Hallock Hill

Ersen, “Yine Seni Tanınm,” Ersen (Finders Keepers, 2008)

Finders Keepers stands out as the key label for re-issuing some of the rarest and, not unimportantly, most ear-blowing music from around the globe. Rarity for rarity’s sake is pretty meaningless unless it has some real teeth. Ersen Dintelen was the master of the Turkish “Adadolu Pop” movement of the 70s. Blending funk, psychedelia, Spaghetti Western, Mediterranean and rock elements, Ersen’s body of work obliterates much of the kitschier bands that relied on extended jams instead of the tight, taut constructions he favored. Some have called him a Turkish cross between Frank Zappa and Serge Gainsbourg. Yes, and his vocal stylings are at times reminiscent of Arthur Lee, but whatever antecedents you hear, you’ll hear pure imagination at work. Finders Keepers compiled 16 of Ersen’s masterpieces. Each one is worth every penny, as is the 17-page booklet accompanying the disk.