Compiled by Paul Fisher. The Rough Guide to the Music of Malaysia delves behind the tourist destination facade to explore a wealth of musical styles: from Arabic influenced pop with a distinctive Bollywood flavour to the pulsating roots sound of local Malay groups. Featuring a heady mix of both traditional and modern sounds, this album presents Malaysia's potent musical force.

All Original albums available in the Malaysia section. Click on Read About for the full liner notes.

1. MARI MENARI Ghazal Masri 04:29 from the album MUSIK SRI MELOR

2. NORANIZA IDRIS Yo Allah Saidi 05:07 from the album SERI BALAS

3. SANDII Cinta Hampa 03:55 from the album AIRMATA

4. PAK NGAH Hati Kama 05:08 from the album POP TRADISIONAL HITZ AKORDION

5. ZALEHA HAMID & M. SHARIF Setia Menuggu 03:09 from the album KENANGAN 35 TAHUN DUNIA DANGDUT KU, HUP HUP

6. MUZIK TARIAN MALAYSIA Johore Sports Club (joget) 02:56 from the album CULTURAL DANCE MUSIC OF MALAYSIA

7. MALEK RIDZUAN Andainya Kau Sudi 03:21 from the album 10 BEST OF THE BEST

8. SITI NURHALIZA Cindai 04:55 from the album CINDAI

9. LIZA HANIM Rindu Ha Tihu Tidah Terkira 03:24 from the album RUPAWAN

10. S. ATAN Berkorban Apa Saja 03:35 from the album DONDANG SAYANG

11. SALIH YAACOB Azizah 06:37 from the album MACAM-MACAM PUN ADA

12. TRAN SRI DATO'S, M. SALIM & ROSIAH CHIK Berdendang Sayang 03:52 from the album GURINDAM MELAYU

13. KUMPULAN AHMED YUSOH Burung Burung Ayam (Zapin) 05:56 from the album INSTRUMENTAL TARIAN

14. YUSNI HAMID DUET BERSAMA R ISMAIL Pantun Berjoget from the album MELAYU DELI 2

15. FREDO Nasib Si Gadis from the album GEMILANG, KUMPULAN LAGENDA

Originally recorded in 1964, traditional songs from all over Malaysia are played in a light jazz lounge style by a small band. Tracks include the famous Rasa Sayang.


Price:   £17.99

Compilation of the current crop of Malaysian female singers, including Siti Nurhaliza, Aishah, Liza Hanim, Safura and others. Most tracks of the pop variety with only hints of Malaysian influences.

The top Malaysian music awards are called AIM. This is a compilation album from 2002 of various nominees. 16 artists from different genres including Siti Nurhaliza, veteran folk singer M Nasir, and master of traditional song, SM Salim.


Price:   £17.99

Good selection of new generation of Malaysian female singers, some pop, some dangdut.