apr 24 2024
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4
Interesting album for sure - Bollywood mixed with soul, mixed with a bit of country and a dash of rock. enjoyed the opening, went a bit too classical bollywood towards the end which isn't my thing but can appreciate. 3.5
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Mar 21 2024
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4
title music, countess' caper/shalimar, baby let's dance together, romantic theme, mera pyar shalimar
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Mar 01 2024
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4
What an incredible start! It gets worse after, but definitely a good surprise
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Feb 29 2024
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4
This was pretty sweet. Fusion on top of fusion. Loved the arrangements and vocals. Will definitely check out some more R.D. Burman
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Feb 28 2024
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4
Super diverse mix of sounds from all over, either side of some great Bollywood tracks. It gets funky, the strings soar over the ballads, there's even jazz solos. It's cool to fill a soundtrack with so much influence. I only think some of the tracks could be a bit tighter structure-wise. The ending ties things off thematically but could do with more oomph.
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Feb 18 2024
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4
A bizarre mix of styles but a lot of fun.
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Feb 04 2024
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4
This was a blast! A crazy mishmash of all kinds of musical styles, but done with such verve. A really fun listen.
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