Kontraritam (Serbian Cyrillic: Контраритам; trans. The Counterbeat) was a n… Read Full Bio ↴Kontraritam (Serbian Cyrillic: Контраритам; trans. The Counterbeat) was a new wave band from Novi Sad, notable as the first ska band in Serbia.

The band was formed in Autumn 1980 by former Gomila G members Žolt Horvat (guitar) and Robert "Robi" Radić with Jan Pavlov (keyboards, vocals), Dimitrije "Mita" Radulović (bass, vocals). The band also featured guitarist Sreten Srele Kovačević who left his former band Pekinška Patka after the release of their debut album Plitka poezija . Beside the guitar Kovačević played saxophone, which he took up playing a few months before joining the band.

After a few club appearances and with the help of Vitomir "Vita" Simurdić, the band managed to appear on the Subotica Youth festival. Due to the death of Josip Broz Tito, the festival was held in November and not in May, as it was originally played. Even though the band did not win the festival, it got positive reactions from the audience and critics.

In December 1980, the band appeared at the Grok festival, held at the Novi Sad fair. They also played as an opening act for Haustor, Prljavo kazalište and Idoli. With the help of the producer Aleksandar "Aca" Pražić, the band recorded a few songs, which provided the media presentation of the band.

After the Hipodrom festival in 1981, Radulović, who went to serve the Yugoslav People's Army, was replaced by Boris "Bora" Oslovčan. Soon after, the band sinned a contract with the Beograd disk record label, but the material recorded for the debut album was released by Jugoton in June 1982. The album was recorded in the "Meta Sound" studio and featured the recordings of both Radulović and Oslovčan on bass.

In the meantime, the band changed several lineups, but frequently performed live. Their appearance with Obojeni program and Grad at Dadov in Belgrade during September 1981 was one of their best performances as the band had three encore calls.

During the early 1982 the band performed mainly in Novi Sad. In the meantime, Horvat and Oslovčan went to serve the Yugoslav People's Army and the new member became Luna drummer Ivan Fece Firchie as the new guitarist. Soon after, the band ceased to exist. The song "Sretne noge" ("Happy Legs") appeared on the third place of Studio B's "Diskomer" the top ten list and the song "Žožo, vrati se" appeared on the Vrući dani i vrele noći various artists compilation. In 1994, the band's song "Sretne noge" appeared on the various artists compilation Niko kao ja - jugoslovenski novi talas.

The band was reformed by Kovačević, Pavlov, Radulović and the new drummer Predrag "Buca" Janičić and together they performed in local clubs. In spring 1983 Kovačević went to serve the Yugoslav People's Army and the band split up. Horvat moved to Germany, Radić joined Love Hunters, Pavlov moved to Canada, Radulović works in Elektrovojvodina and Oslovčan works as a chef in a restaurant in Moscow. Kovačević formed his own company Audiokonstruktor. In 2008 he performed a reunion show with his former band Pekinška Patka at Exit festival.

Miss Ska-kulation
Kontraritam Lyrics

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Sparta go put Everything in your mind
and this a anything that i need know
when Brazilian dancer come to kill
everybody please need stand up
WELCOME TO SPARTAN(5X

Overall Meaning

Interpreting KONTRARITAM's "Miss Ska-Kulation" is an invigorating experience, as the lyrics combine several distinct themes to create a unique and memorable auditory experience. The opening line, "Sparta go put Everything in your mind," sets a determined tone for the song, urging listeners to focus and engage fully with the music. The next line, "and this a anything that i need know," is both enigmatic and empowering, suggesting a sense of self-discovery and transformation.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the lyrics are imbued with a sense of urgency and defiance. The reference to a "Brazilian dancer" who is coming to "kill" suggests an impending threat or danger, causing the singer to call for action and unity from those around him. The repeated refrain of "WELCOME TO SPARTAN" adds an additional layer of motivational energy, encouraging listeners to rise up and face whatever challenges may come their way.

Overall, "Miss Ska-Kulation" is a dynamic and memorable song that blends themes of empowerment, unity, and determination to create a truly unique musical experience.

Line by Line Meaning

Sparta go put Everything in your mind
Prepare yourself mentally for a challenge like the ancient Spartans.

and this a anything that i need know
This is all the information I need to know in order to face any task ahead.

when Brazilian dancer come to kill
When faced with a seemingly unbeatable enemy (represented as a Brazilian dancer), don't back down.

everybody please need stand up
It's important for everyone to stay strong and not give up in the face of adversity.

WELCOME TO SPARTAN(5X)
A rallying cry to welcome others to the mindset of a Spartan warrior.

Contributed by Kaylee W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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