Luk Thung Gems From The 1960S-80S / Various Luk Thung Gems From The 1960S-80S / Various LP Vinyl

This collection of 12 luk thung songs from the 1960s-70s, all produced by Surin Phaksiri, is a superb showcase of cross-genre/multi-national fertilization, with Latin, jazz, western pop, Indian and Japanese music seamlessly melding with the musical culture of Isan (northeast Thailand), which is strongly rooted in Laotian culture; indeed, the Isan language, as featured in these songs, is a form of Laotian. Esteemed producer Surin Phaksiri, an Isan icon, always strove to drive Thai music forward, with innovative techniques and open ears, introducing international elements as well as Lao influences, including the use of the khaen. Many of the singers here, all famed and respected, have Lao roots, and it is predominantly through music that the Isan Lao-Thai culture has entered the Thai national consciousness. These lovely and joyous songs are, for the most part, previously unavailable outside of Thailand; more than half are first-time reissues. The wide range of songs here includes covers of Japanese folk and pop songs, a paean to marijuana, proto-Thai funk, a ramwong-style (*2) dance tune, a cover of a Bollywood classic, some straight-ahead luk thung, a unique Indian-style luk thung, and a gorgeous answer song to a movie hit. An array of gems, available on CD, vinyl and digital download.

1. Buppa Saichon - Won Lom Fak Rak 2. Sumit Satchethep - Khor Than Rak 3. Kawao Siangthong - Wimarn Chamlong 4. Banchop Charoenporn - Sao Sao Yah Wao Lai 5. Riam Daranoi - Chai Ten 6. Kawao Siangthong - Bong Kancha 7. Buppa Saichon - Cha Doen Show 8. Danchai Sonthaya - Yaak Taai 9. Dam Dansuphan - Rak Khao Khan 10. Phloen Phromdaen - Kiao Saaw Fang Khong 11. Sumalee Saengsot - Sakura Khoi Thoe 12. Waiphot Phetsuphan - Lam Loh Thung