Paul Berger is a staff writer at The Forward. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The (London) Times, The Daily and Guardian.co.uk.

Jan
15

Mumiy Troll Moment

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I was reminiscing about Russian music the other day and I suddenly remembered Mumiy Troll. Okay, so maybe the video could do with a little work. But remember, this song came out some time around 1997. Even today, I would hazard a guess that lead singer Ilia Lagutenko’s androgynous look is quite edgy by Russian standards.

5 Comments

1

Did you see them as Eurovision entrants, or were you in the States by then? I’m sure our Berliner could help you out with a link…

2

Yes, they were in the Eurovision one year (and didn’t win). But I think I missed it. They’re not bad, are they? And I’ve got a feeling they ply their trade in London these days.

3

The fact that they were in Eurovision rings a very faint bell. They can’t have been very good, considering nothing in Eurovision ever is.

But I did read that that they are still touring and making albums. Apparently they are very popular in Scandinavia.

4

I think they are based in London – they play at that Russian club (Akvarium?) based down in Hoxton/Clerkenwell from time to time. And they also appear at the Russian cultural events (ludicrously overpriced gigs at the Mean Fiddler, etc).

5

I went to a Russian club night once with some SSEESites. It may have been Akvarium. Or was there another one? Around Green Park somewhere? It was terrifying. I was pushed on the dancefloor for looking at someone’s vodka.

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