Longing for the Past: The 78 rpm Era in Southeast Asia

Step into the soundworld of Southeast Asia’s 78 rpm era—where haunting voices, dazzling instrumentation, and regional traditions were first captured on fragile shellac discs between 1905 and 1966.

Longing for the Past is the first-ever survey of this overlooked period, spanning Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Listeners will encounter iconic performers such as Miss Riboet, the celebrated Indonesian stage star; Mar Mar Aye, one of Burma’s most beloved voices; and Thai folk innovator Phloen Phromdaen, alongside countless lesser-known artists whose recordings preserve the rich fabric of Southeast Asia’s musical past.

These newly remastered recordings are paired with a richly illustrated digital book (PDF) offering essays and annotations by leading ethnomusicologists, plus more than 250 vintage photographs, record labels, and sleeves. Originally released as a 4CD box set, this Grammy-nominated project is now available in digital format, bringing an expansive, revelatory musical history to audiences everywhere.

What’s Included

• 90 audio tracks
• newly remastered
• View the complete tracklist here: [Insert hosted PDF link]
• 272-page illustrated digital book (PDF) featuring:
• Essays and annotations by leading ethnomusicologists
• Full historical context and song notes
• More than 250 archival photographs, record labels, and sleeves

Compiler

David Murray, curator of the Haji Maji archive (HajiMaji.com), has dedicated his career to documenting and sharing rare Asian 78 rpm recordings. He also produced Dust-to-Digital’s Luk Thung: Classic & Obscure 78s from the Thai Countryside and Kassidat: Raw 45s from Morocco.

Praise and Reviews

“An astonishing window into a hidden musical world.”

— Songlines

“One of the most ambitious and beautifully presented sets in the Dust-to-Digital catalog.”

— Pitchfork

“Offers a revelatory perspective on how recorded sound traveled, transformed, and preserved traditions across Southeast Asia.”

— PopMatters