Artist: Farmers Market Album: Surfin' USSR

Year: 2008
Duration: 0:0-1

Surfin' USSR: A Critical Review of Farmers Market's Odd Musical Masterpiece

For any fans of world music, Farmers Market is a band you have to hear. They're known for their eclectic blend of world styles, from klezmer to Balkan to African rhythms, often all in one song. Their 1997 album Surfin' USSR was a particularly unique entry in their discography that blended surf rock with Soviet era music - something nobody else had ever done before. In this critical review, we'll dive into the history of the band, the genre of this album, the standout songs, the most creative elements, and what, if anything, holds the album back from being a true classic.

Farmers Market is a Norwegian group formed in the late 80s, and their sound is as unique and eclectic as their name suggests. They grew out of the broad Scandinavian folk revival scene, but rather than sticking to one particular genre, they began pulling in influences from all over the world. The band is centered around composer and accordion player Stian Carstensen, who also sings and plays guitar, along with a bunch of other talented musicians. The band has released six albums to date, each with a distinct sound but all sharing a joyous, infectious energy.

Surfin' USSR came out in 1997, and it's a wild ride from start to finish. The album begins with Gå, Spelmann, Gå!, a traditional Norwegian song overlaid with surf rock guitar and drums that calls to mind a Beach Boys/Brian Setzer mashup. Hälsa Dem Därhemma follows it up with a slower, more melancholic take on Swedish folk music, with Carstensen's accordion leading the way. Memorial Ska is an upbeat, horns-driven track that sounds like something straight out of a Soviet ska club. The title track Surfin' USSR is a highlight, with rapid-fire surf guitar riffs played over a funky bassline and a chorus of da-da-da-da-da-da-da that's impossible to forget.

One of the most innovative aspects of the album is the way it blends surf rock with Soviet-era music. There's an inherent absurdity in the concept, but it works thanks to the band's incredible musicianship and creative arrangements. This is music that isn't afraid to have fun and try new things, and it's all the better for it. The band's use of traditional instruments like the accordion and fiddle also sets them apart from typical rock bands and adds to the global flavor of their sound.

That being said, Surfin' USSR isn't a perfect album. Some tracks like Vodka and KGB come across as a bit too gimmicky, relying on stereotypes of Russian culture rather than digging deeper into the actual music. Additionally, a few of the tracks can feel a bit too busy, with so much going on that it's hard to fully appreciate any one element. However, these flaws are minor when compared to the overall energy and creativity on display throughout the album.

In conclusion, Farmers Market's Surfin' USSR is a unique and important album in the world music canon. It's a showcase of the band's incredible musicianship and their willingness to take risks and try new things, even if those things seem ridiculous on paper. Although not every track is a standout, the album as a whole is a joyous celebration of international music that's sure to get your toes tapping and your head nodding. If you're looking for a musical adventure that you won't find anywhere else, look no further than Farmers Market's Surfin' USSR.