Communist Czechoslovakia, 1968: within a month of a Soviet invasion that squashed the reforms and rights introduced during the Prague Spring, the underground scene sees the formation of its new non-conformist symbol, the Plastic People of the Universe, an avant-garde group of rockers with a Frank Zappa and Velvet Underground-influenced sound. After a plethora of arrests, jail time and deportations, the Plastic People are now widely thought to be the greatest Czech band of all-time, and if you’re looking for proof that these guys are badasses, consider that they have a song called “The Song Of Fafejta Bird About Two Unearthly Worlds” and another called “The Universe Symphony And Melody About Plastic Doctor (Part 1),” that’s twelve minuteslong. A bizarre rock concoction unafraid to use clarinet, contrabass and the Czech language, the Plastic People are a post-modern experience unto themselves, before you even realize this music not only challenged the man, but actually defeated it. (Andy Seifert)
Cool Aid: A Review of Situation Chicago 2 The album does an outstanding job of bringing home the staggering sonic and stylistic range we deny ourselves when we return too often to the same genre well.
