Urumqi, China holds the distinction as being the city that is farther from the oceans than any other settlement on Earth. The region is distinctly different in many ways from traditional China having a substantial population of Uyghur and Hui people, both cultures being Turkic and Islamic. This is certainly evident in their music which is proudly exhibited in the free online compilation Music Furthest From The Sea vol. 1. The album is presented by The Royal Occulus & Gramophone Company, whose curator resides in Urumqi. There are some fascinating podcasts and photos on the site but the album , hopefully the first of a series, is the best way for a curious internet traveler to capture the music of the region. Mostly culled from flea markets and stores, the collection is a joyous mix of both upbeat and romantic world pop music. The first track is one of my favorites. It is the kind of raucous song that defies you to remain seated while listening. The rest of the compilation is almost as good and should fulfill your quota for exotic music.

Music Furthest From The Sea is available in 192kbps MP3.

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