For those that do not know the classics, the title here is outright theft. From a great 1957 Chuck Berry number. Frankly, the slimster has been doing too much of the first, staggering along during our seemingly never-ending pandemic. Not enough of the second – the clubs are closed, concerts are cancelled, and even when it was the case for a while somewhat accessible, they were not the most enjoyable events in this culture of fear, facing off with reckless disregard for common sense. All is now done online for safety’s sake. Hence ‘twas stimulating to encounter yet another really good rock’n’roll song created in Estonia by talented musicians. Thanks to a crony, (actually a croniette, need those in life as well) not surprised that the enforced isolation has brought renewed contact with many. Guess we all need that human touch.
Spending far too much time staring at the commanding screen these days. some favourite sites have emerged. One such being the state broadcaster ERR, the Estonian equivalent of our CBC but way less politically correct. Do not know how these aging eyes missed a feature in November, about the quarterfinals of Eesti Laul, where the winner earns the right to compete in Eurovision.
Which is a bloated, narcissistic event, usually not worth paying attention to. Mean old Slim will point out that ABBA was the first-ever winner. Which fact says it all. But Eesti Laul has demonstrated the talents of a small nation; often the winner is not even the best to make it to the international competition. But hey, there is no accounting for taste, as evidenced by the incredible appeal (for some) of the above-named Swedish quartet. As an aside, if anyone has heard ABBA’s recent release, the first of new material in 40, yes forty years, titled “Voyage,” it is confirmation that they are not talented at all, simply able to catch what the mainstream wants. Insipid melodies and vocals, “Voyage” deserves an emphatic pass.
A cranky old man digresses. There was a fantastic hard rock tune played on ERR’s focus on Eesti Laul’s quarterfinals, aired November 21st of last year. A driving guitar, intense vocals, determined percussion and, most importantly, excellent lyrics. Playing word games is not an Estonian-only skill, but our poets and lyricists have long confirmed how our beautiful language allows, nay even propels creative people into puns, wisecracks and thankfully also beautiful, deep reflections about not only the mundane, but also the significant.
The song that caught the most attention was performed by Boamadu. The serious hard rockers (serious musically, the histrionics are part of the performance) have all the ingredients necessary for the genre, including long hair and tats. Their composition “Mitte kauaks” (Not for long) was voted into the semifinals by listeners calling in. Paring down from the 20 semifinalists, a staggering number, actually, will take place from February third to the fifth. Eurovision itself, usually a pass here, are to be held in May.
Boamadu is from northeastern Estonia, Ida-Virumaa. The band has, over the years as is to be expected from a band formed in high school, gone through numerous personnel changes. The only remaining founder is Rox (Roger Erikson) on bass and vocals. Pets (Peeter Priks) and Keith (Mutvei) are on guitar and vocals. Percussionist and energetic drummer Veli (Rooger) lays down a solid base for the hard-rocking quartet.
The group’s name was inspired by a “girl-band”, (how sexist, but still in use), Anaconda. The rockers went to the next letter in the alphabet – hence Boamadu.
Estonian is rich in interesting phrases. Tule eile meile, võta homne leht kaasa (Come visit us yesterday, bring tomorrow’s newspaper) is one such expression, from Estonian folklore. Its meaning is subjective. It is an impossibility, much like passing a camel through the eye of a needle. Boamadu uses this line in the refrain to great effect. The other lyrics are also sure to bring a smile - clever and witty. It does take a few listens to catch them all. But hey, with a finger-snappin’ song like this, it is a pleasure to repeat it on YouTube. If Boamadu does not make it to Eesti Laul’s finals it would be a travesty. The song is that catchy.
But do not take the slender one’s word for it. Boamadu has their own website, other songs on YouTube. This song is already a winner for one music lover. Do check this energetic Estonian band out. The Nuustaku lad is sure that you will agree.
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