Reviews reporting thread

Like VDGG, SBB rarely uses bass guitar and compositions comes from one man: the legendary Józef Skrzek (mainly keyboards and fantastic vocals; he also plays bass, guitar and a bit of drums - listen “Ojciec chrzestny...” 1980 solo; he plays all like Mike Oldfield). The comparison with VDGG could include the well succeeded self expression and a “cult” appeal that has no preoccupations with virtuoso playing. Comparisons stop here as the VDGG and SBB styles are completely different. SBB don’t uses saxophone but crafted guitar by Apostolis. The high SBB point to me, is its sincere self expression art; don’t expect perfect sound productions but highly original, floating (the synth use sometimes is on surreal electronic music side) and sentimental prog.

These next albums ratings are personal as I love SBB, so are biased, if you want virtuoso music go to another band; if you want pure true heart art, my rating can help. Back in 1988, in the SUBSOM store I was quite curious with that SBB vinyls with side long tracks and their awesome covers. I began buying that Muza blue label “Pamiec” (1975, ****1/2); then “Ze Slowem…” (4th album 197?,**** - it deserved better sound production) and Skrzek solo “Ojciec chrzestny…” (1980 ****- this is entirely prog with Skrzek playing all - it’s almost like another pos “ Memento z…”SBB record, recommended). Always getting happy, I bought also “Welcome” (1979, **** - its side 1 is a masterpiece and to me a classic, unfortunately side 2 is…weak) from wifon label vinyl. But was disappointed with Skrzek solo “Pamietnik Karoliny” (1978, **1/2).

Later my great Polish friend from PROGNET (2002 closed pionner reviews site), sent me many others SBB including “Memento Z…” (1980*****, prog as its best, their best sound production); “Follow my Dream” (1977***- recorded in Hannover, unfortunately their try to reach international market failed, but remember Hungarian OMEGA succeeded at german bacillus label) ); “Slovenian Girls” (197?,****) and other live acts like “Karlstad” (1975 ***1/2 all material here is new).

My good memories now : By the year 1988 there was a record shop here in Rio de Janeiro SUBSOM discos, where we could always see many SBB, Jósef Skrzek, M EFEKT and SYNKOPY vinyl’s been sold (and they were not very expansive). From SBB I only knew “Pamiec”; “Slovenian Girls” side 2; “Welcome” side 1 and “Memento Z…” I had taped from LUCKY prog radio program called ROCK LASER which played very well selected worldwide prog mainly from unknown bands. All Sundays I was there taping from 22:00 to 0:00, from 1985 to around 1987 (believe me, it was a high level 2 hours prog radio program in the mid 80’s !!) I could discover many gems thanks to ROCK LASER and their fantastic producers. My Thanks to you guys.

When I saw the DVD of Pink Floyd “making of Dark Side of the Moon”, David Gilmour (at track about “money” cut) says the sensation of emptiness after getting the goal of making money; Roger Waters, quite sincere, also declares they were working to make money. Sad. I guess the good news from Iron Curtain prog is that musicians don’t have to care so much with sales, but just concentrate to produce finest independent ART. As “Welcome” awesome cover picture says it all about SBB : Absolute free wings to the ears and mind. I can't type for backbone problems must stop here.

God in heart to all beings !