Akbayram, Edip – “Edip Akbayram” – [Pharaway Sounds]

Naysayer   9/3/2014   CD, International

Hurray for the Anatolian Psych explosion that happened in Turkey decades ago. From it we, oh humble listeners, are being showered with the reissued sounds of the many that held court back around the “70’s (that’s 1970″s kids). Pharaway Sounds issue of “Edip Akbayram” by psych singer of the same name is a wonderful addition to the ever growing collection. As a child, Akbayram was not able to walk due to polio. This may have held back many, but not him. As a teen and then adult, Akbayram began singing in bands which used the psychedelic sounds that were ever so popular in Turkey at the time. It took him through Turkey where he was a hit on Istanbul TV. This collection of early singles from 1972 to 1974 offer an array of tunes, some sounding very traditional, some more pop oriented, but the best being the hard psych-out blend with Turkish traditional sounds guided by thumping bass and amplified electric stringed everything. Guitars and bass swirl around in an ever expanding sound while drums and tambourines help keep the rhythm steady. Akbayrim’s vocals are big and full, definitely taking a lead when he kicks in, singing the lyrics based on the writings of Sufi mystics. With titles translated by Bing Translator as “Wasted”, “Love Me For Me”, and “Burn Scan Scan”, one can only hope what the whole song is about. Listen, learn, drop out.