Oi Da Ne Vecher (single)

I'm stunned. This is so bad that I don't know where to start...

The song is so beautiful and touching that such dull interpretation feels almost like a crime against humanity.

Firstly – the singing. Completely devoid of passion, lacking the dynamics – so terribly necessary in this song. Speaking of terribleness: the way the vocal line is divided between several voices and then mixed together – just lousy. No creativity, no reason, no added value. Where are these vast Ukrainian plains, where's this feeling of longing, where's the needed space? Everything is so flat and claustrophobic like it was recorded in a bucket full of water.

The vocals are completely overwhelmed by music, what could be probably bearable, if it was of good quality. But it is even worse than singing. Horrendous drums deliver a final blow to already seriously injured recording. Not only they are low quality electronic samples, stinking of plastic - as unsuitable in an atmospheric folk song as it is virtually possible – but what worse, they are too loud and distinct. Each beat of a hi-hat is like a nail hammered into the heart of this beautiful melody. So out-of-place, killing all the atmosphere.

The end result is primitive plastic electronica with some folk wailing in the background. Shame. Real shame.

Having said that I must add that two elements are really good: firstly, vocals themselves (not to be confused with interpretation) – the vocalist is talented; if only she learned how to express the feelings. Secondly, piano is very good – well played and no ugly plastic sound here. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to save the song.

A final note: I was pondering over the enthusiastic reviews and ratings this monstrosity received to this date. The most probable explanation is that for the Western ear the Russian folklore is so exotic and the melodies so touching and haunting, that the beautiful tune by itself is enough to play with their emotions. They are so moved by the melody that they don't notice the flaws of interpretation or don't recognize them as such.

Therefore, I would like to ask anyone preparing to rate this piece with more than 6/10, to check out the two below songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyvrysKDqxM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyadcxoO2q0
If you still feel like rating it with 10/10 after hearing them, please go ahead.

The first one is another version of the subject song. It is not perfect, but still hundred times better. I'd give it about 7.5/10. Unfortunately, I didn't find any version deserving 10/10 rating, so the second song is “Zoriuszka” from the great folk band Werchowyna. This is how Eastern Slavic folk can be played, my friends... And I dare you not to shed a tear...

Lena, I listened to this many times in a row, for almost 2 hours. I don't understand a word but it's beautiful and makes me cry. Can you please write out the lyrics in Russian with this type of characters?

I found this English translation (is it correct?):

Oh, it's not evening, it's not evening
I can barely sleep
I can barely sleep
Oh, in my dreams I see

And in my dreams I see
A black horse under me
Playing tricks
Making jokes before me

Oh, evil winds flew
Yes, from the eastern side,
And they took away my black hat
From my stormy head
And they took away my black hat
from my stormy head.

But our brave captain was very clever
He guessed the meaning of my dream
He said: soon will disappear
your stormy head

pretty decent