Viktor Tsoi

Victor Tsoi and his band, Kino has some enduring popularity in Russia. I still remember numerous graffities dedicated to him all over the Moscow, where I used to live.

His often depressed and melancholic songs somehow strike the chord with people long after his death. Even if they have simple, plain melodies, their lyrics do work. 

Kino's popularity continues despite government and some critics efforts to erase it from existence. Fact that mural dedicated to him was restored after someone painted it black is a proof of that.

Tsoi offers a vastly different from government sanctioned pop, sound and lyrics. These songs will give one a vastly different picture of what Russia is, if one cares to listen. They a polar opposite of upbeat patriotic fiddle, government likes to promote as official culture.

Kino's songs are concerned with personal feelings and experiences. Sometimes they are surreal. Even if they sound like an amateur effort of a guy next door, they work because this guy and his experiences are very relatable to many people in the country. Which is even more surprising, considering he is half-Korean. 

Here are some examples of his songs. 

Calm Night, a very slow and reflective song.

8th Grader. Tsoi too likes immature schoolgirls, because they are easy. This one is easy on melody.

Last Hero, this one is about person who is fed up with life as it is then (now). The discontent further develops into desire for change in the next song I have listed.

We Want Change - The anthem of tired, fed-up people. It has some self-doubt too but insist on change.