HIR, HIR, HIR

After the American MOR/AOR excursion that resulted in a poor LP "Made in USA", Josipa Lisac returned both to Yugoslavia and to a more basic rock approach. "Hir, hir, hir" (Her Caprices) was released in 1980 and hit the charts immediately with several popular and strong rock songs.

"Magla" (The Fog) is a slow rock ballad with memorable solo guitar parts and beautiful vocal harmonies, which remained one of her best-known hits. "Ne budi lud" (Don't Be Foolish) and "Mister gaf" (Mister Guff) are indebted to the New Wave/Reggae sounds that dominated the international pop scene at the turn of the decades. Unlike many mediocre or superficial efforts of that kind in Yugoslavia, however, both songs are enough decent, catchy, playful and danceable to sustain attention of a listener or a dancer. The latter song also contains a nice and effective horns and clarinet solo which makes it standing out from numerous copycat reggae attempts.

"Make Up" in return provides us with a strong hard rock riff, which shows that Josipa could handle this type of songs as well. "Knock Down" is somewhat sub-standard boogie rock enforced with brass section that nonetheless became a huge hit. The following, title track was also a chart-topper but this time it is easily the best song on the album. Acoustic guitar and congas introduce a bluesy folk- rock tune accompanied by unexpected violin solo. Josipa sings about the gossiping culture of the society that every her individualist, particularly feminine fashion-statement or act dismissed right away as her "caprice" and nothing else. Along with piano/clavinet- driven "Rendez-vous sa Sotonom" (Rendezvous with Satan), which in the second part segues into a fusion style fretless bass solo, "Hir, hir, hir" will probably most satisfy prog listeners looking for something else than a simple 3-minute rock tunes.

This good and unpretentious album was produced and composed by Karlo Metiko?, Josipa's long time partner, while Branimir ?ivković (ex-TIME, GRUPA 220) was musical director and arranger. Cover photo could have been better although the blue design was enhanced by atypical (at least in Yugoslavia back then) cut-corner lyrics sheet insert. This LP is not crucial in terms for progressive rock standards but it is decent enough to be recommended.

PERSONAL RATING: 3,5/5

P.A. RATING: 3/5