soleil rare 24 - been around the world.

Fairuz - Habbeytak Bessayf.

Being the absolute Lebanese singing star, the pride of her country, and a vedette in the whole Arab world, no Lebanese compilation could be made without Fairuz. Written by the Rahbani Brothers, the song dates from 1970. With its gentle guitar introduction, it was a nice way of starting this "Soleil Rare" compilation. Fairuz's voice stands as the ultimate standard for Arab female singers, and this song proves it. Notice the quite modern beat pattern. 

Manatsoa - Valiha Fombandrazanah.

In Gasy language, fanafody is a kind of a spell. And it's obvious that the sweeetness of the vahila can turn someone's mind into weird emotions. A difficult instrument to master, the vahila clearly is the most significant music instrument of Madagascar. It's bright, and sounds like several guitars played at the same time.

Here, you get a long instrumental introduction, then dramatic singing late in the song. Pure magic. 

Ozdemir Erdogan - Ac Kapiyi Gir Iceri.

Turkish psych is a delight. And I couldn't imagine that a few years ago. Until I got the revelation through Baris Manço, I was unaware of how rich this specific genre is. 

"Ac Kapiyi Gir Iceri", by Ozdemir Erdogan is another example of the perfect mix between Western vibes and Asian feelings. After all, the man hails from Istanbul, a city where mix really means something. Although the song doesn't showcase the audacity of counterparts Erkin Koray, 3Hurel and such, the feeling is great.  

The Stylers - Guitar Man. 

As Singapore's finest garage band, The Stylers took advantage of the central position of their city-state to expand their fame throughout all Asia. Indeed, they gained success in Hong Kong (continental China was kinda off the radar at that time), Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Asian countries. Actually, they were able to sing in various languages, so it worked. 

"Guitar Man" is pure garage rock : fast rhythm, guitar, bass, drums, all you need is this. A short track, but an entertaining one.  

Caetano Veloso - Alegria, Alegria.

Alongside Gilberto Gil, Gal Costa, Chico Buarque and a few others, Caetano Veloso created the unique tropicalia genre. An incredible songwriter, Caetono Veloso payed the price for it, having been sent to jail by the military regime before tasting exile in London. This song, labelled as the Brazilian anthem of the year 1967 was released before Veloso experienced both jail and exile. It's sweet, almost has a childish touch. Well, it's touching. Brazilian music at its peak. And if that's not a dope album cover...

Orchestre Polyrythmo de Cotonou - Mede Ma Gnin Messe.

The Orchestre Polyrythmo de Cotonou has been enjoyed a renaissance is the last couple of years, thanks to the many reissues of their albums. A few dedicated crate-diggers/globe-trotters and labels (whadup Analog Africa !) managed to put their hand on some decent copies and a few masters, to allow this music to travel outside the borders of Bénin. 

If you feel the need to get introduced to African music, you should consider starting with this awesome band. Pure funk, once they start playing, it's hard to stop them, hence the long exciting tracks. The band stills performs, and released an album in 2011. 

Woima Collective - Puno. 

Woima Collective is one of these bands that contributes to the Ethio revival. Inspired by the Ethiopian gondola ends Mulatu Astatke, Tilahun Gessesse, Mahmoud Ahmed, Seyfou Yohannes and others, these German musicians released their album on Kindred Spirit in 2010, explicitely titled "Tezeta". 

"Puno" is a clear Ethio track. Expect heavy drums, expansive horns, funky synths. Instrumental only. 

Los Brincos - Big Temptation. 

Back in the days, Los Brincos were known as the Spanish counterparts of The Beatles. The reputation wasn't false, as they were really good. They had their own artistic universe, sporting outdated capes. They could invent heavy melodies. They were able to innovate, introducing several variations of rock into a dictatorial Spain : psych, garage... When other bands weren't keen on taking risks and avoided singing, Los Brincos brought both instruments and voices to the listener's ear. That only should get them respect, not dissing on the other bands anyway. 

Here you go with a world tour : Africa, East Mediterrean, Europe, Asia, South America... garage, funk, jazz, psych, folk... different strokes for different folks. Link in the comments.