Our friends at Wewantsounds Records will release one of the great gems of Arabic pop music this September. The legendary Fairuz is making another appearance on the label, and I hope Wewantsounds continues releasing the best of her catalog on vinyl!
The Obi Strip: How a Japanese Paper Band Became a Collector’s Grail
Nick Zanca, writing for Discogs.com, discusses the ubiquitous obi strip, which is so common in Japan—and even in China—that it has become a significant part of record collecting culture. Ironically, these strips were originally intended to be discarded. Today, a mint condition obi strip can actually enhance the value of Continue Reading
Payo Flores – Payo Flores Con El Sexteto Moderno
Payo Flores was a singer from Puerto Rico who specialized in guaguancó and son Cubano. His voice was bright, energetic, and one of the most neglected voices in Latin American music history.
ZÖJ – Give Water To Birds
This week seems to be dedicated to Iranian and Kamancheh music. We are featuring a band from Australia called ZÖJ, a multicultural project. Their sound captures the essence of Australia’s world music scene, with subtle influences reminiscent of a more Persian-inspired Dead Can Dance.
Saba Alizadeh – I May Never See You Again
Saba Alizadeh is a sound artist, instrumentalist, and composer based in Tehran. In light of the ongoing bombings there, I pray for his safety and for all those suffering from violence around the world. Saba is a virtuoso on the kamancheh, a traditional Persian spike fiddle. The only person I have had Continue Reading
elliot. – Informant
We are excited to introduce you to a talented musician named elliot. He is the son of the legendary Bill Nelson, known for his work with Bebop Deluxe and Red Noise. elliot skillfully wields his guitar, showcasing his father’s musical influence. However, he also draws inspiration from various sources, incorporating Continue Reading
Various Artists – Disque La Rayé: 60’s French West Indies Boo-Boo-Galoo
Boogaloo is a genre that combines the best elements of black soul music with Latin American dance rhythms, and it found its strongest following in New York City. However, the genre also thrived in various pockets around the world during the 1960s and 1970s. One such outpost was the island Continue Reading
COS – Pasiones
COS were an avant-progressive rock band from Belgium who were radically different from their contemporaries. From their Bandcamp site: “Pasiones is the fifth album by COS. It is a chamber opera which relates a story happening during the Spanish Civil War. The libretto tells the story of three soldiers coming Continue Reading
Jun-Yang Li,Xiao Liu,DJ誠意重,Buddha Tiger Dog – 樹 Sù Vol.3
We have a unique recording from Taiwan featuring DJ 誠意重, a turntablist in the style of Christian Marclay, Philip Jeck, and Otomo Yoshihide. He collaborates on this album with the band 神仙老虎狗 (Buddha Tiger Dog), which includes Jun-Yang Li playing self-made instruments and objects, and Xiao Liu on saxophone. This project showcases free improvisation with an interesting twist.
Christophe Bailleau O’Farrell – Locust bean gum
When I started listening to Christophe Bailleau O’Farrell’s latest EP, titled “Locust Bean Gum,” I was initially taken aback by the abrupt stops and transitions between songs. However, after reflecting on it, I began to feel that this music serves as a soundtrack for fleeting dreams. The band that comes to Continue Reading