Extreme Long-Shot Filter: Russian Music Edition

January 29, 2018 8:55 AM

In the mid-1990's there came into my possession an unlabeled cassette. On this cassette was about 90 minutes of a gravelly baritone/bass shout-singing in Russian over an acoustic guitar. No other voices or instruments on the tape. There was absolutely no subtlety to the playing- just very strong quarter-note strumming. The vocals were astonishing- so much rage and feeling. This was a professional recording, good quality. I have no idea where to even start looking for this. Help?
posted by bluejayway to Media & Arts (10 answers total)

Best answer: Could it be Vladimir Vysotsky?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:12 AM on January 29, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Vladimir Vysotsky?
posted by mephisjo at 9:13 AM on January 29, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I was going to say Vladimir, too, as a first thought.
posted by zizzle at 9:19 AM on January 29, 2018

Any luck feeding it through soundhound/shazam?
posted by Leon at 9:43 AM on January 29, 2018

Best answer: Based on your description, this immediately came to my mind. Barishnikov in White Nights dancing to Vysotsky.
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:45 AM on January 29, 2018

Response by poster: That's the voice! I take it he's famous.
posted by bluejayway at 10:00 AM on January 29, 2018

Just a bit.
posted by zizzle at 10:03 AM on January 29, 2018 [1 favorite]

He's downright central. I think anyone with passing knowledge of Russian musical culture started typing a response at the word "gravelly"!
posted by Smearcase at 12:08 PM on January 29, 2018 [2 favorites]

Yeah, I thought of Vysotsky too, but I figured "there are lots of gravelly bards" and didn't say anything. Should have trusted my instincts!
posted by languagehat at 12:27 PM on January 29, 2018

I came in to say Vysotsky. He's so awesome.
posted by nosila at 1:08 PM on January 29, 2018