A common marketing strategy by recording artists is to release “best of’ or retrospective compilations. The financial aim is obvious, but it also allows the music fan to get an overview of the development of a style, as well as gathering better known cuts onto a disc. The country infused folk rock genre, best exemplified by Apelsin, Justament and early Ivo linna is justifiably popular in Estonia, transcending traditional generational lines. Young and old, all can enjoy these tunes. One immediately identifiable voice in country rock is Henry Laks, whose retrospective album Läbi aja (Through time) reached this desk late last year. Laks is known for both solo work as well as being the leader of the band Seitsmes Meel, very popular among the younger set in the early 90’s. This disc is a fine addition to any collection of popular Estonian music, 19 cuts that were recorded between 1988 and 2000. Stylistically the most powerful are the ones written and recorded in collabortion with the late and greatly missed Alo Mattiisen. “Kaliraud”, sung to the throbbing beat of Jew’s harp has a powerful connection to the runic folksongs of our ancestors. “Sõites tasa üle silla” has long been a peronal favourite; it was a pleasure to rediscover it again on this CD. The most recent cut, “Peegel”, from 2000 shows Laks’ musical development while retaining the originality that gained him his audience. The disc is weakest, ironically, in the work of Seitsmes Meel, the chosen cuts were recorded in English. Frankly, there is nothing more annoying that can ruin an otherwise fine tune than that infernal Estonian-English accent. “Lovewalking” has considerable musical merit but Laks had not mastered the necessary American inflection, but he is hardly alone here, many popular Estonian musicians suffer from the same inflection affliction. (Is that why Dave Benton was “imported” for the Eurovision contest entry....?) Sorry Henry, stick to your strengths. Laks has always been blessed by good producers, here represented by Sven Grünberg, Maido Maadik and Teet Kehlmann. The master was pressed at Orbital Vox, the studio that seems to be churning out the best of new estonian music. Engineering work by Tanel Roovik is professional and smooth. The sleeve photography is nothing special, but the back cover is: Henry Laks’ own artwork from 2000, “Noor ja vana” (Young and old) with the following couplet from Laks’ 1990 cut “Elada endale” (Living for myself): “Elada endale - elutu, teenida teisi -tulevik.” (To live for oneself - lifeless, to serve others - the future).This positive message sums up the consistent message found in Laks’ music. Word has it that the CD is available from the Appletree Gift Shop in the T.O. E-House, or check out the label’s website
www.topten.ee if you are not a Toronto denizen Recommended. OTEPÄÄ SLIM
