Lost Generation: The Story of Cambodian Rock and Roll

by Susan Haythorpe

Rhythm and blues, psychedelia, surf rock, Latin grooves and a sprinkling of saccharine pop....

All found their way into the mix, not infrequently within the same song. A riot of distorted guitars, Farfisa organ, drums and brass, frequently overlaid with ethereally high-pitched female vocals, that combined to evoke the raw energy of 60s American garage bands coupled with early Tamla Motown.

Lost Generation tells the story of an iconic music, born in the city known as the Pearl of Asia in the late 1950s and snuffed out little more than a decade later in Pol Pot's brutal Khmer Rouge labour camps, along with 90% of the artists who made it. Sin Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothea, Pan Ron and Yol Auralong are among the lost but far from forgotten stars of the country s Golden Age. Their legacy is not only very much alive in Cambodia today but is stealthily acquiring a cult following around the world.

104 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2021

Reviews

[Matthew Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

#1 on my to read list. Adding a review as I've studied Cambodian Rock & Roll in depth for years, particularly one artist: The legendary Mao Sareth. Found this book as my friend randomly showed me a Farfisa organ, and I knew instantly that it's the Mao Sareth organ sound I've been searching for, for years. After recording with it, randomly Googled: "Farfisa Cambodian Rock & Roll," and there it was in this book. Wonder what other gems are to be found in this book? Mao Sareth is a Chief key for those searching to find the origins to some of the defining elements in my music. Thank you Cambodian American Stella, whose existence and early musical support led me to search and find Cambodian Rock & Roll. People sometime don't even know how much of an impact they have on us. Synchronistic to find the relation to 60s American Garage bands, as the Grandparents I grew up with had a 60s Garage band, "The Terrifics."

[Andrew Tattersall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very by numbers history of the golden generation of music in Cambodia but well worth reading if you are new to this subject. Read it in the evening after buying it. Would be improved by a Spotify play list to listen whilst reading.