These are the Indonesian Songs That Make White Shoes’ Ricky Virgana Swoon

For a lot of people Jakarta’s White Shoes and the Couples Company are the most “Indonesian” band ever. While the band (WSATCC to fans) incorporate a lot of non-Indonesian elements into their nostalgia-drenched indie pop, their foundation, and entire aesthetic is retro in a uniquely Indonesian sense.

But the 50s and 60s sound goes beyond pure influence. White Shoes released Menyanyikan Lagu-Lagu Daerah—a mini-album that reinterpreted classic Indonesian folk songs that sounded like a natural extension of their studio albums.

So which musicians most influenced White Shoes’ sound? VICE Indonesia’s Marcel Thee asked WSATCC bassist Ricky Virgana to list his favorite tempoe doele songs.

1. “Na Hansit Do Hape” Trio Marihot

I never thought a Batak folk song could be so beautiful, so gentle, and so intoxicating until I heard Trio Marihot’s rendition of “Na Hansit Do Hape.” I keep wondering who Marihot is. His melodies on piano are crazy good, and the Batak lyrics go something like this, “expression of misadventure, poverty, and everything that goes with it.”

2. “Mak Tatji” Orkes Kumbang Tjari

This is a Minang song with a touch of psychedelic cha-cha hustle and surf-rock guitars. It always catches the ear of collectors who are on the hunt for this album. In the end, it’s musicians like Orkes Kumbang Tjari, Orkes Gumarang, and Okres Teruna Ria that make me proud to be Minang.

3. “Tjir Gobang Gotjir” Nada Kentjana

This Sundanese classic is a refreshing feast for whoever is listening. I like the fact that the backing vocals just keep on singing and they all sound like a massive “Oslam Husein.” And every song on this album is just as high quality. I guarantee that in no time at all, every label in the world will be fighting to re-release this album.

4. “Minnie” Candra Darusman

This will always be my all-time favorite Indonesian song. Harry Sabar writes simple, but still phenomenal lyrics like Gaya mu terlihat up to date saja / tak ku sangka kau siswa (Your style is so up to date / I never thought you were a student ). Throw in Oom Candra’s flat vocals and you have a song that’s just perfection.

5. “Kehidupan” Koes Plus

I’m no Koes Plus diehard, to be honest I’m a but uncomfortable with the way Yon Koeswoyo sings, but the album Melapas Kerinduan was something different. There’s a new level of nuance in the way he sings here. The whole thing just sounds perfect to me. It’s as if Koes Plus was jamming with Fariz FM or Geng Pegangsaan the era of Lomba Cipta Lagu Remaja Prambors (LCLR Prambors).

6. “Suratan Insani” Jimmie Manopo

Not every drummer could release a solo album. But Jimmie Manopo isn’t just any drumer. This album is thick with mass-appeal fusion and some serious synths. Fast-forward the song to 1:37 to hear a synth line that will change your life.