1969-1989

Rather unexpected Modry Efekt has become one of my favorite prog bands of all time. I did not really see it coming but there you go. From a known entity to a well loved band in a matter of Days, I have now listened to them without interruption for about two months, constantly overwhelming me with joy.

Modry Efekt managed in their relatively brief existence, as far as recordings go anyway, to be musically progressive in a way not many other bands can claim to be in a lifetime. From their first blues album in 1969, to their second free form jazz recording, straight into the realms of orchestrated jazz rock and finally (which is my favorite period of the band, the fullblown symphonic prog of the latter half of the 70's. Just imagine, going from pretty standard (but by no means inferior) blues rock to almost inpenetrable free form jazz rock on their second. There's a career move that could send any band to an early grave.

Where to start, then, if you are interested in Modry Efekt? Well, why not start with this box? It is actually both the best way and certainly a very affordable way to get into the band. Get the box and listen to "Modry Efekt & Radim Hladik" first. In my opinion this record is their greatest and holds the past and their future in the most gloriuos way.

You could argue that there are no liner notes in English and you might think it is a shame that the box is void of live recordings and frankly, yes. I do see the point and how great wouldn't it be if the liner notes were bilingual? But then again, information can be found on the internet and live recordings could well be found elsewhere. This box is more of "The complete Modry Efekt" than anything else. There are no bonus tracks, except for the ninth CD which holds singles and other stuff. That makes these complaints obsolete, in my opinion. What you have is the collected works of Modry Efekt, one of the most brilliant and progressive bands of all time. They are simply outstanding, able to match anything the great bands of the 70's could produce and keeping it personal and unique, at the same time looking for inspiration as well finding a path of their own.

While not every album enclosed here are five star records, the sum of it all renders it an essential part of any prog fan's collection. It highlights one of prog's most enjoyable and interesting bands. If you are interested in Modry Efekt, don't wait. Just get the box, why don't you? If you are interested in prog from the old Eastern block, get the box. If you like jazz rock and prog, just get the damn box! You won't regret it. I know I won't.