I had to think for awhile when you mentioned that farangs/westerners dancing and singing Thai songs did not sit well with you.

My grandfather was a musician. He was not famous, but I am told that he was well-known in his niche. During his career, he rode circuit with Roy Rogers. Due to this, I had an early in with what was known as cowboy music at the time (it evolved to Country and Western). And when I’d watch Japanese wearing cowboy costumes and singing the same songs, it just didn’t feel right.

But I see Jonas and Chrisy in a different light. They are honouring Thailand and Thai culture by taking on not only the language, but the songs too. And in that video, their friends (?) took the time to learn the country dance (and did quite well, I thought).

So in my opinion… while the Japanese were parodying cowboy music, J&C and gang are honouring Thai culture.

Watching the videos of Jonas and Christy are kind of off putting for me though…while it sounds dead on it just doesn’t look right especially when you add in more falang.

Martyn, if it wasn’t for lubrication we would have never had the great psychedelic rock hit inagodadavida. If they could come up with that then I would suggest we could do much better.
.-= Talen´s last blog ..Wandering throughout Thailand =-.

Martyn, you picked some good ones there (and some are a mystery). Sharing descriptions… when I watch and listen to Christy, I get the feel-good factor. She is so very lovely and graceful, and so talented, listening is almost like eating Thai cotton candy (only, without the pancake).

As for Mon Mueang Nuea, I believe you are misunderstanding the sweet emotion needed to sing a song such as this? Look Toong music is Thai, not western. And different approaches do apply. I was impressed at the range and control Jonas exhibited. Fabulous.

มนต์ = mon = spell; incantation; formula
เมืองเหนือ = meuang nĕua = northland; northern town

Btw – did you see the western men and women included in the dancing? I just noticed.