Jul 08 2024
We are used to the words “totem pole” to mean those long poles with carved figures on them. Usually we see totem poles with wings from birds or other animals. But in the Pacific islands, these pole structures are called Tiki poles or Tiki totem poles. Tiki totem poles from the islands of the Pacific …
Jun 18 2024
When my sister went to Hawaii years ago, she brought me back a small Tiki wooden carving. The perfect gift from Hawaii, I thought. Every time I look at this carving, I think of Hawaii and the island culture. Of course I also think of my sister! Tiki statues, the totem poles, masks and all …
Jul 27 2021
First recorded by Katherine Dunham & The Singing Gods in 1955 and now rediscovered, here is Nanigo (Cuba) from Drum Rhythms of Haiti Cuba Brazil. Drum Rhythms of Haiti Cuba Brazil by Katherine Dunham & The Singing Gods
Jul 13 2021
“The Island of My Dreams” is from the LA tiki swing quartet The Hilo Hi-Flyers’ debut album Adventure! The album is currently available from Hi-Tide Recordings, where you can buy the LP on vinyl in tiger orange, offered with this cryptic message: Somewhere deep in a rainy jungle lies a stone temple, guarded by a …
Jun 29 2021
Radio Martiko recently re-released two solid surf rock gems from the ’60’s from French Canada’s Les Talismans and Les Jaguars. They are “L’interplanetaire” and “Guitare Jet,” respectively. They’re available on Surf Québécois, available from Radio Martiko’s bandcamp. Surf Québécois by Les Talismans / Les Jaguars
Jun 08 2021
This Thursday marks the new moon and the first solar eclipse of 2021, and to usher in this unique combination of celestial events, I have mix of exotica and relaxed moon remixes to sit back and enjoy this Tiki Tuesday. Here’s a summer-y “Tiki Moon Mix” via Soundcloud. Tiki Moon 🌕 Tracklist 1) The Dixie …
Apr 27 2021
Happy Tiki Tuesday! Today we’re listening to a band that effortlessly crossed rock, tiki, and surf music genres in a fantastically fun way. The Shadows were a London instrumental band active from 1958-1968 who were pioneers of surf rock with songs like “Kon-Tiki” and “Apache.” The founding members were lead guitarist Hank B. Marvin, rhythm guitarist …
Apr 20 2021
Les Baxter is one of the two most prominent figures from the world of exotica lounge music of the ’50’s and 60’s, along with Martin Denny. Baxter was born Leslie Thompson Baxter in Mexia, Texas on March 14, 1922. As a young man, he studied piano at the Detroit Conservatory, and then attended Pepperdine College …
