Culture Clash in Azerbaijan

In the past, I've pointed to Uzbek music. Today, it's Azeri. No, I'm not taking up the language anytime soon. But today Andrew Stuttaford had a piece up on National Review's the Corner about one possible antidote to Islamic fundamentalism: Western decadence. In question, the Azeri pop star Roya, who reportedly sings outrageous songs while running around half-naked.

However, the first song I've run across, Dostum (my friend) sounds awfully Middle-Eastern. I prefer a little bit more of a pop sound.

If you are interested in hearing, go here, select a song and click on skatchat (looks like CKAYATb) in the middle of the page.

If you're interested in seeing, go here, download and play. Note: it's AVI, 42MB and censored. If you're fascinated by Azeri music or the Islamic world's surrender to Western decadence, you'll be impressed by what they're getting away with in cultures on the edge of total oppression. Otherwise, there are better videos and better songs out there.

And by the way, if you're interested in Azeri music and videos, check out all the offers at www.mp3-az.com.