Great early work from Libyan singer
Hamid El Shaeri – an artist who'd soon explode to huge global fame, but who's heard here on early tracks recorded for the Slam label in Egypt! Most of the releases were originally issued only on cassette – a format that allowed
Hamid's music to quickly circulate, but which also deteriorated quickly over time – which maybe makes this collection in a more durable format one of the first times his sounds are getting exposed to the world at large! At the time of recording,
Hamid was drawing some key influences from British music – and there's great use of keyboards and synthesizers on these cuts – never in any sort of cold way, as there's an undeniable warmth to the vocals that always makes the music groovy and catchy, even if you don't have the language skills to understand the lyrics. Titles include "Reet", "Dari Demou'Ek", "Shantet Safar", "Git Ya Sheta", "Ya Saheb", "Tew'idni Dom", and "Ayonha".