In addition to being the most popular schlager artist in Finland in the 90s, Kirka was many other things. His career began in the beat period of the late 60s, and in the early 70s he recorded a few soulful classic rock albums with the help of the biggest stars of the country's current progressive rock scene.
After 1972's Nykyaikaa, in 1973 Kirka got together with The Islanders, led by Eero Lupari. The album Rautaa ja kettinkia consists of two Eero Lupari originals and a good selection of cover tunes, from Alice Cooper's Yeah Yeah Yeah to Neil Young's Heart of Gold. The moods on the album range from quieter string arrangements to rougher rock'n'roll, all performed like only Kirka can.
