FindersKeepers Rec. 
V.A. : Pomegranates (IR,1960s->1970s,pub.2010)***°°
After having myself insisted in promoting Iranian 70s music (Yaghmaie, Mehrpouya and others) for years on the net for more global recognition, some Iranian people finally got involved in doing so as well. So, the time seemed to be right for a reissue of mostly 70s pop music from those days. After an early years compilation called Rak!Raks!Raks! (a second volume is in the pipeline), this “Pomegranates” compilation really shows 'chapter two' well, including a descent 10 page introduction that explained what happened politically and socially as well as in music business. What is not explained but what united Persian pop music were, except for the Farsi language and delicate emotional singing, are the roles of a couple of dominating producers who gave green light to the only MTV-typed television broadcast station and shows. Their influence decided most often for the arabesque orchestras, besides there was a steady and fundamental, often slightly funky rock band available and present for the recordings and performances using also some Persian instruments, some organ and congas and occasionally somewhat funky brass arrangements. Funk surely had a special effect on the complex traditional rhythms, which gave a new groove insoiration to nearly any original rhythmic idea. Almost every track included here on this compilation has that slightly, typical Persian 70s funk-pop influence, besides a few very minor “psychedelic” touches of electric guitars and organ. This new style remains a mainstream Persian pop style, but with, if being selective with a choice of global taste and with musical ears, for picking out the most affective tracks, this means also music with appropriate attractive crossover capacities. And even when this was meant as music for a local Persian market in an entertaining setting, such tracks were gifted with a globally recognisable charm. And yes, we have some of the classics of that kind included. Inevitable contributor is Googoosh, the most popular trendsetter of all (for the fashion looks, the dance presentations of the singer, as well as for a few westernized choices of songs and a better accompaniment of bands). One of her greatest moments, for us, is the most groovy “Talagh”, which is luckily included (she sang a beautiful English song too, which I hope will find a way to the west too). The most independent and most talented and most progressive figure from that '70s period was Yaghmaie who is included with his most successful song. He’s worth a compilation on his own. And also one of the groovier tracks by Mehrpouya is included, another great distinctive personality, who introduced Indian influences, sitar and tabla into Persian music (besides I heard from him Persian chachacha and Latin / African influences). Further on the compilation we hear an occasional Turkish song, some Egyptian organ, Afghhan rhythms or Azerbaijan themes, besides other influences from neighbouring countries. Zia’s “Helelyos” must have had a James Brown influence, besides perhaps some Balkan folk (?) influence. Her track is chosen as a great introduction to the compilation, and is another distinctive track. We also have a few singers who were actors at the same time, like Noosj Afarin, Parva and Marjan, who were less trend setters, but who also followed the main attraction of occasionally a bit more funky Persian pop. Distinctive also was also early Dariush featuring some highly emotional singing related with changes that happened around that time. One such memorable moment was included here too.
This is a well hanging together and enjoyable compilation with some classics and some still fine, enjoyable crossovers of this short lived popular music period, which today in Iran still is a taboo how this experience must have been.
