Â
If you haven’t seen this new classic, add it to your Netflix queue now. Monsoon Wedding tells the story of the arranged marriage of a young Indian couple. The nuptuals brings far-flung family members together, and the ensuing conflict is presented from several viewpoints. Unforgettable music ties the film together, setting the tone and pace. After you’ve seen the film, you’re sure to want the soundtrack.
An infectious beat runs through track 2, “Aaj Mera Jee Kardaa,†and the song is both festive and serious at points. Look for a remix of it on track 17. Track 3, “Baraat,†sounds like a circus parade with elephants and monkeys on the march. The horns here are utterly joyful. Track 4, “Aaj Mausam Bada Beimann Hai,†has a pleasantly scratched, antique feel. Track 8, “Mehndi/Madhorama Pencha,†is a fascinating call-and-response track, sung by women in the film. The lyrics are meant to educate the bride-to-be on the facts of married life.
Track 12, “Allah Hoo,†features one of TravelTracks’ favorite artists: Pakistani vocalist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Track 15, “Chunari, Chunari,†and track 16, “Aaja Nachle,†will have you dancing around your living room. There are a couple remixed tracks after this, but these two party tunes are the real end to the album, leaving it on a very high note.