This year the slender one had an additional resource of songs, garnered at Suvihari, the marvelous Seedrioru event. Not only did wonderful Estonian maidens sing like angels there, reminding one of favourites but at the sales counter of books, memorabilia and music the lean machine purchased two CDs for but a toonie each. Summer music for sure. The first was Mati Nuude’s greatest hits. The champion weightlifter during Soviet occupation (trained by another champ, of Wabariik era, Alfred Neuland) turned singer, first with the legendary band Apelsin (meaning Orange) followed by a solo career was rightfully popular. His early departure from our mortal coil in 2001 was marked in Toronto as well, with a wonderful concert at our belated Estonian House, organized by the incomparable Estonian patriot Vaado Sarapuu. A great buy, been on the player since early July.
The other? Parimad õllelaulud (best beer songs, the CD is from 1999, can you believe it?), essentially a fun collection of the obvious songs like Õllepruulija (brewer) as well as those against drinking, such as the one pleading, father, please do not drink tonight. (Sind ainult palun isa!), presented here in a tasteful rendition by Boris Lehtlaan. Indeed properly consumed, though on some summer days it is hard to stop at one brewski, a tasty cold one with great tunes makes for a memorable evening. Many such from the misbegotten youth came back with this disc, once again justifying heading off to the Brewer’s Retail. Whoops, popular demand saw a rebrand to simply the Beer Store, guess the scrawny splinter, scalawag is showing his age.
The CD in question proves that good songs, like good beer never go flat. It also had some curious selections that raised eyebrows among some friends. One wondered – what was Põdra maja (The moose house) doing on the recording? It has nothing to do with drinking, beer or otherwise. Apparently, unknown to these ears, as it was recorded by an adult (Vello Orumets) that tune debuted sung by a children’s choir on the extremely popular 1968-70 Estonian TV show Entel-tentel. Meant for the school-age, beloved by their parents as an inspiration and also calming influence. A stimulus to getting the young‘uns to sing. As if Estonians ever needed inspiration to let their voices billow forth.
Drinking songs can, of course, be not only rowdy, but also praising extreme consumption. Such as Joo sõber joo (drink, friend, drink). For John Barleycorn should not be encouraged. This was emphasized well by Jack London, ironically known for writing for the teenaged reader, in his autographical novel of that name. It dealt with his enjoyment of drinking. As well as the struggles with alcoholism that followed. London, by the bye, was the first to write about pink elephants, seen while drunk.
Nevertheless many of us, more temperate than London was do enjoy a chilled pint or two along with hearty song. Which the majority of Estonian drinking songs do happen to be. The ones that one mottled mind remembers beyond those found on this disc.
Estonians, as the above confirms are no slouches at drinking beer. A good summer is measured by carousing cheerfully, passing the juniper communal wooden stein (perhaps not a good idea in this day and age) and starting a new song, knowing that everyone around knows the words.
The last cut on this gem is performed by the Külakutid (village dudes, or blokes, chaps, take your pick of what to call party boys), to the tune made famous by a classic movie, The River Kwai March. Also known as Colonel Bogey, this melody has inspired quite a few versions with Estonian lyrics. To the beer-drinker, how best to end the evening and the recording with Mamma, ma tahan (Momma, I neeeed to…)? Yup, pissile, or piddle. How appropriate after a few jars and in preparation for a dry(er) fall.
OTEPÄÄ SLIM
