Khánh Ly + Trịnh Công Sơn (Vietnam, 1968)

"Ru Ta Ngậm Ngùi"




"Khanh Ly, born Nguyen Le Mai(Mai Nguyen) on March 6, 1945 to a traditional family, grew up in the northern regions of Vietnam. As a child, she would fall asleep to her father's soothing voice. His serenades planted inside her a love for music, which grew stronger every day against her family's wishes....

Mai's musical career did not officially begin until she debuted at Club Anh Vu on Bui Vien Street in Saigon when she was only 17 (1962). At this point, she adopted the stage name Khanh Ly, a combination of KhanhKy and Yeu Ly, both are characters from Three Countries, her favorite novel. By the end of 1962, she relocated to Da Lat and stayed there for four years performing at various clubs and resorts. Night after night, she serenaded lovers, tourists, and the youths of Vietnam.

On a rainy night in 1964, she met Trinh Cong Son (TCS), at that time a young composer, at a club in Da Lat. They became fast friends. Fascinated by her seductive voice, Trinh had asked her on several occasions to accompany him in his performances in Saigon. Still in love with the romantic hills of Da Lat, she declined.

During a trip to Saigon in 1967, she ran into Trinh on the busy streets of Le Thanh Ton. After several serenades and coffee at a small shop called Quan Van, the legacy of Khanh Ly and Trinh Cong Son has begun.

Within the next several decades, Khanh Ly and Trinh Cong Son sang together at small coffee shops, clubs, and even on the steps of Van Khoa University in Saigon (a liberal arts school). During the escalation of an unwanted and bloody war, his anti-war lyrics in the Yellow-Skin Songs and her luring voice appealed to those who grew weary of the battles and bloodshed..."(khanhly.com)

Elisabeth Waldo and Her Concert Orchestra – Rites Of The Pagan: Mystic Realm of the Ancient Americas (1960, GNP 601)

"Rites of the Pagan quietly exploded in LP form around 1960, the vision of Elisabeth Waldo, an acclaimed concert violinist who was drawn to music of the ancient Americas with all the energy of an obsessed archaeologist. She formed a musical ensemble incorporating authentic pre-Columbian instruments, and composed tunes based on impressions of primitive cultures and mystical rituals. These pieces were, I believe, not so much intended to reproduce authentic tribal music as to paint a sort of naive picture (ala Rousseau) of these peoples through her own composer's lens. The effect is, even after so many years, extraodinary, transporting the listener to an alien world populated by early humans...Ms. Waldo performs these works like a gypsy virtuoso, both possessed and playfully, without ever overpowering her ensemble, and the result is a surreal sense of being let in on an unhinged pagan ceremony far from familiar civilization. To me, this stuff foreshadowed much of the work of The Residents." (Solo Godspeed -- Amazon customer review)

Much like Flashstrap, Yma Sumac was a natural & immediate reference point for my first encounter with Waldo's cinematic "Pre-Colombian" constructions. Rites of The Pagan is a beautiful and deeply fascinating slice of classic exotica, though I must say that these claims to authenticity; i.e. Waldo as a "musical archeologist", come off like high-minded silliness. Don't get me wrong--This is astonishing music, made in large part from painstakingly reconstructed Native American instruments, but as for the ritual pretensions and Waldo's compositional approach; Well.....By the way, Rites of the Pagan was featured in Re/Search Publications' 1994 book, Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. II.

320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Enjoy.




Download: Elisabeth Waldo and her Concert Orchestra – Rites Of The Pagan: Mystic Realm of the Ancient Americas (1960, GNP 601)

Mahmoud Ahmed – Jeguol Naw Betwa (1978: Mississippi Records, MR-093 *2011)

"Reissue of a 1978 self released LP by one of the greatest Ethiopian vocalists of all time. This material has not been reissued in any form since its original release digitally or analog! Recorded at the end of the 'golden age' of Ethiopian urban music, Mahmoud is in top form belting out transcendent intense vocals over the Ibex Bands' hypnotic soulful horns, organs, guitars, bass & percussion. As good as it gets & as close to universally perfect music as ever has been made." (Little Axe/ Mississippi)

That write-up says it all. This LP is presently the boss of me. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Do enjoy.



Download: Mahmoud Ahmed – Jeguol Naw Betwa (1978: Mississippi Records, MR-093 *2011)

A1 Jeguol Naw Betwa
A2 Bemin Sebeb Litlash
A3 Fetsum Dink Lij Nesh
A4 Hoy Na-Na Jegnaw Na
B1 Neshtie
B2 Endet Lilakek
B3 Marie Gela
B4 Anwedim Tekatin
B5 Gebtewat Yihon Fikrien

Lao Damnoen Sai ลาวดำเนินทราย (Anonymous Thai Ensemble, Year Unknown)

An exquisite Thai classical offering performed by a characteristically anonymous ensemble. I have managed to determine- via google translate- that Lao Damnoen Sai means something akin to "Lao Song of the Sand". I thus am led to the assume that a number, if not all, of these compositions have origins in the Lao musical traditions of Eastern Thailand and/or Laos. Enormous thanks go to David H for lending me this gem, and to Peter from the always-delightful Monrakplengthai for his expert transcription and translation of the cover's text. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



Download Link: Lao Damnoen Sai ลาวดำเนินทราย (Anonymous Thai Ensemble, Year Unknown)

01. ลาวดำเนินทราย (lao damnoen sai)
02. ยวนเคล้า (yuan khlao)
03. ลาวเสี่ยงเทียน (lao siang thian)
04. ดวงเดือน (duang duean)
05. ลาวครวญ (lao khruan)
06. พม่าแปลง (phama plaeng)
07. ลาวลำปาง (lao lampang)
08. ลาวราชบุรี (lao ratchaburi)
09. สร้อยลำปาง (soi lampang)
10. ดาวทอง (dao thong)
11. พญาโศก (phayasok)
12. หกบท ๒ ชั้น (hok bot 2 chan)

1-10: เครื่องสายวงใหญ่ (khrueang sai wong yai) - large string ensemble
11: เดี่ยวขลุ่ย (dieow khlui) - khlui (bamboo flute) solo
12: เดี่ยวซอสามสาย (dieow so sam sai) - three-stringed so (fiddle) solo

Up-Tight- The Night Is Yours (Sloow Tapes, 2011)

"Wow. Heavy, reverb-drenched, fuzz-stained, pot-smoke-infested acid-trip slice of “Tokyo psychedelica”...Up-Tight have been responsible for a buncha the most memorable releases to come out of the post-PSF underground but this has to be their recorded pinnacle, the perfect balance of two chord Velvet downers and strung-out post-Rallizes string violence. One of our records of the year so far!...highly recommended!“ (Michale Lavorgna, Twittering Machines)

Released this past June, The Night Is Yours was pressed in a run of just 300 and has already sold out. After reading some hype, I scrounged up a solid DL from another spot called Wine Women & Song. Totally feeling Up-Tight's strain of heavy-dirge psych reverb. This is of those rare new albums that I'm actually inclined to let play from beginning to end. Turns out that the balance in that rip was a bit off, though: One channel was barely coming through. So, I went ahead and busted out a mono version that won't hurt your feelings if you're listening with headphones. Now we just need to Sloow Tapes to rock a crucial repress. I'd buy it.



Up-Tight : The Night Is yours (Sloow Tapes, 2011)


Side A: Blow Away --She's So Heavy--After My Dream
Side B: So Alone--The Night Is Yours

The Parvarim- Sing Simon and Garfunkel {In Hebrew} (Israel *1972, CBS 64829)

Yossi Hurie and Nisim Menachem-- original line-up of the celebrated Israeli folk-pop duo, The Parvarim -- cut this harmonious selection of Hebrew-translated Simon & Garfunkel hits back in 1971. These renditions are, in general, nicely realized; with tasteful arrangements and subtle production values. I'd reckon that The Sound of Silence, America, El Condor Pasa, The Side of the Hill, The Boxer and April Come She Will are the highlight tracks for me. I must admit that The Parvarim's take on Bridge Over Troubled Water, while delivered with care and sensitivity, does little to alter my own supreme ambivalence toward that song. So it goes. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Enjoy.



Download; The Parvarim- Sing Simon and Garfunkel {In Hebrew} (CBS 64829, 1972)

KOUIDER BENSAID : Ya Litima 1984 /قويدر بن سعيد : يا ليتيمه

Have listened to this at least 50 times. I am straight up dying for a copy of Gaa Nass Brat (1984) --or anything like it-- by Koudier Ben Said.

Baltimore- Nina Simone

"Baltimore through my lens around 1969. The photos of the police on E. Chase Street were taken the day after MLK's assassination. They were sent to protect us from us. Of course this was long before the riverfront revitilization. That is why you see a few pictures of drunks and beggars. don't think that exists downtown anymore." -Ty Waller

Count Vertigo- I'm a Mutant / X Patriots (1979 -- Mississippi Records, 2011 *MR-086)

Reissued for the first time, a crazed Portland punk record from 1979. A side project of Ice Nine, Count Vertigo only existed for this one record as a band. Side A features "I Am A Mutant" - an uneasy little song with a relentless menacing organ riff. On the flip is "Patriot X" ...an angry political song that still rings a little too true. Two heroic punk anthems not to miss, if you like that sort of thing (Little Axe)

So, all of a sudden I've got these cold feet about steady upping the new Mississippi joints at GC. Eric and Warren had both given me a passing "that's cool" like a year or so ago, but... I reckon I'd like to reestablish that before I go wild on them again. Cause shit----they have got SO MANY great new LPs. Its kind of hurts my feelings (in the best of ways!) just trying to keep up anymore. I already know I won't up that super-great Khansahib Abdul Karim Khan joint here (Owl's got a good one, though), because I'm aware that Canary Records is not as down with the sharity on their in-print co-releases. Same with the Arhoolie & the Lomax records. No GC ups for them. I've recently gotten the encouraging green light from Sahel Sounds. What I'm wondering is, has the game changed for Mississippi, now that they've (reluctantly) upped a web-distro site and they're pressing bigger runs? I'm always up for a little mischief, but I'm not trying to bust anyone's chops. I just like ripping vinyl, and playing the selector. I reckon I'm hoping that I can one day can pivot this spot into a decent dj or music supervision gig. Film soundtracks- That's what I'd love to be doing. Ghostcapital has thusfar been a fun and productive way to spend my free time when my young one's tucked into bed. The golden oldies is what I'm all about & I just hope to keep at it, and hope you readers keep enjoying the effort. Anyways...here's the new Portland punk 7" reissue from them dudes. Junk is tight. I'd like to invite someone from Mississippi to write me at nicholab503@gmail.com, and let me know whether they're frowning or smiling when I up their jams. Dig it.



Download Link: Count Vertigo- I'm a Mutant / X Patriots (1979 -- Mississippi Records, 2011 *MR-086)

Ramblin' Jack Elliott With Derroll Adams – Early Sessions (Tradition, TCD 1083)

Ramblin' Jack Elliott is a legend who learned his craft from Woody Guthrie and has profoundly influenced everyone from Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger to Beck. Early Sessions was recorded in England in the mid-1950s. Ramblin' Jack Elliott and Derroll Adams toured Europe from 1955 to 1961 during which time they recorded the songs on this album. Ramblin' Jack's style has had a lasting impact on many artists such as Mick Jagger and, even more profoundly, on Bob Dylan. (Amazon)

Jack Elliot & Derroll Adams' play it loose & carefree in these early folk sessions. I'm certain I recollect from the long-lost liner notes that these tracks were generally put down in single takes, with a shared bottle of whiskey on the table between them. Nothing but solid, good-time renditions of folk standards. "Cigarettes & Whiskey" is perennial favorite amongst friends, as this disc made for perfect poker music back in my night-owl years. A fine sounding 192kbps; as its an oldie from the hardrive archive. Enjoy.



Download Link: Ramblin' Jack Elliott With Derroll Adams – Early Sessions (Tradition, TCD 1083)

Banjo, Vocals – Derroll Adams
Guitar, Vocals – Jack Elliott

1 More Pretty Girls Than One 2:00
2 Roll On Buddy 2:30
3 Death Of John Henry 2:29
4 Salty Dog Blues 2:47
5 Talking Blues 2:32
6 I'm Gonna Walk The Street In Glory 1:46
7 Cigarettes & Whiskey 2:00
8 Danville Girl 2:44 *Anyone know what the "Danville Curl" is all about?
9 Worried Man Blues 3:31
10 San Francisco Bay Blues 1:56
11 Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms 2:31
12 I'm Going Down The Road 2:03

The Toraia Orchestra of Algiers- Music of the Arab People Vol. 2 (Esoteric, 1952 *ES-2003)

Volume Two in Esoteric's Music of the Arab People series once again highlights the talents of Toraia Orchestra of Algiers. These songs were recorded in 1952 by Jerry Newman, and were released by Esoteric Records of NYC the next year. I'm having little luck pinning down even a partial Esoteric discography. Thus, I really have no idea how many volumes they managed to release in this (or any other) series. Would surely love to find out. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Enjoy.



Download Link: The Toraia Orchestra of Algiers- Music of the Arab People Vol. 2 (Esoteric, 1952 *ES-2003)

1. Ahdetli Warda (vocals Anissa Zouina)
2. Outaaref Men Elihabek (vocals Anissa Toraia)
3. Bir Ish Tamal Haavash (sung in Turkish, vocals and kamoun solo by Paul Turqin)
4. Dalamouni Habibi (vocals Anissa Toraia)

V.A - God Give Me Light 1927-1931: Sanctified Vol. 2 (Herwin 203 *1972)

Outstanding 78rpm gospel collection from Herwin Records, featuring knockout performances from a handful of both black and white sanctified singers of the day. As the liner notes say: "Unfortunately, very little is known about the artists in this album." I do know that I recommend it, highly. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Enjoy.



(V.A) God Give Me Light 1927-1931: Sanctified Vol. 2 (Herwin 203 *1972)

A1 Holy Ghost Sanctified Singers – Thou Carest Lord For Me
A2 Holy Ghost Sanctified Singers – When I Get Inside The Gate
A3 Elder Richard Bryant's Sanctified Singers – Lord, Lord He Sure Is Good To Me
A4 Elder Richard Bryant's Sanctified Singers – Come Over Here
A5 Ernest Phipps And His Holiness Quartet – If The Light Has Gone Out In Your Soul
A6 Ernest Phipps And His Holiness Quartet – Bright Tomorrow
A7 Louisville Sanctified Singers – God Give Me Light
A8 Louisville Sanctified Singers – So Glad I'm Here
B1 Holy Ghost Sanctified Singers – Sinner, I'd Make A Change
B2 Holy Ghost Sanctified Singers – Jesus Throwed Up A Highway For Me
B3 Elder Richard Bryant's Sanctified Singers – How Much I Owe For Love Divine
B4 Elder Richard Bryant's Sanctified Singers – Watch Ye, Therefore, You Know Not The Day
B5 Elder Curry – Memphis Flu
B6 Leader Cleveland – Babylon Is Falling Down
B7 Leader Cleveland – Way Beyond The Blue
B8 Ernest Phipps And His Holiness Quartet* – Jesus Is Getting Us Ready For That Great Day

Jermain Tamraz- Memory Lane (Assyrian, 198x)

Holy wow! I've been holding out years now for even a passable rip of Memory Lane; Assyrian singer Jermain Tamraz's astonishing early hits collection. Well, last night, an anonymous reader laid a primo 320 vinyl rip in the comments section of an older Tamraz post. What a gift! Eternal thanks to anonymous. Highest recommendation, folks. Enjoy.

My next order of related business is to secure even a brief synopisis of Tamraz's biography, career & discography. Any assistance with this would be deeply appreciated. Also, anyone know where might I find a copy of Tamraz's name in Syriac script?

*Turns out "Moumita" is the name of the track with the "Unknown Title" from Sublime Frequencies' I Remember Syria cd:





Download Link: Jermain Tamraz- Memory Lane (198x) *Re-upped 7/20/12

1 Ley Ley
2 Moumita
3 Rakava
4 Doranie Savanie
5 Yema Attor
6 Prashita
7 Shimokh Khelia
8 Ta Patkhan Tarea Dvira
9 Kharabit Ninveh
10 Khaima Gerhcha, Khaima Bikhya
11 Doogle Shapireh

Luzmila Carpio - Winay Llaqta (People of Eternity)

Luzmila Carpio: "I use the language and music of my people, that of the Indian land, of our mountains, of our lakes, of the air we breathe. I sing my love for the land which witnessed my birth, the land of my ancestors. I speak of Pachamama, Mother Earth, of harmony and love, of the role of women in our civilization, of coexistence between man and nature within a cosmic order, of our traditions, which must not be lost."