Jah
Wobble & The Invaders of the Heart:
Molam Dub
30 HERTZ RECORDS
HZCD12
Tracks:
LAM SARAVANE / LAM
TANG WAY / LAM TANG WAY (FEMALE VOCAL) / LAM BANE XOC / LAM SIPHANDONE
/ SARAVANE / LAM PHOUTHAY / LAM SARAVANE DUB / LAM LONG / LAM TANG WAY
DUB / LAM PHOUTHAY DANCE MIX / HILL MUSIC
Running Time: 68 mins
review by Patrick
MacArdle, July 2000 (First published F&F 13)
©2000 F&F Publishing
As
you know, there are loads of records that sample ethnic music, or use
them here and there to add that exotic touch. But this set is not an
appropriation, it's a collaboration. In the one corner, you have Molam
Lao, Laotians with their singing, whooping, bells, and drones. Playing
a type of music that we're told is a thousand years old. In the other
corner you have Wobble and his mates who have a listen to what the Laotians
are up to, and then add the most perfect Jamaican dub beats, bass, and
studio trickery. The result is something, that's completely new but
is also undeniably Molam and obviously dub. The whole thing is just
alive. It's the most interesting and catchy record I can think of. Amazing
and impossible to ignore. I recommend playing it on the sly when you
have people over, and wait to see what they say. I've sold three copies
like that.
All the singers and players are in top form, but honourable mention must go to the man called Chris Cookson who's responsible for most of the delicious skanking beats that complement Wobble's bass, and some gorgeous guitar work too. Wobble's bass lines are just gorgeous too, including a few that are not a million miles from his classic 'Metal Box' work. ( I swear I keep hearing 'Careering'). The CD runs for almost 70 minutes. The first 10 tracks make up the main body of the recording. The 11th is an extended dance mix. And for extra value, the 12th track, 'Hill Music', doesn't noticeably feature the Laotians, but is similar to the Deep Space 'Beach Fervour' Spare CD with. Mark Saunders is in on Drums. If you only buy one Laotian Dub record this year, this should be it.
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