Abdel Latif al-Talbani | Tuhah Bambina (Sono Cairo)

 

We are not novelty evangelists. That said, we do enjoy leftfield recordings, and this ridiculously delightful single by Abdel Latif al-Talbani is something of a departure for the otherwise serious crooner. (Watch a video of him performing.)

Al-Talbani was enormously popular in his day, earning enough from gigs in Alexandria to finance his own films, but Discogs lists fewer than two dozen of his 45s and no albums. We've never seen a cassette or CD. He, his wife, and daughter reportedly died in mysterious circumstances in 1989.

Described by a Belgian Discogs seller (asking €120.00 for a VG+ copy) as "Superb oriental twist!," the A Side, "Tuhah Bambina," is a tongue-in-cheek early- to mid-sixties rocker replete with suave male chorus and English interjections ("I love you Bambina!"). In fact, you'll hear a bit of French on this track, as well.

(Listen to "Tuhah Bambina")

The B-Side ("Halwah Très Joli") is a more laid-back, loping pop song, but with similar instruments and choral make-up as the A-Side. It is, dare we say it, très joli, indeed.

(Listen to "Halwah Très Joli")