crocotiger, please explain

[kishiriadgr]

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I don't think this is a parody; it looks like a version of the Soviet national anthem done with the pop stars of the time.

What's funny to me is that it looks very Canadian. If someone told me this was filmed in the early 80s outside of Quebec City I'd believe it. At 2.21, see the bleached-blond Geddy Lee lookalike.

Comments

[helenkacan]

I agree with you. Mind you, it's been ages since I've heard the CCCP anthem sung (rather than played), but I did recognize some of the words. I think it's meant to be an updated but nostalgic propoganda piece (and there was a tendency for people to be leaning in that direction after the dissolution of the Soviet Union) meant to engender thoughts of "Remember how it was, how strong we were, how we accomplished so much under communism in the good old days".

And doubly yes for the Canadian feel to it (sorta, kinda something I'd see at Ontario Place Cineplex on the IMAX screen). Which makes me wonder if they hired some Canadians to direct and produce. Or just did a really good copycat version.

[kishiriadgr]

I think was probably done during the old Soviet Union. I mean, check out those hairstyles. Very, very 80s.

I was once told by a Canadian soldier that they got along better with Russians than Americans because they'd been shaped by the same arctic. So there may not have been any Canadians involved, just the formative experience of living near the ice. Margaret Atwood wrote about it.

[crocotiger]

Here in Russia we usually call thing a parody if music is the same and lyrics are modified. In this item, on the contrary, music is very much modified (though melody is still the same), but the lyrics are original lyrics of the Soviet anthem. It was performed on TV approximately 1991-1992, which is I dare say between USSR and Russia. Performers are the pop stars of the time, you're quite right.

If you wish, compare to an official performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emxM3RUbsAI

Now in 2011 the music of the anthem is still the same, lyrics are modified again.

[kishiriadgr]

I'm glad they're back to using the old music. That national anthem has always been the envy of many. It's the most stirring I've ever heard.

[crocotiger]

When I was young, the anthem was totally instrumental. Since then till now I have some personal feeling of unreality of voice versions. Here's the variant I am used to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZxfyxFDk6I