Album Review: Co Tylko Chcesz Album Promo by Sławek Wierzcholski i Nocna Zmiana
Released in 1996 under the Pomaton EMI label, Co Tylko Chcesz Album Promo is a hidden gem of Polish rock and blues. This album blends raw energy with soulful storytelling, showcasing the unique chemistry between Sławek Wierzcholski and his band, Nocna Zmiana. The genre mix leans heavily into Blues Rock, but it’s not just about sticking to one formula—it’s more like they took what worked in ’90s Poland and gave it their own twist. And honestly? It kinda works.
The tracklist reads almost like a live gig conversation rather than your typical studio album. You’ve got intros (“Powitanie 1,” “Powitanie 2”), commentary on music itself (“O Harmonijka,” “O Muzykach”), and even some quirky announcements for songs that follow. It feels less polished and more authentic, which makes it stand out from other albums of its time. Two tracks that really stuck with me are “Czarno-Biały Film” and “Piosenka Bardzo Optymistyczna.”
Let’s start with “Czarno-Biały Film.” First off, the title alone sets the mood—like an old-school black-and-white movie rolling in your mind while you listen. The guitar riffs have this gritty, lived-in quality, as if the instrument has seen too many smoky bars and late-night jam sessions. When the vocals kick in, there’s a sense of nostalgia mixed with melancholy. It’s not overly complicated; instead, it lets the emotion do the talking. I remember thinking how perfectly imperfect it felt, like catching a fleeting moment in time.
Then there’s “Piosenka Bardzo Optymistyczna,” which is hilariously ironic because calling something “very optimistic” often raises eyebrows. True to form, the song doesn’t shy away from sarcasm or wit. The rhythm is upbeat, but the lyrics hint at darker undertones, making it bittersweet rather than outright cheerful. There’s something oddly satisfying about a tune that pretends to be happy-go-lucky while sneaking in layers of depth. Plus, who can resist a good ironic title?
One thing worth mentioning is how much the album values dialogue. Tracks like “O Płycie Ogólnie” and “Nieco Historii: Dlaczego Blues?” feel like eavesdropping on a casual chat between friends. They break up the flow in a way that might annoy some listeners, but personally, I found them charming. It’s almost as if the band wanted to share their creative process without filtering anything out.
Looking back, Co Tylko Chcesz Album Promo isn’t perfect by any means. Some parts drag a little, and the production could’ve used a bit more polish. But maybe that’s the point—it’s unapologetically real. For fans of Blues Rock, especially those interested in Poland’s vibrant ’90s scene, this album offers a refreshing change of pace.
Final thought: Listening to this record feels like stumbling upon an underground club where everyone knows each other except you. At first, you’re not sure if you belong, but soon enough, you realize you don’t want to leave. Funny how music can do that, huh?
