PRVO SVETLO NEOBICNOG ZIVOTA

Normally, any compilation album of a progressive music artist would not be of high estimation, in my opinion, since there is no way to collect "greatest hits" from the works for which the album format is so imminent, even obligatory if you want. But this one is different. KORNI GRUPA composed several pioneering progressive songs which never made it onto an album, thus justifying this collection as a unique "best of" the "progressive side" of the band. "Divlje jagode" is closer to hard rock and it even made the single B-side in 1974. Of particular interest are two lengthy tracks recorded with Dado Topic as lead singer, from around the year 1970, "Prvo svetlo u kuci broj 4" and a live version of "Jedna zena", which were quite avant-garde in those times. Popular ballad "Etida" was conceived in the same period but this version is taken from the 1973 single, sung by Zlatko Pejakovic. Finally, three songs are taken from the two studio albums - the band's tour de force "Put na istok" from the eponymous debut, while "Not an Ordinary Life" is represented by the title track and "Generation 42". This is a very good collection and is highly recommended to the first-time listeners of KORNI GRUPA as well as to the collectors. Of course, since this is a compilation, cannot be judged as "masterpiece".

This is a compilation of their best and most progressive works in their golden years 1971- 1974. Korni grupa (aka Kornelyans) were one of the first progressive rock groups in former Yugoslavia. The mastermind of the band was Kornelije Kovac who was playing keybords and composing the music. First 3 songs are mostly epic jazz-rock (the longest is 17 minutes) and Hendrix inspired blues-rock tracks with shifting moods and some room for improvisation. Analog synth is used only sparingly and symphonic composition serves only as a short transition between longer parts. Next songs are more symphonic while still retaining the jazz and blues feel. "Etida" is a classical inspired symphonic rock track from start to finish. Other symphonic progressive rock tracks are "Not An Ordinary Life" and "My Generation" which was qualified for Eurosong Contest. The song was too ambitious for Eurovision thus it wasn't placed high... The group must have been a convincing live act as we can hear from the extended live version of "Jedna zena". This song also features vocalist Dado Topic (Time) and shows the band in its top form. Last track "Moj bol" is in the style of first 3 songs. If you want to explore Korni grupa this compilation is the best place to start!

This is a compilation album that was released in 1996. KORNI GRUPA only put out three studio albums (in the seventies) but they released a lot of singles.This compilation combines both sides of the band as we get three singles (one of them done live) and four of their more Progressive tracks. Of the four proggy tunes only one of them isn't on the first or second album, so even to hear this one song will make this worth seeking out if your a KORNI GRUPA fan. It's also the longest song on here as well at around 17 minutes.

"Put Na Astok" is from their debut album and is probably the one I like the most. I won't get into details considering i've just reviewed this track. "Divija Jagode" was a B-Side single and is an uptempo track with vocals and some excellent guitar. "Prvo Svelto U Kuci Broja 4" is the one track worth hearing for Prog fans who already have their first two studio albums.This is an unreleased track that has some great moments. It is kind of bluesy though and I don't like the vocals before 2 minutes but the guitar shines.

"Etida" is the one song I dislike. An A-side single but it's too ballad-like for my tastes. "Jedna Zena" is actually the B-Side song to the previous single but this is live so they've stretched it out to around 12 1/2 minutes. The final two songs are from their second studio album called "Not An Ordinary Life". "Generation" is average but I do like the final self titled track. It sounds like a cross between Zappa and WIGWAM.

Sure this would be a good place to check out how this band sounds but I still think the debut studio album is their best and the place i'd recommend you begin.