Song
We Were Gonna by Dengue Fever
Back story
Upon first listen, one wonders if this is ‘60s Southeast Asian pop or perhaps California psychedelic surf music gone wild. Turns out it’s both. Dengue Fever’s formation makes for an interesting story. Some Los Angeles musicians traveled to Cambodia in the late ‘90s and were bitten by two bugs: falling in love with the American-inspired radio hits mixed with Cambodian lyrics, and dengue-fever-carrying mosquitoes, which eventually inspired the brilliant band name. Years later, back in LA trying to replicate the music they heard overseas, they ran into Cambodian-born singer Chhom Nimol, and the band was born. She adds authenticity to the music, providing Khmer lyrics as well as many years on the Cambodian singing circuit.
Why this song
This is the lead track on their 2nd release, Escape from Dragon House. It features a pounding beat, organ, horns, and the soaring vocals of Chhom Nimol. The musical arrangement is solid, and you are transported to another world where dance, surf, jazz, and world-beat collide. It’s not a subtle song, so turn it up, and enjoy some genre-bending music.
More info
All Music
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You’re such a trend-setter! On Saturday morning, NPR Weekend Edition had an interview with Dengue Fever…
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123919440
Thanks for the link. This interview adds a political backdrop to their music and message. They just released a collection of Cambodian recordings from the ’60s and ’70s they owned on cassette. Proceeds benefit Cambodian musicians. See Amazon link if you want to learn more and/or purchase.
Dengue Fever Presents: Electric Cambodia