WM2-003i - George Telek - Telek (Self Titled)

‘Telek’ won an ARIA Award for Best World Music Album in 1997. It was recorded at Tim Finn’s studio and released on Origin records and featured Archie Roach, Kev Carmody and Ben Hakalitz. Testimonials below express ‘Telek’ as the debut studio album by Papua New Guinean musician George Telek. Lesley Sly of Rolling Stone called the album "a mixed bag of traditional songs, rock and string band music" saying "Whether in sparse semi-acoustic settings, chanting over pounding and complex percussion, or telling stories in fields of ambience, Telek is compelling." calling the album "One of the best 'world' releases, so far this year." Bruce Elder of the Sydney Morning Herald said, "The magic of this recording lies in the way it mixes traditional and contemporary sounds. It is a triumphant celebration of the power and beauty of Telek's songwriting and singing." Elder called it "a crime that world music fans in Australia have ignored the music of our immediate area" adding "there is still no truly well-produced recording of the harmonising of choirs from Fiji or the Cook Islands. This marvellous record should go a long way to putting Papua New Guinea on the international music map." Track listing Apinpidik Go Long We Long Bush {featuring Archie Roach) Iamagit Waligur Iau Desi Melbourne City iwarwatut Papa Lili Abebe Midal Talaigu Anoro Ririwon Unlisted Track Source: Wantok Musik (David Bridie & Steven Gagau, May 2025). Language as given: