Istanbul 70: Psych, Disco, Folk Classics

Istanbul 70: Psych, Disco, Folk Classics
Reviewed by Sadie O., 3/7/12
Interesting compilation of Turkish alt-stuff from the 70’s. Mostly it sounds rather like Anglo-American alt-stuff, but there are some Turkitudes – mostly the highly dramatic vocals. FCCs? I dunno – all in Turkish!
1. 4:44 ***disco-funky 70’s groove in a minor key, terribly dramatic vocals by one of the most seminal Turkish rockers. Gnarly synth solo.
2. 4:30 *starts with applause and proggy synth noodling. Odd monotonal pronouncements alternating with jaunty prog march. Ends with howls of laughter from the audience – I’m sure it’s better if you speak Turkish…
3. 4:21 ***prog-psych with significant bass and drums, pleasant but somewhat overwrought vocals.
4. 3:26 *sweet-pop with prog overtones. Bass solo! Then quite a serious prog-jazz piano solo.
5. 3:09 ***acoustic folk-rock, female vocals (and odd male bass hum). Bongos. Rather fun – her voice reminds me of Dengue Fever, oddly…
6. 3:27 **psych with a bit of a funky back beat, female vocals.
7. 4:51 **discordant violin scrawking… Gets a prog band backing after a minute and a half. Jazzy bass and piano, and that odd trad violin. Instrumental.
8. 3:09 **groovy disco-funky bippity boppity beat with “hal hal” chanting, female vocals.
9. 4:06 **loungy-Bollywoody-Turky something, breathy male vocals.
10. 3:49 **flutes intro, then bass-heavy funky prog groove. Male vocals (same rock god as track 1.) Goes into teedly prog jam with guitar, flute and bass.
11. 3:32 ***flutes and tinkles, ethereal female vocals, then suddenly a sort of lounge-mambo, very upbeat and bouncy. Odd, so I like it. Ends with the high female vocals.
12. 7:41 **acoustic guitar intro, rather like Creedence Clearwater, except there’s also an off-key electric guitar that’s more like Count Five. Baritone male vocals. A bit 60’s garage psych. Nice, but quite long.
13. 5:53 ****jaunty groovy proggy psychy, overwrought male vocals (Turks LOVE overwrought vocals…) Groovy psych keyboards and guitar.
14. 5:53 ***disco! Totally Studio 54, baybees! But there’s also some quite elegant guitar, and breathy female vocals. Odd total package.