Atas

Coming out of one of the roughest parts of Moscow, Lyube hit the sweet spot with Russian listeners in the 90's because their nostalgic songs about Mother Russia, patriotism, heroic Spetznatz soldiers, the hardships of war and the joys of red-cheeked country girls coincided with the first wave of disillusionment with Gorbachev's changes, when many Russians began to feel they had been thrown to the wolves, and longed for the lost past.But there is much more to it than that. From the first, they have blended punk-oriented rock with traditional Russian regional music - massed male choirs, brass bands, tinkling balalaikas, stirring melodies and all the rest - to produce a folk-rock sound that is immensely pleasurable to listen to. You will not find a better collection of tunes anywhere. The musicianship is excellent and the dance-friendly music will have you stomping your boots and calling for more vodka.But perhaps the real reason I love these guys so much is because, just when you are feeling sorry for the weeping bear, burying its tear-stained muzzle in paws, a ferocious red eye gleams at you from between the sharp claws."Atas" is an early album, I think, but as good as any of them.If you ever get a chance to buy any of Lyube's albums, don't hesitate, tovarich. These Russkis are fantastic, believe me.