Post #807156 by rupe33 on Tue, Jan 3, 2023 5:21 PM

That's quite the dilemma, as my guess is the classic exotica trinity of artists (Les Baxter, Martin Denny, Arthur Lyman) were probably more well-known in the USA than in Europe. That said... some suggestions:

1. Discover the modern European artists creating this kind of music - there are bands over there we expect a slim chance of seeing here in the US: Ixtahuele, L'Exotighost, Los Tiki Phantoms, I Belli Di Waikiki to name a few, and the Subliminal Sounds label is worth exploring: https://www.subliminalsounds.se/product-tag/ixtahuele/

2. Discogs can be very tempting - maybe set alerts for just a couple albums you're looking for, to see when they become available. Check if those sellers have other titles by artists you're collecting, save on postage.

3. Watch for reissues - Jackpot Records has done a bunch of Martin Denny's albums. Of course shipping from the US could be steep, but you can split postage by ordering a couple together. Check out those here: https://jackpotrecords.com/search?type=product&q=martin+denny

4. Thrift or secondhand stores - I would bet cities where there have been American bases might possible still have some vintage exotica records around.

5. If you (or your friends) are traveling to the US, naturally take advantage of that (or ask them for a favor!)

6. Maybe you can work a trade with someone in the USA - they can hunt some LPs down for you, and you can return the favor?

Been collecting 20+ years myself, and the hunt of it all is the most fun part of it - so don't be in a rush to gather up the discs you're looking for. I see your Les Baxter icon - just found a copy of "Young Pops" yesterday, never having seen it in the wild before.

Never know what you might find as you're looking - or where you'll find it. Good luck to you on your quest!

[ Edited by rupe33 on 2023-01-03 17:29:56 ]