Thought of sharing this album review...I'm in full agreement....
IndiaGlitz [Monday, March 06, 2006]
Who else but Asha Bhonsle herself could know R.D. Burman better? Hence its quite apt when she takes it upon her to reveal the REAL RD in her latest album 'ASHA REVEALS RD' where she recreates Pancham's favorite tracks. Reproduced and rearranged by Nitin Shankar, the music by Pancham has been given a new touch by using extnesvie brass, strings, chorus sections and live rhythm and percussions. Sudesh Bhonsle is the guest singer for some of the songs that are a part of this twin CD pack comprising of 22 tracks in total. In Part I, we review first CD of 'ASHA REVEALS RD' that promises to be a collector's delight.
The album makes a great kickstart as Ashaji gives a commentary about RD's fasniation for different kinds of music and what were his desires when it came to arranging music differently.
1) O Diwano Dil Sambhalo [The Great Gambler, lyrics: Anand Bakshi]
A song that has its moments of sensuality and passion, 'O Diwano Dil Sambhalo' is a beautifully recreated number that keeps the melody of the original intact and still makes you enjoy the beauty of this Pancham tune. Along with the beauty comes the rhythm that is maintained throughout the song's duration that makes you hum along the song as it plays.
2) Aaj Ki Raat [Anamika, lyrics: Majrooh]
Three decades after it was first composed, 'Aaj Ki Raat' still continues to haunt as the grand orchestra at the beginning paves way for Ashaji to take over the proceedings. As you hear along the number, you realize that it had so much international appeal to it during interludes. Use of electric guitar gives it a modern day feel while the Asha-RD combo makes you wonder what to appreciate more - the singer or the musician!?
3) 1, 2 Cha Cha Cha [Shalimar, lyrics Anand Bakshi]
Originally sung by Usha Uthup, its a treat to hear '1, 2 Cha Cha Cha' all over again with Ashaji behind the mike (and also in front of the camera) this time around. She adds her own nuances in this number that fits in so well with the hip-hop mood that is catching up heat with music lovers post the success of 'Right Here Right Now' [Blussmaster] and 'Meter Down' [Taxi No. 9211]. A highly rhythmic track, it has an assortment of music instruments in use that make it worthy to reach the top all over again.
4) Karle Pyaar [Talash, music: S.D. Burman, lyrics: Majrooh]
One may wonder on looking at the song's credit that since 'Karle Pyaar' was composed by S.D. Burman, why has Asha included it in the list? Well, the fact is, as stated by Ashaji in the album's inlay card, that the song was in fact composed by RD only but senior Burman was credited for it. A lively cabaret number, it has an element of jazz and rock'n'roll with beautiful lyrics by Majrooh that makes you wonder why some of today's cabarets have vulgar lyrics? Yet another rhythmic number that is so characterisitc of RD, it continues to build on the album's tempo.
5) Bhali Bhali Si Ek Surat [Buddha Mil Gaya, lyrics: Majrooh]
Now that's one re-arrangement that makes its presence felt amonsgt approximately hundred remixes a day that are churned out in the industry today. With light calyspo arrangements accompanying 'Bhali Bhali Si Ek Surat', one begins thinking if RD would have conceptualised the song in this way from the very inception. Sudesh Bhonsle sings in his original voice rather than trying to imitate anyone and gives ample support to Ashaji.
6) Muttukodi Kavaadi Hadaa [Do Phool, lyrics: Majrooh]
For 'Muttukodi Kavaadi Hadaa' from 'Do Phool', Sudesh Bhonsle does improvise on his vocals and comes up with a 'deep' rendition to suit the south-Indian feel of the song. The song may have been hugely popular when it was heard first in 1973 but in today's context it doesn't really fit in the bill and comes a speed breaker in the album.
7) Goyake Chunanche [Manoranjan, lyrics: Anand Bakshi]
Lesser heard 'Goyake Chunanche' has Sudesh Bhonsle pairing up with Ashaji once more and together they spin a melodious tale that is in true RD style. The marriage of rhythm and melody impresses once again and what impresses about the song is that arranger Nitin Shankar never once goes overboard in trying to 'mix' the song unnessarily and instead keeps its essence intact. Its nice to see that this song has been revived and current generation gets to hear it all over again.
8) Pyar Diwana Hota Hai [Kati Patang, lyrics : Anand Bakshi]
Now this is one song that one looks forward to hear with bated breath. Afterall there haven't been many who have been able to match Kishoreda when it comes to singing but Sudesh Bhonsle takes the challenge and jumps into the ring. This is the first song in the album that doesn't feature Asha Bhonsle but one doesn't really mind that as Sudesh Bhonsle does an almost perfect rendition at each and every fine nuance associated with the song and comes up with a praiseworthy outcome.
9) Mera Pyaar Shalimar [Shalimar, lyrics: Anand Bakshi]
After '1, 2, Cha Cha Cha', second song from the film 'Shalimar' is included in the album in the form of 'Mera Pyaar Shalimar'. After hearing the song one gets an impression that this was probably the first song ever that could have competed with the signature songs that always come with James Bond opening title sequences. Haunting, sad, exciting, intriguing - there aren't enough words to describe the feel of this classic called 'Mera Pyaar Shalimar' that makes for a simply superb hearing.
10) Jaane Kya Baat Hai [Sunny, lyrics: Anand Bakshi]
It's the turn to fall into love all over again with the hauntingly beautiful 'Jaane Kya Baat Hai' from the film 'Sunny'. Originally sung by Lataji, such is the effect of Ashaji's voice from the very first note that it makes you go for the remote and increase the volume a trifle more. Use of piano alongside the number gives it a fresh feel that makes you fall in love with the album more and more. When the song first came a couple of decades back, it made for a good hearing but the effect is multiplied as you get up, close and personal with Ashaji, RD and Anand Bakshi saab who is at his poetic best in this song.
11) Hum Bewafa [Shalimar, lyrics: Anand Bakshi]
Many in the past have claimed that RD was at his best for his musical score in 'Shalimar' and Ashaji shows that probably she too thinks the same when she ropes in third song from the movie in the form of 'Hum Bewafa'. A great number originally rendered by Kishore Kumar, Sudesh Bhonsle doesn't let the great down when he comes up with her own version of this hauntingly sad number about love, broken trust and separation. A classic revisited.
Visit part II of the review for knowing more about the second CD of the album.
Rating: ****
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