Výběr* – Výběr

Supraphon Release Information

An anniversary reedition of the second album released but actually the third album made by Pražský Výběr! Following 1978’s jazzrock Žízeň (Thirst) and the long-banned 1988 Straka v hrsti (Magpie in the Bag), this 1987 recording bears witness to the musical and lyrical progress of Kocáb, Pavlíček and Čok, ed by Kryšpín, who had replaced Hrubeš as percussionist after the latter said good-bye to the country of “real socialism”.

In comparison with the previous album, with attractive daft rock-punk and otherwise eclectic music, supplemented by lyrics reminiscent of Dada rhymes, this disc was created by more mature artists when it comes to the music and lyrics alike. At the time, Kocáb was collaborating on the Hapka / Horáček album Penzión Svět (World Boarding House), and perhaps this was one of the reasons for his vocal parts acquiring the form of messages, underlined on stage by expressive costumes and masks. The songs Tatrman, Chvastoun, Snaživec, Smolař, Člověk bez talentu, Papíry straší, Tyhle řeči znám and Hrály dudy are among the famous “perestroika” errands, accompanied by brilliant instrumental performances and arrangements, also making use of modern synthesiser technologies.

At the time, the splendidly working band faced an essential dilemma concerning its future, since Pavlíček was absorbed in the Stromboli project, Kocáb made solo albums, and both of them had great stage projects on their minds. This album shows the band’s progress from perhaps just a new wave stylistic exercise to a mature and serious rock statement. Current sonic remastering and an innovated sleeve help the music prove that the topic is still strong a quarter of a century later.