PRE-ORDER: This item will be shipped with the aim to deliver on release day.
Release Date: 15 November 2024
Label: Lion Productions
Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 778578318017
Genres: World Music Rock
Description
The first official reissue -- or in most cases, re-release of any kind -- of these recordings since their initial release as singles.
Comeswith an 8-page full color booklet with info and photos supplied by Sinn Sisamouth's survivingfamily.
"Discovering the wealth of Cambodian recordings was like falling into a parallel universe, complete with itsown Elvises, Patsys and Jimis. Of course, looming over every recording is the tragic end of the musiciansthemselves under the axe of the Khmer Rouge, a cloak of darkness hovering over some of the most joyous,festive music ever made. But Sinn's music would not go away... it is a testament to the power of his musicthat it has survived all that has been done to vanquish it." -- Joel Selvin, author/journalist
"Sinn Sisamouth's artistic accomplishments are staggeringly vast. As a songwriter, crooner, and later a rockand roller, he always had his finger on the pulse of the latest new grooves from around the world. He'llforever be revered as the untouchable, golden King of Cambodian popular music." -- John Pirozzi, director ofDon't Think I've Forgotten: Cambodia's Lost Rock and Roll
There were no deluxe studios for the musicians who recordedthe devastating tracks contained herein. Nothing sogrand. Mostof these tracks were recorded live, with traditional instrumentsfinding a place alongside any keyboards orguitars that could befound. And yet, it was the experiments of Khmer rock musicianswhich transformed the nightlife ofthe Cambodian capital, PhnomPenh--and which many years later continue to seduce listenersaround the world withtheir groovy sound.The music is wild and anarchic, rhythmic and undulating, or sweetand lyrical, but always moving and with that deepsoulfulness, regardless of actual musical genre or style, that is the hallmark ofthe best and most important music. Thelyrics often tell stories ofangst, death, betrayal and sorrow.But there is a very real, deep, inescapable tragedy in these groovesas well.
Alas, in 1975 came an entirely different typeof transformation: the rise to power in Cambodia of the fanatical, anti-Western,Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot. Withinroughly four years, implementing their "concept of Year Zero," Pot and his regime were responsible for the deaths ofan estimated two million Cambodians(roughly 21% of the nation's population), many in the notorious"killing fields."Even the most famous and beloved Khmer musicians could not escape. Sinn Sisamouth, the "King of Khmer music";Ros Sereysothea, the "Golden Voice of the Royal Capital";and Pan Ron -- all featured on this collection of songs writtenbythe majestic Sinn Sisamouth -- met their deaths at the hands ofthe Khmer Rouge. Jon Swain, who was the SundayTimes warcorrespondent in South Vietnam and Cambodia at the time, said:"Educated people, musicians, people withglasses... a lot weretaken to the killing fields... so the great singers disappeared."
To us, the richness and deep soulfulness of Cambodian music is akin perhaps to what was excavated from Ethiopia and embracedworldwideover the years thanks to the "Ethiopiques" series -- this despite thegeographical and cultural distance betweenthe two very differentnations. It really is one world, not three.
It has long been a dearest wish to be able to present on the Lion Productions label individual artist-specific volumes of some of the most importantCambodianmusic, with the blessing of the families of the artists. Thanks tothe family of Sinn Sisamouth, what seemed adream is now real! Enjoy this first volume of the many to come!
Tracklisting
The Plastic Cloud
Various Artists
Various Artists
Sinn Sisamouth
Keady and Vallins
Ceptic Frog
Name Sayers
Devin James Fry
Dead Chic
Cracker
Jethro Tull
Lucinda Williams
RORY
Alberta Cross
Iain Matthews
Punk Rock Factory
