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Mor ve Ötesi

About:

Mor ve Ötesi was formed in 1995 with the line-up of Kerem Kabadayı (drums), Harun Tekin (vocals & guitar), Derin Esmer (vocals & guitar) and Alper Tekin (bass). They released their first album ‘Şehir’ (The City) in 1996 and played their first live concert at METU, Ankara. That year, Burak Güven replaced Alper Tekin on bass. ‘Bırak Zaman Aksın’ (Let Time Flow), their second album was released in 1999 to massive success. Just after its release, Derin Esmer moved to the USA and was replaced by prominent guitarist Kerem Özyeğen. In 2001, they released their third album, ‘Gül Kendine’ (Smile at Yourself). With Kerem Özyeğen, there was a noticeable change in the music lyrics. They started playing more on social and political themes. For instance they were very active in the opposition against the use of nuclear energy in Turkey.  In May 2003, Mor ve Ötesi's released the Yaz EP, which included a cover of the Ajda Pekkan song 'Yaz Yaz Yaz'.

Their fourth album ‘Dünya Yalan Söylüyor’ (The World is Lying) was released in 2004 and turned out to be their breakthrough to the mainstream. Singer Şebnam Ferah makes a guestappearance on the opening track. The album became their most popular album in Turkey, reaching 250.000 sales. Since their previous work was not as well known, many new fans were not aware that they weren't a new band. The album contained considerable political criticism against the activities of the USA both in Iraq and the rest of the world. In the same year they received a Golden Orange Award for their single ‘Bir Derdim Var’, included on the soundtrack of the Çağan Irmak film ‘Mustafa Hakkında Her Şey’.

The fifth album ‘Büyük Düşler’ (Great Hopes) was released on May 8, 2006. This is an album mainly dealing with the political problems of Turkey and the personal problems of the group members, including loss of family members and their relationships. It has a darker sound compared to their previous albums. This album is regarded by many fans as a return to a style closer to their earlier albums. Three singles were released from the album: ‘Şirket’, ‘Küçük Sevgilim’, and ‘Ayıp Olmaz Mı?’. ‘Büyük Düşler’ was named Best Album of the Year by Rolling Stone Turkey and Best Rock Album of the Year by Blue Jean magazine.

On December 10, 2007 TRT's general manager İbrahim Şahin announced that Mor ve Ötesi were to represent Turkey in Eurovision Song Contest 2008 with the song 'Deli'. They finished 7th in Belgrade on 22 May 2008. During the contest, BBC commentator Sir Terry Wogan described the lead singer as "a sinister James Bond". The band's next album, set for release in late November 2008, will be titled 'Başıbozuk'. It will include three studio and four live tracks, including their Eurovision entry, as well as remixes. The popularity in Turkey continues to grow. After a remix-compuilation and an average album the band steps up in 2013 with the album 'Güneşi Beklerken'.

On the web:

- Mor ve ötesi's official website: http://www.morveotesi.com/

If you like this, you probably like.. / european counterparts:

Wir sind helden (Germany)

What do we think:

PR: XXXX.

DB: 'Deli' was my absolute favourite of the Eurovision of 2008. Finally a band and not some bimbo flashing her legs around. And a rock tune as well. Alas after voting ten times they still ended 7th. At least they triggered me to try to get a hold of their albums. Not easy to come by at the timeI might add but a dealer in istanbul sended them over for a reasonable price. 'Gül Kendine' is regarded by most fans as their best album but is in fact to average for my taste. Standard rock. 'Dünya Yalan Söylüyor' shows a big leap forward with better production and more european sounding songs. They continue that line with the 2013 album 'Güneşi Beklerken' They start working with local influences, a trend that can also be heard on their Eurovision entry. Mor ve ötesi doesn't make very difficult music but is indeed of the better rockbands coming from Turkey.

Albums :

Şehir - 1996

Bırak Zaman Aksın - 1999

♪♪♪ - Gül Kendine 2001

♪♪♪♪ - Dünya Yalan Söylüyor - 2004

Büyük Düşler - 2006

♪♪½ - Başıbozuk - 2008

♪♪♪ - Masumiyetin Ziyan Olmaz - 2010

♪♪♪♪ - Güneşi Beklerken - 2013

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♪♪♪♪♪ = outstanding album, an absolute must-have
♪♪♪♪ = great album, highly recomended
♪♪♪ = nice album
♪♪ = be careful, requires listening before buying
♪ = best to be avoided