lockdown : vinyl find #37.

Vadim (whom I already talked about earlier on this blog), in Tallinn, Estonia, strongly advised this purchase during a long chat about Soviet music. 

Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover. Same thing with records, although I would have bought this one according to its cover : appealing, colourful, a bit cheezy. Surprising. 

And surprising it is. I don't get to listen an Uzbek record everyday. And if I would, I would expect a folk record. Well, it isn't. It's pop, with some experimental adventures. Indeed the songs contain unusual sounds, like guitars under effects or synths. Spooky sounds open on exuberant vocals and messy drums. A solo piano gets a time to shine, but synths (and female vocals) are the star of the album. Not the most experimental album, very far from it, but still some interesting bits here and there. I was surprised to know that the record is from the mid 1980's, as it sounds... much older. Its mix of folk melodies and weird sounds would advocate for a recording from the 1970's. It does not sound as modern as what the European countries of the communist countries were able to deliver at the same time. 

But overall, it has a candid charm ; it's a catchy album.

"Sado" Ensemble - Tashkent legend.

Here's the full album : YouTube.

Really, if you need advices on music from the Soviet Union, get in touch with Vadim.