I only became aqquainted with "Kollaps" a few years ago, and was surprised by a lot of elements sounding quite contemporary - like some of the tricks pulled by newer, computerbased artists. And EN certainly did not "do" computers back then, they preferred stuff like pneumatic drills and hammers, steel pipes, busted electric guitars, etc. Supposedly their stageshow once caused structural damage to the now defunct venue "Ungdomshuset" in Copenhagen. Defunct...it was in fact demolished by the authorities not long ago. How ironic.
Founding member Blixa Bargeld of course joined Nick Cave's Bad Seeds during the 80's, but remained with Einstürzende Neubauten, who continue to release music to this day. Other standout tracks are "Negativ Nein", "Hören Mit Schmerzen", the Serge Gainsbourg mock-cover "Jet'M", title track "Kollaps", "Sehnsucht" - the list goes on. A classic.
Download it: Kollaps
Get the cd: Kollaps
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A friend of my brother's tells a story of EN at an LA music festival back in the early 80's. Apparently some of the sparks from a grinder set the stage on fire and shut the festival down. Saw them a couple of years ago in Seattle. Still courting danger. Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Well that makes smashing guitars look a bit meek in comparison.
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