The Soundtrack
Music for Every Mood and the Spirit of the Places I've Been InMusic has always played a big role in my life experience. I’ve heard so much excellent music in various places.. even in grocery stores!
I want share some of these finds with you.
If you think that music from this region is all about traditional folk music, think again. This region had some of the best rock and new wave music in the world.
Many of my current favorites are from this region.
I’m also including some traditional Klapa (Dalmatian) Traditional Slavonian music, and Bosnian Sevdah, because they also are worth a place on this list.
I highly recommend browsing the photos and videos while listening to some of this music for the full effect. I wish I could also send you a glass of good wine and transport you to the sea or some of my favorite cities to just BE here, to get the full effect.
I’ve also including some classics in English that you probably won’t hear much on the radio in the U.S., but I’ve heard them here enough so that these songs are also part of the “cultural fabric” when it comes to radio in this region.
I encourage you to listen to some songs from each region so you can appreciate the musical diversity of each region as well.
Enjoy.. and Mix and match as you please, and who knows, you may find some new favorites to add to YOUR playlist!
Ready?
Visualize yourself in a cafe in Belgrade or Zagreb. It’s spring. You are feeling nostalgic and full of energy. You just ordered coffee. Now just listen. (When I have time for a Spotify playlist I will post that too!)
Belgrade Mood (the best damn radio ever, expect the unexpected!)
Brod Od Papira
Van Gogh
Last Living Souls
Gorillaz
Empire Ants
Gorillaz
Earth Song
Michael Jackson
Uzalud Pitaš
Haustor
Usne Vrele Višnje
Branimir Štulić
The Main Thing
Roxy Music
This is Not America
David Bowie
I Wanna Be Adored
The Stone Roses
Drive
R.E.M.
There is a Light That Never Goes Out
The Smiths
Ultravox
Reap the Wild Wind
A Girl Like You”
Edwyn Collins
Democracy
Leonard Cohen
Very, Very Dalmatian (Traditional Klapa and Popular)
Ne Diraj Moj Ljubav
Klapa Šufit
My Favorite:
Ultima Partenca
Klapa Kambi Split
More ear (and eye) candy:
Jidra Mog Vapora
Klapa Kambi Split
Anything by Oliver Dragojević will set a good “Dalmatian mood”
Moj Lipi Anđele
Oliver Dragojević
Piva Klapa Ispo’ Volta
Oliver Dragojević
80’s:
Love 80’s music? Think you have heard everything? There is a treasure trove of 80’s music from this area you may want to check out.. You’re welcome!
(I may sneak in a few from the early 90’s)
Vatra feat. Mossimo: Nama Se Nikud Ne Žuri
Voli Mi Još Ovu Noć
Denis & Denis
Vino Noć
Neno Belan
(I was lucky enough to catch this song live recently!)
Misc. (only the good stuff)
Volio Bi Da Te Ne Volim
Hari Mata Hari
Tebi Se Dive
Zeljko Joksimovic
Mi Nismo Mi
Vlado Georgiev
Budi Moja Voda
Laufer
Pitas Kako Mi Je
Mi Je Tropico Band
Ja Ne Pijem (Latino Mix)
Hari Mata Hari
Zivot Je Nekad Siv Nekad Zut
Bajaga & Instruktori
Oooh 70’s/Oldies
Ljubav Je Samo Riječ
Zdravko Colic
Grlice U Šumi
Gabi Novak
Forever and Ever
Demis Roussos
You Only Live Twice
(James Bond Theme Song)
A Man Without Love
Englebert Humperdink
Classic Ex U:
Čuvam noć od budnih
Leb i Sol
Zadriži Svoj Dah
Nikola Vranjković
Traditional Slavonian/Tamboura
Tajna Najveća
Miroslav Škoro & Marta Nikolin
Dobro Jutro, Zoro Plava
Mladen Kvesić
An orchestra of tambure? Why not!
Sevdah (Bosnian)
Sevdah is one of my favorite genres and I binge on it regularly.
“In a musical sense, Sevdalinka is characterized by a slow or moderate temp and intense, emotional melodies. Sevdalinka songs are very elaborate, emotionally charged and are traditionally sung with passion and fervor. The combination of Oriental, European and Sephardic elements make this type of music stand out among other types of folk music from the Balkans. Just like a majority of Balkan folk music, Sevdalinka features very somber minor sounding modes, but unlike other types of Balkan folklore music it more intensely features minor second intervals, thus hinting at Oriental makams and the Phrygian mode. As a result, the melodies are noted for leaving a strong melancholic feeling with the listener.”
Moj Dilbere
Amir Medunjanin
Here is a video that explains Sevdah and a band I want to check out
Čudna Jad od Mostara Grada
Mostar Sevdah Reunion
Što Te Nema
Mostar Sevdah Reunion
(This is one of my favorites. The intro is beautiful but there is more!)