Kalemegdan Disk - ROCK FROM EASTERN EUROPE

Supraphon Release Information

Continuation of the successful reissue series, this time in 1971

Olympic’s third album was the result of personnel and author changes. The co-founder, bassist and lyricist Pavel Chrastina left the band. Jan Hauser took his place at the instrument and Zdeněk Rytíř added lyrics to Janda’s melodies. The arrangements became more colourful, the stylistic Olympic anchorage was preserved. The shift took place in a looser compositional form, allowing for songs in previously unconventional lengths of over five minutes.

Jiří Stivín was a surprise guest, adding flute and saxophone passages to the rock. From today’s point of view, the biggest hit was “Bon soir, mademoiselle Paris”, but you will also remember “Když jsem bejval tramp” (When I Was a Tramp), “Bláznivej Kiki” (Crazy Kiki), “Elixír” or “Strážce majáku” (The Lighthouse Keeper).

Not only the music has changed, but also the cover art. After Pacák’s recession-era Turtle and pop-art Wolverine, Olympic dressed up in historical cycling, motoring or aviation costumes to feature a stylish collage of Alan Pajer’s photographs on the cover and inside.

Reconstructing the fold-out packaging was extremely difficult this time, as the source photos were confiscated by the StB during the raid. The surprise will be the vinyl sound, newly recorded this year from the original tapes. The extensive editorial notes by O. Zámostný also push this release into the ultimate form of Olympic album reissues.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Pět cestujících 5:24
2. Když jsem bejval tramp 2:05
3. Mr. Den a lady Noc 3:23
4. Brouk 4:09
5. Danny 6:01

Side B

1. Elixír 3:13
2. Bláznivej Kiki 3:32
3. Bon soir, mademoiselle Paris 3:47
4. Strážce majáku 3:20
5. Tobogán 5:36