Description
Several years in the making, Lion can now finally deliver on our promise of another Groove Club volume dedicated to the deep and moving (and grooving) compositions of Sinn Sisamouth, sung by the Emperor of Khmer music himself, alone or duetting with the other legendary singer of those halcyon days in Cambodian music: Ros Sereysothea, the “Queen with the Golden Voice.”
Groove Club Vol. 5 also includes a 16-page booklet featuring an exclusive interview with Mrs. Khav Thong Nhot, widow of Sinn Sisamouth, and Sin Sethsochhata, artist and granddaughter of Sinn Sisamouth, revealing more about Sinn Sisamouth than has ever been known before now. We hear directly from his wife about their courtship, their life together as Sinn Sisamouth became famous — and then what happened as the Khmer Rouge took control: the separation from her husband, and her own harrowing experiences trying to keep herself and their children alive. It’s not easy reading, yet stands as an important contribution (we feel) to a a story which until now has only been partially told. Sinn Sisamouth’s granddaughter, Sin Sethsochhata, a musical artist and also keeper of the family’s legacy, speaks of her own experiences in both realms.
Sinn Sisamouth, The Emperor of Khmer Music Sinn Sisamouth is, without question, the most famous and beloved Cambodian singer and songwriter of all time. A brilliant singer and composer, “the Emperor of Khmer music” has had a greater influence and has touched more hearts than any other singer in the country’s history. Though he was tragically taken from this world, his soul, spirit, and emotions are echoed in the legacy of songs he bequeathed to us, and for this reason, he is eternal.
The fact that any of this music even exists today is nothing short of miraculous. Original vinyl is extremely rare — and well-guarded! We have done our utmost to make the sound quality of the songs as good as can be without in any way treating or disrupting or limiting (or destroying) the frequency range of the tracks. This means that a few tracks might sound less than audiophile quality. But who cares! It’s about the music. It’s always about the music. And the stories. Mostly the music. Although this time, very much about the stories too.
“Discovering the wealth of Cambodian recordings was like falling into a parallel universe, complete with its own Elvises, Patsys and Jimis… Of course, looming over every recording is the tragic end of the music and the musicians themselves under the axe of the Khmer Rouge, a cloak of darkness hovering over some of the most joyous, festive music ever made. In a world of instant global communication and mass pop culture, Cambodian rock remains one of the few undiscovered secrets of music… It is a testament to the power of Sinn Sisamouth’s music that it has survived all that has been done to vanquish it.”
— Joel Selvin, author/journalist
•Official reissue — and in most cases, first appearance of any kind — of these insanely rare recordings since their initial release as singles.
•Includes a 16-page booklet featuring interviews with Mrs. Khav Thong Nhot, widow of Sinn Sisamouth, and Sin Sethsochhata, artist and granddaughter of Sinn Sisamouth.
Track list:
Side A
1. Cheang Kat Sak Day Ek (Haircut Talent) 2:54 Sinn Sisamouth
2. Nov Teh Sralanh (Still Loving You) 2:43 Sin Sisamouth & Ros Sereysothea
3. Susana 3:16 Sinn Sisamouth
4. Krom Samleng Teuk Phleang (Under the Sound Of The Rain) 3:13 Sinn Sisamouth
5. Moan Ro Ngeav (Chicken is Crying) 3:14 Sinn Sisamouth & Ros Sereysothea
6. Ruth Pleung Atreat Kleat Sanga (The Night Train Takes My Lover Away) 3:14 Sinn Sisamouth
7. Som Kmean Tors (Perfect) 3:56 Sinn Sisamouth
Side B
1. Thavary Meas Borng (Thavary, My Darling) 3:10 Sinn Sisamouth
2. Theub Teuk Phnek Oun Oy Snguot (I Kiss Your Tears Dry) 2:52 Sinn Sisamouth
3. Phally, Phally 2:53 Sinn Sisamouth 4. Kamping Pouy 3:09 sung by Ros Sereysothea 5. Chamreang Eth Preang Tuk (Unwritten Songs) 3:25 Sinn Sisamouth & Ros Sereysothea 6. Sampeay Kam (Karma From a Previous Life) 5:01 Sinn Sisamouth
GENRE: World/Khmer
BARCODE: 778578320317
RELEASE DATE: 05/09/2025
