Rambo Amadeus

By ⋅ June 1, 2010 ⋅ Post a comment
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You might think authoritarian political regimes aren’t very good for art. But Serbian rock star Rambo Amadeus says tyranny gives art purpose and energy. Back in the 90′s, he was a leading cultural critic of Slobodan Milosevic, using music and satire to focus public anger against the Serbian strongman. But now, nearly ten years after the fall of Milosevic, Rambo Amadeus says cultural life in Serbia has run out of steam. Matthew Brunwasser has today’s global hit from Belgrade.


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One comment for “Rambo Amadeus”

  • Jeff

    That was some of the worst music I have ever heard. I had to turn the radio off and check back a few minutes later that this story was over. It sounded like a rapping Count Dracula, accompanied by a lone synthesizer. It would be impossible to parody this music, because you just can’t make it any worse. I’m not trying to be mean, and I’m sure the story has value. But there is a ton of politically rebellious music out there that is fantastic. And you know, this is not the first time The World has covered bad music. Seems like it’s always these uncomfortable combinations like heavy metal in the mid-east, or funk in China. Please look for good music first, and a good back-story second. Thanks for an otherwise great show.