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password: tdats
Welcome to volume 164: Hungary part 3! I wrote an introduction to Hungarian rock in the first part and you can read the details there (link). The full set of Eastern European volumes is now:
41: Eastern Roc | 101: Poland | 120: Serbia | 134: Macedonia | 153: Hungary 1 | 157: Hungary 2 | 164: Hungary 3
The cover for this volume is from the 1981 Hungarian feature-length animation 'Son Of The White Mare'. I discovered it while looking for art for this volume, and was immediately struck by the visual style, so I watched the movie, which was released on blu-ray (with English subtitles) in 2022 (link) and I can recommend it as a mesmerising piece of moving psychedelic art form start to end!
Director Marcell Jankovics (1941-2021) worked to bring Hungarian folk tales to the screen from the 1960s onwards and Son Of The White Mare is his opus magnum. The tale of 'Fehérlófia' (Hungarian) was first interpreted for print in 1862 and describes the heroic odyssey of a boy to a man, with super-human strength, born of a white horse that's depicted as a Gaia-like, earth-mother figure.
41: Eastern Roc | 101: Poland | 120: Serbia | 134: Macedonia | 153: Hungary 1 | 157: Hungary 2 | 164: Hungary 3
The cover for this volume is from the 1981 Hungarian feature-length animation 'Son Of The White Mare'. I discovered it while looking for art for this volume, and was immediately struck by the visual style, so I watched the movie, which was released on blu-ray (with English subtitles) in 2022 (link) and I can recommend it as a mesmerising piece of moving psychedelic art form start to end!
Director Marcell Jankovics (1941-2021) worked to bring Hungarian folk tales to the screen from the 1960s onwards and Son Of The White Mare is his opus magnum. The tale of 'Fehérlófia' (Hungarian) was first interpreted for print in 1862 and describes the heroic odyssey of a boy to a man, with super-human strength, born of a white horse that's depicted as a Gaia-like, earth-mother figure.
First I must give big thanks to another blog for supplying the two un-released and impossible to find tracks that bookend this set, openers 'Scampolo & Kati Bontovics' and the closer from Dzsuvox. I had finalised this third Hungarian comp a while ago, but recently saw the Dzsuvox song on youtube recommendations and this lead me to the source, a Hungarian comp at a blog called 'Music For Ironing' (link). So for this third and final (for now) Hungarian TDATS I had to include them!
The rest of the songs here can be found on the region's familiar labels Pepita, Qualiton and Amiga, with two outliers from acts Locomotive GT and V'73 explained further below.
So, in this set we have the same level of musical virtuosity that inspired me to plan two more Hungarian volumes after posting the first one a few years ago (link). Satisfyingly, this volume rounds-off songs from the final few acts that have been mentioned in name only in the previous Hungarian volumes. This includes the funky energy of Scampolo & Kati Bontovics, the dirty freakbeat of Neoton, Deep Purple vibes from Illés, frantic pop hooks from Generál, and driving horns wit Bergendy. We also have speeding prog from Karthago, contagious country breaks from Locomotive GT and Levente Szörényi, V'73's crazy prog wig-out, Kék Csillag's relaxing fuzz bath, Non-Stop's flute vs. guitar jam and Dzsuvox's jazzy neck-breaker.
TRACKS
01. Scampolo & Kati Bontovics - Tétova Utakon Tanulok Járni (1970s)
from Best of Hungarian Rock 1968-1976 Vol 3
02. Kati Kovács & Gemini - Fémzene (1975)
from album Intarzia
03. Neoton - Nehéz Fiúk (1970)
from album Bolond Város
04. Locomotiv GT - Back Home (1974)
from album Locomotiv GT
05. Illés - Szorits Erosen (1971)
single
06. Generál - Törökméz (1973)
from album Staféta
07. Bergendy - Hej, Te Szép Kemény Legény (1976)
from album Fagypont Fölött Miénk A Világ
08. Hungária - Eredeti Rubin (1970)
single
09. Karthago - Csak Egy Szót Akarok (1979)
single
10. Levente Szörényi - Zazi (1973)
from album Utazás
11. Tolcsvayék És a Trió & Kati Kovács - Láttam, Ne Tagadd-Vihar Előtt, Vihar Után (1972)
from album T&T
12. V'73 - Gondolatok (1975)
from album Seven Pieces For Keyboards, Bass Guitar And Drums
13. Kati Kovács & Juventus - Wind, Komm, Bring Den Regen Her (1973)
single
14. Kék Csillag - Ki Volt Az Az Ember (1970)
single
15. Non-Stop - Szelíd Tüzek (1972)
single
16. Sarolta Zalatnay & Locomotiv GT - Itt A Nyár (1972)
single
17. Dzsuvox - Éjszaka (Orosházi Beat Fesztivál) (1975)
from Best of Hungarian Rock 1968-1976 Vol 1
01. Scampolo & Kati Bontovics - Tétova Utakon Tanulok Járni (1970s)
from Best of Hungarian Rock 1968-1976 Vol 3
02. Kati Kovács & Gemini - Fémzene (1975)
from album Intarzia
03. Neoton - Nehéz Fiúk (1970)
from album Bolond Város
04. Locomotiv GT - Back Home (1974)
from album Locomotiv GT
05. Illés - Szorits Erosen (1971)
single
06. Generál - Törökméz (1973)
from album Staféta
07. Bergendy - Hej, Te Szép Kemény Legény (1976)
from album Fagypont Fölött Miénk A Világ
08. Hungária - Eredeti Rubin (1970)
single
09. Karthago - Csak Egy Szót Akarok (1979)
single
10. Levente Szörényi - Zazi (1973)
from album Utazás
11. Tolcsvayék És a Trió & Kati Kovács - Láttam, Ne Tagadd-Vihar Előtt, Vihar Után (1972)
from album T&T
12. V'73 - Gondolatok (1975)
from album Seven Pieces For Keyboards, Bass Guitar And Drums
13. Kati Kovács & Juventus - Wind, Komm, Bring Den Regen Her (1973)
single
14. Kék Csillag - Ki Volt Az Az Ember (1970)
single
15. Non-Stop - Szelíd Tüzek (1972)
single
16. Sarolta Zalatnay & Locomotiv GT - Itt A Nyár (1972)
single
17. Dzsuvox - Éjszaka (Orosházi Beat Fesztivál) (1975)
from Best of Hungarian Rock 1968-1976 Vol 1
The Stars Of This Volume
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| Kati Bontovics |
from 'Best of Hungarian Rock 1968-1976 Vol 3'
Scampolo seem to have been an important early rock 'n roll band that didn't put much on record but played from the early '60s into the '80s on stage and radio. At one time in the early '70s, pop singer Kati Bontovics was a member, singing on singles, and this infectious groovathon 'Tétova Utakon Tanulok Járni'. Before that, Sarolta Zalatnay often sung with them in the '60s.
Many players passed through the ranks from other acts I've mentioned, including Zoltán Kiss (Karthago, Korál), Komár László (Sprint), Szidor László (Gemini), Tamás Mihály (Omega) and Váradi László (Sakk-Matt). Scampolo became a regular live draw at the Buda Youth Park in Budapest, along with familiar acts Bergundy, Gemini and Syconor (link). More on Scampolo at zene.hu (link), wiki (link) and rimretro.hu (link).
Many players passed through the ranks from other acts I've mentioned, including Zoltán Kiss (Karthago, Korál), Komár László (Sprint), Szidor László (Gemini), Tamás Mihály (Omega) and Váradi László (Sakk-Matt). Scampolo became a regular live draw at the Buda Youth Park in Budapest, along with familiar acts Bergundy, Gemini and Syconor (link). More on Scampolo at zene.hu (link), wiki (link) and rimretro.hu (link).
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| Kati Kovács & Gemini (album rear) |
from album 'Intarzia'
This track is one of Kati's many diversions into heavy psych that pepper her work in the 60s and 70s. She is a famous pop singer in Hungary, who gladly for us made a few heavy songs in co-operation with rock bands like Locomotiv GT, Juventus, Gemini, Hungária and Tolcsvayék És A Trió, bands who appear in this and other volumes.
Kati won TV & Radio's 'Táncdalfesztivál ’72' with the song 'Add Már Uram Az Esőt!' (Lord, give me the rain!), with Juventus backing her. It was released on single the same year and she was popular in East Germany where it was released in German, as were many of her songs. It became one of her perennial favourites and she performed it on stage as recently as 2024 (link). Later she made an English version on a curious album in 1996, which also includes interpretations of Vangelis's 1492 soundtrack. You can hear that version on my youtube (link).
This track is one of Kati's many diversions into heavy psych that pepper her work in the 60s and 70s. She is a famous pop singer in Hungary, who gladly for us made a few heavy songs in co-operation with rock bands like Locomotiv GT, Juventus, Gemini, Hungária and Tolcsvayék És A Trió, bands who appear in this and other volumes.
Kati won TV & Radio's 'Táncdalfesztivál ’72' with the song 'Add Már Uram Az Esőt!' (Lord, give me the rain!), with Juventus backing her. It was released on single the same year and she was popular in East Germany where it was released in German, as were many of her songs. It became one of her perennial favourites and she performed it on stage as recently as 2024 (link). Later she made an English version on a curious album in 1996, which also includes interpretations of Vangelis's 1492 soundtrack. You can hear that version on my youtube (link).
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| Neoton - Bolond Város LP 1970 |
from album 'Bolond Város'
Neoton's first album reminds me a bit The Netherlands' Q65 (see vols 63 and 138), clearly a product of the 1960s but with a nasty, dirty edge that wasn't typical of beat bands. This early formation included names from previously mentioned heavies such as Omega (Ferenc Debreceni), Piramis (Som Lajos), Taurus Ex-T: 25-75-82 (Som Lajos and Ferenc Balázs) and Korál (Ferenc Balázs).
The formation that made that first album had changed out of all recognition by 1976, when they combined with a trio of girls called Kócbabák to become the 'Neoton Família', embarking on a disco pop career, reportedly steered by the head of the Pepita record label. It was good news for all involved though as Neoton Família went on to huge success as one of Hungary's most successful pop exports ever, rivaling the success of ABBA in some countries.
Neoton's first album reminds me a bit The Netherlands' Q65 (see vols 63 and 138), clearly a product of the 1960s but with a nasty, dirty edge that wasn't typical of beat bands. This early formation included names from previously mentioned heavies such as Omega (Ferenc Debreceni), Piramis (Som Lajos), Taurus Ex-T: 25-75-82 (Som Lajos and Ferenc Balázs) and Korál (Ferenc Balázs).
The formation that made that first album had changed out of all recognition by 1976, when they combined with a trio of girls called Kócbabák to become the 'Neoton Família', embarking on a disco pop career, reportedly steered by the head of the Pepita record label. It was good news for all involved though as Neoton Família went on to huge success as one of Hungary's most successful pop exports ever, rivaling the success of ABBA in some countries.
 |
| Locomotive GT (1974) on Epic UK |
from album 'Locomotiv GT'
One of the Hungarian bands along with Omega and Skorpió that is likely to be known to TDATS readers already, and like those bands, Locomotiv GT also attempted to export their popular hard rock sound to the west. This track sung in English is from the self-titled 1974 LP released abroad on such labels as ABC in the USA and Epic in the UK. It's a version of the song 'Visszamegyek A Falumba' (trans: I'm Going Back To The Village) from the previous years' Hungarian release 'Bummm! (Locomotiv GT III.)' on the Pepita label.
Illés - Szorits Erosen (1971)
Generál - Törökméz (1973)
Bergendy - Hej, Te Szép Kemény Legény (1976)
While not producing any hard rock albums, you will find many heavy prog and brassrock tracks throughout their LPs, The band's main career continued with regular albums into the '80s, with some spin-offs and reformations occurring until the sad case of founder member István Bergendy's covid-related death in 2020.
I really like their sound! They definitely drew influence from The Beatles, in terms of production and vocal style at least, but much of their second album verges on hard rock, with warm, over-driven bluesy guitar. This melding of pop and heaviness is instantly likable, and if you dig "Ezerarcú Bíborhajnal" (Crimson Dawn with a Thousand Faces) included here, the album it's from is equally good and consistent.
According to beatkorszak.hu (link), after the initial '60s beat/psych-pop period of the early singles and first album, they made a decisive move towards hard rock in 1971, introducing covers of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Steppenwolf and Uriah Heep to their live shows. Of the core members at this time, singer/keys man Fenyő Miklós, bassist Peter Sipos and guitarist Csomós Péter were also in Syconor and Juventus, guitarist Tamás Barta was also in Locomotiv GT, Syconor and Syrius, and drummer József Tóth also played in Juventus.
After 1971, there was a long period with no albums, but frequent singles, some on the GDR's Amiga label. According to Wikipedia, the all-powerful state-owned record company M.H.V. was to blame for refusing to let them make albums, as they did not approve of the band's hard rock direction but were scared that they would still out-sell bands that were more agreeable to them, which may explain why around 1980 it seems the band had been through an overhaul, with major line-up changes and an album that reverted to a traditional rock n roll sound and rockabilly appearance.
At this point Hungária became very successful, breaking records in terms of sales and popularity, but broke-up in 1983 for the first time, due to internal disagreements. They have re-formed at various times since then, and in 2024 it as announced that the band would reunite for a concert in the Puskás Arena, with the four surviving members of the most successful line-up. Further info: Wikipedia (link), beatkorszak.hu (link). There is a huge article that goes into details of their post-'70s career at recorder.hu (link).
Karthago - Csak Egy Szót Akarok (1979)
Ferenc started the band and was already an established talent in Corvina, which I have used in both previous Hungarian volumes (153 & 157). Karthago became one of the prominent '80s hard rock acts that also had success in other countries, and released two albums sung in English. More: Official website (link), Facebook (link).
Levente Szörényi - Zazi (1973)
from album 'Utazás'
Here's a piece of country rock with one of the more infectious riffs i've heard in a long time, from a big name in Hungarian rock who was a founder of the previously mentioned Illés, and the post-Illés act, Fonográf. In fact, Fonográf re-recorded this solo song of Levente's on their first single released on the Amiga label in east Germany in 1974.
Levente is still well-known in Hungary, having been involved in many important bands and the writing of hits, and writing music in other avenues such as stage, TV and film. He is also noted for successfully introducing traditional folk elements into modern music, helping Hungarian pop to have more of its own identity. More at wiki (link) and facebook (link).
Tolcsvayék És a Trió & Kati Kovács - Láttam, Ne Tagadd-Vihar Előtt, Vihar Után (1972)
One of the Hungarian bands along with Omega and Skorpió that is likely to be known to TDATS readers already, and like those bands, Locomotiv GT also attempted to export their popular hard rock sound to the west. This track sung in English is from the self-titled 1974 LP released abroad on such labels as ABC in the USA and Epic in the UK. It's a version of the song 'Visszamegyek A Falumba' (trans: I'm Going Back To The Village) from the previous years' Hungarian release 'Bummm! (Locomotiv GT III.)' on the Pepita label.
Formed in 1971 by ex-Omega members Presser Gábor and Laux József, they released one LP almost every year until around 1985, after which time they recorded and toured occasionally, finally splitting after the death of long-time bassist Tamás Somló in 2016.
 |
| Illés - A Lány És A Csavargó / Szoríts Erősen 7" 1971 |
single b/w 'A Lány És A Csavargó'
What's not to love about the Deep Purple-like swagger this develops into? It's just missing some screaming vocals.
The communist government of Hungary did not seemingly have quite as much detrimental affect on rock music as authorities in other communist states, but the state-owned record label Magyar Hanglemezgyártó Vállalat (M.H.V.) did have complete record-publishing control, and occasionally used it to stifle bands which they took any stylistic or ethical dislike to. For instance, Illés, one of the country's most successful rock acts, was banned from performing or releasing records for a while after saying unfavorable things to "the enemy" in a BBC TV interview in London.
What's not to love about the Deep Purple-like swagger this develops into? It's just missing some screaming vocals.
The communist government of Hungary did not seemingly have quite as much detrimental affect on rock music as authorities in other communist states, but the state-owned record label Magyar Hanglemezgyártó Vállalat (M.H.V.) did have complete record-publishing control, and occasionally used it to stifle bands which they took any stylistic or ethical dislike to. For instance, Illés, one of the country's most successful rock acts, was banned from performing or releasing records for a while after saying unfavorable things to "the enemy" in a BBC TV interview in London.
Similarly to Hungária, Illés trod the familiar beat band path of Beatles inspiration in the mid '60s and then psychedelia, prog and some harder rocking songs into the '70s, but during that period Illés was more prolific in output and variety, so no two albums sounded the same, and they didn't make a consistently heavy LP to the extent that Hungária's 1971 S/T was, but they played a few hard songs across albums and singles. The band first officially broke up in 1973 with some of them joining-up with members of Tolcsvayék És a Trió to start 'Fonográf' the same year.
%20album%20Staf%C3%A9ta.jpg "Generál - Staféta LP 1973") |
| Generál - Staféta LP 1973 |
from album 'Staféta'
In the summer of 1972, Hungarian Television (MTV) broadcast two events that helped shape the nation's music scene: the Ki Mit Tud? (Who knows what?) talent show, followed by the Táncdalfesztivál (Dance Song Festival). Generál won votes in these events and quickly became popular.
The first album from the band has around four really cool and hard rocking pop songs like the one here 'Törökméz'. Another equally good one is 'Tűzmadár', with doomy prog juxtaposed by pop vocals from the girls in the band. The sound is fresh and something that I could totally buy as being from an eccentric new band of today. The rest is still good but not so heavy. Subsequent albums are also good but fall into more commercial-sounding songs without the craziness of the first album. The best way to describe them is probably a more rock-orientated ABBA, which is by no means an insult! More at rockbook.hu (link) and wiki (link).
In the summer of 1972, Hungarian Television (MTV) broadcast two events that helped shape the nation's music scene: the Ki Mit Tud? (Who knows what?) talent show, followed by the Táncdalfesztivál (Dance Song Festival). Generál won votes in these events and quickly became popular.
The first album from the band has around four really cool and hard rocking pop songs like the one here 'Törökméz'. Another equally good one is 'Tűzmadár', with doomy prog juxtaposed by pop vocals from the girls in the band. The sound is fresh and something that I could totally buy as being from an eccentric new band of today. The rest is still good but not so heavy. Subsequent albums are also good but fall into more commercial-sounding songs without the craziness of the first album. The best way to describe them is probably a more rock-orientated ABBA, which is by no means an insult! More at rockbook.hu (link) and wiki (link).
from album 'Fagypont Fölött Miénk A Világ'
From what I have read, Bergendy were among the biggest bands in Hungary during the 1970s, along with Hungária and Illés. Originally starting out as a jazz band, brass and jazz remained a constant part of their sound as they progressed into pop, prog and fusion in the '70s. There is a great cover of Black Night on their first LP, adding more keyboard improv, and a brass section that sounds like it should have always been there!
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| Bergendy band |
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| Hungária 1971 Lang Klub |
Hungária - Eredeti Rubin (1970)
single b/w 'Ítéletnap'
I had not heard of this band until first investigating the country, but i'm sure anyone in or near Hungary has, as they are described as the most successful rock n roll band of the country.I really like their sound! They definitely drew influence from The Beatles, in terms of production and vocal style at least, but much of their second album verges on hard rock, with warm, over-driven bluesy guitar. This melding of pop and heaviness is instantly likable, and if you dig "Ezerarcú Bíborhajnal" (Crimson Dawn with a Thousand Faces) included here, the album it's from is equally good and consistent.
.jpg) |
| Self-Titled LP 1971 |
 |
| Early '80s Hungária |
At this point Hungária became very successful, breaking records in terms of sales and popularity, but broke-up in 1983 for the first time, due to internal disagreements. They have re-formed at various times since then, and in 2024 it as announced that the band would reunite for a concert in the Puskás Arena, with the four surviving members of the most successful line-up. Further info: Wikipedia (link), beatkorszak.hu (link). There is a huge article that goes into details of their post-'70s career at recorder.hu (link).
 |
| Karthago 1979 (source) |
single b/w 'A Fények, A Hangok, Az Árnyak'
This is a quirky track with a bit of a fusion sound, just staying within the realms of good taste enough to get away with it haha (you may have noticed that fusion type sounds are not something you'll often see here). Karthago is one of he few acts in this comp that is still touring, with the next show this September 2026 (link), the lineup having barely changed since they started, with founding members Ferenc Szigeti (guitar, vocals, ex-Corvina), Zoltán Kiss (bass, ex-Korál, Scampolo), Attila Gidófalvy (keys), Miklos Kocsandy (drums) and Tamas Takáts (vocals) all still on board since 1979.
Ferenc started the band and was already an established talent in Corvina, which I have used in both previous Hungarian volumes (153 & 157). Karthago became one of the prominent '80s hard rock acts that also had success in other countries, and released two albums sung in English. More: Official website (link), Facebook (link).
 |
| Levente Szörényi - Utazás LP 1973 |
from album 'Utazás'
Here's a piece of country rock with one of the more infectious riffs i've heard in a long time, from a big name in Hungarian rock who was a founder of the previously mentioned Illés, and the post-Illés act, Fonográf. In fact, Fonográf re-recorded this solo song of Levente's on their first single released on the Amiga label in east Germany in 1974.
Levente is still well-known in Hungary, having been involved in many important bands and the writing of hits, and writing music in other avenues such as stage, TV and film. He is also noted for successfully introducing traditional folk elements into modern music, helping Hungarian pop to have more of its own identity. More at wiki (link) and facebook (link).
 |
| Tolcsvayék És A Trió - T&T LP 1972 |
from album 'T&T'
V'73 - Gondolatok (1975)
Somehow, Kati Kovács is never far away in Hungarian rock that catches my ear! Here's an effortlessly cool, rolling riffer, with her distinctive vocals. At the time of this album, simply entitled "T&T", the titular "Trio" was the Tolcsvayék brothers, Béla and László, on guitars/keys, and Czipó Tibor on bass, although many other players are credited on the album, such as Németh Oszkár on drums and Móricz Mihály on guitar.
On the album they had vocal contributions from two more of the girls who I have featured in these Hungarian comps, Zsuzsa Koncz and Sarolta Zalatnay. Tolcsvayék És A Trió's music often rocked in a US country rock type way and I enjoyed a lot of what I heard when checking them out. More about them at wiki (link)
On the album they had vocal contributions from two more of the girls who I have featured in these Hungarian comps, Zsuzsa Koncz and Sarolta Zalatnay. Tolcsvayék És A Trió's music often rocked in a US country rock type way and I enjoyed a lot of what I heard when checking them out. More about them at wiki (link)
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| V'73 - Seven Pieces For Keyboards, Bass Guitar And Drums LP |
from album 'Seven Pieces For Keyboards, Bass Guitar And Drums'
Time for a turn-around and some bombastic, twisting prog. V'73 put out very few records of their own but played in various live situations including supporting Locomotiv GT and Omega. They were a trio styled after ELP and took a classical, keyboard-heavy approach to progressive rock when they were playing their own material, something unusual in Hungary at the time. Wikipedia states that they were yet another band that backed Kati Kovács at times (i'm starting to wonder if there was a Hungarian band that didn't, haha) and the first album for that is her 1977 LP 'Csendszóró'.
V'73 was absorbed into the 'V'Moto Rock' band soon after that, with the addition of Ferenc Demjén, ex-Bergendy, and that outfit continued to back Kati, while also becoming a popular new-wave pop band of their own in the '80s, moving away from music of interest here. 'Gondolatok' is a track from an LP of rare unreleased V'73 recordings, put out by Moiras Records a few years ago (link). More: wiki (link).
Time for a turn-around and some bombastic, twisting prog. V'73 put out very few records of their own but played in various live situations including supporting Locomotiv GT and Omega. They were a trio styled after ELP and took a classical, keyboard-heavy approach to progressive rock when they were playing their own material, something unusual in Hungary at the time. Wikipedia states that they were yet another band that backed Kati Kovács at times (i'm starting to wonder if there was a Hungarian band that didn't, haha) and the first album for that is her 1977 LP 'Csendszóró'.
V'73 was absorbed into the 'V'Moto Rock' band soon after that, with the addition of Ferenc Demjén, ex-Bergendy, and that outfit continued to back Kati, while also becoming a popular new-wave pop band of their own in the '80s, moving away from music of interest here. 'Gondolatok' is a track from an LP of rare unreleased V'73 recordings, put out by Moiras Records a few years ago (link). More: wiki (link).
Kati Kovács & Juventus - Wind, Komm, Bring Den Regen Her (1973)
single b/w 'Komm Und Laß Uns Gehn'
And Kati is back yet again! This is the German version of her 1972 signature song I already used on v157, it is very similar to that version, but rocks a little harder and was put out in east Germany on the Amiga label a year later, where she and many Hungarian acts were popular, as mentioned many times before.
Kék Csillag - Ki Volt Az Az Ember? (1970)
Non-Stop - Szelíd Tüzek (1972)
And Kati is back yet again! This is the German version of her 1972 signature song I already used on v157, it is very similar to that version, but rocks a little harder and was put out in east Germany on the Amiga label a year later, where she and many Hungarian acts were popular, as mentioned many times before.
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| Kék Csillag band |
single b/w 'Öt Fiú Balladája'
Seemingly an elusive group, that existed for the best part of 20 years but only put out three 7-inchers, according to the usual sources like Discogs. This track spreads-out with delectable waves of fuzz. They were another act that first came to the country's attention by appearing on the Ki Mit Tud? TV show, ten years previous to Generál, one of the other bands here with the same distinction. In fact Kék Csillag (Blue Star) appeared at the beginning of the show's life in the early '60s, and Generál in 1972.
There is a regional newspaper interview with member Frankl Gábor at minalunk.hu (link) and a lot of info has been collated at netadoradio.hu (link) but i'm not confident in online translation to repeat much from those sources, so take a look if so inclined. They have two jazzy, fuzzy b-sides on singles in 1970, this one included, and they played backing to a pop crooner called Pál Szécsi.
Seemingly an elusive group, that existed for the best part of 20 years but only put out three 7-inchers, according to the usual sources like Discogs. This track spreads-out with delectable waves of fuzz. They were another act that first came to the country's attention by appearing on the Ki Mit Tud? TV show, ten years previous to Generál, one of the other bands here with the same distinction. In fact Kék Csillag (Blue Star) appeared at the beginning of the show's life in the early '60s, and Generál in 1972.
There is a regional newspaper interview with member Frankl Gábor at minalunk.hu (link) and a lot of info has been collated at netadoradio.hu (link) but i'm not confident in online translation to repeat much from those sources, so take a look if so inclined. They have two jazzy, fuzzy b-sides on singles in 1970, this one included, and they played backing to a pop crooner called Pál Szécsi.
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| Non-Stop band |
single b/w 'Szép Margit'
A great song here, starts out with some up-beat prog pop but soon turns into a psych guitar monster with some sweet flute breaks. The guitarist in question here is János Závodi (later of Piramis) according to the timeline of members, though I may be wrong there as band info is patchy across sources, the only extended article specifically about Non-Stop I could find is at rocknemzedek.hu (link), and János Závodi's own website (now defunct) states he we was in the band from 1973 which doesn't line up with this single (link).
What ever the truth is, Non-Stop produced a number of high quality singles in a short space of time and various members went on to more well-known bands such as Piramis, Generál, Locomotiv GT and others.
Sarolta Zalatnay & Locomotiv GT - Itt A Nyár (1972)
The punchy, hook-laden musical style of LGT and Skorpió is evident here, and Sarolta's vocals in rock queen mode are perfect for it.
What ever the truth is, Non-Stop produced a number of high quality singles in a short space of time and various members went on to more well-known bands such as Piramis, Generál, Locomotiv GT and others.
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| Sarolta Zalatnay - Álmodj Velem LP rear cover |
single b/w 'Hidd El, Ha Mondom'
Here's an original song from the pairing of Sarolta Zalatnay & Locomotive GT. Sarolta is one of Hungary's famous pop singers, and her material included a number of psychedelic songs of interest to TDATS. Sarolta, like Kati Kovács, recorded with a host of the best Hungarian bands and in 1972 made an album with LGT called 'Álmodj Velem', although the song I selected here from the same year is from a unique single, written by LGT and Skorpio's Frenreisz Károly.The punchy, hook-laden musical style of LGT and Skorpió is evident here, and Sarolta's vocals in rock queen mode are perfect for it.
Dzsuvo - Éjszaka (Orosházi Beat Fesztivál) (1975)
from 'Best of Hungarian Rock 1968-1976 Vol 1'
Here's a cool live recording from a festival held in southern Hungary. Quoted from facebook (link): "The first Orosháza beat festival was organized in 1974 by the Petőfi Cultural Center, the sixth competition was held in 1981. The driving force of the Orosháza festivals was Benedek Péter Benkő, an employee of the cultural center, who organized these events until 1978. Zoltán Varga, who was the secretary of the festivals at the time, later became a library director and member of parliament."
Dzsuvox were a band who, according to rockkluboh.blogspot (link), were the most renowned act in the area local to the festival. Unfortunately, Dzsuvox never released any official records, but luckily I was able to find video of them, playing the same song at a later time on the Ki Mit Tud? show, the third time this show has come up here after Generál and Kék Csillag (link).
Here's a cool live recording from a festival held in southern Hungary. Quoted from facebook (link): "The first Orosháza beat festival was organized in 1974 by the Petőfi Cultural Center, the sixth competition was held in 1981. The driving force of the Orosháza festivals was Benedek Péter Benkő, an employee of the cultural center, who organized these events until 1978. Zoltán Varga, who was the secretary of the festivals at the time, later became a library director and member of parliament."
Dzsuvox were a band who, according to rockkluboh.blogspot (link), were the most renowned act in the area local to the festival. Unfortunately, Dzsuvox never released any official records, but luckily I was able to find video of them, playing the same song at a later time on the Ki Mit Tud? show, the third time this show has come up here after Generál and Kék Csillag (link).
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Thanks for reading, until next time, rock on!
Rich
Thanks for reading, until next time, rock on!
Rich
Further listening:
The Day After The Sabbath 153: Hungary pt 1: Mátyás' Dark Array
The Day After The Sabbath 157: Hungary pt 2: Death's Dark Heralds
The Day After The Sabbath 101: Polski Hazy [first Polish special]
The Day After The Sabbath 120: Wolf of Iron Jaw [Serbian rock pt1]
The Day After The Sabbath 134: Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia special
The Day After The Sabbath 157: Hungary pt 2: Death's Dark Heralds
The Day After The Sabbath 101: Polski Hazy [first Polish special]
The Day After The Sabbath 120: Wolf of Iron Jaw [Serbian rock pt1]
The Day After The Sabbath 134: Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia special
TDATS social links
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