*****

Mi Mia Dek is infuriating. There is much to admire here - in Ponsak's voice, in the playing and in some of the writing - but ultimately the poor production and some uninspired songs make the album rather unsatisfying.

Things start well with the magnificent title track. Mi Mia Dek has a wonderful, stately brass part — like a New Orleans funeral — which goes well with Ponsak's chocolatey voice , while the lyrics have the touching humour at which Thai singers so often excel. Track 2, Num Wai Tawng, is livelier, moving further south into Latin territory. Unfortunately this song marks the first appearance of an Elmer Fudd-like splutter in Ponsak's vocals, which is even worse in track 9. Rak Gan Ti Jai is the first of several dull numbers, despite the recurrence of some of the brass flourishes from Mi Mia Dek.

In Mae Pak Pawt Duean Paet we encounter a second sign of poor production, with a scraping percussion instrument far too prominent in the sound picture. This is not so irritating in the more upbeat songs such as this one, but it seriously mars tracks 6,7 and 10 to 12 (which are in any case musically uninteresting).

Track 5, Namta Lai Nai Nganbun, is a high-point. This takes us deep into Isan territory, rolling steadily on for almost 6 minutes with Ponsak and the prominent saw giving no heed to verse and chorus distinctions. Track 9 is similar, but less distinctive and less memorable.

Most of these songs, are disappointing, and far from Ponsak's best work. Mi Mia Dek is an essential purchase, however, if only for the title track.

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