Sankt Peterburg II - Ocharovana, Okoldovana (1996) Azart Records

It is the first full-length CD by this band published in Russia and it is even harder to get than „Sankt Peterburg“ CD released only in Japan! Believe me, it is the stuff worth hunting for!

The opener is „Russkaya zvezda“ („Russian Star“) - one of the greatest hits by Sankt Peterburg II! Undoubtedly, it is a hyper-hit played in the vein of Scandi-AOR with fantastic melodiousness and vocal lines. The composer of the music for this track is Andrey Lobanov, and lyrics were written by Vladimir Trushin. It has got exquisite chorus and crystalline production. It is very accessible song sending shivers down my spine! „Shag navstrechu“ („A Step To Meet“) was published on „Sankt Peterburg“ CD in 1991. It is a melodic rock track played at average tempo. It includes rich keyboard sound and is very approachable.

I’d like to write much about the third track „Ocharovana, okoldovana“ („Enchanted, bewitched“), since there is a fascinating story behind the song. Alexander Lobanovskiy (born in 1935) is its composer. The author of lyrics is Nikolay Zabolotskiy (1903-1958). Zabolotskiy wrote a poem of the same title, however its original verses were modified by Vladimir Trushin. There was also another negative „hero“ behind the track. I mean Mikhail Zvezdinskiy. His real last name is Deynekin („Gwerzdyński“ in Polish), however his ancestors were of Polish origin. Mikhail’s forefathers moved to Peterburg in 1861. He was born in a prison, and an unidentified doctor carried him away in secret. Mikhail’s parents were regarded as the enemies of communist regime. His father died in a camp on his mother’s hands. It was in times when Josef Stalin was in power. All people who fought against his regime were treated alike. His tragic childhood surely affected his future life. In 1974, he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for a rape on his Italian ex-girlfriend. Mikhail then granted that it was one of the greatest faults in his life. In 1980, he was arrested on a charge of illegal concert activity. After 8 years of imprisonment, he came back to Moscow. But it was not the end of his problems. Mikhail had troubles with criminal circles (what a paradox!). Once upon a time, his first wife Nonna stopped a car (make: Skoda) to go shopping. When she came back from the shopping, one of tires was punctured. An unknown man offered her help and she obviously agreed, since there was not a living soul around. After driving away, she noticed there wasn’t her purse in the car. It was stolen by the man who seemed to be so „obliging“. What’s worse, the stolen handbag included fees for the musicians Mikhail played with. Some other time Mikhail lent his Volkswagen Golf equipped with two anti-theft systems to an acquaintance, but the car was stolen in any case, not to mention it was the same with his studio equipment. Mikhail Zvezdinsky spent 16 years in prisons and labour camps altogether. He tried to ascribe himself the authorship of the song „Ocharovana, Okoldovana“. In 1990, Alexander Lobanovskiy turned to a court in order to confirm his authorship. The court’s verdict was favourable for Lobanovskiy, however Zvezdinsky stuck in many Russians’ minds as a plagiarist. Some others appreciate his jazz and pop songs, excusing him with his unhappy childhood. What’s interesting, he recorded an album in 1994 and called it „Ocharovana, okoldovana“!

Coming back to Sankt Peterburg II’s „Ocharovana, okoldovana“, it is a wondrous love ballad. Vladimir Trushin’s voice can be described as longing, imploring, affectionate and even bit sentimental. Another ballad is „Russkie“ („Russians“ - also appeared on „Sankt Petersburg“ CD). It is distinguished by a swell voice that is perfectly modulated and can be regarded as the lead instrument in this song. Although the guitar solo is short, it is simply brilliant! The consecutive track „Zabud menya“ also appeared on „Sankt Petersburg“ CD as „Forget Me“. It is the same with „Tayna“ („Mystery“) - the ballad with a stunning keyboard passage. This is not the end of the tracks which were put on „Sankt Petersburg“ CD. S. Pokrass’ and A. Daktil’s song - „Dve rozy“ („Two Roses“) - was included in the tracklist of „Ocharovana, Okoldovana“ as well. „Vstavayte!“ („Rise Up!“) is another AOR classic with powerful keyboards at the beginning and passionate vocal parts performed by Vladimir Trushin with a deep involvement. „Svyataya lyubov“ („Sacred Love“) is another well-known tune from 1991. „Ey, strana!“ („Hey, Country!“) was also recorded in 1991, but then it got different title - „Moskva“ („Moscow“). „Menshe slov“ („Fewer Words“) is melodic rock tune with a hit chorus. „Hrani tebya Bog“ („May God Protect You“) is a marvellous ballad that is a kind of eulogy for God. This song proves that the greatest form of creed can be fully reflected in beautiful music only! Aforementioned Mikhail Zvezdinsky’s song - „Bonjour, Madame!“ is also known from „Sankt Petersburg“ CD. The closing track - „Vspomni gody te“ („Remember These Years“) - is a balladish song meant for singing in a group by bonfire.

Summing up, „Ocharovana, Okoldovana“ is a worthful stuff for AOR and melodic rock music fans, however actually inaccessible on the market for purchase. If you encounter this rare gem, don’t think twice - pay, grab and run away:)