Munir Bechir And His Quartet - Babylon Mood

josephvalinor

Review by Joseph Valinor

Babylon Mood: A Timeless Journey Through Arabic Folk and World Sounds Munir Bechir and His Quartet’s Babylon Mood is one of those albums that feels like stepping into a time machine. Released in 1972, it’s a vibrant tapestry of folk, world, and Arabic music that bridges cultures with its soulful oud melodies and intricate compositions. The album was recorded in Lebanon and Greece, released under Parlophone and Voix De L'Orient, and brought to life by a killer team including engineer Farid Abul Kheir and the legendary Nabil Mourani on artwork. But what makes this record unforgettable isn’t just its technical brilliance—it’s how it transports you. Take "Meshwar Ma'al Oud" (or “A Promenade With The Oud”), for example. This track hits differently. It’s not just some instrumental piece; it’s more like a conversation between Munir Bechir’s oud and your imagination. You can almost picture yourself wandering through an ancient bazaar or strolling along Mediterranean streets as the strings weave stories older than time itself. There’s something hypnotic about the way Bechir layers notes—soft, deliberate, yet full of emotion. It sticks with you because it doesn’t try too hard; it simply exists, raw and real. Then there’s “Souk Harag,” which throws you straight into the chaos and charm of a bustling Middle Eastern market. The rhythm is infectious, almost forcing your feet to tap even if you’re sitting still. What stands out here is how Bechir manages to blend traditional Arabic sounds with hints of global influences, creating a vibe that feels both familiar and exotic. It’s chaotic but controlled—like the perfect balance of spices in a dish you didn’t know you needed. One thing worth noting is how personal this album feels. Every strum of the oud, every arrangement, every note seems to come directly from Bechir’s heart. And while the production might feel a bit dated compared to today’s slick standards, that’s exactly what gives Babylon Mood its charm. It’s authentic, unpolished in the best way possible, and dripping with cultural richness. What really struck me, though, was realizing how ahead of its time this album was. Back in ’72, when most Western ears were tuned to rock and pop, here’s Bechir crafting something so deeply rooted in tradition yet universal in appeal. Listening to it now feels like rediscovering a hidden gem that never got the spotlight it deserved. In the end, Babylon Mood isn’t just an album—it’s a mood setter. Whether you’re into Arabic music, folk, or just looking for something different, this one deserves a spot in your collection. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself daydreaming about distant lands while humming along to “Meshwar Ma'al Oud.” Oh, and maybe keep an oud handy—you might feel inspired to pick it up yourself!

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: munir-bechir-and-his-quartet-babylon-mood.zip
  • MP3 size: 38 mb
  • FLAC size: 518 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Meshwar Ma' Al Oud (A Promenade With The Oud) - A Middle Eastern Raga18:00
Iraqui Dabka2:44
Shurud4:0
Raksat Sherem4:48
Zumuruda1:8
Meshwar Ma'al Oud14:5
A Promenade With The Oud
Souk Harag2:14
Meshwar Ma' Al Oud
Haneen1:44

Video

Munir Bashir and his quartet - Shurud
Munir Bashir and his quartet - Souk Harag
Munir Bashir and his quartet - Haneen
Munir Bashir and his quartet - Zumuruda
Munir Bashir and his quartet - Iraqui Dabka
Munir Bashir and his quartet - Meshwar Ma' Al Oud (A Promenade With The Oud)

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • TV-GVDL 38
  • GVDL 38

Labels

Parlophone, Voix De L'Orient

Listen online

  • lyssna på nätet
  • ascolta in linea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • online luisteren
  • ouvir online
  • écouter en ligne
  • escuchar en línea
  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören

Formats

  • Cassette
  • Album
  • Vinyl
  • LP

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)A. Chahine & Fils
Manufactured ByEMI Greece S.A.
Record CompanyEMI

Credits

RoleCredit
ArtworkNabil Mourani
Composed ByMunir Bechir
Arranged ByMunir Bechir
OudMunir Bechir
EngineerFarid Abul Kheir

Notes

  • Palophone - Voix De L'Orient Series
  • (P) 1972 Copyright and Production by A. Chahine & Fils
  • Made and printed in Greece
  • The track of side 1 is credited as two tracks by mistake.

Barcodes

  • Rights Society: BIEM
  • Matrix / Runout (Label Side A): GVDL 38 A

About Munir Bechir And His Quartet

Name Vars

  • Munir Bachir And His Quartet
  • منير بشير وفرقته

Members

  • Munir Bashir

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *Babylon Mood* by Munir Bechir and His Quartet is a hidden gem from 1972 that blends Arabic folk traditions with intricate oud melodies. What’s fascinating is that Munir Bechir not only composed and arranged the entire album but also played the oud himself, showcasing his incredible skill. The track "Meshwar Ma'al Oud" (A Promenade With The Oud) even describes itself as a "Middle Eastern Raga," highlighting how the music bridges cultures and styles. And fun fact: the artwork was done by Nabil Mourani, adding another layer of Middle Eastern artistry to this timeless record.

Comments

nle83350
nle83350
2025-03-16
Simply Beautiful Thank you
sinkkuxoxo
sinkkuxoxo
2025-03-16
❤❤❤❤?????
sonyrohilla3
sonyrohilla3
2025-03-16
thanks
lilyavis
lilyavis
2025-03-15
wow, mesmerising music!
wpmuid
wpmuid
2025-03-14
nice song
venkateshwarsevasanstha
venkateshwarsevasanstha
2025-03-14
Gracias!
liljat99775622
liljat99775622
2025-03-14
Yoo when Munir came in his first few phrases sounded like the theme for Spider Man
aniccasage
aniccasage
2025-03-13
magnifique
contactorapscuela
contactorapscuela
2025-03-13
?
abdulbida
abdulbida
2025-03-13
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/munirbashir New release 2016
rachelhprovan
rachelhprovan
2025-03-13
Splendido.
twokingsve
twokingsve
2025-03-13
موسيقى تقشعر لها الأبدان و تخشع لها الوجدان ، تذخل في عمق الهوية الهوية العربية الدفينة المنبودة الطريدة التي عانت كل أنواع الدسائس و مقالب التاريخ موسيقى تحرر الهوية و تبعث فيها الروح و تزرع فيها الأمل و ترد إليها الثقة تقثها في الإبداع و الإستمرار رغم النكبات و توالي الهزائم مازالت فينا روح لنقاوم !!!
variablezero
variablezero
2025-03-13
la   musique     des   vrais artistes!c est   vraiment   de l'art!
juliatheresamcconnell
juliatheresamcconnell
2025-03-12
Wonderful
Thanks for posting!
gmorales200
gmorales200
2025-03-12
I enjoyed listening
jtrx4k
jtrx4k
2025-03-11
عالم ثاني من الخيال مدهش
jibekkazakh
jibekkazakh
2025-03-10
wow
smnafij1010
smnafij1010
2025-03-09
sound
nowhereandthere
nowhereandthere
2025-03-09
What an astounding piece of composition. I have been listening to this CD for years and each time I find new nuances and depth to it. Thank you for uploading it. Munir Bashir deserves all the admiration.