You’re listening to WREK Atlanta, 91.1 FM. Welcome back, everyone, to yet another 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓪𝓵 𝓓𝓻𝓲𝓯𝓽! Today, we’re gonna drift on over to Thailand!
The Kingdom of Thailand is a Southeast Asian country. It borders Myanmar to the west and northwest, Laos to the east and northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south. Its capital is Bangkok, and its official language is Thai, though several other languages like Isan, Northern Thai, and Karen are spoken in various regions. With a population of 65.8 million, it is the 23rd-most populous country. The geographic region that is now Thailand has a long and storied history, with distinct music from each era. So let’s dive in, shall we?
First we’re going to look at some folk music endemic to the region, and slowly work our way towards more syncretic forms that emerged later in history.
Endemic Thai Music: Phleng Thai sakon - Thai style w/Western instruments, Luk Thung - Thai country/folk music, including
The Rice Farmer and the Salt Farmer's Daughter by Soraphet Phinyo & Nong Nuch Duangchiwan
youtube.com/watch?v=mAIBzGBXlTE&feature=youtu.be
The Goddess of Fabric by Seri Rungsawang (on Spotify), played on a traditional idiophone called ranat ek.
Dae Num Sao Phu Raoran by Jaran Manophet (on Spotify), sung in Northern Thai language of Kam Mueang. Its lyrics reflect the anxieties of young adulthood.
"Is That Enough?" by Odd Opas Tosaporn
Next we will play Shadow Music from 60s and 70s (songs Mon Du Dow, Yord Muay Thai, Love Passion, Seng Rabird, Pama Rum Kwan on Spotify).
Lastly, we will play 4 more songs from Modern Pop!
Songs on Spotify: The Kasalong Promise, Can I Trust You? (has a 2-stringed Thai fiddle!), Gamble (reflective of positively-received LGBT themes in entertainment; the song’s premise is about the singer agonizing over whether she should confess her feelings to another girl she works with), Melt.
The recording of the episode will appear soon. Until then, enjoy music!