MEKONG SHELLAC: Cambodian Artifacts from the 78-rpm era SF135
MEKONG SHELLAC: Cambodian Artifacts from the 78-rpm era
Mekong Shellac is an extremely rare collection of classical and popular styles of Khmer music from the 1930s to the 1950s. Restored from the few original remaining copies, this compilation reveals a remarkable world of early 20th-century Cambodian folk music previously lost in time through war, cultural shifts, and modernization. These recordings were selected for their distinctive musical qualities, the physical condition of the 78 rpm records from which they were sourced, and the circumstances of their survival. The selections span a range of Khmer musical forms, including Chapey, Romvong, Lakon Basak, Pleng Khmer, Ayai, and Ayai Reung, as well as classical and court-derived traditions such as Pinpeat and Mahori, alongside popular and regional styles including Lamleav and Pleng Ka. It's a miracle these discs have survived at all throughout the past century. Restoration of these 78-rpm artifacts was a challenge, but considering that, of most songs appearing on the album, less than 5 copies are known to exist worldwide today - with only two known copies of three tracks presented here, the songs survive magnificently. Produced by Adam Fargason with the critical assistance of Sam Touch and Mai Viết Cường, this limited-edition vinyl pressing comes with a deluxe 16-page booklet insert including highly detailed liner notes, essays and historical information about the recordings, and a selection of vintage photographs.
TRACK LIST:
Track Title/Name of Artist
A1 - Reung Too Sa Proom (Story of Too Sa Proom) - Master Wohar Sam
A2 - Loam Neang (Comforting the Bride) - Neang Sarampak
A3 - Pleng Chrong - Master Om
A4 - Bompe (Lullaby) - Smean Cheng
A5 - Reung Neang Badacha Ti 8 (The Story of Neang Badacha, Part 8) - Neang Seap
A6 - Sneaha Tida Srey (“To Win Tida’s Love”) - Tepnimit Orchestra
B1 - Soda Yong Plaing - Neang Sareung
B2 - Tuk Ngor Leun Long (Fast Row Boat) - Neang Keim Bopha
B3 - Sompong - Neay You
B4 - Phat Cheay Klay - Smean Cheng and Neang Keim Bopha
B5 - Lam Leav (Lao Dance) - Mahori Orchestra
B6 - Reung Pu Lok Ming Ley (Story of Uncle Lok and Aunt Ley) - Neay Tlang
B7 - Metri Ba (The Story of Lady Metri) - Neay Navin
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. A variety of lost Khmer folk music from the 1930s-1950s.
2. Some of the rarest vintage 78s in all of SE Asia.
3. Produced by Adam Fargason with contributions from Sam Touch & Mai Viết Cường.
4. Limited Edition Vinyl Pressing with deluxe 16-page booklet insert.