Welcome to the penultimate Mondo Times before the obligatory best of 2022 list. I don’t have much time because of traveling, yet I had drafted this one before and we have lost so many incredible musicians in the last couple of weeks, I thought it would be very unfair to not post this one.

IN HEAVY ROTATION

Beth Orton

Having been tipped off by a friend of mine, Beth Orton’s latest album Weather Alive caught me off by surprise. As the first three songs went by in a blink, I realised this is a very mature singer songwriter album from the British artist.

Padang Moonrise: The Birth of the Modern Indonesian Recording Industry (1955-69)

Padang Moonrise is the story of modern Indonesian music that emerged underneath the volcanoes of Java and Sumatra. This compilation brings together a handful of these recordings that combine elements of regional popular music, Islamic Gambus, Javanese & Balinese Gamelan and Kroncong, with jazz, Afro-latin music & instrumentation, and vocal harmonies influenced by banned American doo-wop and rock & roll.

I am particularly taken by this piece. Out on Soundway.

UDW

A 15 song reflection of some of this year’s best in electronic music, whether danceable or not. Not exhaustive.. Max Loderbauer, The Advisory Circle, Stiletti-Ana, Comité Hypnotisé, TSHA, Gallegos, Muramuke, Mor Elian, Nia Archives and more..

AN UNDOMONDO CHRISTMAS

As is tradition, this Undomondo Xmas mix includes a gamut of styles, mixing traditional Christmas songs with big band music, carnival samba, bebop, Caribbean music of the past to get you into the New Year’s spirit. Allow the music to take you to the natural chill of the past and you will feel the holiday spirit. Merry Xmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. [Also on Mixcloud]

LIVE

Belgian star Stromae’s latest album is on of my top 10’s of the year. This short Tiny Desk is a testimony to his artistry as well as his humility.

Luke Vibert (aka Amen Andrews) - live from the True Music Studios stage at Boiler Room Festival Amsterdam supported in partnership with Ballantines. Also watch this Blind Test if you can’t get enough of Luke Vibert.

LIVES LIVED

As I said in the intro, the end of November and the start of December has been particularly unkind regarding musicians passing away.

Nico Fidenco

Italian soundtrack composer and composer and bandleader has died aged 84. He was probably best known for his work on the soundtracks to the erotic film series Emmanuelle. Porngroove is a genre of music most associated with him, a fusion of funk, jazz and lounge styles which he developed over many decades.

Christine McVie

Fleetwood Mac hitmaker Christine McVie died aged 79. This live performance of “You Make Loving Fun” will always be in my heart.

Manuel Göttsching

German musician and composer Manuel Göttsching who co-founded Krautrock group Ash Ra Tempel and produced solo works as Ashra and MG passed away aged 70. [RA]

Angelo Badalamenti

Angelo Badalamenti, Italian composer, conductor and arranger, best known for composing soundtracks for director David Lynch passed away in December, aged 85. The NY Times obit remarks “The ‘Twin Peaks’ Theme Isn’t Just a Song. It’s a Portal”.

♩ 5 Stunning Compositions to Remember Angelo Badalamenti By

That’s all for now, I’ll be publishing Undomondo’s Best of 2022 lists next week! As always hope you share this with your friends and family. Happy Holidays!

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Mondo Times: Padang Moonrise