Wow – has it really been three weeks since my last blog?! Sorry, guys. We did the Open House in January, plus I just started my new job – and it’s been a little hectic – but here we go. I have a new theme which should provide lots of good stuff for a few weeks.
It occured to me recently that most of us guys are making plans to head to Russia or Ukraine with no real exposure to Russian culture – after all, where would we go in the USA to find real Russian, Ukrainian anything – unless you’re lucky enough to know a good international market, restaurant or Eastern Orthodox church. (As my good friends Kevin and John did in their Cincinnati suburb.) When you guys touch down half way around the world you will be instantly overexposed to lots of great food, music, art, architecture and yes – women! Some of the world’s most beautiful ladies will be walking around on every street. As you meet them at romance tour socials, or individually arranged dates, you will want to show your respect and true interest in their lives by familiarizing yourself with the kinds of things they experience on a daily basis. Nothing will unimpress these ladies on a first date so much as a one way conversation that’s all about you. So I’m going to use these next few blogs to present some interesting pieces of Russian/Ukrainian life and culture. I’ll try to make this as interesting as possible for you, ok? The idea is when your girl eventually asks you if you know any Russian/Ukrainian music, art, books, history etc – you can perk right up with a mighty “YES!” and show your true appreciation for HER. Women of the FSU believe that men who go to Russia/Ukraine have a higher than typical interest in their world – they find this quality attractive and you wouldn’t want to disappoint them – right? So sit back and enjoy some cool stuff – courtesy of a little YouTube action – and more.
Today I am posting a few music video links from some of Russia / Ukraine’s most popular musical acts. You obviously won’t know the words – though some are in English – but you will get at least some exposure to the music your girl listens to. I find this stuff very addicting – so watch out. Most of these are Russian MTV videos – yes that’s right – they have MTV in Russia too and get this – they actually show music videos. Yea, I know – ain’t that a kick in the pants. Here’s another possible value to knowing these songs and artists – you’ll no doubt experience some of this music at the socials, so you can guage each songs danceability for future reference!
I will warn you now – some of these are a little risque – these are European women after all. Of course each video gives you the chance to scroll through some others so – Enjoy!
ARTIST: Valerya
SONGS: Break It All, Chasiki (Live), Flowers
Valerya is a very popular singer in Russia and has spoken out publically at the UN against human trafficking that occurs in the FSU. She was married for 10 years to a very abusive spouse but rose above to an amazing plave in Russian culture.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dsG6NVmqNI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgOhnrPgL2Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKFbNrbEXG0
ARTIST: Leonid Augutin (and Vladimir Presnyakov on Airports)
SONGS: Airports, If I Get The Chance
Way cool dude – great voice. There’s a story behind the “Aiports” song related somehow to the whole world terrorism theme. ”If I Get The Chance” is just a very lovely song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMcMPZwkGkc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5X3pPpy1dE
ARTIST: VIAGRA
SONGS: Potselui (I Kiss You,) and “It’s Raining Men” with Geri Halliwell, former Spice Girl
Yes, there is a Russian female group called VIAGRA. (Can’t imagine how they chose the name.)Excellent chance you’ll be dancing to ”It’s Raining Men” at the socials! FSU girls seem to really like it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtXNmA8rU24
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1KgA2vznhc
ARTIST: REFLEX
SONG: Lyublyu
If I am not mistaken, one of these girls is over 40. Unbelievable… again, this is a little spicey so please skip it if your views are conservative. Reflex is one of Russia’s top female acts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rhkmCh_NPk
ARTIST: NON-STOP
Song: Ya Na Vsye Soglasnya (I Will Do Whatever You Want)
Well, not much I could add to that…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56l3czQ25eU
ARTIST: Masha Rasputina
SONG: Mosti
Masha has been around for years as a mainstay in Russian pop music. This woman has an amazing voice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxQ0rqGJpx8
ARTIST: Fillip Kirkorov
SONGS: Roza Chainaya, Newer version of Roza Chanaiya Duet With Masha Rasputina
Fillip is also a true icon in Russian music. I love his voice…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk23MQfi5MI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBt_RdD2Tfk
ARTIST: Yulia Savicheva
SONGS: Forgive For Love, (Vsyoko) So High
This girl began her career very young and has an incredible voice for her age – very powerful. Somehow she finds alot of songs with very poetic lyrics. The first song, Forgive for Love says ” Listen, you were right. Listen to me now, it’s not painful. My heart without you beats more softly. Listen, to what is left, listen to what was before and the silence will tell you that I loved you.”
The next song shows you the lyrics in English. Good stuff…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTWNH7UHhzQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxBltR6Jt0Q
Well, there you are – as I mentioned above if you tap into these you’ll see some great videos on the sides to scroll through. I hope you take the time to familiarize yourself with these artists, this music and more. Believe me, it will serve you well later on. This is just the tip of the iceberg – there’s much more to come in upcoming blogs. Turn down the lights, grab a glass of wine, imagine as you listen your lovely Russian/Ukrainian girl and you dancing a slow dance…
