Charanjit Singh: Instrumental Film-Tunes (1975)

2014 began with a collection of Charanjit Singh's reworkings of Bollywood movie hits, so why not end the year with another. Those of you familiar with these will know what to expect: a unique blend of garage-rock, lounge-pop and exotica, at times almost kitsch sounding (but in a deliciously good way) depending on his instrument of choice, all played by himself.

This one differs from the previous records featured in that it doesn't only contain RD Burman compositions. Additionally, the majority of them are from films I haven't posted the soundtracks from and thus new to me. But, just like before, everything on it sounds absolutely ace. I've heard Bollywood cover versions that sound really soulless; Charanjit Singh on the other hand seems to make everything he touches radiate with life. And joy.

See y'all next year!


Track listing:
1. Yeh Dosti - Transicord (Sholay)
2. O Manjhi Re - Claviolin (Khushboo)
3. Ek Main Aur Ek Too - Bass Guitar (Khel Khel Mein)
4. Aayega Aanewala - Transicord (Mahal)
5. Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi - Transicord & Claviolin (Chori Chori)
6. Ek Din Bik Jayega - Transicord & Claviolin (Dharam Karam)
7. Mehbooba Mehbooba - Transicord & Claviolin (Sholay)
8. Tumhen Yaad Hoga - Transicord & Claviolin (Satta Bazar)
9. Naina Barsen Rimjhim - Transicord & Claviolin (Woh Kaun Thi)
10. Tere Milne Se Pahle - Hawaiian Guitar (Ponga Pandit)

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Charanjit Singh: Instrumental Film Tunes (1974)

Another non-soundtrack, but too cool not to post. I featured brilliant instrumentalist Charanjit Singh before when I came across an EP of instrumental versions of RD Burman tunes and despite not expecting to, loving it to bits. This is the full length follow up to that record, and it's even better.

I'm not sure how although I suspect his choice of lead instruments has something to do with it, but Charanjit breathes (new) life into every song he tackles. And it's not as if many of these even need it. There isn't a dull moment on the album; old favourites such 'Chura Liya Hai Tum Ne' and 'Hey Mujhe Dil De' sound as fresh as ever, and 'Aaya Hoon Main Tujhke Le Jaoonga', the original of which I initially deemed "less than memorable", is mesmerizing and I can't believe what I was thinking the first time around.

Great fun instrumental pop in a lounge-surf-accordion-garage style by the guy who made 'Ten Ragas To A Disco Beat'.

Track listing:
1. Hey Mujhe Dil De - Bass Guitar (Mr. Romeo)
2. Yaadon Ki Baaraat - Transicord (Yaadon Ki Baaraat)
3. Main Tasvir Utarta Hoon - Claviolin (Heera Panna)
4. Dulhan Maike Chali - Transicord (Manoranjan)
5. Chal Sathi Chal - Transicord (Ishq Ishq Ishq)
6. Aaya Hoon Main Tujhke Le Jaoonga - Transicord & Claviolin (Manoranjan)
7. Yahan Nahin Kahoongi - Claviolin (Mr. Romeo)
8. Dekho Ham Donon Ki Yaari - Transicord (Double Cross)
9. Chura Liya Hai Tum Ne - Hawain Guitar (Yaadon Ki Baaraat)
10. Lekar Ham Diwana Dil - Transicord (Yaadon Ki Baaraat)

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Rahul Dev Burman: The Train (1970) / Charanjit Singh: Instrumental Film Tunes (1973)

Two oddities this time around: I mentioned earlier why the Gramophone Company of India didn't take kindly to Polydor releasing the soundtrack to 'The Train', and how they responded by putting out an EP of cover versions. Well, here it is. I imagine the release would have seemed redundant and even desperate at the time; the tracks do sound somewhat lacklustre, as if nobody involved really had their heart in it. It's worth a listen though, as an interesting historical curio if nothing else. I notice they didn't attempt covering 'O Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha'; probably wise.



These days, and in certain circles, Charanjit Singh is considered something of a legend, primarily due to the album 'Synthesizing: Ten Ragas to a Disco Beat', on which he more or less invented Acid House. Without anyone noticing, and a good ten years before the genre even existed. It's a stunning record. What concerns us here though, is his earlier collection of instrumental versions of Bollywood songs. In general, I'm not a fan of such undertakings – most of what I've heard has sounded tedious and uninspired – but 'Instrumental Film Tunes' is really very good. A versatile session musician, Singh seems to have opted for highlighting specific instruments on each title – maybe it's because of his choices that these versions contain a distinct garage and/or surf quality. And that certainly works for me; I love this.

It's only an EP, but two additional tracks, from the long player, can be found on the splendid Radiodiffusion blog. I should get hold of a copy.

Track listing, 'The Train':
1. Amber Kumar: Gulabi Aankhen
2. Krishna Kalle & Chorus: Saiyan Re Saiyan
3. Hemlata: Kis Liye Main Ne
4. Hemlata & Amber Kumar: Mujhse Bhala

Track listing, 'Instrumental Film Tunes':
1. Koi Ladki Koi Ladki - Claviolin (Seeta Aur Geeta)
2. Manjhi Re - Hawaiian Guitar (Bandhe Haath)
3. Jab Andhera Hota Hai - Transicord (Raji Rani)
4. O Saathi Chal - Bass Guitar (Seeta Aur Geeta)
5. Musafir Hoon Yaron - Claviolin (Parichay)
6. Yari Ho Gayi Yar Se - Transicord (Do Chor)

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