Top 10 artists and songs of 2009

My personal top 10 lukthung artists and songs of 2009.

1) Tai Orratai
2) Takkatan Cholada
3) Vit Hyper
4) Nidnoi Nantaporn (right)
5) Ajareeya Bussada
6) Bew Kalaynee
7) Luang Kai
8) Noo Meter
9) Earn The Star
10) Karaked

1) fan geb - Takkatan Cholada
2) luem ai bor wai - Klin Patooma
3) hed phon tee ton jeb - Tai Orratai
4) fah kong mee hed - Luang Kai
5) nung sue pok dum - Fangkaew Worasamon
6) tua chuay tee boh - Tai Orratai
7) pen huang der jar - Tai Orratai
8) fark kum kor tode - Nidnoi Nantaporn
9) klied khon suay - Noo Meter
10) aow ngao kao laek - Vit Hyper

Many thanks to all visitors and readers this year and i hope you come again in 2010. Things might be a bit different in the new year. Happy New Year!

MV : "Poo chai khon raek" by Klin Patooma กลิ่น ปทุมมา

Great song by a great talent!

CD : Job Sabuy Heart จ๊อบ สบายฮาร์ท - narm tar poo chai

Been looking forward to this one, in 2008 Job released the song "Say saeng", one of the best songs of the year though i was unable to get the album the song was off. This album, Job's second, is available however and very gratefully received it is too. Job is a cool guy with the dreadlocks and shades and backs it up with great hard country rock.

"Kum sarb" opens the album and is is a terrific rock ballad. Job's vocals are full of feel and life. You feel like Job actually means it and wasn't a product of marketing. Of course that may be the intention (of the marketing) but his vocals feel like they have plenty of authenticity behind them. And lots of rock guitar too of course. "Kon lhuer khor" is another passion filled track with a big chorus and big guitar solo.

"Narm tar poo chai" follows the theme, maybe a little softer in feel than the earlier songs but thats relatively "softer" there is still plenty of rock passion and another big chorus. There isn't a great deal of subtlety with Job's music to be honest. "Mai klah bork" is a little different, an acoustic opening and a touch of lukthung-style keywords. "Kid pai aeng" is much a traditional style song though Job's vocals are still like a sledgehammer and jar a bit with a softer backing. To be honest it doesn't work for me.

Perhaps Job wanted a bit of variety with his album however 10 rock ballads would be fine as far as i am concerned. "Way lar" is a little more like it though "Rub pai tem tem" finally brings the big guitars back. Job is my hero and this album is every bit as good as i hoped it would be. Totally fantastic. Hard music but with feeling.

Rating : 9.3/10

Favourite songs : Kum sarb, Narm tar poo chai, Rub pai tem tem

MV : "Poo ying luem yark" by Vit Hyper วิด ไฮเปอร์

Welcome back Vit!

MV : "Fan kao bor aow dok" by Dokruk Duangmala ดอกรัก ดวงมาลา

Really like Dokruk's voice.

CD : Klin Patoomma กลิ่น ปทุมมา - poo chai khon raek

What a great debut this is, and one of the best albums of the year. Klin Patoomma's album is full of great songs with rich vocals and a great backing. Lukthung with a rock/pop edge is the order of the day but there is lots of real feeling in her vocals such as on the opening title track with it's big chorus and scorching guitar chords.

"Luem ai bor wai" is another slow-tempo lukthung song with rock flourishes, with superb vocals which cut through the electric noise in the background like a hot knife. One of the better songs of the last few months for sure. "Pen dai kae sai sorn" opens with some harmonica and some big guitar chords but is another passionate lukthung-rock number.

"Yark dai yark dai" is a very different song, a little faster and a lot more traditional in feel and instrumentation. No less good though, a very catchy song. Much of the album is like the following "Jai ar worn", big slow lukthung rock ballads. Read a few of my reviews and you know these kind of songs are my favourite so i have no hesitation in saying this album is absolutely fantastic.

Rating : 9.5/10

Favourite songs : Poo chai khon raek, Luem ai bor wai

MV : "Santi pee" by Carabao คาราบาว

We haven't had anything by the legends of Thai rock for some time. Lets rectify that!

MV : "Fak fan pom duy" by David เดวิด

Some country rock, i like David.

New releases (06/12/09)

Punnawaree Pojjanasoontorn - Sao Noy Chiang Mai
Sao 5 - Kon Tai Jai Tem
Jonas Andersson & Kristy Gibson - Jonas & Kristy
Parn Thanaporn & Carabao - Bao Parn Return
Aof Dokfah Tahchana - Mai Mee Chun Nai Jai Ter
Jomkwan Kulya - Mon Ruk Loog Thung
Idin Apinun - Bao Guitar Yuem
Bao We - Bao We Vol 4
Siriporn Umpaipong - Muan Num Gun Mun Krajai
Nongpang Natthida - Kor Anuyart Kid Hord Ai
Klin Patoomma - Poo Chai Khon Raek

MV : "Rak kon sai waen รักคนใส่แว่น" by Christy Gibson

Lets have a song from Christy as well then.

MV : "Mai pen rai ไม่เป็นไร" by Jonas Andersson

Song off Jonas's & Christy Gibson's new album. They being Europeans (and probably the only ones!) who sing lukthung of course.

Top 5 CDs of November 09

1) Luang Kai - kae toe mar bork wah kid thueng
2) Fon Tanasoontorn - ruk nee mai mee luem
3) Fangkaew Worasamon - mark kwa puean dai mai
4) Pituk - sathanee narmtar waylar ngao
5) Tai Orrathai - morlum dok ya

MV : "Esarn lum plern" by Tai Orratai ต่าย อรทัย

From Tai's morlum album.

CD : Pituk พิทักษ์ - sathanee narmtar waylar ngao

Well Pituk has long hair, wears army gear and plays a guitar on the cover so you expect this will be on the tougher and rockier end of the lukthung spectrum. The opener "Dor doo barn" is quite a surprise though with a very traditional sound especially when the tempo picks up later on. Pituk's vocals have a bit of a rough edge to them, though not as rough as say Job.

"Sathanee narm tar" is a great song, Pituk's vocals are so crisp and almost rip out of the speakers. The song itself is a slow builder with a great melody and structure. "Tahlay mai chuay arai" with it's big guitar chords is more rocky but its great lukthung with a few rock flourishes instead of the other way around. "Sarm cha narm tar tok" is a good up-tempo song with a great beat to it.

The album is very good but quite unexpected if you expected another Vit Hyper say. Never judge things by their cover is thus the message here. I love a cover with trains on it by the way!

Rating : 8.8/10

Favourite songs : Sathanee narm tar, Tahlay mai chuay arai

MV : "Kum sarb" by Job Sabye Heart จ๊อบ สบายฮาร์ท

Currently listening to this song a lot.

MV : "Bork wa ja ma" by Natalie Sripetch ณาตาลี ศรีเพชร

Natalie has a couple of new compilations out and one includes this song.

CD : Fangkaew Worasamon ฟางแก้ว วรรษมน - mark kwa puean dai mai

Seems every now and then a new artist comes along whose debut pretty much blows away anything else currently out there. And this time her name is Fangkaew Worasamon and this album is fabulous. Opener "Rawung! ... tok loom ruk" has a lovely dinky little melody and a very listenable chorus. Fangkaew's voice has plenty of young girl vitality and energy, maybe not the best lukthung vocals ever but certainly not bad.

The opening song is a little silly maybe but the following "Nung sue pok dum" is serious business, a big lukthung ballad. It checks all the boxes perfectly as far as i am concerned. Slow building melody - check. Great chorus - check. Driving vocals - check. One of the best songs i've heard for a few months. "Duay kwam kid tueng" is a more traditionally sounding song, Fangkaew's vocals do not work quite as well on this. Rockier songs are her forte but this is still very listenable.

"Lor len...na" is an "interesting" song, with a very electronic beat and is a very child-like song, though has sufficient charm for me to actually like it and i usually loathe songs like this! "Ruk mai kla sadeng oak" is much more serious and is a lovely country-rock song.

The album isn't quite perfect but the closest thing we have to it right now. As i said these new artists who i really like come along once or twice a year. Unfortunately they never seem to release a second album which either means i do not know what on Earth i am talking about or it is sheer bad luck (probably the former). Anyway i hope Fangkaew bucks the trend!

Favourite songs : Nung sue pok dum, Rawung! ... tok loom ruk

Rating : 9.4/10

MV : "Kwai jao narm ta" by Ton Sithipong ต้น สิทธิพงษ์

New album out now. Cool video on this one.

MV : "Itcha nok" by Nanfah Kalasin น่านฟ้า กาฬสินธ์

Current lukthung hit.

CD : Oiy Kraton อ้อย กระท้อน - narm tar mai lai kuen

Oiy has been around for awhile but this album sees her move to RS. The opener ("Rao ruk kun mai dai") sets the stall for the rest of the album really, quality singing with a strength to it coupled to a rock edge that erupts before the song has ended to a big ending. "Yah rong hai" has a restrained and bluesy feel to it turning into some big guitar chords.

"Hua lum phong" raises the tempo a bit and has a more traditional feel to the earlier songs which are more rock than anything. "Narm tar" is back to slow bluesy rock, Oiy's vocals have a slightly silky feel to them that is expertly matched by the backing. It oozes quality this album. Like a lot of singers though her vocal style is much more suited to slower songs, "Lhok nee mee wai yieb" raises the tempo and doesn't quite work as well. Slower songs like "Poo chai pee sua" and those mentioned earlier dominate the album though. On this song Oiy singing has a slightly delicate nature to it which works really well with some traditional instrumentation added to the rock mix. Excellent album.

Rating : 9/10

Favourite songs : Rao ruk kun mai dai, Poo chai pee sua

MV : "Narm tar poo chai" by Job Sabye Heart จ๊อบ สบายฮาร์ท

Oh yeah second album from Job Sabye Heart is out now! Love this guy!

MV : "Jep nee mai mee wan jaang" by Takkatan Cholada ตั๊กแตน ชลลดา

Nice song by Takkatan, her 4th album is now out.

New releases (08/11/09)

• Job Sabuy Heart - Narm Tar Poo Chai (2nd album)
• Takkatan Chollada - Kon Ngao Tee Kao Jai Ter (4th album)
• Krung Suksan - Rua Jaew
• Poj Suwannapun - Mitr-parp Pleng
• Ton Sithipong - Saphai Yah Mo
• Mike Piromporn - Bon Sen Tarng Sai Derm (17th album)
• Noknoi Uraiporn - Ying Diew Mue Nueng
• Tunwa Rasritanu - Gingka Thong
• Assawin Seethong - Julie Naruk
• Su Trai-Ngarm - Dao Mayrai
• Tinglee Ornsila - Jikko Panejorn
• Som Suda Srilumduan - Lhor Raya Sood Tai

MV : "Bin lhar dong" by Luang Kai หลวงไก่ & Jeab Benjaporn เจี๊ยบ เบญจพร

Nice duet by these 2 RS artists.

MV : "Kid dai ngai" by Sao Mard สาวมาด เมกะแดนซ์

Probably the best song off Sao Mard's last album.

Top 5 CDs of October 2009

1) Karaked - karaked klang fhon
2) Noo Meter - khon derm tee koon kei
3) Fangkaew Worasamon - mark kwa puean dai mai
4) Dokruk Duangmala - dai rub kiet pen fan kao
5) Anda - vol 4

MV : "Thepee barn prai" by Koong Suthirath กุ้ง สุธิราช

MV by Koong who has a new compilation out (though he is having to share it with Kat Rattikarn!)

MV : "Hua jai piek fhon" by Noo Lek หนูเล็ก

Nice song and a sad video.

CD : Dokruk Duangmala ดอกรัก ดวงมาลา - dai rub kiet pen fan kao

Dokruk's latest album and starts with a very good song. Often albums start off a bit upbeat but on the opening title track Dokruk gives us a big and deep slow epic. Dokruk's voice is very good and the song builds slowly though maybe doesn't quite reach the height you hope for. "Khon tee chai tae rai site" is maybe a better song, with some wonderful guitar chords at the start. Its another deep slow song but with a better chorus and full of emotion. Best song on the album for sure.

"Fan kao bor aow dok" also starts with some big guitar (some of it a bit shrill so be careful if you are listening to it loudly late at night!) Like the previous two songs Dokruk sings the song well with clear singing and plenty of power and feel. She does strain a bit on some of the notes on this song though, maybe slightly too high a key for her. "Plook jai hai tuen" is another slow powerful song, though maybe by now you'd like some light relief? Plenty of hard rock edge anyway.

There is no doubt Dokruk can sing and as with most Diamond Studio albums it has a quality of singing and instrumentation that is just right. A very good album.

Rating : 8.9/10

Favourite songs : Khon tee chai tae rai site, Dai rub kiet pen fan kao

MV : "Nung sue pok dum" by Fangkaew Worasamon ฟางแก้ว วรรษมน

Fantastic! Currently my favourite song. Fangkaew's album is really excellent.

MV : "Nauk sia wah song sarn" by Oiy Kraton อ้อย กะท้อน

Nice video on this one, older hit by Oiy.

CD : Fon Tanasoontorn ฝน ธนสุนทร - ruk nee mai mee luem

The latest Fon Tanasoontorn album, we thus expect big vocals and big songs. Opening track "Lerk pai luey" does not disappoint on that score, big chorus, interesting tempo and melody. "Ruk nee mai mee luem" has a restrained piano led opening then moves into a similar "Fon" song with an uplifting and very memorable chorus. "Klua" is quite a good song and follows the same tried and trusted trail as the other tracks.

Fon's vocals are very good on this album, plenty of power but also a gentleness when requires, almost whispering at times. One problem with Fon's albums for Sure Audio is, though, that the quality of the production does not match the vocals. The music is fine but sometimes it sounds like an ape is loose in the studio control room with songs suddenly cut off before they have faded out properly. But happily it doesn't detract from the quality of the singing and the overall songs. A good album.

Rating : 8.6/10

Favourite songs : Ruk nee mai mee luem, Lerk pai luey

MV : "Bussaba khon derm" by Ajareeya Bussaba อาจารียา บุษา

I like Ajareeya so much i think i will name my daughter after her, thats if i ever have one of course. I won't name my son after her, unless i don't like him.

MV : "Mai ruk chun hai mun roo pai" by Fon Tanasoontorn ฝน ธนสุนทร

Off Fon's latest album which is pretty good.

CD : Tai Orratai ต่าย อรทัย - khon kai muer klai barn

Lets go back in time a bit, this is Tai Orratai's 3rd album (she is on her 6th or 7th by now). The "classic" Tai Orratai sound was in place already though as can be heard on the title and opening track. A slow song with a sad melody and plenty of up front Tai vocals. It is the usual way a Tai CD starts and i got to say i love it every time!

"Ok. nor" is in a similar vein, traditional instruments into a slow and sad tune. I like how Tai sings on this album, she isn't quite as polished as she is now and has a slightly more edgy feel. "Hai tai pai kub jai" has another sad tune, this time led by some nice blues guitar chords. The song also has a very nice hook to it's melody.

"Gum mar korn kam dang" is a bit gimmickry and is a faster pace tune. It has a nice melody and is a bit funky but Tai Orratai on a fast song is like a Ferrari in low gear. For a fast Tai song though it is pretty decent still. So a great album full of great tunes. It has a vibrancy that is maybe missing a bit on Tai's latest releases. Lets hope she can regain some of this next time.

Favourite songs : Khon kai muer klai barn, Hai tai pai kub jai

Rating : 9/10

MV : "Hao bor som kan" by Big One บิ๊กวัน กันทรลักษ์

He has a new album out but this is from an older one (i think!)

MV : "Mia pluer jer gun" by Songkrod Chama ทรงกรด ฌามา

Off his new album.

Top 5 CDs of September 2009

1) Earn The Star - yah mong karm kwarm sei jai
2) Nidnoi Nantaporn - mai aow pee chai
3) Luang Kai - kae toe mar bork wah kid thueng
4) Noo Meter - khon derm tee koon kei
5) A-Zeer - self-titled

MV : "Show ber mai show jai" by Duangjan Suwannee ดวงจันทร์ สุวรรณี

Duangjan has a new album out, this is one of her older ones.

MV : "Lerk pai luey" by Fon Tanasoontorn ฝน ธนสุนทร

Off Fon's new album.

New releases (27/09/09)

• Fon Tanasoontorn - Ruk Nee Mai Mee Luem
• Duangjan Suwannee - Mai Kla Mee Ruk
• Got Jukkrapun - Khun OK Mhai (6th album)
• Songkrod Chama - Khon Kra Jok
• Kummord Pornkhundej - Korat Sing Raberd
• Vit Hyper - Jumbo Hit
• Fangkaew Worasamon - Mark Kwa Puean Dai mai (debut)
• Poj Suwannapun - Tark Narm Ta
• Mountain Boy Doy Narmprik Nhoom - Boh Mee Fan
• Aod Parquet - Pleng Samun Prajum Baan
• Jintara Poonlarb - Jumbo Hit
• Oiy Kraton - Narm Tar Mai Lai Kuen
• Takkatan Chollada - Nai Wun Tee Sai Lom Pud Parn (greatest hits)

MV : "Ga tay may jank" by Pitak พิทักษ์

RS artist now but here is one of his UFO songs.

MV : "Poo yai lee, Poo yai barn noom" by Karnjana Masiri กาญจนา มาศิริ

Some live performance.

CD : Noo Meter หนู มิเตอร์ - khon derm tee koon kei

Noo Meter's 4th album for RS. Of course we know what to expect: great melodies and tunes sung with Noo's relaxing yet rich voice. And being an RS album what we expect is what we get of course. Not that i am complaining. Noo Meter is one of my favourite male singers and his latest album doesn't disappoint. "Klied khon suay" starts the album off and is a mid-paced track with a nice shuffle-dancey tune and of course a good chorus.

"Hoon kra bok" is the kind of big ballad Noo Meter excels at, slow and guitar dominated opening into first verse, melody building in the background. You probably can guess the rest. Yeah big chorus. Excellent song. "Khon derm" is a little different being at times a little bluesy but also with some traditional instruments. A good slow song.

Of the later songs "Khon tummada" is a typical Noo Meter slow song (see "klied khon suay" for the blueprint). "Leelawadee" has some nice accordion and guitar. Overall this is an excellent album. You could guess that though. Sometimes you want a surprise maybe but at other times you want exactly what it says on the tin... or CD cover.

Rating : 9/10

Favourite songs : Klied khon suay, Hoon kra bok, Khon tummada

MV : "Lum rock bauk ruk" by Siriporn Umpaipong ศิริพร อำไพพงษ์

A slighter older song from Siriporn.

MV : "Khon tee chai tae rai site" by Dokruk Duangmala ดอกรัก ดวงมาลา

Off Dokruk's new album, this is probably my favourite song off it.

CD : Tai Orratai ต่าย อรทัย - morlum dok ya

The Princess of lukthung is back but with a difference, this time with a special morlam album. Tai Orratai doing this is not as big a stretch as it might be for some mainstream lukthung artists as her usual mode is fairly traditional. She usually includes 1 or 2 morlam songs an album already so in this case she has just done it for the whole disk.

The album is fine. Tai isn't Jintara Poonlap say but she still does a pretty good job. As with any GMM release the production values are high and Tai's voice is superb though i must admit i hope she is back to normal with her next album. Like with all her releases Tai is quite restrained and genteel which doesn't work quite as well on a morlam track which often needs a bit of sass and attitude. Having said that it is a welcome release and Tai seems like she is having a good time. As will you when you listen to it.

Rating : 8.7/10

Favourite songs : Esarn lum plern, Rang ngarn kao nhiew

MV : "haw hai duay" by Yui Yardyer ยุ้ย ญาติเยอะ

Lets go back in time a bit.

MV : "Sao barn darn chum ruk" by Fangkaew Worasamon ฟางแก้ว วรรษมน

Off Fangkaew's new album which is out now.

CD : Anda อันดา - volume 4

Anda's 4th album for RS (we worked that out from the cunningly cryptic title). I have resisted Anda up until now, some of her songs seemed fine but... well they didn't blow me away. However with her 4th album i decided to give the girl with a hippy look a try and i am glad i did. Anda has a good voice though more on the rock/pop end of the spectrum than what you would call lukthung.

"Job (mai) bor-ri-boon" starts us off and is a prime example of RS rock edged lukthung. It has a nice chorus with a pop hook and some nice guitar. It is a bit hard to distinguish Anda from some of her peer singers like Bew though on this song. "Yorm" adds some keyboards and harmonica and does stand out a bit more with it's sparser backing and more overtly country feel. However things do pick up before long and the song ends up a nice juicy country rock track.

"Jer ter nai pub" is one of the stand-out tracks. A powerful country rock ballad with a big chorus. Anda's clipped vocals easily a match for the backing. Proof that a singer can actually sing is when a robust backing doesn't drown her out, Anda definitely can sing. Up until now things have been a bit one paced but "Dek barn barn" picks things up and is a good faster song, its also more lukthung than anything we've had up until now but still with the warm country rock feel. Anda is better at the rock ballads though and "Fai klang fon" takes us back there. So up until now Anda didn't blow me away... up until now. This is a really good album. It is a very good RS female artist album too so you can probably get some idea of what it sounds like already. But when done as well as this you don't care.

Rating : 8.9/10

Favourite songs : Job (mai) bor-ri-boon, Jer ter nai pub, Fai klang fon

MV : "Nuek sia wah song sarn" by Oai Kraton

Oai has an album out now on RS but here is an older song.

MV : "Kid tueng ter yark jer luer gern" by Earn The Star เอิร์น เดอะสตาร์

Another pop friendly song by Earn.

Top 5 CDs of August 09

1) Bew Kalayanee - kumlung jai jark dan klai
2) Noo Meter - khon derm tee koon kei
3) Morgan - modify
4) Takkatan Cholada - dok neon barn kum
5) Karaked - karaked klang fhon

MV : "Kid tueng... kid tueng" by P Saderd พี สะเดิด

Off his 5th album.

MV : "Mai mee krai jing jai thao ter" by Nittaya Boonsungnern นิตยา บุญสูงเนิน

Song from Nittaya's new album.

New releases (23/08/09)

• Siriporn Umpaipong - Kor Tum Puer Ai (13th album)
• Nittaya Boonsungnern - Welcome Home
• Poifai Malaiporn - Muk Laew Krub
• Kan Thoongkrajiew - Sao Parinya Toe (debut)
• Eakkachai Sriwichai - Yarng Nee Mun Tong Koan
• Step One - Kaaw Raek
• Orawee Sujjanon - Bod Pleng Hang Ruk
• Anda - Anda Vol. 4

• Maitai Jaitawan - Welcome To Tumna
• Dokruk Duangmala - Dai Rub Kiet Pen Fan Kao

MV : "Mue pin kao korb" by Maitai Jaitawan ไหมไทย ใจตะวัน

Track off Maitai's 3rd album that was released last month.

MV : "Khoo tam phwa ai" by Siriporn Umpaipong ศิริพร อำไพพงษ์

Title track off Siriporn's new album.

CD : Luang Kai หลวงไก่ - kae toe mar bork wah kid thueng

Luang Kai's 4th album for RS, as you would expect its an album of robust rock-edged songs sung well. The opening title track is a case in point, it ticks all the boxes : steady tune, gritty vocals, big chorus. "Lerk rar mai lerk ruk" has a nice acoustic-rock start to it and then into a very satisfying rock lukthung song. Big chorus again of course. "Saeng fai nai sed fuen" has a nice tinkly piano opening before we are back in rock guitar territory. It follows much of the pattern of the first 2 songs. It may be a bit predictable maybe but it is executed very well.

"Loog nong loog pee" raises the tempo and is an enjoyable faster song with some nice guitar. Luang Kai is best with slower ballads though and "Kayah hua jai" takes us back there. Another song adhering to the blue print. The slow songs are all layered in that they slowly build in tone and volume taking us into the choruses. That is not to say all the songs sound the same but there is a definite strategy which works. Overall its a very quality piece of work. Take a song like "Fah kong mee hed phon" for example, it slowly builds into an irresistable rock chorus. A very good album but few surprises.

Favourite songs : Kae toe mar bork wah kid thueng, Saeng fai nai sed fuen, Fah kong mee hed phon

Rating : 8.5/10

MV : "Nung lae whan" by Anda อันดา

Older song by Anda.

MV : "Kuen nee muer pee klai" by Tai Orratai ต่าย อรทัย

Love this song by Tai!

CD : Sofia, Kluay Stamp, Eak & Ple - chuan nong rong pleng

A succession of duets between Sofia and some male artists from DKS and some solo songs from Sofia, of them i've only heard of Kluay Stamp. Sofia and Kluay start things off on the album with a nice rock-tinged lukthung song "Pee suer". They also sing together on "Tua klai jai klai", a slower and more mellow number. "Kae chop" is the first solo number for Sofia, as the album seems to be a showcase for her what is her voice like? Not that bad but i couldn't say it was outstanding but her voice has a pleasant feel to it.

Things go up-beat for the first song "Baa mic" between Sofia and Ple, a driving song with some nice guitar. "Aab ruk" is another solo song and starts off with some nice harmonica and a relaxed melodic feel to it. The album is full of nice songs but nothing really grabs you.

Rating : 7.1/10

Favourite songs : Pee suer, Aab ruk

MV : "Fai klang fon" by Anda อันดา

From Anda's newest and 4th album.

MV : "Kamen lai kwai" by Noo Meter หนู มิเตอร์

Got Noo Meter's new album today, this is an older song.

Top 5 CDs of July 09

1) Tai Orrathai - kon nai kwarm kid hord
2) Ajareeya Bussaba - hua jai... mee ngarn kao
3) Karaked - Karaked klang fhon
4) Takkatan Cholada - dok neon barn kum
5) A-Zeer - self-titled

MV : "Khon kum lung mee kwam ruk" by Karaked การะเกด

Low budget really but i like Karaked so much i forgive her just standing in front of a screen for her MV. Great song anyway, probably my favourite off her 3rd album.

MV : "Jun" by Ying Thitikarn หญิง ธิติกานต์

Nice song off Ying's current album.

CD : A-Zeer เอเซียร์ : self-titled

Debut album by a new duo presumably set up by RS. They play robust country rock and they both have strong voices. However i am not sure their voices blend together that well but it doesn't really matter that much as we will see. "Ruk kon mee fan" is female led and is a good opener having a nice chorus and good melody. Where the male vocalist plays his part is just in harmonies. As if they are taking it in turns "Sumrej kwarm sao duay tua aeng" is male led and again you can't really hear much in the way of the other's vocals, no more than normal harmonies. This song is another good one though, good tough song that rollicks along.

Yes they are doing it in turns! "Kae poo chai mun ting" is female led and is a more laid back song but with another good chorus. "Sao skoi" is a faster song with some good guitar, male led of course. Although its a "duo" album this is more like half a female and half a male artist albums put together. Its pretty hard edged lukthung, very commercial but very well done. Overall an excellent little album though the two might be better off on their own.

Rating : 8/10

Favourite songs : Ruk kon mee fan, Kae poo chai mun ting

MV : "Pee bao sao lar" by Karaked การะเกด

Uploaded a few more Karaked videos to my Youtube channel, including this one.

MV : "Kong len tee pood dai" - Pure Pure เพียว เพียว

Pure Pure's album is one that has surprised me this year a lot, this is a song off it.

CD : Cream Pimwalai ครีม พิมวลัย : nang sao khon mai

The debut album by the very pleasant and fragrant looking Cream and the opening track is very pleasant too. "Luek sueng tae mai tueng fan" has a nice melody and is sung well. Cream's voice has a warm feel to it and plenty of depth. That song is slow with a good chorus, "Pah bai barn na" is a faster song, a quicker pace often finds singers out but Cream sings this quite well too. She has a young girl quality to her singing (as you'd expect) so it is a bit high and squeeky at times which is not always a bad thing but most of the time she pulls the songs off pretty well. Not the best singer but there is a lot to like.

The best song on the album by a margin though is "Kid nai jai" which is another slow song, and her vocals really shine here on the song as it builds it's momentum. Good chorus too. This song as "Luek sueng..." top and tail the album with their melody and chorus but the rest of the album isn't bad either. A good debut.

Rating : 8.1/10

Favourite songs : Kid nai jai, Luek sueng tae mai tueng fan

MV : "Jeb tee tong jai" by Araya A Harget อารยา เอ ฮาร์เกต

I like this song though Praewa Patcharee did a much better version. This is still ok by this pretty face.

MV : "Bor hak bor dtong song-saan" by Tai Orratai ต่าย อรทัย

More acoustic song by Tai letting her amazing voice be centre stage.

New Releases (11/07/09)

We haven't listed new releases for some time! Here are some of the new releases since April.

• Maitai Jaitawan - Nuk Soo Hua Jai Serng
• Nongsao Chanida : Say Hi (debut)
• Tee Tutor : Sao Yook Mai (debut)
• Noo Meter : Khon Derm Tee Koon Kei (4th album)
• Karaked : Karaked Klang Fhon (4th album)
• O Sayun & A Sunya : Koo Lum Koo Rock vol 2
• Satien Tummuer : Nai Narm Khong Kwarm Huang Yai (5th album)
• Sofia & Kluay Stamp & Eak & Ple : Chuan Nong Rong Pleng
• Tai Orratai : Morlum Dok Ya (morlum remix album)
• Monkan Kankoon : Rongngarn Pid Kid Hord Nong (4th album)
• Luang Kai : Kae Toe Mar Bork Wah Kid Thueng (4th album)
• Morgan : modify
• NongTangmoe Pattra : Parinya Narm Tar Mae (debut)

MV : "Tho mar...Nai tah na arai" by Karaked การะเกด

Off Karaked's new album.

MV : "Kho jep khung jai" by Rachanok Srilophan รัชนก ศรีโลพันธุ์

Lets go back a couple of years, whatever happened to her?

CD : Karaked การะเกด - Karaked klang fhon

Karaked's 4th album, i was happy to get this today as i am quite a fan. She was one of the first lukthung artists i liked though sometimes her songs are a bit bland, she can sing though. Track 1 "Toe mar nai thar nah arai" shows this off, its a good old lukthung song. Nothing out of the ordinary or gimmickry just a good song sung well with a good backing and its followed by "Yah wah nhoo der" which is in a similar vein though has a lovely little melody later on that draws out the emotions.

The title track brings the tempo up a bit (just a bit) and lightens the mood. It bounces along very nicely. "Kum ruk muk ngai" is a proper fast song. Like many artists Karaked is better at the slow stuff though she sings it competently. Karaked is all about the slow emotional song though and it's back with "Tode tee mai roo mee fan" which allows Karaked to show off her vocal tone. The song builds nicely. Another nice song is "Aeb ruk aeb miss call" , a gently building slow song. Karaked's vocals are fine on the album though some songs suit her abilities better than others. A worthwhile effort.

Rating : 8/10

Favourite songs : Yah wah nhoo der, Toe mar nai thar nah arai, Tode tee mai roo mee fan

MV : "Tora maan" by Thierry Mhekwattana เทียรี่ เมฆวัฒนา

Seriously great song and not a bad MV either!

MV : "Klied khon suay" by Noo Meter หนู มิเตอร์

Noo Meter's 4th album for RS is out today, this is a song off it.

Top 5 CDs of June 2009

1) Vit Hyper - muk ngai lhai jai lhork luang
2) Takkatan Cholada - dok neon barn kum
3) Tai Orrathai - kon nai kwarm kid hord
4) Morgan - modify
5) Earn The Star - yah mong karm kwarm sei jai

MV : "Wun tee bau mee ai" by Tai Orratai ต่าย อรทัย

We haven't had a Tai Orratai song for a bit.

MV : "Wassana ueng yuen" by O Sayun & A Sunya โอ-เอ

The guys have a new album out, this song is taken from their 2008 album.

CD : Morgan - modify

To some people hard rock covers of lukthung and other Thai songs may sound like the end of the world or a kind of hell, but not to me. This album where Morgan put their spin on various songs is a wonderful trip. "Kwanjai pee lhuang", which starts us off, is a great example of the album is going. Hard rock chords and drumming and passionate singing. For the heaviest song though you need to go to the end of the album with "Kum sar barn" which is truly fantastic. You feel like they are about to erupt out of your stereo's speakers, and then when it finishes you just want to listen to it again, and again.

I haven't heard the previous versions of all these songs though one i am very familiar with is "Mai loh tae ruk jing" which was my favourite song last year when done by Arid Waamak. Morgan put a heavier spin on it though oddly enough Arid's version had a better guitar solo. He did it in a more rock ballad style which is what Morgan's album is missing a little.

None of the songs are duff though, some are better (and heavier) than others. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but this is one album that is going to be staying in my car stereo for a long time.

Rating : 8.8/10

Favourite songs : Kum sar barn, Kwanjai pee lhuang

MV : "Takkatan pook bow" by Takkatan Cholada ตั๊กแตน ชลดา

New song (well to me anyway) by Takkatan.

MV : "Ber plien pai Jai plien plaeng" by Cream Pimwalai ครีม พิมวลัย

A new singer this year who i really like is Cream.

CD : Nidnoi Nantaporn นิดหน่อย นันทพร - mai aow pee chai

Nidnoi Nantaporn's debut album, the title track starts things off and is a slow track with a great and slightly haunting melody. Its well sung, Nidnoi has a decent voice. Quite an unusual opener maybe but a great one. A driving melody and vocals that are strong yet also delicate. It is followed up by "Noom tai jai dee" which is a faster paced and nice and friendly pop song. "Tummai mai tho ma" is more traditional fast song lukthung, and again is done well. You can always tell when a singer has a good voice, the music producers are not afraid to put her vocals up high in the mix and to drive the melody and not be hid by the music. Nidnoi's vocals are to the fore.

"Fark kum kor tode" cuts the pace down and is a wonderful song with a relaxed melody and vocals that soar above. It is maybe the best song on the album, in some ways old fashioned in feel but so well done. Continuing onwards "Khon lai jai harm jeeb" is quite a funny song as it sounds like it was composed on a cheap 80s Casio keyboard. I really enjoyed this album, musically it is nothing spectacular but doesn't need to be as Nidnoi's voice is superb and she surely will be star.

Rating : 8.4/10

Favourite songs : Fark kum kor tode, Mai aow pee chai

MV : "Phee suer" by Sofia & Kluay Stamp โซเฟีย-กล้วย แสตมป์

Special album by DKS out now featuring Sofia, Kluay Stamp, Eak & Ple. Here are the first two in this song.

MV : "Ying toe ying ruk ter" by A-Zeer

I got A-Zeer's CD this morning (as well as the new Morgan and Luang Kai CDs). Reviews in a few months perhaps. Until then enjoy this song off the A-Zeer album.

CD : Vit Hyper - muk ngai lhai jai lhork luang

Vit Hyper's latest solo album and what i expect from this are a collection of highly listenable yet tough rock-edge lukthung songs. And i am not disappointed. The title track which opens proceedings is typical Vit: robust melodies, gutsy singing and plenty of pop hooks. It also has some nice whistle and keyboards.

If Vit's songs are usually rock influenced then "Doo nang hai doo suer" is straight forward lukthung with a happy melody. I think he is best at the big ballads though with big meaty melodies driven by solid guitar chords, "Ngao kao tar" is an example of that. Driving tune leading into a big chorus, excellent stuff. To be honest i'll never tire of Vit's songs like this.

"Hed phon kon pid" which is the album's best track is similar with melodic progression and tone building up into a climax and a chrorus to die for. This album delivered what was expected and very well, another excellent solo album. To be honest if you want rock lukthung at the harder end of the spectrum Vit Hyper is the best there is.

Rating : 9.5/10

Favourite songs : Hed phon kon pid, Ngao kao tar

MV : "Tid ror wicha luem" by Air Suchawadee แอร์ สุชาวดี

Air's current album is very nice, this is a song from an earlier one.

MV : "Kae tor ma bork wa kid tung" by Luang Kai หลวงไก่

Luang Kai is back with his 4th album, i should get it soon but until then here is the title track.

Top 5 CDs of May 09

1) Bew Kalayanee - kumlung jai jark dan klai
2) Cream Pimwalai - nang sao khon mai
3) Ajareeya Bussaba - hua jai... mee ngarn kao
4) Takkatan Cholada - dok neon barn kum
5) Bua Bunchitar - yoo tee nhai jai kor kid tueng

MV : "Roob chua tua dum" by Morgan

Song from Morgan's 2006 album, hope a new album is coming soon!



Update : as if by magic a new album has been released! Actually no its not magic, i saw it was going to be released soon on the R-Siam website a few days ago.

MV : "Petch nai jai ter" by Namfon Patcharin

Nice melody though the singing is a bit weedy, still a decent song.

CD : Kumwarn Weerawech คำหวาน วีรเวศร์ - warn kung warn

The best way to sum up this album would be to call it a lukthung chill out album. Its very relaxing and slow paced music. Its beautifully sung and accompanied like on the opening track "Nokkamin" with it's sweeping strings. Most artists have taken pop and rock influences to fuse with the base lukthung root to create their music, Kumwarn has gone down the classical music and 60s cocktail music route and the result can be very enjoyable like on "Bua karng bueng" with it's strings and xylophone. Its lukthung to listen to in a poolside bar with a martini, dressed as James Bond.

"Dok mai klai mue" and the following tracks cover the same territory, it does became a big samey but the music is so well done. Its an album to put on in the background and let it wash over you. After a while it does tend to drag a bit but in small-ish doses this is a really good album and certainly very different to most other artists at the moment. Need to calm down, this will do the job.

Rating: 8.2/10

Favourite songs : Bua karng bueng, Nokkamin

MV : "Khoop kun thoo tii hai jai" by Got & Tai Orratai ต่าย อรทัย

Some time since we had a duet. Lets try this one.

MV : "Dork mai rim tarng" by Bua Bunchitar บัว บัณชิตา

Really enjoying Bua's second album, this is one of the better songs over the last couple of months.

CD : Thoo Daranee - bor aow... khon kee ju

Thoo Daranee's album is straight forward lukthung, no pretensions to rock or pop or even classical just good old lukthung. Of course this means its not that original. "Sao kern" which opens the album is a case in point, a good fast paced track with some guitar picking and pretty good vocals driving it along. Good little song but not something you haven't heard 100s of times before and often better too (though often a lot worse too!)

Thoo Daranee's vocals are good enough, better than adequate but again do not stand out. The title track "Bor aow khon kee ju" is quite interesting though with some variations in tone and is driven along with exuberance. "Suam kao" has some nice organ but again travels down well worn tracks. "Jarng mun ter" does have an intriguing intro sequence though that sounds like 1970s prog rock.

So its not original but thats not the point. Does it sound good, yes. Can it pass the time, yes. Will it sound great blasting out of a passing taxi's stereo? Oh yes. None of the tracks are what you could call bad and none are exceptional. Its just a pretty good lukthung album.

Rating : 7.5/10

Favourite songs : Suam kao, Sao kern

MV : "Leh lom luang" by Pure Pure เพียวเพียว

I gave her album a very good review and here is why, excellent song and excellent singing!

MV : "Yak mee ter pen fan" by Pai Pongsatorn ไผ่ พงศธร

Haven't had a male singer for a bit, i like this song and spot the MVs inside the MV.

CD : Pure Pure - kong len pood dai

I didn't enjoy Pure Pure's debut last year, i won't say i hated it but it was pretty forgettable. Her singing wasn't bad, even good at times but i couldn't engage with any of the songs. I decided to give her second album a go though and i am glad i did. "Tung jai ma lhork" starts proceedings off and is a terrific start to the album, a mid-paced ballad of a song with great singing, melody and instrumentation. Easily better than her entire previous album on it's own.

Did she just get lucky with that track though? No, "Leh lom luang" is another slow paced song which starts off with some lonesome bluesy guitar before another great melody. If anything its even better than the first song, Pure's vocals scorching through the music with real bite. "Koi" ups the pace a bit, only a bit and is another well sung country song with tasty guitar chords and another good melody.

"Khon kee ai" and "Kong len tee pood dai" keep the good music coming, the later with Pure's vocals cutting through a flute enhanced background. Its not all good, some of the later songs pick up the pace like on "Jeb eak tee ja dee mai" which is a decent fast lukthung song but Pure's vocals seem more suited to the slower songs where she can add to an atmospheric backing and then cut through with a killer chorus. So here we have it, a brilliant album. I'm so glad i gave her a second chance but i now need to check out last year's one again, maybe it wasn't that bad after all?

Rating : 8.9/10

Favourite songs : Leh lom luang, Tung jai ma lhork

MV : "Chao Nai Tee Hug" by Kat Rattikarn แคท รัตกาล

Off Kat's current album. Its a nice album, i like it a lot more than the previous two which i thought were a bit bland.

MV : "Ruk kon mee fan" by A Zeer เอเซียร์

New RS duo, their album is just out. Of course i will get it!

Top 5 CDs of April 2009

1) Vit Hyper - muk ngai lhai jai lhork luang
2) Tai Orrathai - kon nai kwarm kid hord
3) Nidnoi Nantaporn - mai aow pee chai
4) Bua Bunchitar - yoo tee nhai jai kor kid tueng
5) Earn The Star - yah mong karm kwarm sei jai

MV : "Tode tarn kong karn ma sai" by Takkatan Cholada ตั๊กแตน ชลดา

My current favourite Takkatan song, playing this a lot at the moment!

MV : "Tae korn ton nee lae talord pai" by Earn The Star เอิร์น เดอะสตาร์

Looking and sounding good as always, its Earn The Star.

CD : Bew Kalayanee - kumlung jai jark dan klai

Listed as volume 3 of Bew for R-Siam though actually her 4th album for the label. I am a big Bew Kalayanee fan and a fan of her strong rock edged lukthung and can't decide if Bew is my 3rd or 4th favourite lukthung singer at the moment, maybe this album can help me out. Why do i like Bew anyway? Well its the songs.

An example of a great Bew song is "Kumlung jai jark dan klai", a slow song with a brooding tune behind it, slowly building to a powerfully sung chorus. Its a great song though "Itcha" is the album's highest point though in many ways is a similar song. A slowly building song starting off fairly quiet and low-key but ending up in a chorus to die for. One of the best songs of the year so far in fact.

"Pho chey" is a fast rocky number which starts the album off, its very reminiscent of a Parn Thanaporn song, especially when Parn is in "lukthung mode". Bew can handle songs of all tempos well though she is best at the slower ballad-like song. This album is mostly just like that, "Ber sum rong" for example. Bew sings it well, she has a powerful voice yet also seems to include some warmth in there somehow.

"Nok rai peak" starts off quite dramatically with plenty of atmosphere before erupting into some big guitar chords. This is a big and chunky album full of good stuff. Plenty of subtle moments too. So 3rd or 4th. 3rd easily and if she keeps going on like this there may be further promotions.

Rating : 9.5/10

Favourite songs : Kumlung jai jark dan klai, Itcha

MV : "Num tai kao" by Ying Thitikarn หญิง ธิติกานต์

Nice song by Ying off her volume 4 album.

MV : "Soo kwan hua jai" by Tai Orratai ต่าย อรทัย

Happy Thai New Year! To celebrate here is my current favourite Tai Orratai song.

New Releases (14/04/09)

• Pure Pure - kong len pood dai
• Thoo Daranee - bor aow... khon kee ju

• David - garung huajai Thai
• Earn The Star - yah mong karm kwarm sei jai
• Snook Singmart - hit phaed saen
• Ying Thitikarn - pleng ruk jark jai ying
• Bua Bunchitar - yoo tee nhai jai kor kid tueng
• Daeng Jitkorn - ngarm karm pee
• Pee Saderd - pla ra kah rock
• Vit Hyper - muk ngai lhai jai lhork luang

MV : "Kid nai jai" by Cream Pimwalai ครีม พิมวลัย

Cream is a gorgeous girl, this is track 10 off her recent album. Another one i must review soon!

MV : "Lerk ngorn korn koi tho" by Nidnoi Nantaporn นิดหน่อย นันทพร

Nidnoi's album is pretty good, review soon maybe. This is not my current favourite song off the album but a nice song all the same.

CD : Bua Bunchitar บัว บัณชิตา - yoo tee nhai jai kor kid tueng

One of last year's most pleasing debuts was by the amazingly cute Bua Bunchitar and this is the follow up. She is just as cute but is the album just as good? The title track starts things off and is a nice mid-paced jolly tune with sweet instrumentation and Bua's strong clipping vocals high in the mix. "Dork mai rim tarng" which follows is a good slow tune with some excellent singing. The song builds and builds though maybe doesn't quite live up to the earlier promise, maybe needing a bit of a bigger chorus, though is still a good tune.

"Ngao jueng kao jai" is another slow song but seems to meander a bit too much and doesn't really go anywhere. "Mai chai nah gift" picks up the pace and has some tasty guitar to take us into a pleasant little song with a good chorus. "Aoon ruk jark mae" is piano led and a more relaxed and laid-back affair.

"Hang glai khor hai mhuen derm" has a good melody, again piano led at the start. "Pob ruk tee rong ngarn" is the first example of a really fast song on the album. Bua sings this pretty well too indeed it is one of the best tracks on the album. Overall this is a good album though has no songs you could say are truly excellent just a few that are pretty good but are just lacking that certain extra little something. Bua has a great voice though and the producers put that high in the mix and bought it to the forefront and for that they should be congratulated.

Rating : 8/10

Favourite songs : Dork mai rim tarng, Pob ruk tee rong ngarn

MV : "Kum wa job poo bao bao kor jeb" by Earn The Star เอิร์น เดอะสตาร์

Lets have a MV by Earn The Star, nice song and video.

MV : "Yom jam non fah din" by Ying Thitikarn : หญิง ธิติ

Ying has a new album out, a "special" one, and this is one of the songs off it.

CD : Earn The Star เอิร์น เดอะสตาร์ - yah mong karm kwarm sei jai

Earn's second album i believe, i like Earn though the highlight of her last album was no doubt her photos (not that the album was bad but it was maybe a bit pop-lukthung bland). This album has lots of pictures too... and a great title track. "Yah mong karm kwarm sei jai" is a great fast track with nice instrumentation, Earn's pleasant if unexceptional vocals scoring well on driving verses and a great chorus with nice pop hooks.

The following track "Chuer jai ter tae mai wai jai kao" is a slower song with some rich vocal tone, it also is (a little bit) more lukthung than the first track which to be honest was as lukthung as David Beckham. Good song and very listenable. "Chai mai tee charge bat" is more "rootsy", another fast song and poppy. Earn comes across a lukthung singer singing a pop song here though. "Kum wa job poo bao bao kor jeb" is a slower song with big vocals dominating proceedings, the kind of song Tai Orratai stuffs her albums full of. That is no bad thing is it?

"Bork jai hai roo suek dee" lets the drummer loose in the strange percussion shop and is a reasonable fast song. "Tae korn ton nee lae talord pai" is better, a slow song with a great melody and plenty of "la la la"s. The rest of the album is a bit throwaway but "Ruk khon uen pai korn" has some nice music and an enjoyable melodic progression. I liked this Earn CD a lot, better than her first and a little bit more country though still pretty pop. She sounds good and still looks good. So its a definate win.

Favourite tracks : Yah mong karm kwarm sei jai, Kum wa job poo bao bao kor jeb

Rating : 9/10

MV : "Dek nung suer pim" by Noo Meter หนู มิเตอร์

I really like Noo Meter's voice, check out this song, an older one.