Art Rock Line 1971-1985 - 2 CD

This two-disc compilation presents 150 minutes of sophisticated Czech and Slovak rock from the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, when musicians who had previously played youthful big beat developed into confident instrumentalists tackling more complex subjects in both music and lyrics. The international development of concept albums, extended compositions and elaborate stage presentations also left its mark on local recordings. Prague’s traditionally important rock scene was joined by bands from Brno and Bratislava, drawing respectively on vocal music and the exceptional talents of their instrumentalists. The 36 recordings come from the catalogues of Supraphon, Panton and Opus. Alongside the best-known art-rock groups Blue Effect, Synkopy, Barnodaj/Progres and Collegium Musicum, the collection also features Fermata, Super-robot, Abraxas, C&K Vocal, and distinctive work by Ursiny and Spálený. Album and stage projects by Olympic and Petr Novák complete this portrait of a difficult era for rock, overcome through quality Czech lyrics and a greater use of less provocative instrumental passages. The recordings are digitally remastered, and the booklet looks back at the art-rock era and its striking cover designs.