POP “REBUS”

Arsen Dedic

Croatia Records

****

In brief - Artistic Arsen again shows class

Although his style is definitely quite different from mainstream Croatian pop-rock music, Arsen Dedic is a musical institution that deserves to be heard. The singer-songwriter, composer and poet is arguably one of the finest talents to ever emerge on the Croatian music scene, and his latest album ''Rebus'' is a showcase of his unique talents.

A native of the northern Dalmatian town of Sibenik, 69-year-old Dedic has been a mainstay of Croatian pop music for the last 50 years, and judging by the refined music that features on his 15 track album, he has lost none of his class.

Dedic is difficult to define and compare, but upon hearing a selection of his songs, the careful listener can often define a typical "Arsen song''. Using an extensive vocabulary and instruments from around the world, Dedic is able to produce one of the most distinguished musical back catalogues, which concurrently includes award-winning music for motion pictures.

''Rebus'' however is more concerned with elements of Dalmatian pop, French folklore and the distinct taste of Zagreb, where Arsen spends the bulk of his life nowadays. Initially, first time listeners may be turned off by the complexity of the lyrics and the fact that Dedic sounds more like a performance poet rather than a crooner.

This is an unfair assessment, as it is difficult to imagine the songs performed by anyone else in any other way. Perhaps the only example of a traditional pop track is in the duet with Petar Graso called ''Ima, a ne zna''. Short in length (less than two minutes) but filled with so much quality, it is little wonder why many young artists are so keen to work with Dedic. An enchanting flute, operatic chanting and perfect harmony between Dedic and Graso only adds to the top notch lyrics that Dedic penned for this track, and indeed the entire album.

Although younger Croatians will struggle to relate to the themes, Dedic's exemplary use of musical instruments should at the very least earn the respect, even if the music is not as predictable as modern pop.

''Rebus'' is one CD that deserves a place in the 'open-minded' music lover's collection, and the replay value is enormous.  

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ROCK: “THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION”

Azra

Croatia Records

****

In brief: Revolutionary band receives star treatment

Formed in 1977 by the enigmatic Branimir 'Johnny' Stulic, this Zagreb based band was a significant part of the 'Novi val' (New Wave) music movement in the former Yugoslavia in the 1980s. Contrary to popular belief, the band was named after a lyric from an old Bosnian ''sevdalinka'' (folk song).

Their music was as influential as Bijelo Dugme's during this period, until the rock poet and social commentator that was their frontman, Johnny Stulic, disbanded the band in 1988.

Featuring all of their early hits, including ''Balkan'' and ''A, sta da radim'', coupled with songs from their final studio album ''Izmedu krajnosti'', this beautifully packaged collection is the only current double disc compilation of this well loved band that has been digitally remastered by Croatia Records.

Although many of the 'Novi val' bands enjoyed only periodic success, Azra's legacy and fan base has lived on.

For fans of hard rock, this album is a definite purchase - ditto for fans of the band in general.

Featuring 46 tracks and spanning over the entire career of the band, the ''Ultimate Collection'' will be one to treasure for years to come, especially since rumours persist that Stulic is bringing together the band once more. 

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POP: “AKO ME POGLEDAS U OCI”

Tose Proeski

Hit Records

***

In brief: Early Tose album earns re-release.

Such is the popularity of deceased Macedonian pop star Tose Proeski in Croatia, that the talented singer has seen one of his first albums released in Croatia posthumously. ''Ako me pogledas u oci'' was Proeski's first foray into the Balkan market back in 2003, after two successful Macedonian language-only releases.

Although none of the songs from this album reached lofty heights in Croatia when first released, Proeski's work has been enjoying some top chart positions in recent times. A typical blend of European pop-rock, this album is an interesting selection of music that will appeal to Proeski's ever-growing fan base.

The opening title track and second track ''Soba za tugu'' are both excellent examples of Proeski's flair and ability at a young age (he was 21 at the time of its release).

A strange duet with Gypsy singer Esma Redzepova and a cheesy English song ''Hold me tight'' are less impressive, but there is enough here to at least warrant a listen.

The excellent ''Ledena'' is another highlight, and is a potential chart-topper in the making, which may add to the seven No. 1 positions on the Croatian charts that Proeski has occupied during his short but extraordinary career.

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FOLK/ROCK: “BILO JEDNOM U HRVATSKOJ, SPLIT - STARI PLAC (LIVE)”

Marko Perkovic Thompson

Croatia Records

**

In brief: Pointless cash-in to rob faithful fans

After releasing the opinion-dividing album ''Bilo jednom u Hrvatskoj'', popular Croatian folk-rock singer Marko Perkovic Thompson has been busy touring the word, including a whirlwind trip to Australia late last year.

During this time, Thompson recorded a memorable concert at Dinamo Zagreb's Maksimir Stadium for DVD release, and also this live performance at Hajduk Split's former home, the Stari Plac Stadium.

The difference between the two is... not much at all. The songs are all the same, the performance by Thompson is incredibly identical and even the album cover looks like it was produced from the same photo shoot as the previous two albums.

Even the most passionate Thompson fan will find it difficult to justify a purchase, if they already own an original version of the aforementioned Maksimir album.

Granted, the album is a live version, but unlike other artists, Thompson sounds pretty much the same live as he does in the studio. Even his 'crowd interaction' seems scripted and you feel like you have heard it all before.

At the risk of being labelled a "Thompson-hater", I will leave this album to the listener's discretion. But think hard before forking out your hard-earned cash for something that you probably already have in your collection.

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RAP/R&B: “GALERIJA TUTNPLOK”

TBF (The Beat Fleet)

Menart

****

In brief: Interesting album from popular rappers

Croatian produced Rap and R&B music has always been a taboo subject with Croatians in the Diaspora and popular exponents TBF (The Beat Fleet) are no exception to this rule.

If we are to use this album as proof, perhaps they should be, because the weirdly named ''Galerija Tutnplok'' is unlike any English-language rap album that I have ever from.

This intriguing band, which hails from Split, in the Republic of Croatia on the planet Earth (according to their own profile), has not only a great sense of humour, but also a very versatile repertoire.

In their fourth studio album, TBF add some rock elements to their tried and trusted rap-influenced sound, making for a funky album.

Using current political events (both domestically and internationally), the band explores many controversial topics in a distinct way. Seemingly not afraid of any repercussions from any of the topics that they cover, TBF manage to convey their message with a rarely seen flair.

A highlight is the quasi-duet with Oliver Dragojevic in ''Fantasticna'', which talks about the realities of love and the difficulty of finding true love. Colourful language that needs to be censored for younger listeners litters this hilarious track and is in a nutshell, what TBF are all about.