The first single of the band, "Slunečný hrob" (transl. "Sunlit grave"), was a huge hit in 1969, but their existence as a mainstream act was a short term thing. After a couple of years they were forced to change their style into a mostly instrumental form of jazz-rock, for two good reasons.
First, the Soviets went extremely harsh with the censorship, forbidding politically conscious lyrics and basically every word about freedom. Second, the oppressors enstabilished a professional musician license, which was refused to every rock band who didn't compromise with the governement requests. The only chance to make professional music without being labelled as "one of them", was the instrumental way (that explain why jazz-rock and instrumental progressive rock was widespread there at the time).
I have hereby uploaded the first single and the first EP of the band, with Vladimír Mišík on vocals. He left them in 1970, to join Flamengo, while guitar player Radim Hladík went on, releasing experimental albums throughout the Seventies.
"Slunečný hrob" is a wonderful, tragic ballad, reminding me of Scott Walker, David Bowie, and Procol Harum. "Sen není věčný" is a pop gem that mixes baroque pop, samba influences, and science fiction elements. The remaining tracks, sung in English, are not as brilliant.
Hello,
RispondiEliminaThanks for the debut Modry Efekt EP, I haven't ever heard it.
However I disagree with your stance about Vladimír Mišík being a collaborator. After leaving Modry Efekt, he sang in Flamengo and Energit who were playing adventurous and very engaging music.
He was one of the few pop-musicians who didn't sign that infamous Anti-Charter '77 act, so he got banned from performing for 3 years in '82-'85.
Is there any relevant info I'm missing?
Sincerely,
Sandro
hi Sandro.
EliminaUnfortunately, it's hard to find any info about those musicians (please consider that I speak only Italian and English).
The collaborator was Hladík, not Mišík. Anyway, it is claimed that Hladík did it only to help musicians. Is it an urban legend?
Please accept my apologies for the confusion caused.
Corrections like yours are welcome, please write more comments if you want.
Hello Sam,
EliminaI would be even careful with this either. Hladík was not "collaborator" like most of the pop/pop-rock musicians in Czechoslovakia that times (after 1968 and invasion). He had multiple chances to emmigrate (for example during tour with band Matadors right before 1968, rest of band stayed in München, he went back home alone).
Regarding this release and especially "Slunečný hrob" - it was (and still is) a masterpiece. After release they were even contacted by Jethro Tull to be their warm-up band for next tour. Album was sold out immediately so they prepared second release and then Jan Palach died after burning himself to protest against idlness of nation after occupation - Blue Effect put statement on LP they dedicate this song to him - it was absolute end for the song and band as well!
But Hladík never collaborated with communist system, he went into that "grey" zone of "jazz-ish" music, and helping lot of others to release and play.
PS. Crazy thing I'm here today, because it's a memorable day of tragic lost of Jan Palach!