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Showing posts from May, 2023

Discovering hidden melodic Treasures of Davao: Vinyl Record Shopping in the Philippines

I just came back from a trip to the Philippines and Davao, and I wanted to write something for music enthusiasts and vinyl junkies!  If you're in Davao, Philippines, and find yourself craving some sweet tunes on vintage vinyl, then you could be in for a treat. When you search on Google, you'll come across a couple of well-known spots, such as Taurus Records and Vintage Collectibles Music Shop, as well as Agila Audio. These places aren't just your typical stores; they're homes of passionate individuals who breathe music. But wait, there's more! Beyond the digital realm, hidden away from official listings, lies a secret gem that's worth seeking out. It's the quaint shop owned by a remarkable 70+ year old lady named Eva. Nestled at 16 Libra Street in Talomo, Davao, her store might not show up in your online search, but, it's a curious little haven for vinyl enthusiasts and the odd bargain. Eva's collection boasts a wide range of old records, primarily

Joe Bataan's "Gypsy Woman" is a classic Latin boogaloo song that has stood the test of time

  Originally released in 1967, the song has been covered by many artists and continues to be a favourite of mine Whilst many versions of this song exist this demo version of "Gypsy Woman" is for me more striking than the final and original version by The Impressions or Joe himself! This demo version has more soul that melts off it in such ease, and a thick punch, that really captures the raw energy of Bataan's music. While the final version of "Gypsy Woman" was sped up and given a more rapid Latin boogaloo or cha cha cha sound, the demo version here has a more relaxed groove that allows Bataan's vocals to shine. The Filipino-African American musician's soulful voice is front and centre, accompanied by a driving rhythm section and a catchy horn riff. I am so glad this demo version exists. It's a reminder of the power of raw, unfiltered music, early versions and how import it is to capture RAW magic and energy in a song. If you're a fan of Latin