Episode 246: A History of (post-)Yugoslav Pop Music: shifting borders, shifting identities

Alexandra and Nina open the episode with a rundown of the latest news, including ongoing American diplomacy vis a vis Russia and Ukraine, the closure of the Hungarian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a new ruling by the European Court of Justice related to same-sex marriage, the election results in the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania’s positive progress toward EU membership.

Alexandra is then joined by Catherine Baker of the University of Hull for the main interview. Catherine is a specialist in post-Cold War history, international relations, and cultural studies researching national identity and popular music during and after the Yugoslav Wars. Together they discuss some of late Yugoslavia’s most famous artists, how their work evolved alongside the borders of the successor states, and how they have been remembered over time and today. Some of the artists and songs mentioned in the episode include:

• Neda Ukraden - Zora je (1985)
• Doris Dragović  Željo moja (1986)
• Severina - Dalmatinka (1993) 
• Ceca - Pustite me da ga vidim (1990)
• Alka Vuica - Laži me (1994)
• Lepa Brena - Luda za tobom (1996)
• Maja Blagdan - Sveta ljubav (1996)
• Zabranjeno pušenje - Jugo 45 (1999)
• Bijelo Dugme - 1st reunion tour (2005)
• Baby Lasagna - Rim Tim Tagi Dim (2024)

Catherine’s latest work focuses on the Eurovision Song Contest, which will be the subject of forthcoming bonus content exclusive to Talk Eastern Europe patrons. Listen online here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/246-bonus-144726903