Looking for Molam songs (page 2 of 2)

Hey Georges,

The topic isn’t specifically about molam, it’s not exclusively about Thailand & Laos, and I haven’t listened yet, but I thought you might be interested:

The summer music series - Mekong: the "turbulent river" that nourishes Southeast Asia https://www.franceculture.fr/emissions/la-serie-musicale-dete/chansons-deau-douce-55-mekong-le-fleuve-turbulent-qui-nourrit-lasie-du-sud-est

Hey Georges,

The topic isn't specifically about molam, it's not exclusively about Thailand & Laos, and I haven't listened yet, but I thought you might be interested:

The summer music series - Mekong: the "turbulent river" that nourishes Southeast Asia https://www.franceculture.fr/emissions/la-serie-musicale-dete/chansons-deau-douce-55-mekong-le-fleuve-turbulent-qui-nourrit-lasie-du-sud-est

Nice, this. It's been a long time! 🙂

The Mekong really deserves to be discussed, which France Culture does so well. There's still that weird English song, almost Irish in style, used to illustrate the Myanmar-Laos border—it makes you wonder! 😇

The comments about Thailand's "Siamization" of Isaan, which has a mainly Lao soul, are very accurate. Those who still don’t know—or who refuse to acknowledge it and deny it (I’ve met some)—should really listen.

Along the same lines, it’s worth noting that Saigon was Khmer until quite recently. The aggression of some peoples toward others... let’s move on!

When you reach the Laos-Thailand border, France Culture obviously mentions molam. But thankfully, they avoid subjecting us to "molam sing," that modern, often quite horrible and vulgar variation that doesn’t really do it justice. Instead, we get some traditional molam passages ("borahn"), like the "lam" around the 35-40 minute mark. Close your eyes and imagine dancing for hours, hypnotized! 😎😉

With all this, you can really feel yourself drifting far away, down the river!

The traditional stuff is enchanting, but I also love luk thung. The ultra-popular and too-soon-gone Phumphuan Duangchan—that’s Thailand to me. Lek Carabao has tracks that totally blow me away.

Have you had the chance to discover the incredible modern wave that started around the mid-2000s?

The traditional is enchanting, but I also love luk thung. The ultra-popular and too-soon-departed Phumphuan Duangchan—that’s Thailand in my eyes! Lek Carabao has tracks that totally blow me away.

Did you get the chance to discover the incredible modern wave that started around the mid-2000s?

Hello! Is VF back? That’d be great!

Yes, of course—Phompuan Duangchan, a true star of luk thung. But there are also more recent names. Tai Orathai and Siliphorn Amphaiphong are big classics. There are so many others; I could come back with more recommendations.

I like Carabao too, but that’s not luk thung—it’s more *pheua chiwit*, which leans toward rock/pop with a touch of Georges Brassens.

We're back... well, those of us who made it back!

If you haven't already, check out Lipta, Scrubb, Skykick Rangers, Groove Riders, Musketeers, and so on. Around 2003-2005, Thailand suddenly jumped from the 50s/60s to the 80s/90s, and this wave wasn't just a simple copy of what Westerners were doing. There was a simultaneous emergence of truly talented artists, giving us some pretty successful pop, jazzy, and romantic songs. I assume all of this mainly came to light in Bangkok, among young people from affluent backgrounds.

I stumbled upon this by accident on YouTube while searching for more traditional songs, and now I alternate between different compilations, which gives me more variety.

At first, it feels a bit strange, but on one hand, the vibe of these songs is really pleasant and easy to listen to—it's some really solid studio work—and on the other hand, it's also part of Thailand... today's Thailand.

Other than that, there's no obligation, but if one day you put together another little travel journal about Thailand, it would make at least one person happy. I learned a lot from your writing.

Best regards,

Joel

We're back... well, those of us who made it back!

If you haven't already, check out Lipta, Scrubb, Skykick Rangers, Groove Riders, Musketeers, etc. Around 2003-2005, Thais suddenly jumped from the 50s/60s to the 80s/90s, and this wave wasn't just a simple copy of what Westerners were doing. There was a real explosion of genuinely talented artists, giving us some pretty successful pop, jazzy, and romantic songs. I assume all this mainly emerged in Bangkok, among young people from affluent backgrounds.

I stumbled upon this by accident on YouTube while searching for more traditional songs, and now I alternate between different compilations—it gives me more variety.

At first, it feels a little strange, but on one hand, the vibe of these songs is really pleasant and easy to listen to—it’s some seriously good studio work—and on the other, it’s also what Thailand is today.

Other than that, no pressure, but if you ever share another little travel journal about Thailand, it’d make at least one person very happy. I learned a lot from your writing.

Best regards,

Joel

Ah, nice to know VF is back! Yeah, there’s a lot of interesting and enjoyable music in Thailand. And as you said, it really helps you understand the country better—so many people talk about it while knowing so little!

I might come back with another story about Thailand someday. But I also have a lot to say about Mexico, India, and Brazil—countries I’ve traveled to a lot since COVID.