Dao Bandon [Kon Kee Lang Kwai (Man on a Water Buffalo): Essential Dao Bandon] LP [EM1131LP]

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

For reasons unknowable, certain places in certain eras become hotbeds of music, fertile in their growth and flowering of musical talent. Thailand in the 1970s was such a place, and Dao Bandon is one of the enduring greats of that era. Born in the farm country of the Isan region, Bandon came from a poor family and was a monk during his teens, two great influences which shaped him, with his farm roots grounding the earthy heart of his lyrics, and his years of monastic chanting lending a unique resonance to his singing. After an apprenticeship with some of the greats of Thai music, Dao Bandon began to enjoy success leading his own band. The songs here, released in the 1970s, showcase the infectiously joyful Bandon groove, his mellifluous voice, and his captivating melodic sense. His lyrics deal with sex, love, marijuana, and the struggles of the poor, but no matter what he sings about, a sense of good cheer is always evident. Featuring parallel translations of the lyrics, in-depth liner notes, rare photos and of course great music, "Man on a Water Buffalo" is yet another example of Thai excellence from EM Records.

+ Newly remastered
+ First ever world release by the artist outside of Thailand

CD version:
Standard jewel case
24-page booklet including liner notes written by Soi 48 and rare photos
English & Japanese text
Lyrics translated in English & Japanese

LP version:
Full-color inner sleeve incl. liner notes, pics & lyrics

TRACKS:
1. Kon Kee Lang Kwai (Man on a Water Buffalo)
2. Num Lam Nam Chi (Man from River Chi)
3. Rak Nong Kon Diew (I Love Only You)
4. Bong Ja Bong (Pipe, oh Pipe)
5. Nat Wan Kin Yaa Dong (Yaa Dong Day)
6. Lam Plearn Kiew Sao (Courting Lam Plearn)
7. Lam Plearn Jaroen Jai (Uplifting Lam Plearn)
8. Sanya Na Nao (Promise for the Dry Season)
9. Lork Pi Chut Chut (Deceive Me Completely)
10. Ya Sading (Don't Be Loose)
11. Ya Ting King (Don't Stop)
12. Lam Kiew Sao Lam Noi (Courting Lam Girl Lam)

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.