In Orwell’s symbolic 1984, there was an artistic declaration of independence released. It was entitled “Klaus Mitffoch” and it was focusing on a wide range of the problems of those days. Apart from that it consisted of marvelous raw punkish compositions.
The debut of young Wrocław-based band is considered as one of the finest albums in the history of Polish rock. Klaus Mitffoch took the opportunity, winning the National Tournament of Young Talents in 1983 and signing a contract for releasing two singles. Both of them brought Klaus Mitffoch fans all over Poland. Especially the song “Jezu jak się cieszę” and “Ogniowe strzelby” – which was a reference to the famous The Clash song – “Guns of Brixton”. Due to the very positive reception, the band shortly after signing a contract with Tonpress records (the label that had already been releasing albums of several well-known Polish rock bands, including Brygada Kryzys, Perfect and Lady Punk). The release of the self-titled album aroused the same controversy as the Republika debut had done a year before – the most famous songs were not included.
“Klaus Mitffoch” consists of sixteen songs full of metaphors concerning the contemporary political situation, opportunism and the fear of the future. Having in mind how the censorship was constraining Polish author’s idea, it’s surprising that Klaus Mitffoch managed to enclose such a message in its songs. Although the lyrics written by Lech Janerka are so important, some may say even fundamental to understand a phenomenon of Klaus Mitffoch debut, the album wouldn’t have got such a great reception without the powerful, punkish arrangements. The Wrocław-based band’s compositions are raw, cold-wavish with a fundamental importance of bass sound. Klaus Mitffoch songs often break their rhythm, switching from typical, pulsating punk melodies to slower-paced, sometimes even experimental, pieces. “Klaus Mitffoch” is an example of a highly artistic and individual interpretation of British punk music. It turned out that this genre, disobedient by nature, found its place perfectly in the sad circumstances of communist’s regime.
Klaus Mitffoch broke up shortly after the outstanding debut. Fortunately, the leader – Lech Janerka, pursued his solo career, releasing at least one more stunning album. But we’ll bring it closer another day, for today just check out Klaus Mitffoch.
Recommended if you like: the Clash, Gang Of Four, Buzzcocks, Republika
One of the most-expected debuts in UK this year, was “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap. The album sounds very British and it wouldn’t be that surprising if the band wasn’t, actually, from Melbourne.
Michał Jacaszek’s “Treny” is an ambitious interpretation of the Renaissance’s laments written in the 16th century by the Polish poet – Jan Kochanowski. Although the album doesn’t contain the lyrics, it arouses the same emotions.
You’ll probably agree that most of the remakes are either dull or overstated. Especially if the original is a widely acclaimed masterpiece that, what is more, belongs to the different category of art. For all these reasons, Jacaszek’s attempt might have been considered as a result of his irrepressible pride or even an artistic sacrilege. But it shouldn’t be any longer, as the outcome is a stirring, perfectly composed album.
Till releasing “Treny”, Michał Jacaszek had remained nearly anonymous, being recognizable only by the most inquiring followers of electronic music in Poland. Even though his “Lo Fi Stories” received some critical acclaim, the artist was still far from reaching a wider audience. Jacaszek’s compositions those days, combining elements of lo-fidelity jazz, ambient, and samples of old fairytales, seemed to be too demanding for an average listener. Moreover the material itself was a bit chaotic and incoherent. Fortunately the label realizing the composer (Gustaff Records), didn’t lose its faith, continuously supporting Jacaszek and his alternative ideas. One of them was to invite some professional, classical musicians and record an album influenced by the contemporary classical gurus like Arvo Part or Max Richter.
Compositions chosen for “Treny” are minimalistic, cold and slow-paced. They consist of slightly distorted, ambient backing-tracks, delicate strings arrangements that are juxtaposed, but not in every piece, with ethereal vocals of Maja Siemińska. Clips, noises, loops, reverbs -they’re all used in here but with a brilliant taste that protects from the sin of exaggeration. Generally speaking, “Treny” avoids sentimentalism and pathos thanks to the balance between mournful sound of the strings and absorbing evolution of coldhearted backgrounds (think of Stars Of The Lid). Even if the songs’ titles refer to the Polish Renaissance poems, you won’t have any problems in comprehending this album. Exciting reviews published by opinion-making worldwide blogs and music services (Cokemachineglow, Allmusic, The Silent Ballet) only prove this theory. Not only for daydreamers but for everybody who’s concerned with the mixture of tradition and modernity.
Outside Poland “Treny” is distributed by the Norwegian-based Miasmah Records.
Recommended if you like: Max Richter, Stars Of The Lid, Arvo Part, Dead Can Dance
As the forth Bonobo’s album is to be released in early 2010, let’s focus on the single promoting this still untitled work. Read more
He’s a very busy man. He accepted our last minute invite to the show. Couldn’t stay long as he had many errands to run. Paul Mayevsky managed to have a quick word with the guy. Listen to his conversation with none other than the Santa Claus himself!
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Instead of a spectacular, kitchy show on a Market Square another year in a row, the upcoming New Year’s Eve brings to the public two gigs of Wrocław based bands – Lady Perfect and Optymistic. The first includes our own RadioWroclove.com host – Paul Mayevsky, the second one – Optymistic – will give the audience a funky set of songs including trombone, sax and trumpet sounds spiced by a strong vocal from Bogna Jurewicz. Before you start to jump to the beat, listen to Przemek Pozowski and Bogna chating in the radio.
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First you create your Facebook profile. Then you upload some pics and information regarding your life and friends. At what point does it all become public knowledge? Listen to Paul Mayevsky exploring this field.
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During Christmas also think of your new year’s celebrations. Home parties are still popular. What shall one do to make them an unforgettable friends event? Listen to some ideas provided by Patrycja Obara, a vocalist and an event specialist. Material by Pawel Kempa.
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Glasses, vases, jewelry, photos and an extraordinary photo album are all exhibited at the BWA Design gallery to create a truly emotional ambiance. The exhibition of the Czech Design is open till the 16th of January. Křehký („Kruche”)/”Fragile” also includes items designed exclusively for this event and earmarked for sale. Listen to Marta Kubik in talk with Aleksandra Szczepaniak.
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Busking in Poland still doesn’t have the same appreciation as it has in England. That’s why Tosh Kallista, a musician from Manchester , prefers to perform in the Polish pubs and bars. You will have a unique occasion to listen to him tonight at the Ośrodek on Piłsudskiego Street 67 and join in singing along X-mas carols. If you ask him nicely, he might even da o Britney Spears song…Listen to Tosh and Aleksandra Szczepaniak talk about the different lives of street performers in Poland and in England.
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Pat Metheny at the beginning, Urszula Dudziak and other famous Polish jazzmen at the closing concert. The programme of Jazz on the Odra, the most famous Wrocław’s jazz festival (28.02 – 6.03.2010), has been announced recently. Anna Wołek from the Impart Art Centre tells you more about the musicians that are going to visit our city soon. By Przemek Pozowski
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“Caga tío ametlles i torró” are the opening words of one of the most famous Catalan Christmas songs sang by children who want to get their presents. Specially for Christmas time, Aleksandra Szczepaniak does an A4 exception and travels as far as Spain to tell you about one of the most bizarre and extraordinary Christmas traditions ever. Hitting a log and asking it to shit your presents is a truly surprising happening…. Listen to the song in its original version as well.
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Share your opinions on YouTube videos with your Facebook, Twitter and Google Reader friends at the same time. Aleksandra Szczepaniak tells you about the new option of Autoshare already available on one of the most popular social media sites. She also recounts a story of probably the greatest winner of YouTube videos this year who has just signed a $ 300 mln contract with Hollywood.
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Watch the incredible video below:
Manic punkers from Cardiff have just released their second album, which, quite surprisingly, has a high commercial potential. Fortunately this feature doesn’t affect the artistic quality of “Travels With Myself and Another”.
The “Europe – it’s our history” exhibition and the crucial investments like the Wrocław ring road were the highlights of 2009, according to mayor of Wrocław, Rafał Dutkiewicz. He stresses that it was a good year for the city and adds that he is not losing any sleep over the upcoming elections. However, there is something to worry about in the coming year, and that’s the growing unemployment rate. Listen to Rafał Dutkiewicz in conversation with Przemek Pozowski
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An Iranian group of internet hackers managed to mess with the Twitter server and redirect millions of the site’s visitors to their own website featuring a political statement written in bad English. They even left an e-mail address behind, but were unavailable for a comment. Listen to Piotr Klimowicz to find out the exact wording of the statement and don’t even think of playing a similar trick on our heavily-guarded servers. “Take care”!
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Sky Tower, Poland’s tallest building to be, is constantly growing. The construction work on the second storey is under way, notwithstanding the brief hiatus caused by the harsh winter conditions. The investment is the child of Leszek Czarnecki, who started his business based on his passion for scuba diving and went on to become one of the richest men in Wrocław and in Poland. He established a small financial empire. Now, instead of flying into the space, he wants to build the tallest residential building in the country. Listen to Leszek Czarnecki’s profile and a summary of his achievements presented by Natalia Galińska from Bankier.pl. A report by Paweł Kempa.
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Experience has taught us that if something involves David Byrne, it can’t be bad.
“Reality Check” is a result of cooperation between two big figures of hiphop music: Black Thought from The Roots and J Dilla from Slum Village. It’s grim, but still there is something positively frenetic about it.
Viola Lamot is paying Paul a visit in the booth. She is trying to take over Breaking Muse by asking Paul questions, pretending to be the host of the show. Paul stands his ground firmly. At least he tries.
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