Music From The Third Floor gallery

Ravi: Ankhen (1968)
While I'm not usually a fan of Ravi, here is one of his I'm prepared to give a few spins. 'Ankhen' is a spy film I think... the score isn't exactly overflowing with the sound and feel of international espionage (whatever that is), but it does include two great Lata Mangeshkar songs; the sweet and tuneful 'Milti Hai Zindagi Men' and the atmospheric 'Gairon Pe Karam'. I keep coming back to both.'

Kalyanji Anandji: Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati (1968)
Pre-funk Kalyanji Anandji. And it's a keeper. There's not much for the sample-hungry beatheads on this one, simply a collection of great songs, for listening, mostly. Admittedly it's the (ubiquitous) jazzy cabaret number ('Hello Hello') that initially drew me to 'Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati' [review]; however Lata & Rafi's 'Jeevan Path Par' is an equal contender for best track. A lovely, melodious

Laxmikant Pyarelal: Man Mandir (1971)
I've mentioned earlier that Laxmikant Pyarelal scores from the early 70s (well, any era really) could go either way. A lot of them leave me cold, but here's one I like a lot. 'Man Mandir' has a full pot of good songs on offer, to pick and choose. Favourites? The lovely 'Ae Meri Ankhon Ke Pahle Sapne' (either version) and the the quirky 'Kahiye Ji Kya Loge'. But don't sleep on the rest; it's a

Rahul Dev Burman: Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979)
They just keep on coming... Another fine (if not essential) late 70s Burman effort. Three catchy easy-pop tracks ('Dil Men Jo Mere', 'Dekho Mera Jaadoo', 'Jeevan Ke Har Mod') and a cool instrumental (dramatic at first, then light and breezy) makes 'Jhoota Kahin Ka' a very listenable soundtrack. And who other than RD begins an album with a Woody Woodpecker impression?Track listing:1. Kishore Kumar

Rahul Dev Burman: Hamaare Tumhare (1978)
A RD Burman soundtrack from the late 70s that's not funky or full of beats, yet I still like it; yup, entirely possible. 'Hamaare Tumhare' is sweet, good natured and happy sounding from start to finish, and thus hard not to enjoy. Most of the songs are almost old-fashioned in tone, charmingly so, as if RD was updating a soundtrack from the 50s (probably not the case though). Listen to 'Ham Aur