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Music of the Revolution.

Red-shirt security guards, one wearing body armor stolen from the army, watch over Rama IV Road outside of their fortified enclave at Lumpini Park. (Photo: Kenneth Todd Ruiz / reporterinexile.com)

If you've been paying attention to world news, you know that crap's getting serious in Thailand right now. The country's teetering on the brink of civil war as protesters from the UDD (also known, unironically, as Red Shirts) have occupied central Bangkok and are engaging in deadly firefights with the Thai army. But because this is Thailand, the Land of Smiles, even full-on revolution requires a dance beat. A journalist buddy of mine who is on the ground there has found time in the midst of covering the fighting to post a trio of Red Shirt anthems that are actually kind of groovy.

The songs date from before last week's government crackdown on the protesters, and their joy offers a counterpoint to the horrible scenes of bloodshed coming out of Bangkok now. If only the world's political differences could be settled by dancing instead of shooting...

Global Groove's Collection

Moos from Global Groove posted a picture of his personal record collection, over 3000 strong, and I really have no reason to doubt that it's actually his collection and not, say, the record library at a community radio station or something, what with all the great stuff he's already posted on his site. Calypso, high life, cumbia, reggae and salsa just scratches the surface. So rather than spotlighting one album, I encourage you to visit and avail yourself of his great music.

His motto:

"Global Groove's rips are made
without any filters.
If the Lp has some cracks,
we leave them.

Covers that are worn out
will not be fixed,
just photographed
the way they are."

Sounds about right to me.