MAREK GRECHUTA - "DROGA ZA WIDNOKRES" (1972)

This is where Marek Grechuta started his collaboration with jazz-rock ensemble WIEM. Unexpectedly, the result is an easier album if compared to 1971's "Korowód": the songs are shorter and less timing is given to jam sessions and instrumental solos.

There are two main elements on this album. One is Grechuta's heartfelt voice, which declaims beautiful Polish poetry. The other is the double bass played by Paweł Jarzębski, whose articulated lines are very loud in the mix and dominate the arrangements. The rest is occupied by gently played guitars, some pristine piano parts, and lots of percussion.

Try to imagine a less-baroque Polish version of Gainsbourg's "Histoire de Melody Nelson", a part spoken album where the melodies are determined by the richness of the instrumental architectures.

It is not among Grechuta's most popular works, but it is celebrated by critics as one of his bests, and so it is.

DOWNLOAD (kbps: 320)

AGATA KRISTI - "OPIUM" (1995)

Original band name: Агата Кристи
Original album title: Опиум

This is one of the most celebrated Russian albums of the Nineties.
A dozen of powerful songs which mixes heavy synths, danceable rhythms, classical music orchestrations, dark atmospheres in the style of the Cure, and grotesque sketches influenced by the local folk tradition.
  
If you liked their previous work, "Pozornaya zvezda", then try this.

DOWNLOAD (kbps: 320)

DARKWOOD DUB - "ŽIVOT POČINJE U 30 OJ" (2002)

In their early years Darkwood Dub released a couple of funk-rock albums with harsh, experimental sounds (I've already uploaded one of them here).
After taking a short hiatus due to the war, they became an electronic band, facing styles such as downtempo, alternative dance, and ambient. 

"Život počinje u 30 oj" is just another beautiful album by this great Serbian band. Among the best tracks you will find "Dnevnik", with its house-influenced beats, "Vrtlog vira", with a suggestive noir atmosphere, and "Baobab", with that obsessive dub progression.

DOWNLOAD (kbps: 320)

R.I.P. Vlada Divljan (IDOLI)

According to B92.net, "Vlada Divljan died in Vienna on 5 March 2015 after a long illness".

This is a sad day for this blog, IDOLI were one of the first non-English speaking bands I discovered and I will always love their music.

Here's some links to download their first EP, their debut album, and the compilation album "Paket aranžman".

SEBASTIANS - "BLUE BY SEBASTIANS" (1993)

Sebastians were an English language Czech band. I have to say I'd rather listen to bands who sing in their native languages, but in this case I will make an exception, because their sole album is just beautiful. Ten graceful and well-played songs in the Madchester style,
recommended to those who are into early Charlatans and Inspiral Carpets.

Line-up: 

David Volenec / "David Wrdisty" (vocals)

Dušan Lipert / "D.L. Beauty" (guitar)

Jan Čechtický / "Ian Von Czechticky" (bass guitar)

Pavel Pelán / "Paul Penal" (drums)

Štěpán Tůma / "Stephen Young" (guitar)

Producer: Colin Stuart

DOWNLOAD (kbps: 251-268)