Customer Reviews

Rockandrolle

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Even Maanam stopped being a strict rock band, its roots always grew deeper than that. This comipilation shows the evolution, which seems to be very natural. Although the newest version of "Hamlet" proves that Maanam still rocks ad 1997. A real musical adventure, especially for people, who don't know the amazing Kora & Co. Fun to have!

This band from Poland produced two albums ( Roza and Lozko ) which garnered criticisim from their harder edge fans. These two offerings showed a beautifull and quietly melodic side of Kora (lead singer) whith lyrics which were of a highly poetic nature and less political and social than previous recordings. Rock and Rolle marks a distinct return to Maanam's roots in the rock and roll scene but without returning too far into their post punk slam dancin' daze."Smycz" recived the first airplay before the album was released. The catchy rythym and demanding beat foretold the coming of "Hamlet 97" a funked up version of thier 1979 hit. Generally throughout Poland "Smycz" recived exceptional reviews and was hailed by the musical public as triumphant and I would have to say I agree. Even if you do not speak Polish I would suggest a listen just for the really powerfull music with a distincitive flavor of it's own.

What a great collection! Too bad its ballad counterpart "Ballady" doesn't quite live up to the billing. This album contains most of their fast songs plus two new tracks: a new version of Hamlet and the excellent Smycz which alone is worth the price of admission. The most compelling reason to own this is the re-mastering, which keeps the early recordings (Boskie Buenos, Szare Miraze, etc) from sounding like they were recorded in the basement--the drums benefit in particular, even though they still sound somewhat thin. This music will give you an adrenaline rush. Great for driving at high speeds.

The incredible Polish punk-rock group MAANAM's career coincided with the 'Solidarity' movement in the early 80s in Poland and quickly exploded on the European rock scene. They were the first and the best group of its kind in Poland and quite possibly, in the entire Soviet-block at that time.

They had a very solid start, followed by a period of weaker efforts and even of total inactivity. KORA (vocals) has been a driving force behind the group, but the real gem among these musicians has always been the lead guitarist MAREK JACKOWSKI. He can be easily counted as one of the very best rock guitarists on the rock arena worldwide. Other group members were also representing a very high level of musicianship, especially RYSZARD "PLACHO" OLESINSKI on bass and guitar.

"Rockandrolle" is truly the quintessential MAANAM - from their earliest hits to more current ones. Highly recommended!

If you want to feel the rush of old political grudges and new hopes of young Polish generation (in a way, resembling musical movement of American 60s and 70s), I also recommend these original releases: "Nocny Patrol", as well as "Totalski No Problemski" and "Wet Cat". During my 2004 visit in Poland, I bought their new album "Znaki szczegolne" which was their current release at that time. That album was also quite good, although different in style and dealing with different subject matters.