Customer Reviews

Don't Blow Your Cover: Tribute to Kmfdm

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think most KMFDM fans will definitely get a kick out of Don't Blow Your Cover. Mostly it's pretty good, except for Virus and Money. But for a bunch of groups I've never heard before, they actually do a good job.

I'm trying to collect every mix of Light, so I had to get this CD. Guenter Schulz's mix of Light is the best since the Aerobic Dub by Excessive Force, which was from the Light single in 1994.

Overall it's very much worth it. A few of the songs actually sound better than the originals, like Don't Blow Your Top and Spiritual House-- they are given a cool nineties-sounding overhaul.

Tribute albums have earned a generally warranted bad reputation, and this one, while slightly better than the average, still pretty much blows. A lot of the songs sound nothing like KMFDM, so they aren't really remixes or covers. They're different songs with KMFDM lyrics in them. This would be an album I would only recommend for someone who wants everything with the letters KMFDM on it.

Plus side: "Disobedience" - Raymond Watts turns that song into a jazzy lounge song like "Angel" from Praise The Lard.

Die Krupps' remix/cover of "Power" is cool.

The cover of "A Drug Against War" by Razed In Black is pretty good.

The horror, the horror: The disgusting remix of "Juke Joint Jezebel." It's an atrocity!

"Sex On A Flag" by Interfaith vs. Rick Sitter...I think you "blew your cover" if you can't even get the title right.

This compilation was previously released by Cleopatra as Don't Blow Your Cover in 2000.

Stand out tracks include Disobedience and Light (both performed by KMFDM alumni), Power is a solid jam by the Die Krupps crew with [...], Rosetta Stone's cover of Vogue is simply epic, exquisitely full and subtly nuanced, Spahn Ranch's working of Don't Blow Your Top earns them still more points in my esteem, and Shirley Dayton rounds off the high point tracks with a valiant working of Spiritual House, which is already an especially odd song with that Wind-Up Bunny Rabbits bit.

Unfortunately, a few of the bands featured did blow their chance at performing a great KMFDM cover. Sheep on Drugs cannot seem to do anything right, ever, and they turn Money into a carousel of repetitive, ritalin-infused techno that only manages to be some form of auditory vertigo - the sound has actually made me dizzy before, it is so redundant. Razed in Black's Romell shows us again that his voice only has one setting, ever, and he even drops his own stage name in A Drug Against War, with spectacularly obnoxious results. Then there is Virus and ... probably another track or two, I can't recall off-hand - I mean, I could look them up, but why bother?

It's a pretty solid half-and-half compilation, like Cleopatra was famous for putting out for the past ten or so years. Half is pretty great, half is pretty crap.

Two of the tracks are done by fromer members of the band (being the first two tracks actually). And I must say it is one of the best tribute albums that exist out there. If you can find it cheap, BUY IT! IT IS WORTH IT!

Now then, we all know the Cleo Cover Comp story, we understand that many of these creatures have their dark little hearts in the right place, but when we hear what they do to the masterpieces of real bands we cringe and lash at the next mascara smear we see.

But this one fits.

Of course, it helps that much of KMFDM doesn't exactly clash with their niche.

There are some keepers here, genuine tributes rather than 'why couldn't I write this song', and a few that just needed a little more mixing time to be great dancers.

However...

For the love of all that is delightfully Anarchistic and Megalomaniacal at once...

Do NOT listen to this 'Inertia'...

When exposed to what was done to one of the greatest songs ever...by some tuneless geek and a drum machine...

I honestly want to break his fingers just thinking about it.

On a related yet inverted note:

"Disobedience", the most corny and awkward song on "Nihil"

(album that makes its home in J.J.Jezebel), is taken by its original genius and worked into something darkly erotic for real.

This is all worth the few bucks, easy.

KMFDM really does deserve this album and recognition for their MANY, many years of hard work and defining industrial music! Album is a perfect compilation of their best.

I think the bands should have had one of those group meetings before banging this disk out. Pig, Gunter, Die Krupps, Sigue Sigue, RIB, and The Filmstrip don't have to stay after class.

Rosetta Stone could have spent more time on Vogue. Deadline maybe?

16 volt and Spahn Ranch obviously didn't listen to the original version of DBYT enough. Almost sounds like they forgot to include a few things like drums and/or beat. Deadlines again?

Shame on the Sheep. The original Money was supposed to parody rap. A Tribe Called Quest or Anthrax would have handled it better. Thank goodness it's only 2:11 long.

The only problem I have with Transmutator's Spritual House is that it's a little out of place on this album. A pure dance KMFDM remix/cover tribute album would be a more comfortable fit.

Interface and Nick Shifter should have taken a piss test before taking on "Sex on a Flag." Or at least let some of that "X" pass out of their systems.

Intertia needs to have their copy of Galaxian confiscated before they cover another KMFDM song like JJJ, or give them some post-its to play with instead.

I hate to burn Nitzer Ebb alumni but I must. Some more time, work, lyric revisions, and pronunciation adjustments are all Shining and Beeston need to improve Megalomaniac by leaps and bounds. In other words start again from scratch.

I really don't mean to sound spiteful, but by covering another band's work you are taking on an awsome resposibility. Not only is your reputation on the line so is the other band's. My comments are only what my very first impressions were. I didn't hate any track on this disk. On the other hand some things did rub me the wrong way.

If you bought this album to listen to some songs done by bands similar to KMFDM and a KMFDM sound, I think you bought the wrong album. This is just a collection of tracks that are really diverse, but all of KMFDM roots. You should notice though, many of the bands on here do not share the same characteristics as KMFDM. Razed In Black is much more of a goth band. While Rosetta Stone is in another category altogether. I'm a big KMFDM fan, and I really like the original tracks, but as the other reviewer pointed out, cover songs aren't intended to sound exactly like the original. Now, I think I'll review each track individually, because each track was done by a different band.

1. Disobedience - Pig : Definately a good opener. Through the years KMFDM and Pig have had alot of relations. Raymond Watts was actually one of the early members of KMFDM, I find it fitting that he is awarded the opening track. Disobedience was never a personal favourite of mine, and the original had Raymond in it anyway. I suppose it's just a remake with a few different people behind it. Not the best track here, but definately a good listen.

2. Light - Guenter Shulz : Light is probly one of KMFDM's most popular songs to date. The Light single alone contained 9 remixes. Guenter Shulz is the ex-Guitarist of KMFDM, not really as important as Raymond Watts, so I can see why they put this second. Light is always a good listen, usually the remixes put out are not too bad either, it's good, but nothing special.

3. Power - DKAY.Com/Die Krupps : The original here was the opening track of Xtort. A rather underrated piece by KMFDM back in 1996. Have no idea who this artist is, perhaps I'll look up some of their material. I think they did a great job of covering Power. The original wasn't exactly incredible to start off with. I don't know if I enjoyed it more than KMFDM, but it is a good listen on this album.

4. Virus - Sigue Sigue Sputnik : To be honest, the original Virus never really kept my attention. Naive was probably my least favourite KMFDM album. I have never heard of Sigue Sigue Sputnik, but I listened to this track, and I would definately buy some of their material. The vocals in this track should really catch you, it's definately a highlight of the album. Of all the versions of Virus that I've heard, I'd rank this highest.

5. A Drug Against War - Razed In Black : A great track here. The thing I like about what Razed In Black did, is that they included their own name in the song, which is what KMFDM originally did for themselves. None of the other cover songs here seem to try that. Also, an incredible production. A Drug Against War was one of KMFDM's fastest songs, I've heard other songs by Razed In Black, and this certinaly isn't their fastest, but it has a great feel to it. One of the best listens on the album here.

6. Vogue - Rosetta Stone : I don't know what the other reviewers had in their ears when they listened to this. It's an incredible track. Vogue was an enjoyable song originally, and Rosetta Stone without a doubt has improved upon the original and really made it their own. Rosetta Stone isn't my next favourite band by any means, but I think they definately have some talent. Another one of the greater tracks on the album.

7. Don't Blow Your Top - 16 Volt Vs. Spahn Ranch : It's unfortunate that of all of KMFDM's older material this was the one they chose to cover. I would have been much more impressed with Helmut! Mein Helmut! or perhaps Kickin' Ass / Thumb Thumb.

Despite that, it's an interesting track. There really isn't anything interesting to listen to, but you won't be bored out of your mind either. Never heard of either of those bands, but they did a not too bad job here.

8. Money - Sheep On Drugs : Don't know what the purpose of this track was. At first I didn't enjoy it all. After a few listens it really starts to grow on you though. Never heard of Sheep On Drugs, and have yet to stumble upon their material. The drum beats are interesting, the vocals have an effect that alot of KMFDM's older material had on it, too. Definately a well-done cover. I would be more impressed with a bit more to the track and perhaps a longer duration.

9. Spiritual House - Transmutator : Was this even a popular KMFDM track? I really wonder why they chose this. None to worry, it's not as bad as one would think. It features female vocals, as many KMFDM albums do, so I think they're good in that department. It wasn't a smashing hit then, and it hasn't really changed in this cover song. You might just want to skip over this one, it doesn't really live up to the rest of the album. If you prefer some of KMFDM's slower rhythms in WWIII with female vocals, you might like this too. I won't completely condemn it.

10. Sex On A Flag - Interface Vs. Nick Shifter : First off, the original was Sex On The Flag. Second, why is this track a "vs" track. Oh well, the original was a good track, if you enjoyed the album Money. I did, and I enjoyed this track too. Not reccommended as the best track here by far. But, give it a go. I think they really could have improved this though. No idea who either of those bands are, and I can't be bothered to find out, they aren't necessairily striking in their performance.

11. Juke Joint Jezebel - Inertia : Best track on the album. If you're on of the idiots above who came in looking to critique anyone who dare cover their favourite KMFDM track, maybe you should skip over this. But, if you're interested in trying something new, play it. It has a really interesting start, and the vocals are much better than when KMFDM released this. I really like KMFDM, from 1984's Opium to 2005's Hau Ruck. But, I never liked Juke Joint Jezebel. The screaming female vocals of the chorus really turned me off. Sounded too much like a choir. Bottom line is, If you listen to this track to hear KMFDM, it's not happening. You have to listen to this expecting something new, and that's what you'll get. Also, Inertia's release is on amazon if anyone is interested, it's a 2 disc set.

12. Megalomaniac - Shining : Not the best. Not the worst. I think this track could have been put close to the beginning of the album to give a better flow. Shining, to me, is an unheard of band. Megalomaniac being one of KMFDM's signature tracks, would really take alot to do their song better than them. So, don't expect that. Not my favourite, but it's not totally horrible.

13. Stray Bullet - The Filmstrip : They could have used a better ending to this. Stray Bullet is one of my personal favourites of KMFDM. I don't judge this track to surpass it, but I did enjoy it. The annoying thing about this track is you can't here the vocals till they gradually get loud enough. Everything thing else about this track is enjoyable. I like how they redid some of the wording.

I only rated this with 4 stars because I think too many people will be disappointed. And a few tracks are rather dismal. Nonetheless, this is an incredible deal, In Canada they are selling for $22 + 15% tax + shipping costs! You all here have an incredible deal, 13 tracks for $5 isn't a deal you will see too often, so I'd say anyone who can get this, get it.

Well, on an impluse I bought the KMFDM tribute album today. A little disappointing, I was expecting covers that were at least somewhat close the originals, but what I got is mostly a lot of drum 'n' bass with KMFDM lyrics over it. Not all bad, though. Here's the review, on a song-by-song basis:

1. Pig - Disobedience. Well, even though it's really different than the original(which happens to be my favorite KMFDM song) I still really like it. Gets stucks in your head, especially when you're really tired...and especially if you like sleazy lounge music.

2. Guenter Shulz(their spelling, not mine) - Light. It's little more than a cool remix of Light, but the supercool part is that Gunter sings! This is a first, as far as I know. He's actually pretty good, when his voice isn't distorted to the point of sounding like an angry muppet.

3. Dkay.com/Die Krupps - Power. Pretty darn cool. Although it wasn't really as cool as I thought it'd be at first, it's reaaally started to grow on me. Probably my only chance to hear my favorite band being covered by my second favorite band.

4. Sigue Sigue Sputnik - Virus. Surprisingly, it's really good. Great, even. This is how the covers should sound, like the original but with a unique twist. Makes me want to hear more Sigue Sigue Sputnik.

5. Razed In Black - A Drug Against War. Another surprise, especially since I don't really care for RIB. They change it up a lot, but you can still tell it's ADAW. Pretty darn rockin'. And in an extremely cheesy, almost KMFDMesque fashion, they sometimes say "Razed in Black is a drug against war!".

6. Rosetta Stone - Vogue. I was looking forward to this, since I like Rosetta Stone. Man, was I disappointed. They turn it into a bad dance song. With really bad vocals. Some would argue that the original Vogue was a bad dance song with really bad vocals, but I really liked it. And I don't like this.

7. 16 Volt vs. Spahn Ranch - Don't Blow Your Top. What in the name of Sascha K? I love Spahn Ranch, but man...this is horrible. It's just noise with a little guitar and almost spoken word vocals.

8. Sheep On Drugs - Money. Gyah! This isn't Money! This is terrible! It's a drum beat with the lyrics to Money sung over it! And sung over it quite poorly, I might add. I wish I knew exactly where this was on the disc, so I could take a knife to it. Ugh...

9. Transmutator - Spiritual House. Uh...why bother? The original was...less than stellar. It was hardly even a song. However, this cover is pretty good...turns it into a drum 'n' bass song that's actually kinda cool.

10. Interface vs. Nick Shifter - Sex On A Flag. Yes, Sex on A Flag. If you cover a song, you should at least get the name right. It's pretty bad. I'll leave it at that.

11. Inertia - Juke Joint Jezebel. Oh Jezebel...my poor Jezebel...what have they done to you! It's bad EBM! REAL BAD EBM! WITH BAD VOCALS! REAL BAD VOCALS!

12. Shining - Megalomaniac. It's bad. And he pronounces megalomaniacal as "megalomaniac-al". And he screws up a bunch of other lyrics. I dunno, I might like this if it weren't supposed to be Megalomaniac.

13. The Filmstrip - Stray Bullet. Manages to be really really different than Stray Bullet, but still sound a lot like it, somehow. Pretty good.

Overall, not bad, could be better, but not bad. The whole thing seems to grow on me. Gets four stars pretty much on the strength of the first five tracks. Not exactly worth the [money] I paid for it, but still worth picking up if you can find it cheap. Definately worth getting if you like KMFDM(which I do).

Help! It's another bad tribute album from the the people who brought you such stinkers as "The Passion Of Covers: A Tribute To Bauhaus" and other worthless titles full of terrible bands (Rosetta Stone) doing terrible covers, and even some good bands (Sheep On Drugs, Julian Beeston) doing surprisingly terrible covers. Now why did I give such an insulting CD 2 whole stars? Well for one thing, Sheep On Drugs' "Money", while lacking all of what I was expecting them to give the song is pretty cool (if you don't think of the original while listening to it), and, the new remix of "Light" by Gunther Shultz (ex-KMFDM guitarist) is a treat that extends from the songs single, and "Disobedience" is more of a loungy remake of the original than a cover (Mr. Watts did sing the original as well). So if you like the bands on this CD, get it, but only if you know the originals very well. And if you don't but you are a completest (like me :( ) go for it. But just remember this "YOU WERE WARNED".