One of my new years resolutions was to post more of my favorite records. I was reviewing my posts over the last 2 years and I was disappointed that I’ve only posted 1 kompa record (Gemini All Stars de Ti Manno). I have a decent collection of classic Haitian groups many of which I listen to on a daily basis. I’m now determined to post more of my favorites over the next few months.

To start off, I’d like to spotlight one the most beautiful kompas you’ll likely ever hear. Franz has previously featured Les Shleu Shleu‘s 1974 release Toujous Le Même 4-3, but I’d like to go back to their fourth album from 1969 Tête Chauve. I know, that cover is jarring, yet hard to look away. Tete Chauve means “Bald Head”, and the title song is Tete Chauve A New York so it makes sense, but maybe not. Anyway, the song I’d like to highlight here is Timidite. It’s an amazing piece of music that features Georges Loubert Chancy on sax. What comes out of his instrument is pure magic, specifically half way through the song where he enters in with a melody that somehow manages to simultaneously give you both joyful soothing tones and bitter remorseful ones at the same time. Combined with those reverb guitars and Kompa style chanting make a stunning piece of music. Enjoy!

Timidite by Les Shleu Shleu
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~dj pozole~