various: theppabutr productions the man behind the molam sound 1972-1975

Following the celebrated Thai Funk: ZudRangMa compilations exploring Molam music from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, it's time for an in-depth look at one of the architects of the sound. Theppabutr Productions: The Man Behind the Molam Sound 1972-75 issues, for the first time outside of Thailand, the work of pioneering producer Theppabutr Satirodchompu, the man credited as the creator of the modern Molam sound. Those uninitiated in Molam (or 'Mor Lam,' as it's sometimes known) should probably get acquainted with Thai Funk Volumes 1 and 2, like, right now. But as time is short, let us say it was the exciting, electric music born of the age-old folk music traditions of northeast Thailand in the latter half of the 20th century. It's the sound of a corner of a far eastern nation carving its way through the musical shifts sweeping the west while keeping one eye on the past ? and the resulting groove-laden vinyl gems sound just as fresh and dynamic today as they did decades ago. Theppabutr's contribution to Molam is almost immeasurable -- he signed hundreds of Molam artists and recorded even more. Here, acts from his stable including Roied Petchsiam, Chanpen Sirithep, and Theppabutr's singing wife, Baneyn Rakkaen, showcase his heavy, deep and raw sound, colored by native instruments including the haunting, church organ-like khaen and the driving riffs of the phin.