Sofrito and luk thung

As we head into mid-April 2011, it really is about time we put the music of 2010 to bed. That can't be done, however, without first posting this track from one of last year's best compilations, 'The Sound of Siam', a collection of experimental Thai music from the 60s & 70s that incorporates elements of jazz, funk and surf.

Soul Lam Plearn is one of two standout tracks for me and is, according to Uncut magazine, "what an oriental Stone Roses would sound like".



The other 2 great compilations that I got hold of last year were

1) Shangaan Electro: New Wave Dance Music from S Africa



(see track 29 on the 2010 Top 50)










2) Down to the Sea and Back: The Continuing Journey of the Balearic Beat











Which is as good a time as any (apart from perhaps the last 4 months) to finish the 2010 round-up:

Blogged II Death Best Album: Gil Scott-Heron - I'm New Here
Best Video: LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls
Best Gig: Wooden Shjips @ St. Phillips Church, Salford (OK, I admit it was the only gig I got to attend but it was a good one)
Best Single: Gil Scott-Heron - Me & the Devil

The full round-up of last year's 50 best tracks (minus a couple unavailable) can now be found on a youtube playlist at the following address:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=C1572700E6EA409E (an undertaking for which I can take no credit)
And as a final, belated wave goodbye to the year we did NOT make contact, here is the winner of this blog's best gig category, covering the winner of the Best Video:




As for 2011, I doubt that a better compilation will come my way than 'Sofrito - Tropical Discotheque', a fantastic party album incorporating music from Africa, South America and the Caribbean. The following 2 tracks are particular highlights:

MIGHTY SHADOW - Dat Soca Boat


SIR VICTOR UWAIFO - Ohue (Frankie Francis & Simbad Edit)