Nobody Can Live Forever: The Existential Soul of TIM MAIA (Luaka Bop CD/2LP)

According to the liner notes, Tim Maia was the personification of rock star excess, having lived through five marriages and at least six children, multiple prison sentences, voluminous drug habits and a stint in an UFO obsessed religious cult. After a 3 year stay in America at the end of the 1960s, he was deported back to Brazil where he started to blend North American black music to Brazilian music. The fine result can be heard on this great Luaka Bop compilation that includes many highlights by this Brazilian Funk Soul Godfather. Some songs are in English, others in Portuguese – all are very exciting. Another winner from Luaka Bop!



THEPPABUTR PRODUCTIONS: The Man Behind The Molam Sound 1972-75 (Zudrangma Records CD)

Theppabutr Satirodchompu was one of the key producers of modern Molam music from Northeast Thailand. Next to 17 scintillating tracks, this digipack release offers a fat booklet with interesting liner notes and great photos of record sleeves from long gone. Sound is really excellent. Highly recommended for exotic music aficionados who are eager for more Thai country groove after hearing both Molam compilations on Sublime Frequencies from a couple of years ago.



POP YEH YEH: Psychedelic Rock from Singaore and Malaysia-1964-1970 (Sublime Frequencies CD)


Sublime Frequencies releases keep getting better and better. Upon first sight, I thought this was a 2CD compilation but in fact this single CD release includes 2 fat booklets full of background history and pictures. It’s amazing to hear how fresh & vital these rock/pop songs still sound almost half a century later. The ideal summer soundtrack for nostalgic escapists!