Soundway presents the The Sound of Siam 2 - Molam and Luk Thung Isan from North-East Thailand 1970 - 1982 features 19 tracks, many appearing outside of Thailand for the first time. Both CD and double LP and is accompanied with detailed liner notes written by compilers Chris Menist and Maft Sai. Soundway's second foray into South East Asia is focused on North-East Thailand, the epicentre of Molam and Luk Thung Isan music. Hypnotic phin and khaen riffs, pulsing, electrified country rhythms and heartfelt vocals punctuate another journey into the lesser known reaches of 1970s Thai music. The term molam is actually two separate words pushed together: Mo meaning 'expert' or 'doctor' and lam meaning 'to sing'. Hence the literal translation means 'singing expert'. Many molam records have extended intros that allow a vocalist to establish the theme of the song, as well as flex their improvisational muscles. Luk thung (literally 'song of the countryside') is a much broader, rural style that had a bigger impact nationally. Artists like Saksiam Petchompu began fusing this style with molam, a move which propelled him to national fame. You can hear the influence of western funk, as well as Thai arrangements, on the luk thung Isan (as the hybrid became known) smash Jeb Jin Jeb Jai included here.
LP - Double 180 Gram vinyl with Download.
LP - Double 180 Gram vinyl with Download.