Hindi Music Reviews - January 25, 2007

Anwar
Mithoon- Pankaj Awasthi
If it's an off-beat film, so it's only natural that the songs in it are also a bit different from the usual predictable Bollywood music fare. Two composers - Mithoon and Pankaj Awasthi - have composed songs of this album and it is Mithoon who really impresses with his two melodious tracks.

His first composition begins with a Sufi chant of Maula Mere Maula, but immediately Roopkumar Rathod's lead vocals take over, saying Aankhen Teri Kitni Haseen and the track evolves into an enticing romantic qawali. Its relaxed rhythm allows the listener to soak up the mood completely. Mithoon's second composition is almost a continuing second act. It's another slow-paced, soft-rhythmic romantic track.

But beyond these two exceptional numbers, there is practically nothing to look forward to. All other songs such as Bangla Khula Khula, Jo Maine Aas Lagayi and Dilbar Mera are merely mediocre situational numbers.

Even the instrumental tracks like Anwar's Dream and Confession fail to make any impression.

Jugni
Arif Lohar
Mukhtar Sohata composes a few foot-tapping numbers by drawing upon folk-tunes from Punjab and Sindh. Also, Arif Lohar has a high-pitched robust voice that is perfect for these rustic numbers. Wooing the dream-girl (who happens to be the almost surreal love-object Jugni) is the theme of most of these numbers. Jugni, Soniye, Nakra, Sorry, Sher Punjab Da and Dilwala Dukhra are quite catchy.

Best Of DJ Suketu
DJ Suketu
In an era where DJs are becoming even more important than original composers, DJ Suketu has fast become a name to reckon with. Loops, added beats, rap sessions, pitch change - the bag of DJ-tricks is the same but apparently the sound is different. The album, which is no doubt intended for the dance floor, presents remixes of popular numbers from the 1970s onwards. Remixes such as Woh Lamhe, Aadat, Kya Khoob Lagti Ho, Pyar Zindagi Hai and Baras Jaa are pleasant to hear.

Talk Of The Town Remix
Various Artistes
This is yet another album relying on DJ gimmicks to sell songs to partygoers. It features songs from recent films and I must confess, it makes a good listen - at least for a while. Remixed versions of songs such as Main Hoon Don, Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai, Jaane Ke Jaane Na, Khaike Paan Banaraswala, Paape Pyar Karke Pachhtaya, Aaj Ki Raat and Dil Na Diya are entertaining.