Abed Azrié | La Poésie De La Résistance Palestinienne (Nourphone)

Technically, this is an EP, not a single, as there are three total tracks. But, we've already posted songs in Tachelhit, French, and partial English, and I'm planning to post a rare 12" in the next few days, so.

This is a terrific, if maddening, distressing record, given its subject, given how old it is, given how little things have changed. Born in Aleppo, Syria, Abed Azrié lived for a brief period in Lebanon before settling in Paris, where he studied music and launched his international career. 

This record includes three short songs, adapted from poems by three Palestinian poets: Tawfiq Ziad, Mahmoud Darwish, and Samih al Qasim. The music is simple, folk-y, and the recording places full emphasis on Azrié's vocal delivery. The songs are sung in their original language; however, the titles on the labels include French and the back cover features only their French translations.

We'll spare you any more of my poor attempt at description and you can hear the three tracks below.

(Listen to "Appel")

(Listen to "Le Chant De L'Obscurité")

(Listen to "En Attendant L'Oiseau De Tonnerre")