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7"
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SMR45 001EP
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$25.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 7/18/2025
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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7"
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SMR45 003EP
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$25.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 7/18/2025
Finally, hopping across from Egypt to Lebanon for this infectious number, Georgette Sayegh delivers what some consider her magnum opus in a captivating duet together with Melhem Barakat, and on the flipside a stripped-down instrumental version that's equally catchy. Georgette Sayegh is a legendary Lebanese singer and actress known for her tender and dulcet voice that echoed the grace and beauty of the inimitable Fairuz yet carried its own unique warmth. Her passion for collecting vinyl at an early age formed her eclectic musical palette, and she eventually caught the eyes of the Rahbani brothers and played the lead role in a monthly play written by Fairuz's son, Ziad. Georgette's household classic "Yay Yay Ya Nassini" shot her to stardom across the Arab world in the 1970's, and till this day carries the exact same nostalgia of a Lebanese summertime anthem -- flirtatious, jolly, and unfettered. In "Belghi Kull Mawaidi" (I cancel all my appointments), Sayegh's voice entwines with compatriot and fellow household staple, Melhem Barakat in an emotional display of longing and depth -- her voice delicate yet powerful, effortlessly blending with Barakat's commanding baritone. The instrumental version on the flipside (surprisingly a stereo mix) reveals a highly catchy arrangement that is lush and emotive, driven by strings that glide smoothly through the melody, while brass instruments add a touch of drama. The rhythm section, punctuated by a steady percussion, anchors the track, allowing the interplay of instruments to build a sense of urgency and longing, accurately reflecting the struggles and emotional resilience that defined Sayegh's own life. This reissue, remastered with painstaking care, brings both versions of Belghi Kull Mawaidi back to life, making it an essential addition to any avid listener, DJ or collector's shelf. It captures the timeless beauty of two of Lebanon's most cherished musical icons, their voices and instruments merging to create a track that resonates through the ages.
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7"
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SMR45 002EP
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$25.00
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 7/18/2025
Maggid Tewfik's "Mazzika Nicab" Parts 1 and 2. Released in 1973, Mazzika Nicab by Egyptian film director and iconic figure Maggid Tewfik is a trippy instrumental journey into the experimental realms of baladi music. Known for his prolific career as a director and DOP in over 30 Coptic films, Tewfik's composition, split in two parts, presents a moody yet undeniably cheeky tune that is unlike anything found in Egyptian music over the ages. The track is a hypnotic blend of Eastern rhythms and Latin grooves, featuring an early drum machine that guides the track through its jubilant and stormy atmosphere. This mechanical beat is paired with funky garage sounds, creating a psychedelic fusion that evokes images of an epic cinematic score, where belly dance meets the raw energy of late-'60s experimental rock. Belly-dance sci-fi perhaps.
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