THAI POP SPECTACULAR (1960S-1980S) by V/A

RSD 2015 release. Thailand is one of the most traveled to destinations in the world, but music is not a popular attraction for outside visitors, despite an incredibly rich history of classical, folk, and popular music there.While Thai classical and folk music has been studied by ethnomusicologists for decades, Thai pop history has been ignored and neglected by the international musical community for far too long. Combing mountains of vinyl and cassette relics from across the Kingdom, Sublime Frequencies has uncovered countless Thai musical treasures, rich with unique instrumentation, crafty arrangements, twisted breaks, odd production, and brilliant vocals. Bangkok -- always the hub of the Thai recording industry -- attracted musicians and singers from across the country who were informed by tradition and inspired by the wealth of international sounds entering the region via radio and imported records and tapes, many of which were brought in by Americans and their allied military personnel stationed at bases throughout the country. In this compilation you will hear older Thai styles combining with elements of surf, rock, and funk music as well as romping disco and comedy tunes. These creative sounds formed by hybrids with western instrumentation and genres result in an incredibly dynamic music that remains distinctively Thai. The artists featured on Thai Pop Spectacular range from modest players of their time to major stars. The collection includes one of the earliest tracks from Pumpuang Duangjan (dubbed "the queen of luk thung"), who brought that style into popular music to stay. Also featured is the "shadow music" string sounds of Johnny Guitar, legendary comedian Sangthong Seesai, two classic tracks from Thai films, blazing examples of Bangkok disco from the 1970s, and the most outrageous version of "The Night Chicago Died" you'll ever encounter. Thick horn sections, wah-wah guitars, tight drums, and funky organs round out this superb collection, which proves beyond a doubt that the Thai were a completely unique and powerful force during the global popular music explosion of the 1960s, '70s, '80s. Gorgeous double-LP heavy gatefold vinyl release of the long out-of-print CD originally compiled by Alan Bishop and Mark Gergis in 2007. Also includes tracks by Buppah Saichol, Onuma Singsiri, Plearn Promdan, Chailai Chaiyata & Sawanee Patana, Gawao Siangthong, Chai Muang Sing (aka: Man City Lion), Kampee Sangthong, Generation, Phet Potaram, Kabuan Garn Yor Yod Yung Yong, Pairoj, Setha, Duongdao and Chailai, and Chalermpon Malakum.