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The Deal: Here's an imaginative cross between Rasputina, the B-52's and Arctic Paradise compilations. Or, think Irish trad meets Carpathian call and response. Actually it's Polish/Slavic soul with strong Irish, Klezmer and Scandinavian overtones. Some pop and hip-hop are even thrown in along with African and Eastern influences – think ragas – making for a delightfully expressive and emotionally powerful CD.
The Good: Numerous catchy ditties are combined with insanely, brilliant femme harmonies. Some tunes are shimmering and dreamlike while others are beat heavy, improvisational and riveting. Songwriter Wojtek Krzak wants to "present the music of the past in a modern way for the next generation. People have forgotten that pop music comes from the past." "1.5 H" captures the Polish Klezmer tradition while tunes like "Skip Funk" and "Is Anybody In There?" seriously funk up trad Pole tunes.
The Bad: Well, it is sung in Polish, which can be limiting for some. Maybe not for everyone, especially listeners craving the familiar.
The Verdict: Outstanding in its consistency. It's all good, every cut. You don't need to understand the words because the emotion will sweep you away. The power of the arrangements, the voices and the grandeur of the music will make you think of Polish music in a much different light. If this music was around in 1939 maybe Germany would never have invaded. Beautiful packaging and notes, too.
Barbes; Release date: April 7, 2009
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