áË×ÁpÉÕÍ - ÎÏ×ÏÓÔÉ [3/3]

[ilia ilinski's poster]

Grebenshikov has found himself coming closer and closer to roots music over
the years, and these songs are very much the product of that. Whether
putting his mark on the traditional song "My Little Loom" or writing an ode
to his changing homeland with "Russian Nirvana," he's masterful. The songs
themselves (with lyrics provided in four languages) are gems, the product
of mature thought and frequently poetic, although the images, which seem
obscure to Westernerners, probably resonate with Russians. But the beauty
is best-illustrated by the settings, usually stripped-down, but with just
the right touches to set off the voice and words, even if it takes some
strange left turns, like the pseudo-'50s arrangement of "Gertruda."
Accordion is prevalent, of course, but the oboe that courses through
"Nikita of Riazan" gives an aching tone to the song. He's often compared to
Dylan and Springsteen, which is unfair; the traditions are utterly
different. Only the quality of the writing and performing is comparable -
listen to the gentle "Dubrovsky" and you'll be convinced. Grebenshikov is
world class.

Title Composer Time

1 My Little Room Traditional 3:25
2 Gertuda Grebenshikov 4:12
3 Nikita of Riazan Grebenshikov 2:39
4 China Gumilev, Vertinsky 1:48
5 Three Sisters Grebenshikov 4:34
6 Little Swallow Grebenshikov 3:50
7 My Lady (Gosudaryna) Grebenshikov 3:04
8 Fate's Rusty Pail Grebenshikov 2:54
9 Vanka Morosov Okudjava 2:05
10 The Fastest Plane on Earth Grebenshikov 2:50
11 Tarusa Zabolozki 3:39
12 Dubrovsky Grebenshikov 4:06
13 The Mares of Reckless Abandon Grebenshikov 6:02
14 Garc,on Number 2 Grebenshikov 4:13
15 Russian Nirvana Grebenshikov 3:10

[**]

Review by James Christopher Monger

Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Boris Grebenshikov is often
described as the Russian Bruce Springsteen. While this sentiment may ring
true as far his iconic status goes, it does little to describe his
colorful, offbeat, and wildly eccentric music. A more apt comparison would
be The Beatles, as Grebenshikov wields psychedelic pop like a chef's knife,
dissecting everything from eastern mysticism to Russian folklore, resulting
in a sound that's the very definition of the term worldbeat. On Pesni
Ribaka, Grebenshikov reunites his early-'80s Russian rock collective
Aquarium on ten diverse tracks that rely heavily on serpentine arrangements
that while complex, never lose track of the melody. Track one (there are no
English translations) works off of a reggae-inspired rhythm, incorporating
violin, bagpipe, flute, and Nusra Fateh Ali Kahn-esque backing vocals to
achieve a kaleidoscope of sound that's both joyous and cerebral. The fourth
track utilizes some George Harrison-style slide before bursting into a
truly wondrous burst of mellotron and sunshine-pop horns. Track seven is
the sparsest of the bunch, finding Grebenshikov singing tenderly over
chimey harps and swelling mandolins, giving the effect of a gently spinning
Russian carousel. There are city street soundscapes, sinewy sitars, and
wonderfully out-of-place marimbas throughout Pesni Ribaka, but what keeps
the ingredients from overpowering the dish are Grebenshikov's impassioned
vocals. Those versed in the Russian language know of his abilities as a
linguist and poet, and it's a shame everyone else can only guess his
subject matter. However, anyone with an ear for pop will be able to
recognize the talent.