Explore: Year » 1990

Urlait Music Journal (Samizdat) 1985-1992 (Draft)

Moscow's samizdat music journal, which followed in the footsteps of Lenigrad's Roksi while forging a new journalistic style. The journal positioned itself to in many ways reject the Leningrad scene. Despite Moscow-based bands generally leaning towards a more avant-garde, art-rock aesthetic, Urlait made a point to promote so-called "national rock." According to Urlait's founder I. Smirnov, bands like DDT, DK, and Oblachnyi Krai (Yuri Loza) were said to be "oriented towards national problems, in opposition to estrada and the confluence of Western and domestic cultural traditions."

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Kontr Kult Ur'a Music Journal (Samizdat) 1989-1991 (Draft)

Kontr Kult Ur'a was envisioned as an ideological reincarnation of Urlait, which was deemed by the new editorial board as "cult-like" and "radically positioned." The journal also was one of the first samizdat rock zines in Moscow and Leningrad to prominently feature and promote Siberian punk rock, including Egor Letov, Civil Defence, and Yanka.

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Lyube performs "Atas," 1990

In 1990, the rock band Lyube performed their recent hit, "Atas," on Soviet television. The band’s state-sponsored fusion of rock music with militaristic nationalism and patriotic culture would, among other things, endear them to Vladimir Putin.

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An “initiative group survey” from the Leningrad Rock Club

This official “initiative group survey” from the Leningrad Rock Club was completed by Sergei Kuryokhin (1954-1996) of the band Pop Mekhanika sometime in the 1980s.

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Maria Devi Khristos

A1991poster advertising the religious cult of Maria Devi Khristos (born Marina Tsvigun), featuring a woman in religious regalia making a gesture of blessing. 

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“Tsoi Wall” at 37 Arbat Street in Moscow

From a single memorial inscription for deceased Soviet rock star Viktor Tsoi (1962-1990), an entire wall of graffiti sprang up, forming an enduring pilgrimage site and evolving canvas for generations of fans.

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