Customer Reviews

What Do You Know Deutschland

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

 

 

Let's put this in proper perspective, people. This sure isn't a 5 star release. Some of the ideas are fantastic and the lyrics are certainly intriguing. But what dates ( and ultimately flaws ) this collection is the super thin sound and production, and the stiff programming and instrumentation. Several bracing moments aside, this is nothing more or less than mid-Eighties synth-based industrial influenced rock with super-flanged hip hop-ish beats. As with Ministry and Nine Inch Nails, until real drums and guitars were integrated into their music, KMFDM were obviously finding their footing on this, their debut, and as such, "What Do You Know, Deutschland?" is really only for the truly rabid KMFDM fan interested in a history lesson of their favorite band.

This is a great time to be a KMFDM fan. Not only are they releasing awesome new music in the form of Hau Ruck and the Ruck Zuck EP, they are releasing remastered versions of their classic back catalog. One thing I always disliked about old KMFDM was the sound level on their discs was always so long. Not anymore! Everything about this package is great. Old and new fans alike owe it to themselves to pick this up.

I think to really appreciate this record you have to realize where it was coming from. KMFDM started as a 'ultra heavy beat' industrial band. They had little money for the real good equipment so thats where it shows on this recording. The original KMFDM lineup is a classic. Sascha Konietzko, En Esch and Raymond <PIG> Watts. The first track "Kicking Ass" is awesome. It incorparates sly vocals by Ray, with simple bass and some En Esch guitar work. The next track "Me I Funk" is awesome at times. With a punkish chorus, and screaming Sascha vocals, its not too bad musically, though it could of been a little shorter. Its probably one of those things where you have to get into a groove for the real feeling behind it. Track 5 "Itchy Bitchy" is hilarious. You have to hear it. The rest of the cd however is rather disapointing. Its slower, cruder and too experimental. Only get this if youre a big KMFDM fan, otherwise this might turn you off from them.

First half of this album is great but leter on through out it slows down. what i like about the first half thay have vocals & dislike the last half be cause thay don't have any vocals.If you like "Don't blow your top" you will also like this album! thay both have the some sound to it.I think if thay have put the some effort into the first half some with the last it would been 10 times better.

OK -- this is a music review, so please keep in mind that this is merely *my opinion*...

I wanted to give this 3 stars, but I am going to add one for effort. I love the mid-90s era KMFDM, so this album sounds a bit experimental/sophomoric to me. Furthermore, this has a relatively dark and simplistic feel, even in the context of mid-80s underground industrial rock. I don't know -- if this was 20 years ago, I might be ranting and raving. For now, 3.5 stars (4 since that isn't possible).

Now, if you are new to KMFDM, and were wondering which albums to get, please allow me to suggest the following:

1. Symbols

2. Nihil (+ Bonus Track)

3. Angst

Cheers!

Most of the album is weak, but the track "Me I Funk" is a great early industrial effort that is reminicent of Ministry's Twitch, only with more attitude. I think I could say that it among the best songs kmfdm have released. There is also an experimental type track with echoing beats and sounds that is pretty cool on headphones, but you would be best off to find this one used.

Cause' they only get respect when they're kicking bum! What are they afraid of? They do that and much more. Brilliant answer to Opium. Highlights include the hilarious Itchy Bitchy. Kmfdm firmly establish their satirical roots with this faster paced track. Me I Funk is probably one of the greatest industrial ballads ever recorded. Lufthans' creepy melody can go tooth and fist against any Kmfdm song recorded later. Like a rattlsnake, What do you know doesn't show its fangs until you test it. Experimentalist songs like What do you know, Deutsche Schuld, and Sieg Sieg pave the way for Kmfdm albums like Dont blow your top, Naive, Money, Nihil, Kmfdm v Pig, Xtort, Agogo and Adios. As well as both releases from Excessive Force. Im sure it influenced other bands as well. Respect must be givin to What do you know Deutschland because it indeed Kicks Bum, and I don't just mean in the Industrial music world. Not recommended for those who grew up on Crystal Method etc. More for the Nitzer Ebb, Front 242, Laibach, Ministry, Die Krupps and NIN crowd.

This is a fantastic CD with cool synth work and rather political...lyrical themes . The reason why I say this is a slow starter is that when you first buy it you may think some of it sounds dated and only a couple of tracks are worth the price of the CD . You may leave this CD for a couple of weeks and then come back to it and then suddenly it just starts to click with you and you begin to like it more .

My favourite tracks on this are Me I Funk ( that extended synth riff is just too cool ), What Do You Know , Itchy Bitchy ( for complete pervs only ) and the last track , The Unrestrained Use Of Excessive Force . This is a rather strange song . It sounds really eerie and ends with a harsh drum crashing it's end

It's recommended but just don't expect it to hit you over the head and make you fall in love with it . It has to be dealt with subtlety

This cd just kicks. (and for the freaks like nineinchgoth below this is their second cd, Opium was the first, but only available as a promotion)