KORNELYANS: NOT AN ORDINARY LIFE

Kornelije Kovac was obviously quite dissapointed by both a poor result of a smash hit "Moja generacija" at the Eurovision contest of 1974 and a lack of success to hit the Western market with this prog album so that he decided to disband KORNI GRUPA at the end of 1974. "Not an Ordinary Life" was recorded and released in Italy by Ricordi label, the lyrics were sung in English, while Island Records took responsability for the English- speaking market. However, album reportedly sold only some 10 000 copies due to poor advertising. Looking from distance, it was underrated at the time and neglected by domestic public but surely it is worth listening. This album was made under clear influence from YES and GENESIS style prog, especially noticeable in the first two songs - instrumental "Rising" and the title track. Then we have two re-recorded songs - "Generation 42" is an English version of the Eurovision hit "Moja generacija", slightly extended and slowed down here, and "Fall Off the Land of Women" which appeared on the first album as "Bezglave ja-ha horde". They are not so bad but the originals were better, for me as a non-English native the translation did not make it. "Temporary Parting" is a piano/organ based instrumental with some nice Chris Squire-like bass lines, while the final "Man With the White Flag" is a not much inspired lengthy piece with some good Bocek guitar solo. This song would re-surface in a live version on the farewell album "Mrtvo more" the following year. Finally this is a good and well-produced effort (the first Yugoslavian rock album to be recorded in the West!) from the legendary prog-rockers and is recommended to English-speaking listeners, although English singing is weaker segment of the album.