Afro | Brasil |
Calypso |
Exotica-Foreign |
Latin | Mid-East
Jazz | Funk LP | Funk 45
Beatnik-Crime-Spy
Pop-Rock-Strange | 45s
Moog-Space-Electronic
Truck-C&W-Steel
to orderLinks below are to the Hyp Records guide to records & artists:
See the Vinyl Safari section for pages on exotic-foreign records of all types--artists, idioms, and recordings from India, East Asia & Oceania:
- Australian
- Chinese
- Exotica
- Hawaiian
- Indian
- Indonesian
- Japanese
- Rapanui
- Tahitian
- Thai
- Tibetan
- Vietnamese
- and much more
- Chinese
Only Hip Wax items are for sale!
Shofu Abe w/Heizan Shibata: Spirit of Shanghai-Japanese Chant; Lyrichord LLST-7346 (formerly 7164) E+/E+ $20 -- Japanese poetry/music (reikin, shakuhachi, hoteki); fascinating Edo Period poetic form accompanied by music played on steel-stringed koto and two kinds of flute; Shungyo, Shunya, Nankashu, Nippongo, Fugaku o nozomu, Yuki
Leda Annest/Phil Moore: Portrait of Leda; Columbia 
Georgie Auld & his Hula-Gans: Hawaii on the Rocks; Jaro International JAS-8003; deep groove N-/E- S $40 -- exotic-rock/Hawaiian twist(!)/Hawaiian-Haole/rock-r&b-jazz/steel guitar; very happening, rare-label (comes w/Jaro inner sleeve), goofin' oddball from sax hero Auld, who graciously takes a back seat to two superb steel guitarists from NY's Hawaiian Room in one of the only full-length exotic rockers of the period; unique, upbeat arrangements w/enough rock-jazz-R&B (including Auld's sax, of course) to make it swing without smothering the essential Hawaiian/steel flavor; some people dare say contemporary tiki bands are doing something that never happened in the tiki [and rock] era, but this LP proves otherwise!; War Chant, Song of India, Lovely Hula Hands, Marie, Sheik of Araby ("Sheik of Waikiki"), Blue Hawaii, Romeo & Juliet, Little Grass Shack..
Ted Auletta: Exotica; Cameo/Parkway SC-4008; 1962; groove N-/N S $40 (or N-/N- S $35, specify) (or N-/E+ S $30, specify) -- exotica; on a local label, one of the treasured, "one-off" exotica LPs ALL MUST HAVE; top, no-nonsense interpretations of classic exotica (Baxter, Denny, Lyman); rec. in 4-channel/35mm film for impressive, clear, deep percussive, audiophile sound; highly desirable just for the gorgeous African-art exotica still-life jacket!; Quiet Village, Flamingo, Adventures in Paradise, Breeze & I, Sound of Exotica (original!!!), Taboo, Baia, Voodoo Moon, Makaha, Jungle Drums, Pool of Love (Les Baxter), Return to Paradise
Ethel Azama: Exotic Dreams; LST-7104; 2nd/spectral/deep groove E-/N- S $50 (or mono LRP-3104, 1st/green/deep groove E/N $25, specify) -- exotica/Japanese/female vocal; rarer of her two for the label (the other is straight jazz, with Art Pepper); 
Warren Barker: William Holden Presents a Musical Touch of Far Away Places; Warner Bros. WS-1308; 1959; E+/E+ S $35 (or V+/E S $25, specify) -- exotica; hard to find, especially in stereo, it's a delightful, essential exotica one-off with great liners, including cutely illustrated notes about each tune, and very unusual music (selected by actor and exotica enthusiast William Holden)--all done to the high standards of Warner Bros.; Malayan Nightbird, Tokyo Trolley, Junk City Hong Kong, Shojoji, Lotus Land, Kowloon to London Express, Carnvalito, Javanese Valley, Kyoto Merry-go-Round, Moonflowers, Petite, Mountain High Valley Low
Warren Barker/Poncie Ponce/Connie Stevens/Robert Conrad: Hawaiian Eye ST; Warner Bros. 1355; 1960; deep groove E/E $20 -- exotica/crime/Hawaiian; coveted treasure (some say a collectors item) prod. by Alvino Rey packs a triple threat of 1) great tiki/poolside jacket, 2) all-star cast--all w/acting, singing, musical talents, and 3) variety of GREAT tunes, many of which are classics; as with the related Kookie, Cricket, and Poncie Ponce LPs (all essential!), it's one of the nicest things on the label
Stanley Black: Exotic Percussion; London Phase 4 SP-44004; gatefold N/N S $15 -- exotica; tho Phase 4 & Stanley Black usually mean mush, this is the exception!; sold well enough that it's very inexpensive yet essential exotica: deep percussion, Esquivellian chorus, loads of exotica standards, top sound; an affordable, unique exotica classic--what more could you want?; Temptation, Baia, Jungle Drums, Caravan, Flamingo, Babalu, Misirlou, Moon of Manakoora, Hymn to the Sun..
Laura Boulton: The Eskimos of Hudson Bay & Alaska; Folkways FE-4444; (c) 1954; deep groove E-/E- $15 -- why this?--it's absolutely incredible, like the best Tibetan throat-singing & all other super-strange exotic weirdness combined, & the weirdest cut comes from girls at play!; one of our favorite Folkways LPs, which is saying a lot, as there are several tremendous ones--a real treat for the adventurous; w/dance songs, hunting songs, game songs, conjurer's songs, animal calls (walrus imitations!), animal stories, story songs
Kent Bowman: Pidgin English Children's Stories; Hula HS-502; E+/N- S $25 -- Hawaiian/kids/spoken; great cartoon jacket by Harry Lyons (also did "Waikiki Beachnik" jacket) & keiki stories told by the wonderful Kent Bowman; authentic Hawaiian label; Goldie, Rumple, Ke Aka, Little Lei, Cinderella, Ekolu Keiki Puaa
Rahul Dev Burman: Hare Rama Hare Krishna ST; EMI/Odeon/India Gramophone MOCE 4102; 1971; "Hi-Fi 511-19" pink-label pressing (foreign/reissue) E/E- S $60 -- Indian ST LP; we've never seen this pressing, which may be licensed or later or non-Indian, but in any case is vintage and a faithful issue of one of the most desirable, classic, hip, swinging R.D. Burman STs; the big tracks for DJs and found on some comps are Dum Maro Dum (2 versions, here's 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_v9oQhVE2E&feature=channel) and I Love You, but also there are "Dance Music" cuts at the end of each side, a groovy jacket, and, well, you better just get it while you can; to us it's the best such ST short of Shalimar, which is rarer & dearer; compared to the original Odeon pressing, the jacket printing is a little washed out & the vinyl may be lesser, but it's what it is & priced nicely
Rahul Dev Burman: Gol Maal ST; EMI/Odeon/India Gramophone 45-NLP-1085; 1979; 12" 45rpm EP; N/N shrink S $30 -- Indian ST EP w/dialog; definitely a rarity, in top shape, and it's R.D. Burman (top name in STs), so you probably oughtta have it
Jerry Byrd: Byrd of Paradise; Monument M-4003; 1961; V/E- $20 -- steel guitar/Hawaiian/exotica/Tahitian; with wordless chorus, it's definitely exotic and lush, also the rare first of three or so for the label; very curiously, this one was reissued later in stereo with a different jacket (of Jerry, not Miss Nalani Weeks, as here); the jacket has wear on the face but is remarkably better on the back, and the disc has a little noise in spots (cheap pressing); still, it's a good value and an opportunity for the collector; Hawaiian Wedding Song, Bird of Paradise, Lei Aloha Lei Makamae, Evening in the Islands, Beautiful Kahana, Beyond The Reef, Tangi Tahiti, Rainbows Over Paradise, Whispering Lullaby, Serenade to Nalani, Sleepy Serenade, Theme from "Adventures In Paradise"
Chango & the Polynesians: Polynesian Percussion; Premier/Directional Sound DM-5012; 1961; gatefold deep groove E+/E+ S $20 -- Tahitian; authentic, terrific, one of the 2 or so essential LPs in this well-produced, great-sounding series, not to mention a classic rarity among Tahitian LPs; uptempo, spirited, classic tunes, not just top percussion; may even feature Afro-drummer extraordinaire Chaino (credited on some copies' side-1 label & featured on at least 1 other LP on this label); hip jacket design completes the splendor; Marcelle a Vahine, Tamure, Minoi Minoi, Vana Vana, Tahitian Festival, Tanga Tika, Papio, Vahine Anamite, Cafe au Lait, Maruru a Vaw
The Savage Beat of Augie Colon: Sophisticated Savage; Liberty LRP-3101; 2nd/spectral/deep groove E+/E+* $60 -- exotica/conga/Latin; 1st of 2 by late, Puerto Rican percussion star of the 
Augie Colon: Chant of the Jungle; Liberty LST-7148; 2nd/spectral/deep groove N-/N- S $75 -- exotica/conga/bongo/Latin; one of the best, rare 
Anita Darian: East of the Sun; Kapp KS-3052; 1960; N-/N- S $90 -- exotica/Mid-East pop/vocal; fantastic rarity for advanced collectors by acclaimed mezzo-soprano of the NYC Opera & Broadway; "the Armenian 
[Ray Kinney Presents:] Charles K.L. Davis at the Royal Hawaiian; Everest SDBR-1015; 1958 AND Charles K.L. Davis: Adventures in Paradise; Everest SDBR-1106; 1960; both stereo, clean, and cheap: $15 for one or BOTH
The Exotic Sounds of 
Robert Drasnin: Percussion Exotique!; Tops/Mayfair 9694-S; c.1959; deep groove, yellow vinyl V+/V+ S $30 -- exotica; one of the great, one-off, highly sought-after holy grails (also released misleadingly as Voodoo; Tops L-1679--people have paid over $200 for it) by acclaimed occasional Denny arranger (arranged for others as well); great percussion, effects, abstract vocalizing--everything an exotica record should be; Chant of the Moon, Desiree, Hindara, Orinoco, Warm Night Wind, Mirage, Voodoo, Jardin a la Noche, Tambuku, You, Paradise, Enchantment; priced low for wear and noise but worth putting up with it, as clean copies may take decades to find; this is the first time we've had gold stereo for sale!
Prof. A.P. Elkin, rec.: Arnhem Land Volume 3; EMI Australia OALP-7516; N-/E $50 (or E/as is $25, specify) -- Australian aborigine field recording; the good news is it's the rare vol. 3 (unreleased in the US) w/lovely jacket & notes; on the lesser copy Side 1 has some sort if filmic problem that causes hiss (plays noisily), so we've priced it for Side 2 only
De Wayne Fulton: The Harp Wears a Lei; Mahalo M-3005; N/N- S $20 -- harp on a top, authentic Hawaiian label; no major threat to Dorothy Ashby but unique, intriguing, & rare
Gamelan Gong Kebjar: Golden Rain--Balinese Gamelan Music/Ketjak--the Ramayana Monkey Chant; Nonesuch Explorer H-72028; sealed S $30 (or N/N shrink S $30, specify) -- gamelan; THE legendary, unabridged, side-long (22+ min.!), thrilling, definitive version of the Ketjak (monkey-dance chant--ultimate vocal insanity--DJs/samplers will love) as well as top gamelan performances; in this one LP you get one side each of the two greatest aspects of Indonesian music: hypnotic Balinese gamelan and the fascinating Ketjak; times like these demand the MONKEY CHANT!!!
Gamelan Orchestra from Pliatan: Dancers of Bali; Columbia Masterworks ML-4618; grey label 6-eye/deep groove N-/N- $30 -- gamelan; dir. Anak Agung Gde Mandera; a classic in colorful jacket w/good liner notes
Gamelan Orchestra from Pliatan: Music from Bali; Argo RG-1 (UK import); deep groove N-/E-warped* $30 -- gamelan; rare!; dir. Anak Agung Gde Mandera; The Overture--Kapi Radja, Tamililingan (Bumblebees), Ketjak (Monkey Dance), Legong (all of Side 2); *nb: warp affects tracking at start; priced low for this but we can always do better for the collector who buys several gamelan LPs at once (or several of any kind)
Gamelan Semar Pegulingan--Gamelan of the Love God; Nonesuch Explorer H-72046; 1972; N/N shrink S $25 -- gamelan; rec. Robert E. Brown; scarce & one of the best!; note: shrink has been neatly clear-taped to the open seam (inside)--some people do such things (doesn't affect anything and is easily removed); 41 minutes of intense, uptempo selections: Tabuh Gari, Gambang, Tabuh Pisan, Barong, Sinom Ladrang, Legong Kraton--Playon (long, downtempo); YOU NEED the LOVE GOD!!!
[Gamelan] Pierre Ivanoff Expedition (rec.): Music of Bali; Period SPL-1613; rec. 1953 (French recording w/1 gengong cut; reissued as Folk Ensemble of Bali: TABU-tabuhan Bali; Request RLP-10101) E/E- $35 -- gamelan; RARE! (even the Request reissue) & one of the VERY BEST, particularly for the gengong, which is a bamboo mouth organ at hyperspeed--incredible sound & ideal for sampling; beautiful jacket & rest of LP too!
Gamelan Gong Sekar Anjao & Gender Wajang Quartet: The Exotic Sounds of Bali; CBS/Odyssey 32-16-0366 (reissues Columbia Masterworks MS-6445; 1963); sealed S $30 (or cutout E/N- S $20, specify) -- Balinese gamelan; dir. Dr. Mantle Hood; terrific set, great sound, 9 cuts!; this Odyssey version features a better jacket photo
Gamelan, Various: Scintillating Sounds of Bali; Lyrichord LLST-7305; 1976/1974; E-/E- S $20 -- rec. by Doreen Powers; Gabor, Gamelan Angklung, Gamelan Gong Kebjar, Gamelan Bebonangan, Topeng, Baris, Ketjak (Monkey Dance)
Loyal Garner: Lady of Love; Hula HS-556; 1976; E-/E $20 -- Hawaiian/soul; rare; both a live Hawaiian LP & somewhat funky rare groove!; The Other Woman, Lean on Me (Bill Withers!), Let Your Love Flow, I Shall Sing (Van Morrison)
[Gaston Guilbert] Charles Mauu, Loma..: Tahiti--Dream Island; Capitol STAO-10281; gatefold w/inner leaves; 1st press E/N S $15 -- Tahitian; one of the best of its kind, particularly on a major label; deluxe gatefold features inner leaves (color photos & notes), singing by the great Charlie Mauu and others, & more high production values in the exciting music; Marcelle Vahine, Otea (drums)..
[Gaston Gilbert rec.:] The Drums of Bora Bora & Songs of Tahiti; Criterion/Tiare Tahiti SST-1600; 1956; Pan Am version (early reissue) N/N $40 -- Tahitian; "World famous Tahitian percussionists & their exciting island rhythms" & "A blend of the old chants, ballads, and South Pacific jazz featuring native drums, nose flute, guitars, and clarinet"; authentic and excellent!; incredible drumming (Side 1's 11 great "otea" cuts) and singing (Side 2's 6 songs); standouts are "E Hina (Dear Hina)" (gorgeous duet-ballad) and the Tahitian jazz (!!!) of "Vaiho Mai (Forget Me)" and "Otaha (Frigate Bird)"; if you're going to have just one Tahitian LP, this might be the best choice; differs from the first press in that it's ES, has a jacket-back photo changed (courtesy Pan Am) and adds some fluff about Pan Am's Jet Clipper service
[Gaston Gilbert rec.:] The Drums of Bora Bora & Songs of Tahiti; Criterion/Tiare Tahiti SST-1600; 1956; Capitol version (early reissue) N/N ES $35 -- Tahitian; "World famous Tahitian percussionists & their exciting island rhythms" & "A blend of the old chants, ballads, and South Pacific jazz featuring native drums, nose flute, guitars, and clarinet"; authentic and excellent!; incredible drumming (Side 1's 11 great "otea" cuts) and singing (Side 2's 6 songs); standouts are "E Hina (Dear Hina)" (gorgeous duet-ballad) and the Tahitian jazz (!!!) of "Vaiho Mai (Forget Me)" and "Otaha (Frigate Bird)"; if you're going to have just one Tahitian LP, this might be the best choice; differs from the first press only in the color jacket (photo of drummer and hula-dancing vahine/model in slightly different pose) and text to the effect that's ES
Francoise Hardy: Loving; Warner Bros./Reprise RS-6318; white-label promo E/N- S $30 -- "her first album in English" didn't sell very far beyond the promo stage; anyone would do pretty well to have this fine copy (and the other on Reprise)
Francoise Hardy: Mon Amour Adieu; Warner Bros./Reprise RS-6345; white-label promo E/N- S $30 -- scarce (didn't go far past the promo stage); it's not so "yeh-yeh" anymore but much harder to find than the earlier work
Rolf Harris: RH Positive; EMI/Axis 6022 (Australia); N-/E+ S $25 -- compilation imported by hand from Rolf's hometown of Perth, Australia; 1/2 live (unreleased in the US); London Town, Botany Bay, Moon River, Let the Rest of the World Go By, Along the Road to Gundagi, Sun Arise, If I Were a Rich Man, Court of King Caractacus, Wild Colonial Boy, Carra Barra Wirra Canna, I'll Be Hanged, Hurry Home
Hilo Hattie at the Hawaiian Village; Paradise HS-100 (or HH-100--both stereo); black label N/N- shrink S $75 (or black label E/N- shrink S $60, specify) (or black deep groove E/E- S $40, specify) -- Hawaiian/comedy/Tahitian/calypso; a true masterpiece/collectors item of Hawaiian entertainment; Hawaii's legendary, first-rate entertainer/former school teacher rec. live by Sounds of Hawaii at the Tapa Room w/the Hawaiian Village Serenaders; like her later Victor LP but even better & funnier; everything you could hope for & more, including lovely jacket photos & liners; tops our list of Hawaiian rarities--highly recommended; Any Time/Paolo, When Hile Hattie Does the Hilo Hop, Cockeyed Mayor, Red Opu, Princess Pupule, That's the Hawaiian in Me, Holoholo Kaa, Television, Hawaiian War Chant, Becky, China Nights (Shinano Yoru), Tahitian
Hilo Hattie with the Hawaiian Village Serenaders, Lani, & the Hilton Hula Maids: Hilo Hattie at the Tapa Room; RCA Victor LSP-3442; 1965; N-/N shrink S $40 (or mono LPM-3442 N-/V+ $20, specify) -- Hawaiian; "It's Show Time in the Tapa Room--Your Table's Waiting"; terrific live set by the Hawaiian superstar (and a good major-label companion to the Hilo Hattie LP on Paradise); The Beauty Hula, O Kalena Kai, Hoe Hoe, Good-Bye Honolulu, Tahitian Dance, Palolo, When Hile Hattie Does the Hilo Hop, Cockeyed Mayor, Holo Holo Kaa, War Chant..
Haunani: Aloha from Haunani; Decca DL-4705; white-label promo; V+/E- $15 -- one of the greatest voices (Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame honoree), well-known for Hawaii Calls appearances and for playback singing in the film "Pagan Love Song"; rare, prized LP (as are all of Haunani's these days)
Harry Hoomele & his Island Orchestra: Hawaii Calls (jacket: Come to Hawaii); Grand Award GA-33-405; deep groove N-/E- S $20 -- Hawaiian/exotic rock; fantastic rarity (esp. stereo!), well-rounded w/both excellent tunes & several sharp edges (standouts); compare to the Georgie Auld & his Hula-gans LP; Hula Hula Rock (it is!), Texas Has a Hula Sister Now!, & others w/Hawaiian titles are terrific
Shankar Jaikishan: Sangam ST; EMI/Odeon/India Gramophone 3AEX-5036; 1964; N/N shrink $35 -- good Bollywood ST (nice photos & songs) in top shape; w/singers Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh, Mahendra Kapoor, Mohd. Rafi, Vivin Lobo; I Love You, Bol Radha Bol, Mai Kya Karoon..
The Kahauanu Lake Trio: Hawaiian Style; Hula HS-508; N-/N S $20 (or N-/E+ S $15, specify) -- Hawaiian; classic group on authentic Hawaiian label; they entertained for years at Waikiki & definitely had the chops & good sensibilities when it came to balancing the real thing with hapa-haole tunes; this is their classic, best-selling first album
[Keawe] I'll See You in Hawaii; 
[Keawe] Surf 'N Sand Under Hawaiian Skies; 
[Keawe] Hawaii Weaves a Lei of Dreams; 
Genoa Keawe: Romantic Hawaii; 
Genoa Keawe & her Hula Maids: Hawaiian Keikis Dance the Hula; 
[Keawe] Toti's Tahitians: Tahiti Dances [to Drums of Bora Bora & Papeete]; 
[Keawe] Toti's Tahitians: Native Drums & Songs by Toti's Tahitians (jacket: Little Brown Gal--Drums of Tahiti by Toti's Tahitians); 
[Keawe] The Tokyo Serenaders: Holiday in Japan; 
[Keawe] The Tokyo Serenaders: To Remember Japan; 
Ed Kenney's Hawaii; Decca DL-4877; cutout N-/N $15 -- Hawaiian; two great spoken cuts and a rocking version of One Paddle make it a standout for anyone, and of course everything Ed Kenney did was terrific; top LP in top shape; recorded by Charles "Bud" Dant in Hawaii; Hawaii (theme), Aloha No I Ko Maka, Lahaina Luna, Kuu Leiahoha, One Paddle-Two Paddle, Aloha Oe, Tiny Bubbles, Days of My Youth, Ka Makani Kailu Aloha, Let-a-go Your Heart, Paoakalani
Ed Kenney w/Benny Kalama & the Hawaiian Village Serenaders: Somewhere in Hawaii Ed Kenney Sings [from the Songbook of Todaro & Johnston]; Waikiki LP-126; E+/E+ $30 -- Hawaiian; terrific!; tho called "hapa haole" by the label, there are some unusual tunes among the hits, all by leading songwriting duo of the Islands; Ed Kenney & Benny Kalama fans alike will be delighted by what is likely the best & rarest LP by either; Hula Belle (nearly exotic rock), Ukulele Island, Keep Your Eyes on the Hands, Dance the Hula in the Moonlight, Pleeza No Peencha Da Hula Girls, Malia Lani, A Lei A Kiss & Aloha..
The Kit Kats: The Very Best of the Kit Kats; Virtue LPV-102067; E+/N- S $50 -- rock/exotic rock; not a compilation but a unique, live rocker by hit Philly group on Frank "Guitar Boogie Shuffle" Virtue's label; lively, worthy addition to any exotic-rock collection; recommended for their exotic-rock takes on "Quiet Village" & "Stranded in the Jungle"; the others: Money, You're No Angel, Sweet Little Rock & Roller, From Here On In, Hey Hey Hey, Lucille, Good Lovin', Hoo Che Coo Che Coo, Our Farewell, The End
Kui Lee: The Extraordinary Kui Lee; Columbia CS-9403; sealed S $25 -- Hawaiian/modern; very scarce classic, one-off LP by revolutionary artist who, with these songs, changed & dignified Hawaiian music forever (say aloha to well-worn tourist favorites!); at the time of this recording he was the Next Big Thing, only to die young, in perhaps the greatest tragedy ever for Hawaiian music, but then young Don Ho's career erupted thanks to these very songs!; though it stands alone (other Kui Lee LPs are posthumous tributes), it's hugely significant--an absolute must-have for every self-respecting fan of Hawaiian music & culture, not to mention all Don Ho fans; Ain't No Big Thing, I'll Remember You, Get On Home, Goin' Home, All I Want to Do, No Other Song, Kamakani Ka'ili Aloha..
Professor Wei Chung Loh: Chinese Classical Music 10"; Lyrichord LL27 V+/E- $15 -- Chinese; rare find in this early format!; Prof. Loh, of the Ta Tung National Music Research Institute of Shanghai, showcases ancient instruments pipa, ehr-hu, 7-string ching, flutes; Dance Prelude, Flying Flowers Falling Upon Emerald, Green Grass, Parting at Yang Kwen, Soliloquy of a Convalescent, Temple Meditation, March, The Drunken Fisherman, The Flight of the Partridge
Lata Mangeshkar & Hemant Kumar: Modern Motion Picture Music of India; Capitol T-10090; sealed cutout $30 -- one of the best in the scarce series; 1 side per artist (from 1956 films "Nagin" & "Anarkali"); great elephant jacket; standouts include "Oh Zindagi Ke Denewale" & "Zamana Yeh Samja Ki Ham Oeeke Aye" (hiccupping drunken girl!); "Love makes my feet falter and everybody thinks I am dunk. Fancy the weeping heart ordered to laugh and entertain!"
Nat Mara & his Tahitians: Welcome to Tahiti/Tahiti Voila!; Viking/Olympic 6162; 1979; N/N shrink S? $20 -- Tahitian; Nat Mara, Tony Taukaki, the Tahitians, and Vilisi; good for the jacket, musically it's the usual stuff you get with New Zealand's Viking label (at least it's clean!)
The Markko Polo Adventurers: Orienta; RCA Victor LPM-1919; 1959/1958; E+/N- $20 -- exotica; "Adventure in Sound"; venerated, essential, landmark, one-off exotica LP, "like dreams after a 'Fu Manchu' movie"; exciting orchestral percussion and East-meets-West arrangements (and some originals), with chorus on two cuts; Song of India--Beggars' Procession, Yokohama Ferryboat, Rain in Rangoon, Madam Sloe Gin's, The Girl Friend of a Whirling Dervish, Mountain High Valley Low (Raymond Scott!), Scheherazade, Limehouse Blues, Night of the Tiger, Nagasaki, Train to Ranchipur, Runaway Rickshaw
Charles Mauu: Polynesia!; Capitol T-483; spectral N-/V+ shrink $20 -- Tahitian; "Native Songs & Dances of the South Seas"; classic prize on several counts: 1) Charles Mauu, the leading Tahitian musical star of his day (as this set well indicates), starred in Pagan Love Song, 2) formerly a 10" LP, this may be the first "naked breast jacket," 3) great music: Minoi Minoi, Tamure, Tiare, Vana Vana, Manu Rere, Cafe au lait, Vahine Anamite, Tanga Tika..; some wear & noise in spots but not bad, well worth it for the jacket
Charles Mauu, his Coconut Uke & Roche's Tahitians: Tamure Tahiti Dot DLP-3494; E-/E+ $20 -- Tahitian; "Authentic Tamures, Chants, & Ballads"; rarer than the Capitol classic (as you'd expect with Dot anyway) starring the great Charlie Mauu, this one features a yummy jacket photo of gorgeous dancer Tarita, who after this went on to star in "Mutiny on the Bounty" and become Mrs. Marlon Brando, so this is something of a collectors item for that reason alone; also sports rare liner photos of Gaston Guilbert at the recording controls & Yves Roche; water damage on the bottom edge but not too shabby
Yvette Mimieux/Ustad Ali Akbar Khan/Pandit Mahapurush Misra:
Baudelaire's Flowers of Evil; Connoisseur Society CS-2007; 1968; gatefold N-/V+ $50 -- spoken/Indian; devilishly scarce & always in demand, whether for the reading or the jacket photo; extensive notes include a page by Nat Hentoff plus an inner leaf & session photos; expect marks & noise--typical w/this title & label
Monte Moya & the Surfers: Percussionata; Everest 5212; E+/N- $75 -- Latin jazz/vibes/exotica; rec. on 35mm film, it's a spectacular one-off (no relation to The Surfers group) rarity (from Melrose, LA, CA) that hardly anyone knows about--if and when it does turn up, it gets overlooked but shouldn't!; for style think mid-'60s Cal Tjader, Puente, & other great vibes players; beautiful exotica jacket!; I Waited So Long, Black Orchid, Lucero, Masa Coti, Mose's Mamba, Mint Julip Run, Summer Time, Ayre's Mamba (sic-all titles)
Tommy Morgan w/Warren Barker: Tropicale; Warner Bros. B-1214; 1958; deep groove E-/E+ $25 -- exotica/harmonica; many exotica fans who think they have everything have never heard of it, yet it's as wonderful as the other Warner Bros. & Warren Barker exotica projects; while really desirable as exotica, Morgan's playing is terrific (Leo Diamond has nothing on this); gorgeous jacket too!; Taboo, Baia, Poinciana, Misirlou, Off Shore, Moon of Manakoora, Beyond the Reef, Ebb Tide, Bali Ha'i, Ruby, The High & the Mighty, The Beach (Japanese); Note: wrong label for Side 1 but the LP is correct
Jesse Nakooka: 54 Bridges to Hana, Maui, USA; Kihei KRS-1001; AUTOGRAPHED E+/N- S $20 -- Hawaiian; backed by the Namelekanis, it's a family affair from Maui circa 1972, we guesstimate; great stuff & totally authentic/Hawaiian-only (fans of modern Hawaiian music, slack key, singing, and uke will appreciate); nice jacket design too; 54 Bridges to Hana, Maile Lei, Waipio, Kuu Hoa, Akaka Falls, Sands of Waikiki, Beautiful Makena, Hele on to Kauai, Ke Kali Ne Au (Hawaiian Wedding Song), Ua Noho au a Kupa, My Kind of Life, Canadian Girl
Ohta San and his Ukulele: Soul Time in Hawaii; Decca DL-4894; white-label promo V+/N- $40 -- ukulele/bossa/Hawaiian; fantastic rare one (his other on Decca is the only one that turns up with anything like regularity) by jumping-flea god (see Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum) Herb Ohta (whose mentor was Eddie Kamae); One Note Samba, Love Forever, Lahaina Luna, Shangri-la, Keep Your Eyes on the Hands, Pineapple Special, Manha De Carnaval, Beyond The Sea, Spring Spends the Winter in Hawaii, Free Again. Back Home to the Cane Fields, The Tears
Oku Shareh: Turtle Dance Songs of San Juan Pueblo; New World NW-301; 1979; gatefold E+/N S $25 -- Native American; rare field-recording LP of 4 "Turtle Dance Songs"--about 10 mins. each of songs/chants w/music; a "Jerry Garcia" credited undoubtedly is not the Grateful Dead guitarist
Gabby Pahinui with the Sons of Hawaii; Hula HS-503; N-/N S $30 -- slack-key guitar master on authentic Hawaiian label
[Gabby Pahinui &] The Sons of Hawaii: Music of Old Hawaii; Hula HS-506; N/N S $30 (or E+/N S $20, specify) -- w/Gabby Pahinui (slack-key guitar master), Eddie Kamae (ukulele master)..; this LP has it all: great music, musicians, label, jacket (volcano scene), & liner notes, which do a fantastic job of describing the songs
The Rene Paulo Group: Whispering Sands; HI-FI/Life L-1019; promo deep groove E-/N- $20 -- Latin jazz/exotica/cocktail jazz; piano-led w/vibes; rare & good; More, Blue Velvet, Whispering Sands, Kaulana O Hilo Hanakahi, Petticoat Junction (zippy)..
Polynesian Cultural Center: Invitation to Paradise; private press sealed S $25 -- souvenir of the venerable PCC, Oahu's great tourist attraction that also funds scholarships for Pacific islanders (it's a wonderful place, far better than "Mormon theme park" might lead you to imagine); one of several such albums stretching over many years (we'll have more to say about it once we listen to our own open copy)
Gene Rains & his Group: Lotus Land; Decca DL-74064; pink/1st/deep groove E/V+ (some marks and a few pops in spots but generally fine) S $40 -- exotica/vibes; RARE STEREO!; classic 1st LP by the #3 exotica leader of Hawaii (hugely influential)--and #2 vibist (after the more prolific Lyman); w/pianist-arranger Paul Conrad (also some-time arranger for Martin Denny), Archie Grant, Allen Watanabe; unique among exotica LPs, it's continuous (no breaks between tunes)--gives the DJ time to mix & consume elaborate cocktails; gorgeous, intense sound, essential!; Love is a Many-Splendored Thing, Hana Maui, Harbor Lights, Ringo Oiwake, Lotus Land, Africa, Hawaiian Wedding Song, Jungle Drums, Da Hil Sayo, Danse Arabe, Ebb Tide, The Naked Sea
Rajput & the Sepoy Mutiny: Flower Power Sitar; Design SDLP-280; 1968; N/N- shrink $75 (or N/E S $60, specify) (or E-/E S $50, specify) -- pop sitar/strange; hippie mockery; when electric-sitar goes bad!; elsewhere hyped as "rare psyche," it's really psychexploitation but well worth the ride, as it's a kooky, supremely awful, psychotronically compelling, wondrously incompetent, acid-casualty, budget-label put-on; sporting a very groovy jacket (featured in Incredibly Strange Music), it's in high demand by BadTune collectors; perfect for embarassing hippies, who will disown it, as well as grim rock/psyche collectors needing a fun tweak; Up Up & Away, Ragadelic, Child of Love, Flowers Flowers Everywhere, Beautiful Beautiful Flower, Flower Power, Flower Bed, String Beads, Do It with Flowers, Lullaby for Flower Children
Milt Raskin, Exotic Sounds of: Kapu; Crown CST-142; deep groove V/V+ S $15 -- exotica; one of the best exotica one-offs --other Milt Raskin is good too-- this is the first and the only one with the extensive original liner notes (exotica sketches and descriptions of the tunes or their meanings, personnel, instruments used--including piano, celeste, harp, accordion, organ, and novachord!); besides Raskin, percussionists include Larry Bunker, Milt Holland, Lou Singer, Frank Carlson; Kapu/Forbidden, Lehua/Blood Red Blossom, Lanikai/Heavenly Sea, Koko Head/Pele's Creation, Iolani/Bird of Heaven, Maika, Moon Festival/Chinese Holiday, Mileka, Leahi/Diamond Head, Telani/Evening Star; with Crown you can't expect much in the way of noisefree listening, but this is stereo and not at all bad for a first copy (or in addition to one of the other versions)
Milt Raskin, Exotic Sounds of: Exotic Percussion; Crown CST-212; E-/E- S $25 -- exotica; one of the best exotica one-offs --other Milt Raskin is good too-- released in three versions; also known as Kapu (Forbidden); this has the startling B&W jacket art; besides Raskin, percussionists include Larry Bunker, Milt Holland, Lou Singer, Frank Carlson; also notable for strategic applications of piano, celeste, harp, accordion, organ, & novachord!; titles: Kapu/Forbidden, Lehua/Blood Red Blossom, Lanikai/Heavenly Sea, Koko Head/Pele's Creation, Iolani/Bird of Heaven, Maika, Moon Festival/Chinese Holiday, Mileka, Leahi/Diamond Head, Telani/Evening Star
Larry Rivera: Love & Aloha; Coco Palms LPS-1265; 1964; autographed N-/N- S $15 -- Hawaiian lounge act; his 1st LP; "songs recorded with simplicity and naturalness"; w/Johnny Kaleiohi; The Whole World Looks to Hawaii (original), Hawaii Waits for You, Kalua, Sweet Someone, Love & Aloha, Wedding Song, Kuu Ipo, Coco Palms Song..
Larry Rivera: For You a Lei; Coco Palms LPS-714; autographed N-/E S $15 -- Hawaiian lounge act; his 2nd LP; peculiar & w/some great offbeat songs; w/the Island-Aires; For You a Lei, My Tane, Blue Lei, My Yellow Ginger Lei, Crushed Flowers in My Lei, Lovely Hula Hands, Mahalo, Lei Aloha Lei Makamae..
Larry Rivera & the Kahili Boys: A Nite Cap with Larry--Featuring the voice of Larry Rivera at the Coco Palms Hotel; Coco Palms LPS-2867; autographed N/N S $15 -- Hawaiian lounge act; I Searched for Love, Pineapple All Around, Derek Lee, Shells, Nani Waimea, Shadow of Your Smile, Tiny Bubbles, More, Top of the Palms..
Larry Rivera: Hawaii Belongs to Everyone; Coco Palms 55555; autographed E/N S $15 -- Hawaiian lounge act; rare, arr. Don Ralke!!!; I'll Remember You, Mom, God Bless My Daddy, Beautiful Kauai, Forever Aloha, Sweet Leilani, Let There Be Hawaii..
Nino Rota: Juliet of the Spirits ST; Mainstream S/6062; 1st press E+/N- S $30 -- Italian; the master of Fellini film soundtracks turns in another creative wonder; very scarce & valuable in clean stereo!; Juliet's Theme, Dance of the Frog, The Master of Love, Behold the Devils, Garden of Fate, Shining Faces..
Nino Rota & Armando Trovajoli: Boccaccio '70 ST; RCA Victor International FSO-5; 1962; Living Stereo deep groove E+/E+ S $30 -- Italian; the master of Fellini film soundtracks turns in another creative wonder; rare!; worth it just for the jacket's provocative stills of the 3 luscious stars: Sophia Loren, Anita Ekberg, & Romy Schneider
The Royal Polynesian Island Orchestra: Musical Cruise--Hawaii to Hong Kong; Family SFLP-527 N/E- shrink S $45 -- exotica/strings; one of the very rarest exotica LPs; Dance of the Natives, Temple Bells, Typhoon, Polynesian Paradise, March Orientale, Saigon Sunset, Flowers on the Water, South Sea Lullaby, Hongkong Harbor, Teahouse Waltz, Holiday in Hawaii, Farewell to Hawaii
The Royal Polynesian Islanders: South Sea Cruise; Request SRLP-10106; E-/N S $45 -- exotica/strings; (reissues The Royal Polynesian Island Orchestra/John Peters: Musical Cruise--Hawaii to Hong Kong; Family SFLP-527)--one of the very rarest exotica LPs (either version!); Dance of the Natives, Temple Bells, Typhoon, Polynesian Paradise, March Orientale, Saigon Sunset, Flowers on the Water, South Sea Lullaby, Hongkong Harbor, Teahouse Waltz, Holiday in Hawaii, Farewell to Hawaii
Carlos Rubio: Tamouré [The New Dance Rage from Tahiti]; Philips/Mercury/Fontana SRF-67515 (UK); deep groove V+/E S $20 -- bossa/Tahitian/twist/exotic rock; one of THE greatest exotic-dance-rock LPs!; mostly bossa-twist, part Tahitian-exotic LP; fantastic loud sound, great voices, awesome percussion (& flute & organ, even some horns/reeds!); capped off by a groovy jacket dance scene (slight water damage here only on the border); Anae Atoa, Manava, A San Salvador, Poto Poto Tamoure, Plenty Rum, La Tahitee est Arrivee, Desafinado, Bossa Nova Guitar, Cafezhino..
The Shangaans: Jungle Drums; EMI Studio 2 SMC-74-113; 1965; E-/V+ S $40 -- exotic rock; rare import is one of the very few true exotic-rock LPs from back in the day, and it's a South African group by way of Germany (there is also a UK pressing but this one has the better jacket); very peppy and perky on the standards, some of which are quite good (guitar and bongos!), but the big payoff is in their closing original; Taboo, Yellow Bird, Afrikaan Beat, El Watusi, Skokiaan, Wimoweh, Zambezi, Swingin' Safari, Ntjilo Ntjilo, Inhlazane, Jikal 'emaweni, Voodoo Drums
Uday Shankar & his Company of Hindu Dancers & Musicians: Indian Music--Ragas & Dances; RCA Victrola VIC-1361; 1968/1937; cutout N-/N- $25 -- reissues on LP the first [& only major 78-era] album of Indian Music released in the U.S., recorded during the historic 1937 tour; Uday was brother to Ravi & father to Ananda Shankar (Uday & Ananda are the exciting, groundbreaking, theatrical side of the family); mono, great sound, wonderful liner notes & jacket photo
Uday Shankar: Hindu Dancers & Musicians; Columbia Masterworks MS-7205; E+/E+ S $25 -- the first stereo recording of Uday Shankar follows close on the heels of 1968's Victor LP reissue of the historic 1937 tour LP; Ananda Shankar's famous father (on the exciting theatrical side of the family) & Ravi's older brother, Uday opened the world of Indian music to North America, at least; extensive liner notes tell more, but suffice it to say it's the OTHER wonderful Uday LP; conch shell & other instruments make it far more interesting than even most other great Indian LPs
Emma Sharpe: Lahaina's Fabulous Emma Sharpe--Recorded Live at Discovery Room, Sheraton-Maui Hotel; Tradewinds TS-1120; E-/E S $15 -- Hawaiian; live w/drums, chants; copious liner notes about Sharpe & the selections; one of our favorite Hawaiian LPs (out of 1,000s), sold only in Hawaii; highly recommended
Bas Sheva: Soul of a People--Hebraic Chants 10"; Capitol FDS L8287; deep groove N-/N- $50 -- female vocal; other than the great "The Passions" w/
The Primitive Sounds of Tak Shindo: Mganga!; Edison International CL-5000; E-/V+ $90 -- African-themed exotica; rare Les Baxterish LP w/hall-of-fame "witch doctor" jacket, liners, & all-original music by Tak Shindo & Earle Hagen (who later wrote great exotica for "I Spy"); Mombasa Love Song, Safari to Kenya, Nyoba Festival, Slave Chains of Mtumwa, Bantu Spear Dance, Rains of Okavango, Huts of Kichwamba, Manga (Ritual), Mwanza Market Place, N'Ga--The Maiden, Watusi Drum Dance, Port of Trinkitat
Tak Shindo: Brass and Bamboo; Capitol ST-1345 (stereo); D1 press E+/N- S $35 (or E/E- S $20, specify) -- exotica; one of the great Tak Shindo LPs as well as one of only a handful of exotica LPs that can lay any claim to jazz (despite a lot of foolish notions to the contrary out there); in high demand & for good reason; w/Bud Shank, Shelly Manne..; gorgeous arrangements of tunes range from more swinging/jazzy/brassy (as Les Baxter's "Jungle Jazz" or the music from "I Spy") to full-on exotica in Tak Shindo's unique, Japanese-inspired style; Caravan, Poinciana, Flamingo, Bali Ha'i, Brass & Bamboo, The Song of Delilah, Skylark, No Place to Go, The Moon was Yellow..
Tak Shindo: Accent on Bamboo; Capitol ST-1433; E+/E- S $30 (or mono T-1433; E+/N $30, specify) -- exotica/jazz/pop; the slightly rarer follow-up to Brass & Bamboo offers a beautiful jacket & more original music & top sound (not to be missed!); Stumbling, Portrait in Blue, Festival in Swingtime, Kiss Me Again, I Gotta Have You, Cherokee..
Tak Shindo: Far East Goes Western; Mercury Perfect Presence Sound PPS-2031; gatefold 1st/deep groove N/N S $30 -- exotica; one of the great Tak Shindo LPs & unique exotica (exotic versions of U.S. Western standards--perfect for Japanese cowboys!); fortunately ideal copies turn up often enough that we can offer them at a low price; superb stereo in audiophile series--rec. on 35mm film!; On the Trail, Tumblin' Tumbleweeds, Wagon Wheels, High Noon, I'm an Old Cowhand, San Antonio Rose, I'm Headin' for the Last Roundup..
Leopoldo Silos: The New Music of the Philippines--Native Percussion Instruments; RCA Victor International FSP-117; 1964; deep groove N/N S $50 -- exotica/percussion w/a slightly Latin/So. American feel to it, oddly enough; not indispensable but a nice one that's among the very rarest of exotica LPs; here in a perfect copy; nice jacket: a still life of percussion instruments
Mike Simpson: Jungle Odyssey; Evolution 2005; 1966; gatefold; cutout E/E+ S $90 (or promo E/E S $60 -- exotica; one of the best & rarest one-offs (collectors should jump at) & truly unique in the exotica idiom; Chicago percussionist Mike Simpson (this is his best!) recorded it in South Africa (for RPM records), so it's jungle-themed but definitely exotica/fantasy rather than African; loads of great ping-pong percussion and sparing touches of guitar, vibes, strings, even organ, also African animal sounds (far beyond bird calls!); nice liners, photos, art; 14 delicious tracks that will have your stereo jumping: Elephant Drums (best cut!), Crocodile River, The Lion is a Pushy Cat, Impala Pirouette, Madame Hippo, Rhino's Tale, Warthog Hollow, Hyena Hippies, Buffalo Country, Monkey Puzzle, Wildebeest Trail, Giraffe's Gait, Leopard's Leap, "Z" for Zebra
Society of Seven: Flashback; Silver Sword Audio; LP-7008; 1973; E/E S $25 -- lounge act/rock/Hawaiian icons -- one of Hawaii's longest-enduring acts (still going at this writing) at the Outrigger Hotel, Waikiki; groovy jacket has photos & short auto-bios by each band member; highlights are Splish Splash & I Got a Woman (waka guitar, funky); More, Volare, Blue Suede Shoes, Ebb Tide, 28 Miles, Smile, My Special Angel, Glory of Love
Connie Stevens as "Cricket" in the Warner Bros. Series "Hawaiian Eye"; Warner Bros. 1382; 1960; E-/E- $20 -- exotica/torch/Hawaiian; one of the great LPs in the series surrounding "Hawaiian Eye" (not to mention Kookie) and a classic female-vocal LP; Sixteen Reasons; On a Slow Boat to China, Too Young to Go Steady, A Little Kiss is a Kiss is a Kiss, Why Try to Change Me Now, Love of the Month Club, Apollo, Too Young, Lulu's Back in Town, Why Do I Cry for Joey?, Let's Do It, The Trolley Song
Axel Stordahl: Jasmine & Jade; Dot DLP-25282; E/E+ S $60 -- exotica; one of the great, rare (as things on quirky Dot usually are) --especially in stereo-- "one-off" exotica LPs, it's dreamy, Baxter-esque, top percussion w/strings by top arranger/composer (for Sinatra) married to June Hutton; Stordahl also did some incidental exotica on the Decca LP Magic Islands Revisited but this is his big contribution to the idiom; nice jacket art and liner notes add to its elan; Moonlight on the Ganges, Baubles Bangles & Beads, Moon of Manakoora, Japanese Sandman, Neiani, Caravan, Jasmine & Jade (covered by Gene Rains on Lotus Land), Bali Ha'i, On a Little Street in Singapore, Flamingo, Pagan Love Song, Lotus Land (another Gene Rains classic)
The Surfers: On the Rocks; Hi-Fi R-408; deep groove N-/E+ $40 (or E-/E $20, specify) -- vocal/Hawaiian/Tahitian; classic debut LP by famous quartet (Clayton Naluai, Alan Naluai, Pat Sylva, Bernie Ching) famous as the house band [on Decca as "The Hawaiian Surfers"] at Duke Kahanamoku's in Waikiki (all their LPs are great & hard to get, as vocal-group collectors have priced them up, tho we're keeping it reasonable); similar to other Hawaiian harmony acts such as the Invitations; 14 songs include I Got Hooked at a Hukilau (funny, original, & GREAT), Pidgin English Hula (funny, narrated, & GREAT), Tamure Tamure, Hawaiian War Chant, Maki, I Will Remember You..
The Surfers: Hawaii A Go Go!; Stereo Sounds SA-10; E-/N S $35 -- reissues On the Rocks (Hi-Fi SR-408) in stereo (extremely rare for the original, so take this opportunity!) w/new jacket art--classic Waikiki scene w/beautiful wooden longboards (LP probably from late 1960s or early '70s); clean, stereo, rare, & great; don't miss it!
The Surfers: Christmas from Hawaii; Hi-Fi R-410; stamped promo deep groove E-/E+ $60 -- vocal/Hawaiian/Christmas; our favorite by the famous quartet, and one of our very favorite HIn-Xmas LPs, is also one of their rarest (all their LPs are great & hard to get!); 14 songs include several great ones w/bongos!; the group is pictured in a red outrigger canoe with a little pink artificial tree and presents in the bow; Here Comes Santa in a Red Canoe, Hawaiian Santa, Mele Kalikimaka, White Christmas..
The Hawaiian Surfers at Duke Kahanamoku's; Decca DL-4562; white-label promo E-/E $25 -- Hawaiian/Tahitian/exotica/vocal; rare LP by top vocal group (on HI-FI label as "The Surfers") rec. live in Waikiki as the house band at Duke's; photo & lengthy liner-note endorsement by the great Duke Kahanamoku himself! (worth it just for that); great singing/playing/entertainment--uptempo exotica & harmony fans alike will be thrilled; Tangi Tahiti, Tahitian Chant, Cade au Lait, Vini Vini, Sweet Someone (HI'n vocal-group classic!), Waikiki, Ebb Tide, Hawaiian Love Call..
The Surfmen: Exotic Island; Alshire/Somerset SF-10500; deep groove N-/N- $25 -- exotica; far from being merely a gorgeous "jacket" or a surprisingly good budget label outing, this coveted wonder features many of the greatest names in jazz and pop (Alvino Rey, Emil Richards, Jack Costanzo, Paul Horn...); strangely enough, they were instructed to make this terrific, full-on Martin Denny spoof/tribute/knockoff, complete w/superior percussion and [often absurd] bird shrieks; there are two other such LPs with a few outtakes (some good, some orchestral) but this is the definitive set everyone needs; Quiet Village, Tahiti Sunrise, Bali Hai, Bamboo, Jungle Romance, Forbidden Island, Taboo, Moonlight in Paradise, Luau, Orchid Lagoon, Fire Goddess, Moon of Manakoora
Takarazuka Dance Theatre; Columbia 
Don Tiare & his Orchestra Exotique: The Music of Les Baxter; Mercury SR-60845 1st/black/deep groove N-/N- S $40 (or mono MG-20845 deep groove, promo E+/E $25, specify) -- exotica; wow! swinging, vibes-led small combo treats 'em right (no strings!): Quiet Village, Bangkok Cockfight, Sampan Landing, Crickets of Karachi, Girl Behind the Bamboo Curtain, River of Dreams, Cockatoo, Sunrise at Kowloon, Jacaranda, Jungle Trail, Corazon, Quai Bir Hackeim -- classic & rare Baxter tunes done in non-orchestral, high exotica style!; beautiful jacket, great music, get it, love it!
Music of a Sherpa Village; Folkways FE-4320; 1973/1972; w/insert E+/E $15 -- Nepalese field recording by John Melville Bishop in Melemchigaon, Helambu, Nepal
[Tibetan monks:] The Religious Sound of Tibet; Teldec TST-76965; rec. 1969-70 (imported German version of Cho-Ga--Tantric & Ritual Music of Tibet); E/E- S $60 -- Tibetan; wow!; the greatest Tibetan LP of all, totally far out (perhaps the most exotic recording ever); better still, it's an import w/SPOOKY jacket art (different than the CA original on Dorje Ling--beautiful & rare in both cases)
Tibetan Buddhism--The Ritual Orchestra & Chants: Recorded at Pal Phuntsok Chokorlin, Tashi Jong, Himachal Pradesh, India; Nonesuch Explorer H-72071; 1976; V+/V+ S $15 -- 1st & best in this great series!; not the best copy but we'll throw it in if you get a few other Tibet LPs (which you should anyway, duh!)
Tibetan Buddhism--Shedur: A Ghost Exorcism Ritual--The Venerable Yeshe Dorje Rinpoche, Master of the Rite; Nonesuch Explorer H-72081; 1978; E-/E S $20 -- Tibetan ritual music rec. David Lewiston in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
Tibetan Buddhism--Tantras of Gyütö: Mahakala; Nonesuch Explorer H-72055; 1973; cutout E+/E- S $20 -- Tibet; Grand Prix International du Disque winner & another in the amazing series of ritual records
Tibetan Ritual Music--Chanted & Played by Lamas & Monks of the Four Great Orders; Lyrichord LLST-7181; 1961; sealed S $30 (or N-/E- $20, specify) -- nothing is more far out than Tibetan ritual singing (not gamelan, not Tuvan throat singing, nothing!!!); the 1st LP of a superb series (all terrific) has it all (nice jacket & liners too)
A Tibetan Buddhist Rite from Nepal--Padmasambava Chopa [with the Mahakala Offering]; Lyrichord LLST-7270; sealed S $30 -- Tibetan; yet another fascinating document of the lost civilization that was Tibet; but at least this disc is still available and unopened (and not made with lead)
The Gyuto Monks: Tibetan Tantric Choir; Windham Hill WH-2001; 1987; gatefold N/N S $20 -- Tibetan; good old Mickey Hart produced the only LP on the label we care about, and it's nice to have a more modern addition to the Tibet collection; you will like
Henry Wolff/Nancy Hennings: Tibetan Bells; Island SMAS-9319; 1972/1971; gatefold cutout V+/E+ S $25 (or reissued as Antilles AN-7006; 1973/1971; E+/N- S $25, specify) -- Tibetan/bells/new-age-occult-meditation; w/Drew Gladstone; FANTASTIC, widely heralded, super space-trippy record that launched the otherwise unexciting "New Age" movement (plus interest in previously unknown, exciting, far-out Tibetan ritual music, bells, etc.); really it's more like some of the very best primordial-Moog/electronic/avant-garde records, except that you'll want to listen to this one repeatedly!; great jacket art from a priceless, beautiful old Tibetan painting; best title for your iPod: "Wrathful Deity"; note: slight background noise is endemic to this recording (all copies, both issues); gatefold original is far rarer with inner-leaf art/photos (this copy has radio-station writing & sticker on it)
Tran Quang Hai & Bach Yen: Vietnamese Dan Tranh Music; Lyrichord LLST-7375; N/E- shrink S $15 -- Vietnamese/instrumental/zither; the 16-string Dan Tranh is smallest of Far East Asian zithers (like the koto & kanun); Vietnam uses 2 modal systems; top experts offer beautiful pieces from ancient classical to modern folk; REAL exotica!
Nelson Waikiki; Tradewinds TS-108; AUTOGRAPHED E/N S $25 -- slack-key ukulele/Hawaiian; "Electrifying...never before has an ukulele sounded so rich and full...Perhaps the greatest ukulele player of all time"; lead uker of 5 uke players w/The Troubadours/Maui Hawaiians (this being their 2nd LP, recorded in Maui, on Hawaii-only label); Hi'i'awe (slack key uke), Misty, Philippine Themes, Slack Key Medley, Kokoni Sachi-ari, Nani Waimea, Kalakaua, Caravan, Yellow Bird, Nalani, Never on Sunday, Hawaiian Medley
The Waikiki Beach Boys: Breeze of Hawaii; Fiesta FLPS-1629; sealed S $20 -- steel guitar/Hawaiian; essential for the terrific version of exotica classic "Poinciana (Song of the Tree)," which has a really dramatic/affecting/dynamic guitar & bongo or similar percussion--it's probably the best thing in this import series; nice jacket too; also Pidgin English Hula, War Chant, My Tane, Honolulu, Hilo Kiss, Ka-Lu-A, Menehune March..
Elisabeth Waldo: Realm of the Inca; GNP Crescendo GNPS-603; GNPS-603 N/N [shrink] S $30 -- exotica; "an original suite for orchestra and voices--featuring authentic pre-Columbian instruments!" (including human bone); 1 of a rare, classic pair by the great Waldo, classically trained & accomplished but very Californian & devoted to ancient instruments, moods, & styles; there is a LOT going on throughout her works (whistling, chorus, water sounds, percussion, etc.); gorgeous jacket & first-rate liners
Elisabeth Waldo: Viva California; Peer Southern Organization PSO-002; sealed S $80 -- exotica; last & rarest of her only 4 LPs, all great, this one's "an early California pastorella for orchestra and chorus performed by Elisabeth Waldo Folklorico Orchestra and the St. Charles Choir"; not as "strict exotica" as her others but unique & terrific just the same; a must-have for Waldo & exotica collectors
Daphne Walker/George Tumahai/Bill Sevesi & his Islanders: Sea Breeze; Fiesta FLPS-1722 sealed S $45 -- US license of a New Zealand Viking LP; of a piece with others in this series (steel guitar, mix of standard chestnuts w/unusual songs and arrangements) but tough to find, no doubt because of the jacket (which is neither Daphne Walker nor famous American nudist Diane Walker); Tiger Shark, My Lovely Hula Queen, Beyond Desire, Hilo Hattie, Meama Chimes, Polynesian Love Song, Lani Jo..
Ernie Warren & the Hula Rhythm Boys: A Latin from Manhattan in Hawaii; Fiesta FLP-1248; deep groove N-/N $75 -- Hawaiian/Latin/exotica; we're not offering this beauty as proof that exotica is a branch of Latin, which it is nonetheless, but you will find this rare treat has "got it all": unique niche/hybrid concept, fantastic jacket, top names (Sam Makia, Hal Aloma, Mona Joy, Kalani Kamaii), rare odd title on a great label (Fiesta is one of the coveted, small, 1950s NYC Latin labels), and music (songs aren't all Hawaiian chestnuts and those that are are different here); it's also a slice of NYC nitery history: both pianist Warren and Makia (at least) played at the Hawaiian Room: Wiki Wiki Mai, It's Time to Say Aloha, Little Brown Gal, Hawaiian Kisses, Ainahau, Aloha Oe, Hula Cha, Over the Sea, Pretty Maui Girl, Hala Niu Tree, Malia, Malihini Mele
Marty Wilson: Jun'gala; Warner Bros. WS-1326; 1959; E+/V+ S $25 -- Afro-Cuban/big-band exotica; unique, high-impact, underscores the fact that exotica IS Latin!!!; terrific jacket photo looks 20 years ahead of its time; same first-rate WB production & sound as others on the label at the time; Manteca, Babalu, Yumba Maruma, Jungle Fantasy, Taboo, Passion, Misty Poo, Les champs de Cuba, Harlem Nocturne, Enlloro; stereo is rare, well worth it at the price (for mild disc wear)
The Yokohama Knights: Yokohama Knights; GRT/Eye GRT-10002; cutout N-/N S $20 -- mod w/voiceover by Japanese woman (in Japanese & English); Yokohama Flower Girl (original), A Man & a Woman, Hawaii Five-O/Greensleeves, Happy Heart, Goodbye, Try a Little Tenderness..; attractive jacket of Japanese woman in front of bamboo screen (same photo session as for a George Cates LP)
The Yum Yum Kids & the MGM Territorial Orchestra: Down in Jungle Town; MGM E-4405; cutout N/N $20 -- kids/exotica; rare, unique, cute record of kids singing on an exotica theme; Song of the Nairobi Trio (lyricized!), Down in Jungle Town, Tiger Rag, Aba Daba Honeymoon, How to Tell the Wild Animals, Under the Bamboo Tree, Abdul the Bulbul Ameer, Civilization..
Various: Luau at Queen's Surf; Waikiki 101; red vinyl deep groove E/V $15 -- Hawaiian; early, authentic stuff on the great local label w/top stars (Pauline Kekahuna, Honey Kalima, Bill Lincoln, Andy Cummings, Kalima Brothers, Mona Joy, Val Hao, Waikiki Serenaders..); some noise but worth it; beautiful Waikiki luau scene on jacket
Les Baxter, Orch. & Chorus: Flame Tree/Girl from Uganda; GNP Crescendo GNP-425; white-label promo E S $20 -- mod/bossa/chorus; rare, sensational, stereo promo for the coveted African Blue LP (one of his scarcest good ones)
Renato Carosone e il suo Quartetto EP; Pathe EA-171 (French pressing) N-/E $25 -- Italian; unique jacket photo (of Carosone at the piano); Piccolissima Serenata, Armen's Theme, 'A Sunnambula, Lazzerella
Harry & the Croc-O-Dolls: Cheeta (Teach Me How to Do the Monkey)/Jungle Hootenany; RCA Victor 47-8244; 1963; V $15 -- exotic rock; A-side great for the words, B-side more of a guitar instro; marks, wear, some noise but a thrill
The Kingpins: Ungaua Parts 1 & 2; United Artists UA-111-X; 1958; E $30 -- exotic rock; marks but plays fine, original UA sleeve; musically fairly typical of the time but catchy; the callout "Un-ga-wa!" makes it a standout track, a classic of exotic rock
Ella Mae Morse: An Occasional Man/Birmingham; Capitol F-3210; N $20 -- exotic pop vocal; w/Billy May; both songs from film "The Girl Rush"; listed here instead of w/pop 45s bc "An Occasional Man" has become an exotica standard; one of her very best singles!
Ohta-San: Sushi/Little Tree; Warner Bros. 5412; E- $15 -- ukulele; a masterpiece, as you'd expect from Ohta-San, & possibly his only recording for Warner Bros.
Patience & Prudence: Very Nice is Bali Bali/You Tattletale; Liberty 738; V+ $15 -- the story of the singing sisters who walked away from a thriving show-business career is exotic enough, but this is the one track (Indonesian-esque) that gets them notice here; think of it as an American answer to Sondi Sodsai
Elvis Presley: Rock-a-Hula Baby/Can't Help Falling in Love; RCA Victor 47-7968; E+/E $10 picture sleeve -- we've steered this one your way (instead with other Elvis stuff) because the A-side really is a classic of exotic rock (or Hawaiian rock), and you may as well have it w/picture sleeve
