Live concert/Klapa: NE DAMO TE PISMO NASA 2

Various Artists

Scardona

****

Second Coming not as Fruitful as First

Two years ago, a truly fantastic concert at Hajduk Split's Poljud Stadium titled ''Ne damo te pismo nasa'' was held in front of over 40, 000 fans, Several top class klape featured in the concert, from which a stunning DVD and CD was created.

Last year, the second version of the initial concept was staged, again in front of a stunning crowd, but this time with some fundamental changes. Instead of the nation's most talented klape, two superstars and another star headlined the event, with the klape reduced to a supporting act.

The three artists in question are Miso Kovac, Tereza Kesovija and Vinko Coce, three of the finest vocalists to emerge from Croatia. Unfortunately, all three seem to have their best years very much behind them and it sadly shows in this live recording.

Whilst Kesovija and Coce are singing at about 70% of their extremely high capacity, the sad demise of Miso Kovac is quite spectacular, and not in a good way.

As soon as Kovac interrupts Klapa Brodarica with his whiny voice for the iconic ''Proplakat ce zora'', you know that you are in for a painful listening experience. Kovac is out of key, out of breath and quite possibly out of his mind as he struggles to reach the lofty heights of his once untouchable career.

Fortunately for Kovac, the crowd is more than happy to add some much needed backing vocals to his weak voice to compensate, making the experience slightly more bearable.

As for Kesovija, who is well into her sixties, at least she makes an effort to extend herself and the result is much more polished than Kovac's.

Of the three, Vinko Coce is easily in the best (vocal) condition, and he comfortably belts out ''More li'' and ''Da je meni s tobom kroz pasike'' with the backing of Klapa Elektrodalmacija.

There are several highlights, namely the four songs performed by Tomislav Bralic and Klapa Intrade, including the popular hit ''Croatijo, iz duse te ljubim'' and Klapa Filip Devic's rendition of the immortal classic ''Galeb i ja''.

In terms of value for money, a double disc collection of 34 songs is a fair return for your investment, and for fans of visual stimulation, a DVD should be out soon.