Tarkan

by

Tarkan

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Like about half of my music collection, I came across Tarkan quite by accident. One day I was looking for more traditional Turkish music online and stumbled upon a song called "Simarik" ... and the rest is history, I suppose.

Tarkan appeals to me, even though by all rights he shouldn't since I dislike most popular music. But, unlike most Western popular music, there is a consistent musical sensibility which imbues all the songs here. With the exception of the dance tracks, which are somewhat interchangeable, there's no question that this is _not_ an album of Western music. Turkish and Middle Eastern music enjoys a structure of scales and tones which is completely different from ours; this shows in many of Tarkan's songs, which is likely why I find the album so engaging.

"Simarik" soars with rai violins and pentatonic scales; "Basina Bela Olurum" evokes the music of Istanbul's Gypsy community heard in smoky cafes; "Ölürüm Sana" likewise wends its way into your ears with sinous scales and rapturous, breathless verses.

One further point bears reflection. The editorial review notes that the album "challeng[es] traditional Islamic values". Don't forget, however, that Turkey is a thoroughly secular society. However, while Turks enjoy a modern Western lifestyle (at least in the larger cities), they, unlike so many other countries, have not abandoned their roots ... and this album is a perfect illustration of the unique cultural balance which Turks have struck.