MUSTAPHA / DEAD ON TIME

Mustapha/Dead On Time is a Yugoslav-release single, and quite emotionally attached to my heart. I really doubt Mustapha charted anywhere else in the world, but in these parts it was quite popular tune: a mixture of (good) rock music with some Middle Eastern spleen; the fusion was very similar to a Balkan coffee bar attitude, moreover, there's a sound of broken glass.

Regardless the implications, the song itself is quite unique rock song - aforementioned clash of musical universes was heard before, but rarely in a pop format. A brilliant idea for a song, both technically good and catchy.

The B side comprises of Dead On Time, one of the most complex, heaviest, and arguably one of the best songs from the 'Jazz' album, perhaps those superlatives could be applied in a perspective of entire band's catalogue. With it's great guitar hook, it blends perfectly with 'Mustapha', while remaining a consistent pair. It's a reason I'm giving this single such a high rating. Well done, Jugoton label.