Friday, May 18, 2012

Petr Novák "Kráska a zvíře"(Czech,1975,male singer's prog))

Czech's rock scene in 1975)

Frankly, if you haven't lived behind the Iron Curtain in the 1970s, I can hardly blame you.
Keep the following in mind when you judge this LP for being or not being a "masterpiece": in 1975, each Czechoslovak record company has released only a *handful* (literally!) of more or less straight rock albums for the domestic market, because in 1975 rock was politically an absolute no-no! In other words: playing rock music was de facto considered a crime! (Ask the Plastic People Of The Universe for a 1st-hand experience with communist jailhouses…)

1975 rock releases on Supraphon:
• Modrý efekt & Radim Hladík (aka Benefit of R.H. for the export market)
• Neckář & Bacily "Tomu, kdo nás má rád"
• Schelinger & Čech "Báječní muži" (although there's a bunch of really silly bubblegum tracks as well)
As well as a couple of "crossover" jazzrock albums like Energit, or Václav Týfa's and Josef Vobruba's "Konstelace".

1975 rock releases on Panton:
• Petr Novák "Kráska a zvíře"
• Schelinger & Čech "Nemám hlas jako zvon" (but see above)
• Synkopy 61 "Formule 1" (a 10" mini album)
• Junior "Hledání radosti" (rather pop than rock)

1975 rock releases on Opus:
• Hammel & Prúdy "Hráč" (rather pop than rock)
• Collegium Musicum "Marián Varga & Collegium Musicum"
• Fermáta "Fermáta" (already more into jazz fusion than rock)

And that was about it for rock LPs in 1975 Czechoslovakia! (As far as I'm aware of; please correct me if I've missed any.)

In this context, already the sole act of having *released* a rock album at all can be called a "masterpiece". In 1975, this album was simply among the best domestic rock albums *available*.

As far as Petr Novák goes: formerly of George & Beatovens - one of the most popular and best selling 60s beat groups - he was probably the first true "rock star" in 1960s Czechoslovakia. Kráska a zvíře was simply an effort to trasfer his talent into the dark and ugly "socialistic reality" of the 1970s. And the guys have made the best of the unique chance which they had back then.


(this album's total concept)
The whole LP is a concept album This is a rock opera inspired by fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. The story of opera takes place in the 70 years of the 20th century, the Beast is a young man disfigured after a car accident, beauty is a woman with child and debts, left by her husband. They meet each other in the library and follow a complicated and painful relationship.


1. Tvář // The Face (2:42)
2. Jen v pohádkách I // Only in fairy tales I (3:16)
3. Knihovna // Library (3:27)
4. Kdybych uměl... // If I could... (2:15)
5. Jen v pohádkách II // Only in fairy tales II (0:39)
6. Východ z nouze // Way out of emergency (4:04)
7. Věř mi krásko // Believe me my beauty (3:07)
8. Knížky // Books (1:57)
9. Proč nejdeš ven // Why do not you go out (3:23)
10. Prstýnek // The Ring (1:03)
11. Týden dlouhý // Week long (2:33)
12. Snadné je zapomínat / Telegram // Easy to forget / Telegram (1:34)
13. Proč // Why? (3:19)
14. Kráska se vrací / Jen v pohádkách III // Beauty goes back / Only in fairy tales III (5:36)

Petr Novak "Kraska a zvire"
Label : Panton
Year: 1975

(Line Up:)

-Petr Novak: Lead vocal
-Vera Mazankova: Lead vocal, backing vocals
-Jiri Cerha and Ladislav Kantor (C & K Vocal): Backing vocals
-Bohuslav Janda: Electric and acoustic guitar
-Petr Formanek: Organ, electric piano, clavinet
-Oldrich Wajsar: Bass
-Jiri Slucka: Drums
Guests
-Jiri Tomex: congas
-Jan Neckar: Moog Synthesizer
-Hanna Frankova: Church organ

(private commentary )
I knew about this album by chance when looking at RYM these days.
Three  reviewers rated high scores ,so I was much interested in this album.

And at last ,I got the vinyl.

Looking at the vinyl,
Surprisingly,no grooves on both sides of the record.....Yes,one track only at each side......yes,this album is what we all want..... GREAT PROG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am very happy that we can share the joy that this real miraculous album gives us.


Strana 1....19:26

Strana 2....19:30

track1 (extract)

or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmJHkjSJU6k

This post was made up with the great help of Antony,Pavel and MC.
I appreciate a lot to the three prog mates.



46 comments:

Tristan Stefan said...

fantastic album, without a doubt-- hard to believe there are still masterpieces like this out there... reminds me of dezo ursiny's provisorium

Mit said...

Ripped from the original LP

WAV
http://netkups.com/?d=40686fab6fbb6
http://netkups.com/?d=606fa4ef3bfbe
http://netkups.com/?d=b1b9e94d66f09

mp3
http://netkups.com/?d=f40684bd2b466

Nic said...

Lovely, thanks very much for sharing this.

DanP said...

Wow, WAV files, vinyl rip...cool, thanks for the work!

Antony said...

Thank you from Czech Republic... :)
This is incredible share - lovely wav files !

Unknown said...

Somehow there is a tracklist for this album; couldn't split the tracks though.

Wonderful treasure You shared Shige! Domo Arigato!

1 Tvář
2 Jen v pohádkách I
3 Knihovna
4 Kdybych uměl...
5 Jen v pohádkách II
6 Východ z nouze
7 Věř mi krásko
8 Knížky
9 Proč nejdeš ven
10 Prstýnek
11 Týden dlouhý
12 Snadné je zapomínat / Telegram
13 Proč?
14 Kráska se vrací / Jen v pohádkách III
15 Madlén
16 Náš dům
17 Dívenka z duhy
18 Kytara
19 Když tě láska opustí
20 Láskou máš žít
21 Říkáš mi sbohem
22 Když máš z lásky závrať

isabelbc said...

thank you, Shige!!!! :o)

Mit said...

Thanks for the reply,mates.

Antony,
You are from Czech Republic.
Then,could you explain this album's concept ?
Strana 1 & 2 have some connection with each other,or not ?
I want to know about the concept to enjoy more deeply.
Now,very happy because I have found the album I will be able to enjoy through all my life !!!

Anonymous said...

Kráska a zvíře = The Beauty and the Beast, set in the contemporary (socialistic) days.

The aforementioned tracklist is from the CD reissue which also contains bonus tracks from singles (15-22). On vinyl, the tracklist looks aproximately like this:
A1 Tvář
A2 Jen v pohádkách I./Knihovna/Kdybych uměl/Jen v pohádkách II.
A3 Východ z nouze/Věř mi krásko
B1 Knížky/Proč nejdeš ven
B2 Prstýnek
B3 Týden dlouhý/Snadné je zapomínat/Telegram/Proč/Kráska se vrací/Jen v pohádkách III.

"Proč nejdeš ven" was also released on a single as "V klubu Vesmír všichni tančí".

sosgotcha said...

Hi
Thank you for this rarity !
Nevertheless, I' m not completely agree with people who say it's a masterpiece (like M.Effekt Svitanie for instance)!
There is great passages in side 1 ok, but for me not in the second side almost entirely full of vocals !

Antony said...

Shige,
yes, I can (sorry for my not very good English).
The whole LP is a concept album This is a rock opera inspired by fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. The story of opera takes place in the 70 years of the 20th century, the Beast is a young man disfigured after a car accident, beauty is a woman with child and debts, left by her husband. They meet each other in the library and follow a complicated and painful relationship.

Maitre D. Morgan,
your tracklist is from CD edition with bonuses of music singles from the same period, but which are not related to the concept album.

LP is just:
Tvář (2:42)
Jen v pohádkách I (3:16)
Knihovna (3:27)
Kdybych uměl... (2:15)
Jen v pohádkách II (0:39)
Východ z nouze (4:04)
Věř mi krásko (3:07)
Knížky (1:57)
Proč nejdeš ven (3:23)
Prstýnek (1:03)
Týden dlouhý (2:33)
Snadné je zapomínat / Telegram (1:34)
Proč? (3:19)
Kráska se vrací / Jen v pohádkách III (5:36)

Anonymous said...

I agree with 'sosgotcha' above...Chill out guys...! If THIS is a masterpiece, then what about Modry Efekt, Prudy, Progress Organization, Collegium Musicum, Maugli...? So you call this a masterpiece by leaving behind all these bands???
I think you have to hear much more (czechoslovakian) music.
And PLEASE do not try to impress by writing bullshit...
John

nahavanda said...

@john

prognotfrog already assumes that visitors listen all the bands you mentioned as masterpieces. you count a few bands from czechoslovakia, any member of pnf can count you tens of bands from more than 100 countries each :) they are not only masterpieces but also classics that noone feel need to mention at prognotfrog.

this site is for people who would like to dive deep to ocean. otherwise progarchives waits you at the corner anytime.

isabelbc said...

Shige,
the vocals reminded me Ota Petrina!!
http://prognotfrog.blogspot.com.br/2007/08/ota-petrina-super-robot-checoslovaquia.html ♥

thank you again!! :o)

Tristan Stefan said...

people have such different tastes I've noticed, so many times I've heard people say such and such an album is a progressive masterpiece and I'm scratching my head thinking, this is ordinary rock, this is just simple jazz, etc., but I've learned we are all so passionate about what we love, there is often no agreement. Isn't this true? Of course, modry efekt is brilliant, but I must say when I heard this from shige, I thought it was brilliant especially as a concept album, and I told him he should post it, perhaps I was wrong to encourage it and for this I apologize. But certainly I won't stop saying something is brilliant if I think it is, what else can i go on?

Anonymous said...

@nahavanda

I believe that the way that Tristan answered left me with no questions at all...It's logical and very 'fair' I can say.
On the opposite you tried to take some kind of revenge :) That maybe explains your age too.
What exactly are you trying to prove by writing that "...any member of pnf can count you tens of bands from more than 100 countries each"??
So what? I can count more than this in my record collection and not in just "names of bands". What convinced you that I maybe know 2-3 czechoslovakian bands? But be honest I don't really care about what you think because your reply indicates your mind:))

Cheers wise man!
John

Anonymous said...

Kate said:
Nahavanda I think you're still swimming in the pool.
Let the others dive in the ocean for you.

nahavanda said...

@john

there are those situations, whatever you answer someone will always disagree.. i am not a native english speaker but i would like to share a lil story..

a man his son and their donkey on the street thru bazaar was walkin.. the people on the street saw them and say, what a lucky donkey he is and what kind of idiots that walk with the donkey instead of riding him.. father hears the that and put his son on donkey.. people on the way this time said, poor father walkin, arrogant son rides the donkey.. father then exchanged himself with son and started to ride the donkey..this time people said poor son walks..father rides.. at last father put his son on donkey too..they both on donkey thru the market.. few saw the situation and said, poor donkey 2 person rides the donkey with no mercy........

in 6 years of this blog i couldnt find a way to fullfill the desires of all people..

i read daily 20+ comments like this..
if this was my post, i would choose not to reply..

unlike me, Shige is a very honest person, and his post/review doesnt deserve to be labelled bullshit. thats why i reacted..

i am just 19 getting ready for the operation research analysis exam at uni. so wish me good luck. i dont know if it is young for you..

Tristan Stefan said...

I want to say one more thing that maybe some don't realize which is that shige is spending a lot of money on these rarities, more even than I would probably.
Actually two things, please remember without nahavanda this blog wouldn't exist.

Anonymous said...

What are you talking about? Should I be sorry about it? Anyway, I didn't force shige to spend any money.
I have also spent a fortune on rarities and still do.
Patrick.

nahavanda said...

Dear Patrick and John,

most probably you find this blog or fallowing this blog because of the reviews and downloads. as you notice we only send vinyls thats is previously discovered by a few people and/or no articles on other blogs and few ratings or no ratings on rateyourmusic.com for the album.


would you like to contribute the blog?
i am sure the whole community will be thankful..

if you would like to be editor just write the email adresses so you can be invited, otherwise
you can send the vinylrips links via contact form.

would be nice?

Pavel said...

Folks, some of you are probably failing to see this album in context of its time. But frankly, if you haven't lived behind the Iron Curtain in the 1970s, I can hardly blame you. :)

Keep the following in mind when you judge this LP for being or not being a "masterpiece": in 1975, each Czechoslovak record company has released only a *handful* (literally!) of more or less straight rock albums for the domestic market, because in 1975 rock was politically an absolute no-no! In other words: playing rock music was de facto considered a crime! (Ask the Plastic People Of The Universe for a 1st-hand experience with communist jailhouses…)

1975 rock releases on Supraphon:
• Modrý efekt & Radim Hladík (aka Benefit of R.H. for the export market)
• Neckář & Bacily "Tomu, kdo nás má rád"
• Schelinger & Čech "Báječní muži" (although there's a bunch of really silly bubblegum tracks as well)
As well as a couple of "crossover" jazzrock albums like Energit, or Václav Týfa's and Josef Vobruba's "Konstelace".

1975 rock releases on Panton:
• Petr Novák "Kráska a zvíře"
• Schelinger & Čech "Nemám hlas jako zvon" (but see above)
• Synkopy 61 "Formule 1" (a 10" mini album)
• Junior "Hledání radosti" (rather pop than rock)

1975 rock releases on Opus:
• Hammel & Prúdy "Hráč" (rather pop than rock)
• Collegium Musicum "Marián Varga & Collegium Musicum"
• Fermáta "Fermáta" (already more into jazz fusion than rock)

And that was about it for rock LPs in 1975 Czechoslovakia! (As far as I'm aware of; please correct me if I've missed any.)

In this context, already the sole act of having *released* a rock album at all can be called a "masterpiece". In 1975, this album was simply among the best domestic rock albums *available*.

As far as Petr Novák goes: formerly of George & Beatovens - one of the most popular and best selling 60s beat groups - he was probably the first true "rock star" in 1960s Czechoslovakia. Kráska a zvíře was simply an effort to trasfer his talent into the dark and ugly "socialistic reality" of the 1970s. And the guys have made the best of the unique chance which they had back then.

regards, Pavel (who already wrote the 1st "anonymous" comment at 8:00 AM)

Mit said...

Hi,Antony.
Thank you very much for your comments and explanation about this album.
I am so glad to know the concept about this album.
Sorry too much for the delay to your reply.

Tristan Stefan said...

Patrick, I think that if you realize he spends a lot of money on rarities, and you're still willing to criticize, that says a lot. He has the option to only share the rarities with friends privately too, not publicly here, perhaps that's the missing understanding here.

Mit said...

Hi,Pavel.
Your comments made my heart moving.
Great historical explanations about Czech rock scene in 1975.
Thank you very,very much!!!!!!!

Tristan Stefan said...

In Richard Dawkins' book "the selfish gene" he discusses at length the mathematics behind altruism, society, and the propagation of genes thru evolution... this explains for ex. why, when birds are monogamous, about 10-30 percent of males nonetheless try to or succeed in mating with other outside females, to spread their genes. Same in humans, of course, with about the same ratio of human infidelity. In societies, game theory predicts that most will cooperate but it is always the case that there will be selfish individuals taking advantage of the cooperation of others. There are punishments for this reason that are more severe than expected in all societies, especially for ex. in ant or bee societies. (An ant that tricks itself into another colony is severely destroyed.) When selfish individuals come to predominate due to the surrounding favourable ecology, the cooperators gain a benefit (obvious reasons), and eventually, come to predominate again. Thus a stable society always has a majority of law-abiding and a minority of non, purely for mathematical reasons. Interesting book.

Anonymous said...

For shige & Tristan,
I don't a give a damn on how much money shige spends...if he can spend more, then more power to him!
I think the way you're both put is a bit selfish.
So why shige buys rarities and then share them with us? I think we all know why...he's the victim who earns "congratulations" by uploading a not so expensive record.
Message for shige:
No thanks, I would never be a co-editor with you shige...If you challenge me in personal level, I will send you links from my ripped lp rarities that will blow up your ass.
So if you're interested leave your e-mail to send you the links so you can share them with your "fans". I think that would make you a hero!!
Bravo!
Patrick

nahavanda said...

i can make Galileo famous if you would like to patrick :o)

nahavanda said...

i dont know about shige, but send me all rarities pls:

nahavanda@prognotfrog.com

Mit said...

Hi,Patrick.Thanks for your reply.

>>>So why shige buys rarities and then share them with us? I think we all know why...he's the victim who earns "congratulations" by uploading a not so expensive record.

(LOL)You are right completely .You understand what I think inmy mind.Surprising !What a shrewd psychologicalanalyst you are !!!
Hats off to Patrick,mates ^^)

Antony said...

To the previous discussion:
Everyone has their opinion. Looking for interesting music here. There's a lot of musical treasures and rarities. We can choose. Digging deep into the ocean of music. What one likes another does not like. Offensive comments will not bring us anything positive.
Thanks to everyone what the Prognotfrog involved and looking forward to each new piece.

Mit said...

Hi,Antony .
Thank you very much for your warm-hearted comments.

Before UL here ,I listen to the album many times because I don't waste your precious time because we have much music to try all over the world,but our time is limited.
My philosophy is "to UL valuable music all over the world ".....might not expensive (sorry..Patrick !)
And "Kráska a zvíře"has NEVER been bored any time.
You had a GREAT artust named Petr Novák in your country !!!!!!!!!!!!!

muzicprog said...

Hi Mr.SHIGE Great upload and a zillion danks 4 dis "master opus"...yes it´s a master opus! coz da iron curtain in dese faraway and dark times isn´t a joke but a ominous reality.
Unfortunately da system finally broke petr Novak coz he died some time ago (in da 90´s) literally in da oblivion.
But no matter coz in dis blog he´ll live 4eva.
My li´l grain o´sand
Petr Novak "Kraska a zvire"
Label : Panton
Year: 1975

Line Up:

-Petr Novak: Lead vocal
-Vera Mazankova: Lead vocal, backing vocals
-Jiri Cerha and Ladislav Kantor (C & K Vocal): Backing vocals
-Bohuslav Janda: Electric and acoustic guitar
-Petr Formanek: Organ, electric piano, clavinet
-Oldrich Wajsar: Bass
-Jiri Slucka: Drums
Guests
-Jiri Tomex: congas
-Jan Neckar: Moog Synthesizer
-Hanna Frankova: Church organ
six stars and hats off!!!
MC.

Mit said...

Hi,MC,Antony,Pavel
Thanks for the info very much !!!

All of your informations are very useful ones.
May I use them from you in my text above ?

Antony said...

Shige,
sure, you can use my informations.
Here is translation of tracklist:
1. Tvář // The Face (2:42)
2. Jen v pohádkách I // Only in fairy tales I (3:16)
3. Knihovna // Library (3:27)
4. Kdybych uměl... // If I could... (2:15)
5. Jen v pohádkách II // Only in fairy tales II (0:39)
6. Východ z nouze // Way out of emergency (4:04)
7. Věř mi krásko // Believe me my beauty (3:07)
8. Knížky // Books (1:57)
9. Proč nejdeš ven // Why do not you go out (3:23)
10. Prstýnek // The Ring (1:03)
11. Týden dlouhý // Week long (2:33)
12. Snadné je zapomínat / Telegram // Easy to forget / Telegram (1:34)
13. Proč // Why? (3:19)
14. Kráska se vrací / Jen v pohádkách III // Beauty goes back / Only in fairy tales III (5:36)

Mit said...

Hk,Antony.
Thank you very much for your much effort and kindness.
I appreciate you a lot with my heart.

MC and Pavel,
I added your comments to my text above without your permission.
If you want me to delete them,tell me,please.
I will do at once.

Tristan Stefan said...

It's so unfortunate that the argument turned into this, I feel responsible for having thrown fuel onto the fire, and I really want to apologize for everything. I would delete what I said, but then, the whole discussion would become meaningless and strange. Also, the poor folks adding information on the record got crowded out, and it's too bad.

Mit said...

Hi,Tristan Stefan.
No problem.
Argument and discussion can make our brains younger.
We must be young....it's evidence of the youth that we can be hot to discuss with others (LOL)
I am so sad because I couldn't join your argument because of the indolence (not to study English very hard)

Buddhabreath said...

Thanks Shige, I like the record - and thanks to others who added information to help us appreciate the time and place from where it came esp. Pavel.

Cheers!

Buddhabreath

Pollux said...

...and I will simply say THANK YOU Master Shige you are very kind to share with us.

Mit said...

Hi,Buddhabreath.

>>>I like the record

Oh,do you ?Good !
I wonder why I feel much sad(almost fall my tears) when listening to this album...

Hi,Pollux.
Thanks for sharing your rare gems very much.
Your rip is always perfect.(seems to feel love in your rip)
I hope my rip will come closer to yours someday in the future.

Anonymous said...

Huge thanks to France, this illustrious room will soon join the blind-test of musiconaute.info (this blind-test becomes more difficult but do like the passionnés…). Nahavanda, websites, Munju, Isabel and the entire team, we give you thanks!

Oracus said...

Haven't heard it yet but judging from the comments must be an other great find! thanks a lot Shige!

Oracus

Oracus said...

Ok, I'm coming back as I'm listening to this devine voice! What a great language he's singing! I can recall loving it since I've heard Modry Efekt! Wonderful uplod once more!

Mit said...

Hi,Oracus.
thanks for the reply.
Digging obscures looks like finding out treasures.
It made us exciting a lot.
Even though they are not expensive =cheap ones,I will upload GEMS on and on and on.
Stay tuned !!!

Unknown said...

Wow what a beautiful music and design of this blog both are awesome

motorised curtain tracks
remote controlled curtains

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