Вершки и корешки - Гражданская оборона
"Вершки и корешки" (translation: "Tops and Roots") is a song by the Russian punk rock band Гражданская оборона (Grazhdanskaya Oborona). The song was written by the band's frontman, Egor Letov, and was released in 1994 as part of their album "Русское поле экспериментов" (Russian field of experiments). The theme of the song revolves around the concept of roots and identity, with the lyrics exploring the idea of staying true to one's origins and not losing sight of where one comes from. The song also delves into the struggle of maintaining one's authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. Musically, "Вершки и корешки" features a raw and aggressive sound characteristic of punk rock, with distorted guitars and energetic drumming driving the song forward. The vocals are delivered with a sense of urgency and passion, adding to the overall intensity of the track. One notable fact about the song is that it has become a staple in the Russian punk rock scene, with its powerful lyrics and rebellious spirit resonating with fans of the genre. "Вершки и корешки" has been praised for its raw energy and uncompromising attitude, making it a standout track in Гражданская оборона's discography.
Гражданская оборона
Гражданская оборона, also known as Civil Defense, was a Russian punk rock band formed in Omsk in 1984 by the iconic frontman Yegor Letov. The band quickly gained a reputation for their raw and politically charged lyrics, as well as their DIY approach to music production. Letov, a self-taught musician and poet, was heavily influenced by Western punk rock bands such as The Sex Pistols and The Clash. He used music as a platform to express his dissatisfaction with the Soviet regime and the oppressive political climate in Russia at the time. Despite facing constant harassment from the authorities, Гражданская оборона continued to produce music and gain a loyal following among dissidents and underground music fans. Their songs often touched on themes of social injustice, government corruption, and the struggle for freedom and individuality. One of the band's most famous albums, "Настройщик" (The Tuner), released in 1988, was a seminal work that solidified their place in Russian music history. The album featured tracks like "Всё идет по плану" (Everything is going according to plan) and "Колхозный панк" (Collective farm punk) that became anthems for the disaffected youth of the era. Гражданская оборона's impact on Russian music cannot be overstated. They were pioneers of the punk rock scene in Russia and paved the way for countless other artists to use music as a form of protest and social commentary. Their uncompromising attitude and fearless creativity inspired a new generation of musicians to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Despite Letov's untimely death in 2008, the legacy of Гражданская оборона lives on through their music, which continues to resonate with listeners who seek truth and authenticity in a world filled with hypocrisy and oppression. They remain an enduring symbol of resistance and defiance in the face of adversity.