Fehlfarben - Monarchie und Alltag (1980)

"Monarchie und Alltag" (Monarchy and Daily Life) was the 1980 debut album of German rock band Fehlfarben, released on the Welt-Rekord-label, a subsidiary of EMI. The album was not well-received initially, but developed a following over time, entering the charts seven months after its release and gradually climbing to peak at #37. The album belatedly spawned a hit single in 1982, "Ein Jahr (Es geht voran)", and certified gold in 2000, after a re-release during the post-punk revival.

The poor initial reception of the album and a scheduled lengthy tour prompted the departure of vocalist and songwriter Peter Hein, who did not return to the band until following a 2000 reunion. Guitarist Thomas Schwebel took over as lead vocalist for the tour and subsequent releases.

The album is regarded as highly influential in the Neue Deutsche Welle movement of Germany and the German punk scene. It secured a position for the band and its first lead singer as prominent figures in the German punk movement.

'Monarchie und Alltag' is one of the bigger classics from Germany. It is one of the first albums from the 'Neue Deutsche Welle'-genre and also one of the first german Post Punk albums.
And with the tracks 'Hier und Jetzt', 'Grauschleier' and 'Das sind Geschichten' it starts out really strong, while also introducing the sound.

The album has a great production, thrilling guitar riffs and wild saxophone. It's a bit like Gang of Four, a bit like an artier Clash. "Paul is tot" (Paul is Dead) is a cult classic 8 minute "Heart of Darkness" style dirge, but the whole album sounds great. Best songs: the punky "Hier und jetzt", the Killing Joke-like "Militurk", the frantic "Apokalypse", and of course "Paul ist Tot".

Crucial, essential, powerful and just amazing: a milestone in german music history. Breathtaking lyrics, driving beats - this is a masterpiece of the so called "Neue Deutsche Welle" - maybe one of the most relevant german albums in 2 or 3 decades (1980-2000) but please note: you can only enjoy the music completely if you understand the lyrics. 5 stars for one of the most important german albums ever.


Tracklist:
01. Hier und jetzt
02. Grauschleier
03. Das sind Geschichten
04. All That Heaven Allows
05. Gottseidank nicht in England
06. Militürk
07. Apokalypse
08. Ein Jahr (Es geht voran)
09. Angst
10. Das war vor Jahren
11. Paul ist tot

Fehlfarben - Monarchie und Alltag (1980)

(320 kbps, cover art included)