Rutenia. Khto zhyvyj. (2CD). /digi-pack/. (Who’s Alive) // www.UMKA.com.ua

Do you know a lot of modern rock bands here who would insistently, consistently, from one album to another sing songs dedicated to the freedom of Ukraine – both internal and external? No. To count them, one does not need much time. I wonder why. Maybe, everything is already so good and cloudless with us that such bands, such songs are no longer in any urgent, poignant demand? One would wish to say that it is the case – but somehow it does not sound too convincing. We live in the period of changing times, it is obvious – and one can hardly expect for a long period of calmness. So, what's the matter? Have we become so satisfied and indifferent? Also unlikely. Another thing is that a country the history of which is still re-written every few years will encounter problems with memory. If you do not remember – it does not hurt. If one does not remind you – it won’t hurt. And – will not change. But the pain – will not disappear, it will just hide. At least, if we talk about internal lack of freedom... That's why one needs such groups as "Rutenia" – to remind, trouble, force one to move. Some will just wake up, someone will get angry, some will smile skeptically – and some will grow over both anger, and skepticism. In any case, it is better than sleeping...

Taras Zhytynsky. Kozats‘ki balady. (Cossack Ballads)

Taras mainly sings folk songs – and far not all of these songs are as known and popular as they deserve being. But here one should be grateful not only for revival of some songs, but also for how they sound in his performance: Taras Zhytynsky has the voice and intonations that it is just difficult not to trust to.

Domestic price: 348.60UAH, International price: $24.90USD

Ukrajinski striletski ta povstanski pisni. Golden Collection. (Ukrainian Shooter and Insurgent Troops' Songs)

Our regular visitors long ago already got convinced that appearance of new discs of the "Golden Collection" series is always a reason for good moods, didn't they? And we are happy to admit that the tradition is kept on – compilers of the series, as well as before, discover new original themes for the collections – this is important, you should agree.

Domestic price: 390.60UAH, International price: $27.90USD

Taras Chubay, Kuzma Skryabin, Molotov 20. Nashi partysany. /cassette/. (Our Guerrillas)

Audio cassette/ ..This is, without exaggeration, a legendary album. And it was not even about the list of the project's authors.. The album was first released in 2000 – and it was perhaps the first collection of insurgents' songs in modern arrangements in Ukraine. And it still, in my opinion, remains the best one.

Domestic price: 208.60UAH, International price: $14.90USD