ISTORIJA TI I JA

The third and the final chapter of GALIJA Trilogy was titled "History You and Me". Behind this silly and meaningless title lies the best of the Trilogy albums and perhaps the best GALIJA album since 1982 "Ipak verujem u sebe".

Although on the verge of imminent break-up, SFR Yugoslavia still existed back in Spring 1991, so the producer was a renowned Bosnian musician Niksa Bratos, the album was recorded in Montenegro's capital Podgorica (then still known as "Titograd"), while the mixing was done in Zagreb, Croatia. Notable guest appearances included Bora Dugić on traditional flute called "frula", former member Sasa Lokner on keyboards, bass player Slavisa Pavlović and the members of the mediaeval music ensemble RENESANS.

The album is generally more acoustic and folk oriented than its predecessors. "Trava" (Grass) brings an easy and pleasant acoustic guitars intro, accompanied by symphonic Gaelic-sounding keyboards and nice woodwinds (frula). The following "Proleće" (Springtime) starts with acoustic strings resembling "saz" or "sargija", with chorus nicely developed in a pop-rock fashion. Rhythm structure is obviously influenced by then trendy U2-like arrangements, which in this case is a compliment. "Trube" (Trumpets) is a piano-led ballad that made a great hit. Melody, although a bit cheesy, is very nice and with catchy chorus containing excellent harmony vocals. There are some great and effective guitar licks from Roscam too. GALIJA always mixed some blues/hard rocking tracks in earlier records, but "Pod noktima" (Under the Nails) may fool you into believing this is a ZZ TOP track! Typical boogie guitar riff accompanied with mouth harp makes transition to more R'n'B structured chorus perfect for dance clubs.

"Skadarska" contains lyrical lament over the sad destiny of once united country, but now at the threshold of the violent conflict. It is mainstream pop-rock tune but without too much pathetic. Acoustic guitar and flute brings it close to a folk- rock style, while the lines "I can't understand the division in a Balkanian way" sound more sincere than banal. "Posle vatre" (After the Fire) is the best moment on the album and this song is a perfect prog folk. Acoustic string instruments and woodwinds of RENESANS make it close to the more elaborated moments of PENTANGLE or AMAZING BLONDEL while excellent but short electric lead guitar touches even JETHRO TULL acrobatics. Had the band continued in this fashion through the end of the record this LP could have been a very good, even excellent one. Unfortunately, GALIJA did not have enough strength to wrap up this work in a more authentic and progressive way. Remaining tracks are weak and negligible despite excellent Roscam's slide guitar in "Seti se maja" (Remember the May).

Upon this album's release GALIJA played supporting Bob Dylan's concert in June 1991 at Zemun, while Jean-Jacques Roscam left the band before the war broke out in summer that year. "Istorija ti i ja" is a fairly good album with excellent production and arrangements although not all compositions are top quality. It is still recommended as occasional listen while taking break from the more demanding and sometimes stressful progressive rock.

PERSONAL RATING: 3,5/5

P.A. RATING: 3/5