We’re Listening with EMW

The unexpected hip hop gem found in René Ufer and Lilian Treiberg’s album Unustuse tilk!

VINCENT TEETSOV

René Ufer and Lilian Treiberg’s 1977 album Unustuse tilk! (translated literally as “A Drop of Forgetfulness!”) starts with languid delivery, as if we are arriving at the end of a narrative before we’re allowed to see the beginning.

The title track that starts the album takes us to a lonely bar scene, leading us along with a syncopated rhythm on a ride cymbal and very dampened snare and bass drums, emphasizing beats two and four. Right from the first lyrics sung by Ufer – “Tolmukord on katnud akna valge riba”, describing dust settling on a window – we know that hard times have come. And the lyrics fit the album cover’s still life: a piano, a bottle of vodka, and two empty glasses.

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The album cover for Unustuse tilk!.

Photo: discogs.com