Record Reviews

JOSEF PLIVA / VACLAV ZAHRADNIK ORCHESTRA ~ FAIRY-TALES IN BEAT GAD 048 (Barcode: 5901549197631) ~ CZECHOSLOVAKIA ~ Classic Pop Recorded: 1968 Released: 2016 This is a reissue of an obscure Czechoslovak psychedelic / baroque Pop album by singer Josef PlivaFind albums by this artist, who is accompanied by an orchestra led by composer / arranger / bandleader Vaclav ZahradnikFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve beautiful songs, mostly composed by Zahradnik. This remastered edition adds two bonus tracks. The album reissued herein is in fact a second version of the album, with the first version released by the group The RebelsFind albums by this artist earlier on, which included three vocalists and used lyrics in the Czech language. This later version uses lyrics in English and features only Pliva as vocalist. It includes the Side A of the first version and six different songs as Side B. Although Pliva´s English accent and pronunciation are a bit awkward, they sound quite charming in retrospect. The songs are all little gems typical of that highly productive period of Pop music, and with Zahradnik´s outstanding arrangements and the instrumental perfection displayed by his orchestra this album is a delight from start to finish. Zahradnik, who later on would become highly involved with the Czechoslovak Jazz scene, does an absolutely superb job as the composer and arranger. In retrospect this album is as good as similar albums made at the time on the other side of the Iron Curtain, and in many respects matches the best of them. As usual congratulations are due to the GAD Records label for discovering this gem and bringing it back to life. People who were never exposed to East European psychedelic Pop should find this reissue an eye (or rather ear) opener. Highly recommended!

Updated: 18/03/2017Posted: 18/03/2017

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend