TRADITION/KLAPA: “20 Godina”
Klapa Cambi
Scardona
*****
In brief: The perfect ‘Klapa’ provide the perfect ‘Klapa’ album
Originating in the southern Croatian coastal town of Kastel Kambelovac (near Split), formed in 1987 and named after the noble family name Cambi, it seems that this well-known klapa was destined to become special.
After 20 years of existence, Cambi have risen to the pinnacle of Croatian folk music and can stake an honest claim to the (unofficial) title of the best Croatian 'Klapa'.
If ever it was time to purchase an album from this distinctly Croatian music style, then this album is definitely the one. Featuring a 24-track CD and a 27 track DVD concert spectacular in one package, not only is this album of the highest quality, but it is also a bargain purchase.
With several Porin awards to their name over their illustrious history, Cambi provide the benchmark for all klape in Dalmatia. Opening with two Dalmatian folklore tracks ''Izresla ruza rumena'' and the iconic ''Dalmatino, poviscu pritrujena'', Cambi take the listener and viewer on a magical journey throughout the coastal region.
A long-time collaboration with pop-rock superstar Zlatan Stipisic Gibonni has allowed Cambi the opportunity to record the brilliant artist's hits in their own interpretation.
Gibo, who rates Cambi as the best klapa in Croatia, was as impressed as everyone when he heard his mainstay hits ''Projdi vilo'', ''Nije vrime od nedije'', '' Libar'', ''Cesarica'' and ''Oprosti'' (to name a few) performed by the ten man klapa.
All of these tracks are on show here and all sound absolutely amazing.
First tenor Vlado Garic uses his unbelievable voice to perfection throughout the two and a half hour concert. The dreadlocked singer may have a future as a solo artist, but for the time being, his fellow Cambi members must be thankful to have his talents at their disposal.
That is not to say that the other members don't do a good job, far from it, they are pitch perfect throughout and the packed out Vatroslav Lisinski Hall clearly appreciated their efforts.
Guest appearances by Vanna, Hari Roncevic and Tedi Spalato only add to the special occasion, and a collection of photos, pre-concert preparation and music clips sweeten the deal immensely.
A perfect example of the quality of Croatian folk music, and an absolutely essential purchase.
ZABAVNA/POP: “Za sva vremena”
Milo Hrnic
Croatia Records
***
In brief: Milo’s back in business!
Last year, Croatia Records released the glorious 'Zlatna Kolekcija' of hits by 80's superstar Milo Hrnic. The Dubrovnik native exploded back onto the music scene with that top selling collection and now, in 2008, he has released a brand new album for his legions of fans titled ''Za sva vremena''.
Well into his sixties, Hrnic's voice still has the same timbre and emotion that it had during the 80s and 90s, when Milo was a top star on the Croatian music scene.
''Postelja'' opens the album nicely, as Hrnic provides the listener ten new songs, a new version of a past hit and a truly awful English song. The first single he has released for over a decade, ''Postelja'' has fared well since its release last month.
Despite his best efforts, Hrnic's new songs don't quite have the quality of his back catalogue, and this is highlighted by the new version of ''Tko ce tebe voljet' kao ja''. Easily the best song on the album, this song merely highlights the difference between the past and the present.
That said, Hrnic still manages a solid album of good songs that will appeal to his fans, especially the older generation of music fans.
ZABAVNA/POP: “Zaustavi vrijeme”
Tereza Kesovija
Croatia Records
XXXX
In brief: Tereza shows she still has ‘forza’
The word superstar is liberally used in music, but Tereza Kesovija is a deserved holder of such a title. A 45-year career in music has seen the Dubrovnik-born soprano travel the world, recording her plethora of albums in nine different languages and staging memorable concerts in some of the world's top concert halls.
Now at the ripe old age of 69, Tereza returns with her first album of new material in nine years, and the result is pretty impressive.
Her world-renowned operatic voice is still serving her well, as seen in the opening two songs of this eleven track album. The title track opens proceedings with great aplomb in the style of Celine Dion, providing the listener with an atmospheric ballad of epic proportions.
What follows is a memorable journey of soulful love ballads that charm and enchant in equal doses, making for perfect listening on a windy autumn evening.
Finding one outstanding track is a difficult task, as both the opener and ''Nauci me'' are quite brilliant. Perhaps ''Uzmi il' ostavi'' is the sleeper hit of a special album, combining a stunning score with some meaningful lyrics, and of course Tereza's distinct voice.
Easily the best female album in a long time, this is well worth a purchase.
POP/ROCK: “Jutro poslije brijanja”
Leteci Odred
Dancing Bear
XXX
In brief: More solid stuff from the flying squad
Denis Dumancic (lead singer and songwriter) and his fellow Leteci Odred band members have an unfair destiny. Despite possessing sound music ability, they are seemingly destined to remain Crvena Jabuka clones for the remainder of their collaborative music careers.
This is unfair, because Leteci Odred deserve their own place on the Croatian music scene, and ''Jutro poslije brijanja ''is a good example why this is the case.
Featuring some powerful rock ballads and upbeat pop-rock numbers, Leteci Odred have produced an album that sounds more like Maroon 5 and Coldplay, with a touch of Radiohead, rather than their Sarajevo-based counterparts.
Opening with the funky ''Bez obaveza'', this album is a solid effort that has no ground breaking hits that cry out for attention. Instead, Dumancic and co. have gone for a safe formula here, with no frills and a common popular musical style that is easy on the ear.
In ''Dajem ti srce'' and ''Volim te najvise na svijetu'', Leteci Odred have two strong rock ballads that will no doubt join their impressive back catalogue.
For fans, this is probably already in your collection, but for everyone else, it's really a toss of a coin to decide whether or not to buy.
COMPILATION: “Dorde Novkovic Gold Collection”
Various artists
Croatia Records
XXXX
In brief: Fitting tribute to a pop maestro or petty cash in?
Although we try to avoid reviewing compilation albums, a brief look at the recently deceased Dorde Novkovic's double disc Gold Collection was hard to resist. A mainstay in Croatian pop music for several decades, Novkovic's sudden passing from a stroke left a nation mourning and a music industry deprived of yet another major star (following the death of Zdenko Runjic a few years ago).
The clever people at Croatia Records have decided to 'honour' Novkovic's song writing exploits with two separate Gold Collection's that comprise of much of the same material.
Nevertheless, the music on offer is very good, and some of the songs that have been dug out from the archives will bring back some warm feelings in music fans.
Remember Neda Ukraden's ''Zora je'', Srebrna Krila's ''Dolina naseg sna'' and Miso Kovac's ''Ostala si uvijek ista''? All of these and many more are on this quite excellent collection.
Apart from the Lex Luthor (from Superman) like picture of Novkovic on the CD cover, this collection is pretty much flawless and even includes the first ever Croatian entry to Eurovision, ''Don't ever cry'' by Rijeka group Put.
You will be hard pressed to find a better compilation this year, so if you want 40 hit tracks in one package, this album is for you.