Koray, Erkin – “Tutkusu” – [Underground Masters]

Thursday Hookah Dreams. This reissue of Erkin Koray’s 1977 album ‘Tutkusu? is a great example of the Turkish musician’s aptitude. This album was only his fourth album which is strange since being an active musician in the early 60s his music was relegated to singles in small runs. Ranging from straight forward psych-guitar works, heavy eastern influenced works, and even some songs with a country feel, this album shows a great breadth. A fore-runner in Turkey’s psychedelic music of the late 60′s and 70′s, Erkin Koray based himself in Istanbul cementing his sound in where the East meets the West. Stabbed and attacked multiple times for having long hair during the 60s in Istanbul Erkin didn’t deter his musical thirst. For you country swain out there, check out the third track ‘Sandalci?. Tracks 4 and 9 are in English the rest are in Turkish. — Numa

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