Being an insomniac has some advantages. As is normal for me, I stayed wide awake until 4 a.m. listening to music. While doing so, I came across an album by kamancheh maestro Saba Alizadeh which was so eerily beautiful that I had to suggest it for your perusal. The avant-garde Continue Reading
World Music
L’Ham de Foc Cor de Porc
L’Ham de Foc is a band that I have always hoped would get a proper reissue of their classic album. The Valencian band is a prime example of the quality of ethnic music that dots Spain. So many regions deserve their local traditional music to be either better exposed or Continue Reading
Various Artists – MaAuLa-o-rama Vol.01 “Exotic Viennoiseries”
“10 French bands play music from the World. The new “French touch?” says MaAuLa Records. Check out the release’s Bandcamp page for an introduction to the bands appearing on this comp.
Freh Khodja – Ken Andi Habib
What a wild release this is! Our friends at Wewantsounds have released yet another unknown gem. From their Bandcamp site: “Wewantsounds is delighted to continue its Algerian music reissue program with the release of Freh Khodja’s sought-after 1975 LP, Ken Andi Habib. Recorded in Paris with Les Flammes, a group Continue Reading
Ustad Saami – East Pakistan Sky
The ever-astounding Glitterbeat Records released the third album by Surti master Ustad Saami in 2021. From their Bandcamp site: “East Pakistan sky” is the third album from the now legendary Surti master Ustad Saami. The album follows his previously acclaimed recordings – God is Not a Terrorist (2019) and Pakistan Continue Reading
Various Artists – TAL Music: Music from the Caucasus – The Archive of ORED Recordings, 2013–2023
As much as I try to absorb as many new releases and great reissues as possible, I’m only one man, and sometimes treasures slip through the cracks. I wish to thank Praveer Baijal, who, besides being a great and good guy, is also a man of exquisite musical taste, for pointing Continue Reading
Layla Murad (ليلى مراد) – If My Heart Has Known Humiliation: Cairo Baidaphon Recordings ca. 1936-49
Canary Records continues its incredible run of reissues with Egyptian Jewish chanteuse Lalya Murad, whose music has been lovingly cleaned up by Ian Nagoski—sublime recordings from another era.
Dr. Abdel Latif Gohar – Egyptian Buzuq Solos ca. 1950s
From the estimable Canary Records at their Bandcamp site: “Abdel Latif Gohar was an ophthalmologist with a private practice and in the Egyptian military where he held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Dedicated to music, he started as a violinist before taking up the buzuq, the long-necked, steel stringed lute. Continue Reading
Sababa 5 & Anton – Forgive – Прости
From Batov Records’ Bandcamp site: “Sababa 5 are back once again on our exclusive Middle Eastern Grooves series with another double-sided 7” titled ‘Forgive – Прости (Prosti)’: a funky release featuring the voice and lyrics of Anton Koliadko. ‘Forgive’ opens with a simple, vintage-sounding, syncopated hook led by the bass, Continue Reading
Russian World Music Chart 2025
I had the privilege of being asked to be among a group of writers to select the best World Music to come out of Russia this year. The quality of music hiding there is astounding! Thanks to Russian World Music Chart for allowing me to contribute.