VARIOUS ARTISTS

This compilation counts 46 tracks. That is something like 160 minutes of music. When checking out the track list, I noticed that I didn’t know many tracks, but then again I’m born in 1980! Considering that is the second part of a series of 4 double CD’s, I was worried that this quantity would not provide quality. But listening to this album I discovered some gems. Of course not all 46 tracks are equally appealing, but in general this is an entertaining and interesting compilation. The 2 discs are accompanied by a 152 pages booklet, containing nice pictures and background information on the artists. Nice.

You’ll find the gothic anthem Incubus Succubus (Xmal Deutschland) and the EBM-hammer Goldfinger by Die Krupps, next to classics such as Ein Jahr (es geht voran) from Fehlfarben. Ideal, Rheingold, Nena, Peter Schilling and Nina Hagen Band are present as well.

Like any good new wave compilation this compilation covers a wide range of styles. Poppy, punky and experimental songs next to electronic and avant-garde pieces: there’s enough variation! This album also covers a wide range of moods. You can hear some typical 80s melancholy besides some joyful songs: Hurra, hurra, die Schule brennt and Ich will Spass are entertaining, just as Jawoll’s Taxi with that funny dialogue. Some tracks remind me of German Schlagers, but played in a rather ironic or mocking fashion.

You can learn how Joachim Witt sounded in a previous life or discover that Tommi Stumpf (known from the EBM classics Massaker and Lobotomie) used to play in the punk band Der KFC. This compilation is an exploration of the past. An interesting historical document. Many nice tracks are waiting to be (re)discovered.

Benny CALUWE
09/09/2015