Vidiečan My Chceme Rásť: A Retro Gem That Still Glows
Let’s rewind to 1988, when big hair was king, shoulder pads were mandatory, and somewhere in Czechoslovakia, a little album called Vidiečan My Chceme Rásť dropped into the world. Brought to life by Vidiek (with J. Kuric on music duties), this record is like that one friend at a party who shows up uninvited but ends up being the most interesting person there. It’s got rock grit, electronic vibes, and just enough pop sparkle to make you wonder why it didn’t blow up globally.
The genres? Rock, electronic, pop—check. The styles? Synth-pop meets New Wave—a combo as smooth as peanut butter and jelly if they’d invented those terms back then. Released under Opus Records, with cover art by Alan Lesyk that screams “mysterious Eastern Bloc cool,” this thing has personality for days.
Now let’s talk tracks. First off, we’ve got “Vidiečan.” This song hits hard right outta the gate—it’s all pulsing synths and crunchy guitar riffs that feel like driving down an empty highway at midnight. There’s something about the way it builds; it starts simple, almost shy, then explodes into this anthem-like chorus that sticks to your brain like gum on a hot sidewalk. You can practically hear the neon lights flickering in sync with the beat. Honestly, I think aliens would dig this track if they ever landed here.
Then there’s “My Chceme Rásť” (translation: "We Want To Grow"). If “Vidiečan” is the wild child, this one’s the thoughtful sibling sitting in the corner scribbling poetry. It’s slower, dreamier, with layers of synth that sound like clouds shifting across the sky. But don’t mistake its chill vibe for laziness—it sneaks up on you with these haunting melodies that linger long after the last note fades. It feels personal, like someone whispering secrets directly into your ear. And yeah, maybe I’m projecting, but isn’t that what great music does?
What makes Vidiečan My Chceme Rásť stand out isn’t just its sound—it’s how it captures a moment in time. In 1988, Czechoslovakia wasn’t exactly known for pumping out chart-topping hits, yet here’s this album doing its own thing, blending Western influences with local flavor. It’s like finding a hidden mixtape in your grandma’s attic and realizing she had killer taste.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. Not because it’s perfect—there are moments where it stumbles, sure—but because it’s real. It doesn’t try too hard to impress anyone, which ironically makes it more impressive. Plus, listening to it now feels like cracking open a time capsule filled with forgotten dreams and analog magic.
And hey, fun fact: while writing this review, my cat kept staring at me like I’d lost my mind. Maybe he’s jealous I didn’t write about him instead. Or maybe he just knows good music when he hears it. Either way, give Vidiečan My Chceme Rásť a spin—you won’t regret it. Unless you hate fun. Then, well…good luck explaining that to your cat.
