Worst Armenian CD Cover Nomination #7
The name of the album is "Top 10 of Rabiz, Volume 1", with the artist eventually disclosed as Grisha Aghakhanyan. I was very torn on putting this on the Nomination list because I actually think this is a great album from several points of view. Back in the late 1990's, a disturbing and absolutely hysterical album hit the Armenian market in cassette format in the name of our Nominee. I remember picking up the cassette for about a buck from some street vendor. At first, I dismissed it. But then, upon closer listen it became very clear that this was a comedy/parody album and I got the punchline/joke. I thought the album at the time was fresh, clever, and completely unique pushing forward the Rabiz culture (which I do not mind at all) in the faces of contemporary culture. In fact, if I were to compile list of the most influential Armenian albums of all time, this one would be on it. No kidding.
So, given the spirit of the album being comedic, I was conflicted to put this one out there. Since the other albums were actually earnest attempts are creating meaningful music with badly calculated images, it deserves our good natured chuckle. However, given that Grisha actually was playing a "role", the cover can be taken within the context of the joke. In any case, if people were to see the album cover and not get the joke, they would stop and stare at this utterly bizzare third world squatter in black pants, no shirt, and gold chains looking every bit the thug.
Anyway, here it is for you to debate amongst yourselves. Enjoy.
posted by Raffi at 5:26 AM
5 Comments:
Nah, this shouldn't belong here. As you said, this album is a parody (I happen to take this competition very seriously).
Yaaaa.. Raff it can't be Worst Cover if it's MEANT to be laughing at what it's showing. For example the Paul B. cover with the "Sirem" license plate and horrible chest hair.... he didn't mean for it to look ridiculous, thus it's in the competition.
But u're right on the money about this guy creating hilarious music (it takes talent to come up with all that!)
:)
Hmmm... I may have to consider fan reaction here and disqualify this one. Give me a few days and let me confer with my committee (my wife).
I don't know where I've heard his music but I liked it. I think it was on Demk radio.
The cover art is certainly a parody and I don't think it should be included in the contest, either. But it was nice to see it. :)
Raffi, how does your wife feel about the Armenian things like language, culture and stuff?
Mine is quite indifferent to the music although wants to learn the language and likes the Armenian culture except for the heavy smoking. So far she has learned the word 'lobi(beans)'. I tried to teach the word 'gini(wine)' but so far I'm failing. One word for every six years is not bad, is it?
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