Beograd-Mrak (Beogradski Remek Depo) LP Discom DCM-015 (180 gr, Gatefold, Photos, Lyrics, Out June1)
by Beograd
25,00 €
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the release of Remek Depo, the very first electronic record from the former Yugoslavia, the group Beograd has decided to unveil eight previously unreleased tracks in the context originally intended. The band initially planned to title their first album as Mrak ( eng. Dark). Recorded with Du Du A and other collaborators, this album serves as a manifesto of resistance—not only in Belgrade and Yugoslavia but everywhere else.
The A-side opens with the track 1984, named after George Orwell's seminal novel. This piece was recorded in a single night in the same year, featuring Zoran Zagorcic (Du Du A) and one of the first Yamaha DX7 synthesizers. It encapsulates the dark and tense atmosphere of Belgrade during a period marked by economic crisis, characterized by shortages of essential products like coffee and oil, as well as electricity restrictions. This oppressive environment also impacted personal relationships, leading to unconventional expressions of passion and desire, as exemplified by the subsequent track from 1985, Mracni Predjet Zelja (eng: That Obscure Object of Desire). However, the primary source of frustration was political, stemming from the abuse of nationalism and the incitement of inter-ethnic conflicts within the complex Yugoslav society. This sentiment is vividly illustrated in the songs Hare Krishna and Belgrade Beat, recorded just before the country’s collapse in 1991. Remarkably, despite their protest, these songs convey messages of strong optimism and hope. In "Belgrade Beat Dejan Kostic (Du Du A) raps and Dejan Stanisavljevic sings. ''Od Studija B do Amerike, Beograd širi svoje talase, mi nismo sami u nama je svet, dolazi veliki preokret" (eng. "From Studio B to the USA, Belgrade spreads its waves, we are not alone, the whole world is with us, a great change comes!"). It is no surprise that this song was frequently broadcast on student Radio Index during the student and anti-war protests in 1992.
The B-side features contemporary songs produced by Beograd, which reflect protests against the current societal conditions in post-war Belgrade. Crafted with musical clarity and irony, these tracks satirize figures of repression, hitting their mark with an almost childlike purity, reminiscent of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, "The Emperor's New Clothes." The collaboration between Dejan Stanisavljevic, the leader of the Beograd and the Du Du A group not only influenced his musical expression but also laid the groundwork for the group's socially engaged music in their later career.
As we remember the two late leaders of the Du Du A group, Dejan Kostic and Zoran Zagorcic, alongside the recently departed member of the Beograd, Milan Bubalo, this gramophone record stands as an important testament to the contributions of previous generations of artists in the fight for a fairer society. We hope it will inspire the younger generation in their current struggles, especially at a time when such inspiration is needed more than ever.
Review by: Luka Novakovic, Vanja Todorovic
Tracklist:
A side:
1. 1984
2. Mračni Predmet Želja
3. Hare Krishna
4. Belgrade Beat
B side:
1. Ramada
2. (Don't) Mix Swords And (Grand)Mothers
3. Gumone
4. Kolaps (Totalitae Totalita)
Music: Dejan Stanisavljević (all tracks), Zoran Zagorčić (A1), Marjan Zorić (A2),
Bratislav Pavlović (B1), Jovan Ćosić (B3)
Dejan Stanisavljević - vocals, synths, programming
Milan Bubalo - rythm machines
Zoran Zagorčić - synths (A1), vocals (A3)
Dejan Kostić - guitars (A3,A4)
Marjan Zonjić - synths (A2)
Milena Radević - backing vocals (A2)
Jelena Zagorćić - backing vocals (A3)
Maja Agatonović - backing vocals (A3)
Bratislav Pavlović - synths (B1)
Jovan Ćosić - vocals (B3, B4)
Tracks A1, B1-B4 were recorded in Dejan’s home studio in Belgrade between 1984. and 2025. A2 was recorded in Studio Kazablanka in 1985. Tracks A3 and A4 were recorded in City Sound Studio in 1991.
Design, compilation, executive production: Luka Novaković,
Vanja Todorović
Remaster: Dejan Stanisavljević, Dadi Stojanović
Pressing: Rakamakafon Ltd, Made in EU
Limited to 300 copies.
Dedicated to Milan Bubalo (1962-2023)
©2026, Discom, Dejan Stanisavljević, all rights reserved.