ULAZAK U HAREM - PLAVA PESMA

In light of commercial success of their second studio album "Crna dama" issued on PGP RTB, their previous label RTV Ljubljana decided to assemble a compilation, obviously in order to capitalize on SMAK's popularity. "Ulazak u Harem/Plava pesma" ("Enter the Harem"/"Blue Song") LP contains songs taken from early singles and EPs, two tracks from the debut "Smak" and one instrumental ("Oro") taken from Radomir Mihajlovic Tocak's first solo album. While the selection of tracks is always subject to debate, this serves a purpose of capturing and condensing the essence of this period in the band's career. Most tracks are heavy, folk-inspired blues rock with occasional elements of jazz and funk where you can hear Tocak's talents and technique of guitar playing, while he was building a cult of "guitar hero" status in ex Yugoslavia. Only "Plava pesma" is a soft jazz ballad and it was taken from "Crna dama" album, marking a bridge to more elaborated fusion territory that they would purse in the years to come. Recommended collection of early SMAK works, if you can find it because it is quite a rarity nowadays.

This is a compilation or greatest hits album I guess you could say put out by their previous label to capitalize on the success of SMAK's second album. As Seyo mentions they used songs from the debut along with tracks from early EPs and singles. This is very much hit and miss for me and mostly the latter.

"Ulazak U Harem" is one of two tracks that I really enjoy. We get a steady beat with the guitar playing over top. This song would show up on their excellent third album. "Sumadijski Blues" is a smoldering blues number and it's a slow burner folks with vocals. Wyatt-like vocal melodies before 4 minutes as well. "El Dumo" is a ballad- like track with floating organ and vocals. Tasteful guitar 2 minutes in that goes on and on. "Mracni Mol" was on their debut and we get some raunchy guitar and passionate vocals here. "Oro" is a short uptempo instrumental with some good drum work.

"Plava Posma" is from their classic "Crna Dama" record and my other favourite. Just a beautiful track. "Ljudi Nije Fer" has strummed guitar as the vocals join in. A beat with organ follows as vocals continue. "Perle" is from the debut album. The guitar makes a noise as the vocals and a beat join in after a minute. Not a fan really. "Slikar Sa Pikadlija" is catchy with vocals and we get a good guitar solo before 2 minutes. "Satelit" is a commercial sounding song. Very catchy with vocals.

3 stars for this one and a good snapshot of their beginnings.