Paul Ngozi - The Ghetto (Zambia, 1976 + Shadoks, 2011)

"Paul Ngozi (Nogozi means danger) with his band gave a popular voice to what later was called 'Zamrock,' a cool fusion of older African rhythms and '70s rockish underground modes -- never too polished, but with a tightness that might have made Anglo groups up in London sit up and take notice. The guitars are razor-sharp here which sounds great next to the harder rhythms at the bottom, and the album's mix of English and Zambian lyrics. Paul Ngozi recorded at least ten albums, another one which is famous among collectors is Chrissy Zebby Tembo & Ngozi Family. You will love this one if you liked the Witch and Amanaz. Great album, great artwork, a masterpiece from Zambia." (Promo hype)

Hey there. Long time no see. Happy 2012. Much like my good compadre, Owl, these blog efforts ran aground for a spell in a much needed holiday from ye olde internet responsibilities. As a bona fide labor of love, rendered gratis for all you friends and dreamers out there, this humble adventure became a bit burdensome to maintain over the course of December. Inspiration, energy, money and time just sort of ebbed. Well, I'm back in the saddle, and happy as can be to greet the new year with this auspicious slab of newly reissued, primo Zamrock fuzz. Paull Ngozi's The Ghetto should prove an essential addition to the canon. Hope you folks dig this goodness for real. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. 2011 Shadoks limited edition reissue. Word.

And by the way, I might mention that I've come up with a sort of New Year's type resolution related to this blog: I'm going to really do my best to start responding to you folks who've emailed or dropped in good comments. Its hard to overstate how much the feedback is appreciated. That said, it's true I've been downright terrible about getting back to you folks sending in requests, questions, etc. I'ma get on it.



DL: Paul Ngozi - The Ghetto (Zambia, 1976 + Shadoks, 2011)

A1 In The Ghetto
A2 Help Me
A3 Anasoni
A4 Who Will Know
B1 Suicide
B2 Bamayo
B3 Can't You Hear Me
B4 Ulesi Tileke
B5 Jesus Christ

Chief Brigadier Olu Oni & His Marathon System - Juju-Marathon System Vol. 1 (Nigeria, 197x + Klimt, 2011)

A heavy juju set from Chief Brigadier Oluoni – working here in a version of the style that's much grittier than mainstream recordings you might know! The record features one "Juju Marathon System Jam" that spans the course of both sides – a very offbeat version of the juju groove that often has a spacey sound in the echo, and lots of weirdly-tuned guitar parts that give the recording a very dark edge – even in some of the brighter moments! Vocals have lots of odd echo too, and when they drop out, the guitar parts get even weirder – making for some especially great instrumental moments over the driving rhythms of the track (Dusty Groove)

Relentlessly off-kilter 70's Nigerian Juju. 2011 Klimt LP reissue. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



Chief Brigadier Olu Oni & His Marathon System - Juju-Marathon System Vol. 1 (Nigeria, 197x + Klimt, 2011)

A: Jam 1
B: Jam 2

Luk Thung 45 : Riam Daranoi - Chan Ru Than "I Know What You're Up To" + Don Denduang - Suai Ching Muai "Muai, The True Beauty" (LK 154)

I scored this Luk Thung 45 (LK 154) from a bargain bin 1ast week and just had to share it, pronto. Look at the front jacket! Easily one of the wildest covers in my collection.

The thing is, the record that came with it (LK 094) doesn't match. This might've been a source of eternal lament if the mismatched record wasn't itself such a pearl. To get the real scoop on these, I sought the expert counsel of my good pal Peter over at monrakplengthai. Enormous thanks, man. Knowing the deal makes this artwork even stranger. Check it:

"the jacket advertises the song "kot mai fai daeng (law of the "red light" [period])" by phanida sutthicharoen... and yes, that's "period" as in menstruation.. thus the blood-soaked cover: bizarre!

...the record inside is "chan ru than (i know what you're up to)" by riam daranoi, who shows up on both of chris menist's recent compilations for soundway (DL) & finders keepers. she is great! the b-side is "suai ching muai (muai, the true beauty)" by don denduang. both songs are with the "sit suraphon (suraphon's disciples)" band (after "king of luk thung" suraphon sombatcharoen)"

So, Thai speakers, please pardon the somewhat false inclusion of the Red Light cover. The image was just too astounding not to include here. I'm have every hope that one day we're able to hear The Law Of The Red Light LK 094, but in the meantime....Enjoy LK 154. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



Riam Daranoi - Chan Ru Than "I Know What You're Up To" + Don Denduang - Suai Ching Muai "Muai, The True Beauty" (Luk Thung 45 - LK 154)*

*Featuring Sit Suraphon (Suraphon's Disciples)

(V/A) Hits From Telugu Films Vol. 5 (Odeon/EMI - India, 1967)

"Melodies From N. T. Rama Rao Starrer Pictures"

An exquisite collection of classic Telugu playback tracks from the 1950s & 60s, all of which were originally featured in the films of N.T. Rama Rao. All legendary songs, with no filler. Heavy on the Ghantasala and P. Susheela, which is a very good thing. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Highly recommended!



(V/A) Hits From Telugu Films - Volume 5 : Melodies From N. T. Rama Rao Starrer Pictures (Odeon/EMI - India, 1967)

3AEX.9013

1. Kalavaramayemadhilo (Film: Pathala Bhairavi) -- Ghantasala & P. Susheela
2. Lechindi Mahila Lokam (Film: Gundamma Katha) -- Ghantasala
3. Brindavanamidhi (Film: Missamma) -- A.M. Raja & P. Susheela
4. Janani Sivakamini (Film: Narthanasala) -- P. Susheela
5. Kanupa Pa (Film: Chiranjeevulu) -- Ghantasala & P. Leela
6. Adakaichina (Film: Dagudu Moothalu) -- Ghantasala & P. Susheela
7. Ravoyee Chandamama (Film: Missamma) -- A. M. Raja & P. Leela
8. Anthaka Nanuchoodaku (Film: Manchi Manishi) -- Ghantasala & P. Susheela
9. Edu Kondalavada (Film: Pellichesichoodu) -- P. Leela Ghantasala
10. Athey Athey (Film: Ramudu Bheemudu) -- P. Susheela & Ghantasala
11. Amma Nanna (Film: Panduranga Mahatmyam) -- Ghantasala
12. Lahiri Lahiri (Film: Maya Bazaar) -- Ghantasala & P. Susheela


Unrelated to the Telugu record above, but reasonably still on-topic -- Check out this Cubano flavored playback stunner from Puthiya Paravai. This jam is dynamite:

Guitar Slim Green's "Stone Down Blues" -- With Johnny and Shuggie Otis (Kent, 1970)

"A great deal has been written about the blues and the people who sing them. Most enthusiasts are familiar with the names of Elmore james, Muddy Waters, Sonnyboy Williamson, Lightnin' Hopkins and Little Walter, for these are the names of artists who have won wide recognition for their talents and their contributions not only to the blues, but to Rock & Roll as well.

However, one should be aware that there were others, some still around, that were equally as talented, but not as fortunate. All too often their contributions were quickly recognized, borrowed or stolen and the artists themselves ignored and forgotten. Such was almost the tragedy that occured with GUITAR SLIM GREEN..." (Cover notes)

I've said it before, the Boogie Blues aren't generally my thing. I tend to be fairly selective. This 1970 Kent outing by Norman "Guitar Slim" Green is good & solid, though. Kept me steady rocking through a huge load of dishes tonight, with no complaints. (Well, aside from the dishes.) The back-up from Johnny and Shuggie Otis doesn't hurt much, either. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Word.



Guitar Slim Green's "Stone Down Blues" -- With Johnny and Shuggie Otis (Kent, 1970)

KST-549

1. Shake 'Em Up 2:11
2. Bumble Bee Blues 3:26
3. Make Love All Night 2:36
4. My Little Angel Child 3:57
5. 5th Street Alley Blues 3:13
6. Old Folks Boogie 2:13
7. This War Ain't Right 3:04
8. You Make Me Feel So Good 2:05
9. Big Fine Thing 2:48
10. Play On Little Girl 3:10

Pepe de Almeria -- Guitara Flamenca : 45 Tours (196x - Symphonium, SEP 6)

Real-deal flamenco dynamite from heroic Spanish Gitan, Sr. Pepe de Almeria. Blazing hot, folks. Legendary axe. 45 rpms. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



Pepe de Almeria -- Guitara Flamenca : 45 Tours (196x - Symphonium, SEP 6)

1. Malaguena
2. Soleares

Les 4 Guaranis - Musique Folklorique d'Amerique Latine (BAM, 1953 *Paraguay)

Another early & great 4 Guaranis release. Romantic folk harmonies and more from this versatile Paraguayan string band. Recorded in 1953. Cool Paraguayan harps in many spots. 10" microgroove LP release on the french label, La Boite a Musique. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



Les 4 Guaranis - Musique Folklorique d'Amerique Latine (BAM, 1953 *Paraguay)


1. El Chupino 1:48
2. El Humahuaqueño 2:26
3. Musiqueada Jazmin Guype 3:18
4. Viva Jujui 2:09
5. Entre San Juan y Mendoza 2:26
6. Chococué Purajhei 2:26
7. Mazamorreando 2:24
8. El Arriero 4:12
9. Pájaro Campana 3:09
10. Guapo Mi Viejo Buey 3:16
11. Grito del Pueblo
2:19

Farid El Atrache -- Original Soundtrack Album From: El Hob El Kebir + El Khourouj Men El Gana (Voice of Lebabon, VLMX. 17)

Greek-pressed Lebanese LP of classic Egyptian film songs from the immortal Farid Al Atrache. The slick cover of him by the hi-fi is not to be trifled with. Thanks to David H for this record. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



Farid El Atrache -- Original Soundtrack Album From: El Hob El Kebir + El Khourouj Men El Gana (Voice of Lebabon, VLMX. 17)

1. Bitomor Al Rass Oul Eyn 6:17
2. Ya Weili Men Hobbo 9:16
3. Ala Bali Ala Bali 6:28
4. Adnaytani Bil Hajr 10:01
5. La Ouaeynayki 5:59
6. Ana Ouenta Ou Ba Bass 8:29

The Childrens Bizarre: The Story of Fire + The Story of Thunder & Lightning (Child Guidance Records)

Folks, after obsessing for months over the visual amazements on display over at the incredible 50 Watts, I've humbly decided to start a new blog that's heavy on oddball visual culture. I'm calling it The Childrens Bizzare. It'll be dedicated entirely to weirdo kids ephemera. Basically, I want to feature illustrations, books, toys, music and videos, originally made by or marketed to kids, which come across as particularly strange or even creepy, bordering on inappropriate. I do find it somewhat funny that, now that I have a three year old son, I've up & started collecting the sort of vintage kids stuff that I feel compelled to hide from him. Go figure. Literally top-shelf artifacts, with plenty of Hi Resolution Scans. And reader submissions are VERY welcome. If you have any specific ideas for content, please drop a comment at the new spot, or email me at this brand new address: childrensbizarre[at]hotmail[dot]com

With that, I present TCB's very first LP rip. The Story of Fire + Thunder & Lightning must be one of the most frightening & inept story-time educational records ever made. Its one in a series by "Famous" Child Guidance Records of Philadelphia, PA. They "Make Learning Fun". Just listen to these highlights, and try not to get the creeps.



Download: The Story of Fire + The Story of Thunder & Lightning (@ The Childrens Bizarre)

http://childrensbizarre.blogspot.com/

The banner is still in-progress, but I've definitely decided to retain the Bizzare misspelling. Seems like a kind of a Bob Ross flavored "happy accident."

Edmundo P. Zaldivar -- Carnavalitos (Pampa, LRS 15021 *Argentina)

Edmundo P. Zaldivar seems to be a a deeply revered purveyor of the celebratory Andean-Argentinian folksong known as the Carnavalito. At least, that's what I think the back cover says. I personally have a deep love for Andean melodies, and was more than a little pleased with the magic of the arrangements herein. The occasional addition of piano, violin, dulcimer(?) & bassoon(?) seems to offer a charming, otherworldly sense of surprise to the sound of Zaldivar's wonderful conjunto. Spanish/English bilterates, if any of you have the time & energy, I would truly love to know what these cover notes are telling us. Just found this luminous treasure for only 3 bucks a few weeks back. !0" microgroove. Year unknown. 320 rip by yours truly. Enjoy.



DL: Edmundo P. Zaldivar -- Carnavalitos (Pampa, LRS 15021)

01 El Humahuaqueño
02 Palomitay
03 Gallito Ciego
04 Mañana al Alba
05 Carnavalito
06 Albahaquita
07 Soy Carnaval
08 Cholita

Celeste Rodrigues - Lisbon's Great Celeste Rodrigues (Capitol, 1958)

Born in Lisbon in 1923, Celeste Rodrigues's professional singing career did not start until 1951. As good a singer as she was, her name always stood in the larger-than-life shadow of her older sister Amália, with whom she remained very close through the years. Although she did have a few hits ("Fado Celeste," "Lenda das algas"), she did not record very extensively, preferring the warmth and intimacy of live performances. She spent some time in Canada in the 1970s, and throughout her career, she appeared at important concert halls in places like Paris and Rome. Unlike Amália, whose singing style was more commercial, Celeste will always be associated with a more traditional kind of fado, the so-called fado castiço: "It was [in Lisbon] that Portuguese ships set out in the fifteenth century to navigate the world," she says, "and it was in the heart of a sailor that fado was born." (All This Is Fado)

An intimate live performance of Celeste Rodrigues' mournful and romantic fado, recorded beautifully in Lisbon by Rui Valentim in 1958. Has a handful of charming audience sing a long moments, too. Wonderful stuff. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly.



DL: Celeste Rodrigues - Lisbon's Great Celeste Rodrigues (Capitol, 1958)

"Exciting Portuguese Songs Actually Recorded 'Live' At the Viela, Rua das Taipas, 14."

T 10153

1. Vira Do Mondego 2:53
2. Vento 3:53
3. Romarias Do Norte 2:16
4. Igreja De St. Estavao 4:27
5. Antigamente 2:56
6. Uma Casa Portuguesa 4:13
7. Maria Do Outeiro 3:59
8. Mira Me Miguel 1:58
9. Festa Na Aldeia 3:25
10. Conta Errada 3:11
11. Senhor Da Serra 2:30
12. Vira Da Minha Rua 3:04

John Jacob Niles - Sings American Folk Songs (1956 - RCA Camden, CAL 245)

"Over coffee and liqueurs we would sometimes listen to John Jacob Niles' recordings. Our favorite was 'I Wonder As I Wander,' sung in a clear, high-pitched voice with a quaver and a modality all his own. The metallic clang of his dulcimer never failed to produce ecstasy. He had a voice which summoned memories of Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere. There was something of the Druid in him. Like a psalmist, he intoned his verses in an ethereal chant which the angels carried aloft to the Glory seat. When he sang of Jesus, Mary and Joseph they became living presences. A sweep of the hand and the dulcimer gave forth magical sounds which caused the stars to gleam more brightly, which peopled the hills and meadows with silvery figures and made the brooks to babble like infants. We would sit there long after his voice had faded out, talking of Kentucky where he was born, talking of the Blue Ridge mountains and the folk from Arkansas..." --Henry Miller, Plexus pp. 366-367

Niles is in classic form on this spectral cycle of American ballads released by RCA Camden in 1956. Can't find much of anything written about this one. I'm wondering if its simply a volume of earlier recordings resourced into a collection. Maybe you've noticed that I'm not including a scan of the back cover. That's because its really just a catalog of Classical and Light Concert LPs available from Camden at the time. Nothing helpful. FYI, Niles is in fact the songwriter of the seminal classics Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair & Go Way From My Window. Never knew that until today. Had simply assumed anonymous authorship on both counts. 320 vinyl rip by yours truly. Enjoy.



DL: John Jacob Niles - Sings American Folk Songs (1956 - RCA Camden, CAL 245)

1. You Got To Cross That Lonesome Valley 2:49
2. The Lass From The Cow Countree 2:33
3. Black Is The Color Of My True Love's Hair 2:10
4. Go 'Way From My Window / One Morning in May 3:13
5. The Wife Of Usher's Well 3:22
6. The Death Of Queen Jane 2:45
7. Little Mattie Groves 8:20
8. The Gypsy Laddie 3:27
9. My Little Mohee 2:16
10. I Wonder As I Wander Out Under The Sky 2:16
11. Lulle Lullay 2:25
12. The Seven Joys Of Mary 4:52
13. The Ballad Of Barberry Ellen 4:57