Elvy Sukaesih is revered as one of Indonesia's and East Asia's greatest ever singers. From the late 60s, her career developed alongside dangdut, the deeply funky local street music, that emerged from 1950s Orkes Melayu (orchestras) and blended various foreign music including Arabic, Indian and western rock with Indonesian instruments such as suling (flute) and gendang (tabla shaped drums). Elvy was the undisputed 'Queen of Dangdut' during the music's golden age in the mid 1970s to 80s, before (arguably) the raw energy and blistering musicianship got drowned out by drum machines and synthesizers. This CD charts the course of this golden age, with a collection of Elvy's biggest hits and rare tracks.

Originally released in 1991 in Japan, and re-released by the Far Side in association with Riverboat Records. Classic recording of Pop Sunda produced by Makoto Kubota, with Detty's magical voice to the fore.


Price:   £11.99

Massive seller in Malaysia, young female singer, mixing pop with various influences.Recommended.

Thanh's second album is as stunning as the first. Her voice is still the central point, while the accompanying instruments and musicians add new dimensions. These include Richard Bona on bass and percussion and the Barbes Deluxe Strings. A lush sound that mixes ancient melodies with modern instrumentation, beautifully played.


Price:   £16.99

The Beijing born singer has become a massive star throughout Chinese speaking Asia, especially Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as Japan and has a following in the west too. She sings rock and pop, influenced by the Cranberries and the Cocteau Twins, has sold millions of records, and still holds onto her credibility and popularity in the fickle pop world, perhaps because she hides from media attention. She is also an actress, with an acclaimed role in Wong Kar-Wai's Chungking Express, and sung the theme tune to Zhang Yimou's film, Hero. This is possibly her best album, released in 1994. Includes a cover of the Cranberries which became a big hit.