Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - Barafundle (1997)

"Well isn't it a lovely day? / My patio's on fire"

I love it when you talk Welsh to me.

http://www.mediafire.com/?ztycwmdjynm

Barafundle

The Sundays - Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

I first heard this album when I was about 16 or 17. Actually I learned about The Sundays before I discovered The Smiths. There is something about Wheeler's songs and voice that always stuck with me. Like Morrissey, she explores beauty and cynicism at the same time while twisting lyrics in a clever way. Sorry for the low quality, if anyone shows interest I can rip it at 320 when I go home - 2 weeks!

http://www.mediafire.com/?hizlizkfmd3

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

Cocteau Twins - Lullabies to Violaine (1996)

Dark treasure box of heaven. Volume 1 covers their singles/EPs from the beginning all the way to Heaven or Las Vegas. The first volume showcases their early industrial, almost punk sound (akin to Killing Joke, Siouxsie and the Banshees) before it drifts into waves of bliss. Volume 2 contains their later work, some accoustic versions and remixes - it's too delicate for my liking, but Fraser's voice is hard to ignore.

Lullabies to Violaine

The Doctor is Checking Out

I will miss you Harry Leroy Halladay. Now go get yourself a ring. Much love to DJF for the accurate portrait of the greatest pitcher I have ever seen.

Gorky's Zygotic Mynci - Spanish Dance Troupe (1999)

Beautiful and weird folky tunes from wild Welsh mushroom-eaters.

http://www.mediafire.com/?z0mzjmmnkln

Spanish Dance Troupe

Looking for the Buffalo

I found and devoured Shishimumu a while back and this breed of buffalo still roams the intertubes. However I want to find two other buffalo, one named Take to the Trees (last tagged by Time-Lag, July 2008) and the other goes by Cement Postcard With Owl Colors (last seen dangling over the burning hills circa 2009).

V/A - Istanbul Twilight (2008)

This sounds like a mellow night in the big city.

http://www.mediafire.com/?jnmdfynydkz
http://www.mediafire.com/?yymcltmdn5n

Istanbul Twilight

V/A - Love Peace & Poetry: Turkish Psychedelic Music

http://www.mediafire.com/?0ddqn2ozvqz

Love, Peace & Poetry: Turkish Psychedelic Music

Kâzım Koyuncu - Hayde (2004)

Kâzım Koyuncu was an ethnic Laz, activist and folk-rock singer. He sung in many languages, some I never knew existed. Hayde has a wide range of sounds; pounding drums, soulful chants and tulum, graceful guitar and violin, and probably my favourite, the frantic kemenche. The immediate shifts between delirious dancing music and melancholy duos is strange. Nevertheless, the music is beautiful, highly recommended. I was sad to learn he died of cancer a few years ago, ostensibly from causes against which he was campaigning. Next I will be posting a few compilations of Turkish music, from the 70s and today.

http://www.mediafire.com/?knw2ijrxrij

Hayde

Volkan Konak - Maranda (2003)

Now begins the binge on Egedeniz and Karadeniz (Aegean and Black Sea) folk music. First up, Volkan Konak. I dig the voice and instruments but the album sounds over-produced and almost Latin. My ears are searching for something more raw. He has some other albums so maybe I will check out his older stuff. Overall, very pleasant, just a bit too pristine for my taste.

http://www.mediafire.com/?yyjyyjmolhm

Maranda

Turkey Music Scene

A few bands to check out:

http://www.myspace.com/Norrda
http://www.myspace.com/kimkiO
http://www.myspace.com/oakofistanbul
http://www.myspace.com/Portecho
http://www.myspace.com/dogualmanya

Meanwhile I am going to search the intertubes for others like Ahmed Yıldırım, Gogol Bordello, and Omar Faruk Tekbilek. I will try to catch a few shows at Peyote, Dogzstar or Babylon before I come home.

Mercan Dede - Nefes (2006)

Nefes = Breath. Electro Sufi-pop with traditional instruments.
http://www.mediafire.com/?nniomljz2yz
http://www.mediafire.com/?mlnmzzd54lh
There is also plenty of Arabesque music out there and I will get to that. I am more interested in the Black Sea and Kurdish folk music but it is incredibly hard to find online, and I am also banned from torrents here. Might have to do it the old-fashioned way - head down to the record store, sample a ton of records and pick out my favourites.

Breath
Breath
Su
Su