Fihavanana
You probably saw this but just in case…Mississippi Records convinced Charles Brooks to let them release 160 copies of his self-made triple LP (Charlie kept 40 copies for himself) Fihavanana – A Collection of Field Recordings From Madagascar.
The title/picture explains what this is well enough. I’d add that Brooks recorded this music over 3 years in the late ’90s, made the 200 records and put them under his bed. Where they sat until the boys from Mississippi unearthed ‘em. The three records are split into themes – Vocal, Marovany, Miscellaneous Instruments.
The Good News – You can download and listen to the entire thing HERE for free. Or you can buy 1 of 3 copies available (as of right now) on eBay for a cool $125. I think these were tagged at $35 when they came out but most online dealers like 50 Miles of Elbow Room only received 1 or 2 copies and auctioned them off.
Fanajana
A Collection Of Recordings And Photography From Madagasikara
The Better News – Mississippi has culled this collection down to a single LPs worth of tracks and it’s available at the standard Mississippi $14. And it comes with a 12 page booklet of photos and notes.