Customer Reviews

L'Etat Et Moi

5 star:		(7)
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one night in the Vera Club in my hometown of Groningen (Holland) I saw them do a great show. Some Pavement members were in the back, fans as they were, while these Germans from Hamburg played their set. They were called the german Pavement for a few reasons. Musically it had the same slacky atmosphere, but without the humor and frivolity of Malkmus.

The other reviews I've read all say that they didn't understand a word of German. This album almost made me study German. But don't worry, lot of my German friends don't really understand it.

"everywhere there are people in the streets, I don't know them, I don't belong with them. I ask myself who I belong to. And when they talk to me I don't listen" he sings in the opening bars of 'Draußen auf Kaution', a lyric that fits the music. A song about not knowing who you are, not being 100% yourself, almost standing outside yourself. But also, a love song.

Blumfeld was a character from a Kafka book, and Kafka fans will appreciate the lyrics and maybe also the music if you don't know German. For some germans they are a little too artsy, but I don't really care.

By far the best song is the moody and almost droning "Verstärker" (amplifier), with it's feedback breaks and 3 note rhythm.

My favorite German record of all time I think.

Not being able to speak a word of German shouldn't put you off buying this fantastic album (Nor trying to track down the equally wonderful 'Ich machine'). Blumfeld have a fantastic approach to Indy rock that at once both familiar and unique to fans of Pavement, Fall, Smiths, Sonic Youth. Tuneful at times, edgy at others. I think it was the guitar sound (like a ultra tuneful Sonic Youth) that first made me fall in love with them. Later on, ever without the benifit of understanding the lyrics you'll find the tunes stuck in your head. I'm lead to believe from German speaking friends that the lyrics are great as well. Now if i can only find someone to translate.......

Although Blumfeld's music is often compared to Krautrock, the band has much more in common with Sonic Youth an The Smiths than they do with Kraftwerk and Faust. Their sound is a swirling, churning, and often utterly gorgeous sort of indie-pop, with hypnotic melodies soaring and twisting their way over oceanic rhythms. Like the aforementioned 80s underground groups, they know how to create evocative sound sculptures using their guitars, merging acoustic and electric sound in an understated and beautiful way. The lyrics, although almost entirely in German, sound wonderful in this context- plus, they're full of surprising references to American music (such as the startling nods to Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash on this record's second half). Released in 1995, L'etat Et Moi is the group's second album, and it features such as "Draußen Auf Kaution," which slowly builds an eerily hypnotic and dreamy swirl of guitar feedback. "Jet Set" is twisted guitar screech and rollicking post-punk, while "Verstärker" is a quietly beautiful spoken-word rumination set to a new wave disco-punk rhythm and loosely meshed guitars. "You Make Me" has some great acoustic guitar playing, and "Walkie, Talkie" is a summery (and slightly melancholy) and completely catchy pop number. All in all, a fantastic album that belongs to every indie fan.

I grabbed this after seeing the video for "Verstaerker," and garsh darnit, this thing ROCKS in a lofi/krautrock kinda way. If you like this CD, you MUST check out Tocotronic from Hamburg.

So what if you don't understand the words - REM's best albums were that way, too. Sung in German, this collection of indie-filtered krautrock is supremely hummable (but not lightweight) and would easily fit next to Pavement on the Matador label. They've got style for miles & miles, so much style it's wasted...on people who haven't listened. Buy now!

the lyrics and the music is sensational... have you ever thought about love and death on the same time??? listen to it and you'll never forget this album - believe me

Although I don't speak, or understand a word of German, I love this record. The music itself is amazing, textured pop. There are a few spoken word songs, which are enjoyable to listen to. Somewhat like the Fall, but more lush. I can't say enough about this record. One of the most underrated releases of all time.