Altered Zones

With its new Persian Underground comp, Spanish record label Persianna has compiled 15 choice 45s from the Iranian garage scene of the '60s and '70s. Many of the standout tracks on the release are from Takkhalha, whose haunting take on Rolling Stones' "Play with Fire" is darker, more morose, and more detuned than its inspiration. Though the comp consists almost exclusively of lo-fi garage, somehow the undeniably smooth psych-funk of "Love Knowledge" crept onto the mix, complete with a warbling string section, some grand piano balladry, and a loosey-goosey disco-hook. --Ric Leichtung, International Tapes

MP3: Takkhalha: "Play With Fire"

MP3: Kambiz: "Love Knowledge"

Persian Underground: Garage Rock, Beat and Psychedelic Sounds from The Iranian 60's & 70's Scene is available via Other Music