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Early Cambodian recordings

Khmer vocal performances — Tub 269 / Tub 270

♫ Odeon 157.525 — French Indochina, c.1930 ♫

An early electrically recorded document of Cambodian musical culture, issued by Odeon for distribution in French Indochina. The titles and performers are printed in Khmer script, while the label identifies Indo Chine Films & Cinemas as distributor and states that the record was manufactured in France.

Records from this early period of Cambodian commercial recording survive less frequently than later popular releases. This exceptionally clean copy preserves two performances from a musical and theatrical culture that was only beginning to be documented through the international recording industry.

◆ Details

Performers: Credited in Khmer script on the labels; reliable Roman transliteration not established

Titles: Two Khmer-language vocal performances; reliable Roman transliteration not established

Label: ODEON

Catalogue number: 157.525

Matrices: Tub 269 / Tub 270

Format: 10-inch / 25 cm shellac record, 78 rpm, double-sided

Country of manufacture: France

Musical origin: Cambodia, within the historical context of French Indochina

Recorded: c.1930 — approximate dating based on the adjoining Odeon Indochina matrix and catalogue sequence

Genre: Cambodian traditional music / Khmer vocal music

Historical context: Early commercial recording from French Indochina

The approximate date refers to the likely period of recording and issue. No exact recording session date has been located for matrices Tub 269 and Tub 270.

♫ Tracklist

• Side A: Khmer vocal performance
  Matrix: Tub 269
• Side B: Khmer vocal performance
  Matrix: Tub 270

Both sides preserve performances identified on the original labels in Khmer script. They belong to an early period in which Odeon recorded and distributed local repertories throughout Southeast Asia, bringing Cambodian voices and performance traditions onto commercial shellac records.

The original Khmer titles remain visible in the photographs. No speculative English translation or Roman transliteration has been added.

◆ Personnel

• Vocal performer or performers — credited in Khmer script; reliable Roman transliteration not established
• Accompanying musicians — not individually identified in the available documentation

The performers represented here belong to the first generations of Cambodian artists whose work was preserved on commercial discs. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, international record companies increasingly documented regional music for local markets across Southeast Asia. Such recordings captured voices, instrumental practices and theatrical traditions that had previously circulated primarily through live performance.

The Khmer inscriptions appear to provide information about the performances and their participants, but no reliable catalogue transcription has been located for Odeon 157.525. The names have therefore been left untranslated rather than assigned an uncertain modern spelling.

The record is especially interesting as evidence of the cultural and commercial networks of French Indochina. It combines Khmer-language content, international Odeon production, French manufacture and regional distribution by Indo Chine Films & Cinemas.

◇ Technical details

Recording process: Electrical recording

Speed: 78 rpm

Record size: 10-inch / 25 cm

Material: Shellac

Configuration: Double-sided

Side A matrix: Tub 269

Side B matrix: Tub 270

Catalogue number: 157.525

Label: ODEON

Distributor printed on the labels: INDO CHINE FILMS & CINEMAS DISTRIBUTEURS

Manufacture: FABRIQUÉ EN FRANCE

Language of labels: Khmer and French

Dating note: A directly adjoining Odeon Indochina issue, catalogue 157.524 with matrices Tub 265 and Tub 266, is documented as dating from approximately the 1930s. The consecutive catalogue sequence and closely related Tub matrix numbers support an approximate c.1930 dating for this record, but do not establish an exact year.

◆ Condition

Record — visual condition: EX+ — Ultra-slight surface marks only; a near-perfect and exceptionally clean-looking copy.

Playback: Plays NM.

Labels: Clean red and gold Odeon labels with clearly legible catalogue and matrix references. Please examine the photographs for their precise appearance.

Visual and playback assessments are stated separately. A particularly well-preserved example of an early and fragile Southeast Asian shellac record.

◆ Buy with confidence

• Photographs show the actual record offered.
• Visual condition and playback assessment are described separately.
• Catalogue number, matrices, distributor and manufacturing statement have been transcribed from the original labels.
• The Khmer credits have been preserved without adding uncertain names or speculative translations.
• Careful handling and packaging specifically designed for fragile shellac records.
• A significant historical document for collectors of Cambodian music, Southeast Asian recordings and French Indochina material.

◇ Shipping

• Secure and robust packaging specifically suitable for fragile shellac records.
• Combined shipping available for multiple purchases.
• Airmail priority, insured, and tracking number provided.

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Historical Record Collection

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