In 1996, the Parallel World label released the LP "Cambodian Rocks", a collection of Cambodian psych and garage music from the 60s and early 70s (probably), compiled by an American tourist named Paul Wheeler from some cassettes he bought in Phnom Penh. No information on the songs was provided at all, no artist names, no song titles, and no recording dates. Four years later, Parallel World reissued this compilation on CD with a few extra tracks, but still without any identifying information. Unfortunately, it is more than likely that many of the featured musicians, showing a definite Western influence in their music, were murdered by the Khmer Rouge regime which took over power in 1975. Certainly none of them ever received any money from the sales of this compilation. However, the music is wonderful, and here it is for your enjoyment.

Cambodian Rocks MP3s: Track 1 (Yol Aularong - Jeas Cyclo "Ride Cyclo") | Track 2 (Ros Sereysothea - Chnam oun Dop-Pram Muy "I'm 16") | Track 3 (Ros Sereysothea - Tngai Neas Kyom Yam Sra "Today I Drink Wine") | Track 4 (Yol Aularong + Tuk - Sou Slarp Kroam Kombut Srey "Rather Die Under the Woman's Sword" | Track 5 (Sinn Sisamouth - Srolanh Srey Touch "I Love Petite Girl") | Track 6 (Pan Ron - Rom Jongvak Twist "Dance Twist") | Track 7 (Pan Ron - Knyom Mun Sok Jet Te "I'm Unsatisfied") | Track 8 (Liev Tuk - Rom Sue Sue "Dance Soul Soul") | Track 9 (Ros Sereysothea + Seang Vanthy - Jam 5 Kai Thiet "Wait 5 More Months") | Track 10 (Ros Sereysothea + Seang Vanthy - Jah Bong Ju Aim "Old Sour & Sweet") | Track 11 (Sinn Sisamouth + Ros Sereysothea + Pan Ron + Dara Jamchan, composer Voy Ho - Maok Pi Naok) | Track 12 (Sinn Sisamouth - Phneit Oun Mean Evey "What Your Eyes Has?") | Track 13 (Yol Aularong - Yuvajon Kouge Jet "Broken Heart Man") | Track 14 (Meas Samon, composer Mai Bun - Jol Dondeung Kone Key "Going to Get Engaged" | Track 15 (Ros Sereysothea - Kerh Snae Kyoum Thai) | Track 16 (Ros Sereysothea - Chnang Jas Bai Chgn-ainj "Old Pot, Tasty Rice") | Track 17 (Ros Sereysothea + Dara Jamchan, composer Voy Ho - Kone Oksok Nas Pa "We're Very Bored, Dad!") | Track 18 (Ros Sereysothea - Kom Kung Twer Evey "Don't Be Mad") | Track 19 (Ros Sereysothea - Penh Jet Thai Bong Mouy "I Like Only You") | Track 20 (Pan Ron & In Yeng - Sralanh Srey Chnas "I love mean girl") | Track 21 (Sinn Sisamouth + Meas Samon, composer Voy Ho - Komlos Teng Bey "Three Gentlemen") | Track 22 (Ros Sereysothea - Retrey Yung Joup Knea "The Night We Met")

Thanks to Giles, Robin Edgerton, and especially to Pyro Tech for identifying the artists and song titles. Pyro Tech's comment contains more info and links that you should definitely check out. You should also download Giles' compilation of music from the same time. Sinn Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothea, and Pan Ron were big stars in Cambodia before 1975, and all three "disappeared" under the Khmer Rouge, most probably killed like millions of others.

If anyone has more information about these tracks and/or the musicians, please leave a comment.

A few more or less helpful links: Kevin Nutt reviewed the CD and gave a little more background information; the Californian band Dengue Fever did a great job covering some of these songs; confusingly, the record label Khmer Rocks released a series of compilations also called Cambodian Rocks which doesn't seem to have anything to do with the Parallel World release.

There is also a documentary film being made about the Cambodian rock music scene before the genocide: Don't Think I've Forgotten (Cambodia's Lost Rock and Roll). According to the website, they are currently looking for funding to finish post-production.

