Grup Gapura - Degung Instrumental: Sangkala (1986)
Gamelan ensemble music at it's finest, specifically gamelan degung of West Java, purchased sometime in 1988 based on information found in the case. Compared to other gamelan recordings I've heard (full disclosure - I am not an expert) this has a more deliberate and percussive sound to it, less dense and droning but still "shimmery" in sound, likely do to the fact that it's a smaller ensemble. It's a lovely recording, with a suling flute playing over intricate percussion. There's a reflective, melancholy vibe for me personally, reminding me immediately of the song "Same Dream China" by Gold Panda, who has notably drawn from world music and found sound.
I could not find this particular cassette release online, but some research shows it's been reissued various times on CD, including different artwork, being a popular album for locals and tourists alike. Dian Records seems quite prolific, with examples appearing on ebay and blogs, though their discography seems only partially documented on Western sites.
The actual musicians are credited as "Gapura" who are cited elsewhere as Group Gapura and Grup Gapura, the latter link mentioning this very cassette, the former being the only release of theirs released in the U.S. The BASF tape used has held up well, very little hiss and great fidelity overall.
The packaging is unusual, and was a doozy to scan - it's not a Norelco case but a durable solid plastic case resembling the VHS cases Disney used in the 90s. It appears to be popular method in South Asia - the other tapes I've seen with it are from India. I figure that because these tapes were mostly played in outdoor boomboxes and car players, it's a far more apt case style.
Technical info
Label: Dian Records
Case: VHS-style plastic case
J-card: N/A (catalog information enclosed)
C-60 Type I BASF Ferro Extra I S
