"Oktobar 1864" (1987)

One of the most refreshing and fascinating pop bands that came from 1980s Belgrade music scene, Oktobar 1864 were decidedly cult artists who flourished with passionate, urban following - they were never commercial enough to be embraced on national level by mainstream audience - and its exactly this high level of musicianship that perhaps worked against them initially but makes this debut album sound so interesting 30 years after its release. Compared with other than-current stars who were far more commercially viable, these guys were actually modest with handful of albums and few minor hits but than again, almost all big stars flirted with folk and gimmicks, while Oktobar 1864 never strayed from their path.

Listening it today - with greatest pleasure, as it brings memories - I am surprised how good it all sounds, almost better than what I remember. Synthesizers and production place it straight in 1980s and music is kind of reminiscent of 1980s pop swing of Matt Bianco only much moodier, whatever misgivings I had back than about extremely vague and impressionistic lyrics, they are perfectly fine now as their generic quality guarantee certain timelessness and because there were no short-living, attention-grabbing gimmicks, they appear fresh as yesterday. Besides obvious stab at big hit (cover of Four Tops) the rest of material is surprisingly strong although nothing here spells chart appeal - its all about swagger and attitude, moody late night club music for hipsters and occasional jazzy flourish (guys are excellent players) that aged surprisingly well as it was never overplayed. Back than, as today, my main object of fascination was girl singer Tanja Jovićević who must have been the best new female voice around (very soon she will be voted best singer of the year) and what she brings to music - her tone suggest seduction, strength and power all at once - cannot be underestimated or even imagined with anybody else, she was that good. Some 30 years on, I actually remember all the lyrics and can sing along.