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PREORDER
Ships When IN STOCK.
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ARTIST
TITLE
Zamaan Ya Sukkar
FORMAT
7"
LABEL
CATALOG #
SMR45 001EP
SMR45 001EP
GENRE
RELEASE DATE
7/18/2025
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At the height of Pan-Arabism, when the United Arab Republic fused Egypt and Syria in a fleeting but bold experiment, a new wave of popular music was emerging -- vibrant, infectious, and universally danceable. Among its lesser-known stars was actress Leila Gamal, whose voice -- delicate yet rich with longing -- embodied the golden era of Egyptian cinema. Born in Alexandria to Syrian roots, Gamal's vocals were a magnetic blend of sweetness and passion, with a timeless allure that echoed the silver-screen sweethearts of her time. "Abaleeh Abalingi" pulses with the hypnotic drive of funky organ riffs, reminiscent of the blind visionary Ammar El Sheriyi, creating a sound both cinematic and undeniably catchy. The delicate lyrics by Khairi Fouad place the track firmly in the lineage of the Middle East's most iconic pop divas, from Angham to Nawal El-Zoughbi who he subsequently wrote for. This reissue, lovingly remastered, brings this long-lost gem back to life, where it belongs -- spinning on turntables, teasing dance floors, and transporting listeners to Egypt in the late sixties. Adel Osman's "Oriental Eyes" captures the essence of the '60s Egyptian Franco-Arab movement, blending Western (often jazz) influences with Arabic melodies to mesh mystique with sensuality. Osman's commanding yet delicate vocals deliver the bilingual lyrics with captivating sincerity, his voice effortlessly gliding over the swells of the arrangement. The trumpet, possibly connecting him to Zaki Osman of Salah Ragab's legendary Cairo Jazz Band, adds a layer of flair, enriching the track's Tarantino-esque eclecticism. Now remastered, "Oriental Eyes" is not only a nostalgic gem but a timeless reminder of the boundary-defying spirit that defined the 1960s musical landscape. Given the ongoing war efforts against Israel, this record wasn't pressed by Sono Cairo till much later in 1975 once Egypt had recaptured the Sinai and restored national pride.
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