Revisiting 'Children of Balance' and the Early Days of Russian Rock

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've read 'Children of Balance' by Zaderi, the founder of Alisa, at least three times now. Each time, it's been with a decade or so between readings. This book's a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Russian rock, and I'm still hooked. I love how the author weaves together stories of the bands that defined the era, like Bichkova, 'Kino', and Yanka. It's a must-read for anyone interested in Russian rock history.

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Kararİyi

Anılar7/10

HikayeGücü9/10

KitapKalitesi8/10

I've read 'Children of Balance' by Zaderi, the founder of the band Alisa, at least three times now. Each time, it's been with a decade or so between readings.

The first time was back in the pre-internet days, when a friend from university handed me a copy and said I had to pass it on to someone else by the next day. The book spread like wildfire through our social circle, and we were all fans of Bichkova, 'Kino', and Yanka. Or at least, we became fans a little later.

Then, in my thirties, I told my husband about the book.

And now, I've read it again.

When I think of Alisa, the first person that comes to mind is Konstantin Kinchew. But he wasn't always the lead singer. In fact, he wasn't even part of the band initially. And 'Alisa' was actually the nickname or pseudonym of the band's founder and author of the book, Zaderi.

'Children of Balance' covers a bit of everything, including a lot about Alexander Bashlachev, or SashBash. I'm talking about our first meeting, the trip to Alma-Ata during the filming of 'Eagle', which I watched ages ago, but I think they're not even in the movie. Or maybe they were just there to hang out.

And yes, Aksai is not just a city in Rostov Oblast, but also something in Kazakhstan. And yes, they weren't just picking apples there. They were gathering other plants as well. Who among them didn't pick some, I don't know...

The book talks about their trip to Siberia, 'Cypress Bridge', and Yanka Dyagilev. Who met who, who sang where...

It's funny, I only just found out that Kinchew is actually from Moscow, not St. Petersburg like I thought.

And then there's the coal plant 'Kamchatka', where SashBash quickly burned out and 'blew it off', while Viktor Tsoi was more responsible and kept waving his shovel. You've got to do what you've got to do, whether it's a gig or not.

Although everyone knows about 'Kamchatka', he had a few other 'shabash' gigs before he became famous and started making a lot of money. He did whatever he could to make ends meet.

The book also talks about 'Vanya' and 'Egor's Tale' by SashBash - complex works that they adapted into a stage play. And then there's the topic of suicide. Who knows, maybe things would have turned out differently if they'd had a few more hours.

The book also mentions concerts, Soviet 'dry-out' centers. Not just fans who got taken in, but the artists themselves.

Now that I've read it for the third time, I'm not sure if I'm just forgetful or if the book is missing some parts. Either way, I think fans of rock music and the Leningrad Rock Club will find this book interesting, even if they've already read it.

In the e-book version, there are no photos. The print version had them, I think.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's 'Children of Balance' about, and why should I care?

This book's a fascinating look at the early days of Russian rock, and it's a must-read for anyone interested in the subject. Zaderi's passion for the music shines through on every page, and the narrative's engaging and easy to follow.

Who's Zaderi, and why is he important?

Zaderi's the founder of Alisa, and he's also the author of this book. He's a key figure in Russian rock history, and his story's woven throughout the narrative.

What's the deal with 'Kino' and Yanka?

Both 'Kino' and Yanka were influential bands in the early days of Russian rock. The author does a great job of explaining their significance and how they fit into the larger narrative.

Is this book only for fans of Russian rock?

No way! While it's definitely a great choice for fans of the music, the book's also a great intro to the subject for anyone interested in history, music, or culture.

How long does it take to read 'Children of Balance'?

This book's a quick and engaging read, and most people can finish it in a weekend.

Is there a lot of technical jargon or musical theory in the book?

Nope! The writing's engaging and easy to follow, making it a great choice for fans of all ages.

What's the book's tone like?

The book's got a great balance of humor and heart, making it a really enjoyable read.

Is the book well-researched?

Absolutely! The author's clearly done their homework, and the book's full of interesting anecdotes and insights.

check_circlePros

•The narrative's gripping, and it's as much about the people as the music
•Zaderi's passion for Russian rock shines through on every page
•This book's a great intro to the key bands and figures of the era
•It's well-researched and full of interesting anecdotes
•The writing's engaging and easy to follow, making it a great choice for fans of all ages
•The book's got a great balance of humor and heart, making it a really enjoyable read

cancelCons

•Some of the characters can feel a bit one-dimensional at times
•The book's focus on the early days of Russian rock might leave some readers wanting more
•A few of the supporting characters feel like they're only there to advance the plot
•The book's not as much about the music itself as it is about the people involved
•Some readers might find the writing a bit too simplistic at times
•The book's not as comprehensive as some readers might hope, given its subject matter