Kalemegdan Disk - ROCK FROM EASTERN EUROPE

Warner Music Poland Release Information

The compilation “The Best of Niemen” (SACD Hybrid) by Czesław Niemen in a limited edition, in the series “Polskie Nagrania Catalogue Selections”. This is the first edition of this compilation in the SACD (Super Audio Compact Disc) format. The choice of this format is a nod to audiophiles.

This compilation which was orgininally released in 1979 is essentially a gift for Niemen’s fans. It brings together the songs from the sixties that have made him immortal. These compositions have, without exception, been played, hummed, adapted, and covered until today. They have been timeless hits that have found a permanent place in the treasury of Polish music, attaining the status of popular music standards.

The recordings on this albums span from 1966 to 1969, with some songs originating ever earlier, e.g. the history of the opening song, the massive hit “Pod papugami” (Beneath the Parrots), dates back to 1963. The album concludes with the timeless “Dziwny jest ten świat” (Strange Is this World), a unique protest song with an affirmative message expressing faith in the goodness within people, in its original version. Without exaggeration, this composition changed the Polish beat scene and elevated it to a new level.

Between these two milestones, the compilation features several Niemen gems from that period: the beautiful, poetic, meticulously arranged “Wspomnienie” (Recollection), the fierce “Płonąca stodoła” (Burning Barn), the soulful ballad “Sen o Warszawie” (Dream of Warsaw). And this is just a glimpse of the 14 unforgettable tracks performed uniquely by Czesław Niemen. Each has its own story, touching the hearts of listeners, particularly those acquainted with Polish Pop music from the 1960s.

Adding to the experience are two charming bonus tracks from Niemen’s 1966 EP: the lively favorite “Hej dziewczyno, hej” (Hey Girl, hey) and the poetic elegance of “Być może i ty” (Maybe You, too) that characterized his early work.

So, if we approach the title of one of his songs, “Czy mnie jeszcze pamiętasz?” (Do You still Remember Me?), as a question posed to all of us, the foremost response would be this collection of tracks – an undoubtely enduring hallmark that will likely remain his calling card forever.

Tracklist

1. Pod papugami – 1968 3:17
2. Wspomnienie – 1967 3:51
3. Baw się w ciuciubabkę – 1968 2:58
4. Płonąca stodoła – 1968 2:31
5. Sen o Warszawie – 1966 3:19
6. Czy wiesz – 1966 2:32
7. Spiżowy krzyk – 1968 2:16
8. Nie wiem czy to warto – 1968 4:14
9. Przyjdź w taką noc – 1968 2:13
10. Włóczęga – 1968 2:30
11. Jeszcze sen – 1968 2:43
12. Jeżeli – 1968 2:22
13. Domek bez adresu – 1967 2:24
14. Dziwny jest ten świat – 1967 3:37
Bonus:
15. Hej dziewczyno, hej – 1966 3:00
16. Być może i ty – 1966 3:20