MY FINAL ANSWER TO LIFE: BURMESE ROCK, POP, PSYCHEDELIC, AND COPY THACHIN 1970-78 (RIAFC152)

In 1970s Burma, a quietly innovative music scene emerged during a time of increasing political isolation and state censorship. Despite limitations, local artists found creative freedom through cassette culture, using tape as a tool to explore and share a rich blend of sounds—traditional Burmese melodies interwoven with the influences of Western rock, soul, and psychedelic music. Many musicians engaged in copy thachin, adapting foreign songs with new Burmese lyrics, creating something both familiar and entirely their own. My Final Answer to Life, compiled by Gary Sullivan (Bodega Pop) for Radio Is a Foreign Country, offers a glimpse into this era through a selection of tracks from 1970 to 1978—music that reflects a culture in motion, reshaping outside influences into something deeply personal and resonant. Selected & mixed by Gary Sullivan (Bodega Pop).  

TRACKLIST

Bobohan – I Love You (1970)

Sai Sai Maw – My Final Answer to Life (1977)

Sai Kham Thi – Victim of Ambiguity (1970)

Min Min Lat – Darleray Lone Aung Pone (1971)

Pearl – I Won’t Call Anymore (1975)

Sai Sai Maw – Don’t Want to Be Like You (1977)

Tin Min Tun – The Passe 20th Century

Sai Kham Thi – Don’t Say Hurtful Words (1970)

Phyu Thi – Not Looking to Get Hurt (1978)

Sai Htee Saing – Taste of Love (1975)

Twan Tay Thein – Preliminary Introduction (1970)

Cho Pyone – One-on-One Love

Saii Htee Saing – There Is One (1975)

Za Chi Lin – Very Shy Ballet Dancer (1970)

Pearl – My Love (1975)

Sai Htee Saing – Last Song (1970)