Phairin Phonphibun [ Lam Klom Thung: Essential Phairin Phonphibun ] CD [EM1147CD]

Digital version available at https://emrecords.bandcamp.com/album/em-records

Something special happens when a talented, versatile singer teams up with a visionary, attentive and focused producer. This remarkable collection is the cream of such a collaboration, featuring vocalist Phairin Phonphibun and her late-70s and early-80s work with Thai studio legend Surin Paksiri. These 10 songs showcase Phonphibun's mastery of a range of Isan musical styles, always skilled, always singular and always soulful. Her spirit-lifting, authentic molam voice is honored here by the work of the still-active production genius Paksiri, who realizes that as wonderful as a beautiful voice is, when that voice is set, gem-like, in a fitting and inspiring musical environment, the results are timeless. All of these songs were originally released as 7-inch records on Paksiri's own label, in an era before the cassette era devolved, for lesser talents, into a production line of sound-alikes. Every song has a thoughtful, unique arrangement, with a style and sensibility which separates them from other molam and luk thung of every era. In this sense, Paksiri can be ranked along with renowned auteur producers of the Western musical world, with his attention to detail and keen musical sense evident on every track, retaining an undeniable Thai essence while introducing disco, soul and rock elements. A highlight here is the title tune, one of Phomphibun's signature songs, featured in the 1978 film "Mon Rak Menam Mun" and which so impressed Thai show-biz big boss Waiphot Petsuphan that he asked Paksiri to produce his own cover version. Whether you choose CD or LP, this reissue is choice.

* Molam: "Mo" is an artist and "Lam" is a kind of performance art where the artist tells a story using tonal inflexions. In other words, the term Molam refers to both the singer and art form. Molam pieces are not strictly speaking "songs".

+ Compiled/liner notes/cover art by Soi 48
+ English liner notes & lyrics

CD version: Standard jewel case, 24p booklet

LP version: insert

TRACKS:
1. Yan Hak Bo Ching
2. I Mae Oei (soeng)
3. Lam Phloen Doen Salab
4. Lam Tang Wai Chiik Ko
5. Phak Ki Phu Chai
6. Lam Phloen Chai Khon Ko
7. Lam Phloen Hak Khon Tia
8. Lam Phloen Thai Fak Kiao by Thongmi & Phairin
9. Ok Phansa (soeng)
10. Lam Klom Thung

Soi48 (EM Records/OMK):
DJ unit and Thai music research team comprising Tokyo natives Kei'ichi Utsuki and Shinsuke Takagi. They are the authors of the 2017 reference book “Trip to Isan: Traveling Thai/Isan Music Disc Guide”, and the organizers of and resident DJs at the long-running “Soi48 Party” at Be-Wave, Tokyo. They are also members of a mysterious group called OMK (One Mekong). Soi48 values music, old and new, over format, using vinyl, cassette, CD, VCD and USB to bring a wide range of Asian music, from modern to traditional, to audiences at their DJ events. They are the directors of the EM Records Thai music series, which currently consists of more than ten releases. They also served as the music directors for the critically acclaimed 2016 Kuzok film Bangkok Nites. They are active both in Japan and internationally, appearing at Fuji Rock Festival, writing for magazines and books, and appearing on a number of radio and TV programs.