Search - Various Artists :: Rough Guide to the Music of Russia

More than a Balalaika Bash

Savka | Vancouver, Canada | 08/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The mention of Russian music always seems to conjure up cheese-ified gypsy versios of Dark Eyes or Kalinka, interminable balalaika trilling or deep-throated fur-coated renditions of the Volga Boatmen. That's probably why I've never taken an interest in this music before, but I decided to check this CD out and was in for a pleasant surprise. There is nothing Red Army or "state ensemblesque" about these selections (the Red Army stuff isn't bad, of course, just something that never appealed to me), instead we are presented with a tasty smorgasbord of Russian "bard-style" songs, both classic and contemporary, popular music hits, grass-roots Cossack folk, and a lovely airy "lite version" of the traditional balalaika ensemble. Just a note: for those looking for Russian roots or folk, this is not the CD you need. All but two or three of these tracks are either pop/rock hits (old and new) and Russian "bard" songs, whose closest North American equivalent would be something like acoustic social-commentary folkies such as Bob Dylan. In fact, the opening track artist,Vladimir Vysotsky, is considered the Russian Bob Dylan. The other bard songs are beautifully melodic and delicately sung, I really fell in love with this genre that was hitherto unknown to me.
Before you run screaming from the building at the mention of Russian pop, hang on. It's actually very good! Much more than inane carbon copies of Western bands (this is not the Soviet N'Sync or anything like that!) the bands have their own stylistic twists making for pleasurable listening that's a bit out of the mainstream. Alla Pugacheva (a Russian diva in the manner of Streisand, with a much better voice) provides a hilarious fun kitschfest with "Arlekino" (Harlequin), while moving vocals from Mark Bernes recall the horrors of WWII in "Temnaya Noch" (Quiet Night). There's even great twangy sounding country track, but with an strong Russian flavor. To wrap everything up, we're treated to the lilting antics of the Terem Balalaika Quartet in a beautifully arranged version of the Diplomat Waltz.
I know all this sounds a bit weird and disparate, but together it makes a seamless, satisfying whole. It certainly went far beyond my expectations, and will probably go beyond yours too. Highly recommended!"

A great collection of essential Russian folk &popular music

NY Lou | New York, USA | 12/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been more than a decade since the dramatic collapse of the Soviet Union. During this period, Western culture has swept through Russia, as places like Moscow's famous Arbat Street are now lined with McDonalds restaurants and record shops selling the latest Madonna, Eminem, and Backstreet Boys recordings. While Russia has always been known internationally as one of the leading cultural centers for opera, ballet, and classical music, most of the world has essentially ignored its folk and popular music. This compilation tries to remedy some of that.Picking 20 songs or so to represent a country the size of Russia is a daunting task. This CD presents some of the most important figures in Russian folk and popular music. Among the standout tracks is "Dialog Y Televisora" by VLADIMIR VYSOTSKY. He is widely considered the greatest of the bard singers (Russian poet-vocalists). He began his career both on stage and as a singer/composer in 1960 after he received his degree in drama. With a deep gruff voice and a unique talent that could touch the Russian heart, Vysotsky became one of the nation's most beloved singers, despite harsh government opposition. Most of his compositions were suppressed after being considered 'anti-Soviet' and 'subversive' by the Brezhnev regime. This CD also introduces the music of ALLA PUGACHEVA to the west for the first time. For her Russian audience, she is as beloved as the Beatles, yet as controversial as Madonna. This collection includes her biggest hit, ARLEKINO. When Pugacheva began performing the song, she did not just sing the song on stage, but as would become her trademark, she embodied a dramatic image of the topic of her song, in this case, a harlequin. Since then, she has always been at the center of the public spotlight, making news as often for her wild hair styles and unusual outfits as her breathtaking voice. This album also includes music from other Russian giants such as MARK BERNES, CLAVDIA SHULZHENKO, and MASHINA VREMENI. People who saw the Academy Award winning film "Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears" will recognize the touching ballads from SERGEI NIKITIN & TATIANA NIKITINA. Among the standout folk tracks are traditional Cossack melodies by ZHANNA BICHEVSKAYA as well as the Gypsy folk songs of LOYKO and GIPSY TALISMAN.This is a great introduction to the Russia's musical riches. It is the first international release for many of Russia's musical giants... and hopefully, it will open the door to allow future releases by these Russian innovators."

Folk, pop and balalaikas too

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 11/27/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"All this Eastern European stuff is a little out of my field of expertise, but this seems -- to my uninformed ear -- to be a pretty good collection of the myriad styles out there in Russia today. There's lots of folkie stuff, both traditional and singer-songwriter-y, more flowery world music crossover material, and a bit of pop kitsch and jazz. Lots of what I would characterize as cabaret singing, often with interesting stylistic twists (such as the country touch on the second track, by the group Nol') There is precious little rock or electronica on here, however, which is a little odd, since I've heard that both styles are really big in Russia... But since Russian techno probably isn't the best music in the world, perhaps we should be thankful... At any rate, this is a good sampler of what them Russkies have to offer music-wise, and it's pretty easy on the ears. Worth checking out, for sure."