40. Rammstein – Reise, Reise (2004)Ah yes, Rammstein - a band that has the ability to split the public (at least here in Germany) like no other band that I have ever encountered. While some people outright hate Rammstein for their perceived “shocking for the sake of shocking” (interestingly enough, Rammstein is also one of the few bands that some people that I know actually hate), whereas others love their music and their lyrics. I am obviously in the latter camp, much to my roommates chagrin.
For those of you that don’t know, Rammstein play a genre of music that is most commonly referred to as Neue Deutsche Härte or Industrial Music, though the guys from Rammstein call it “dance metal” themselves, with the last description pretty much nailing it. Their music is, in most cases, heavy, yet very emotional and also very catchy and danceable. I can’t really describe the sound any better than that – Rammstein have to be heard to understand it fully, I think.
Reise, Reise is Rammstein’s fourth album and by the time of its release, they had long since gained notoriety, if not outside, then at the very least inside of Germany, whether for their alleged ties to the Nazi scene, controversial song themes (Heirate mich on their debut album, which is about necrophilia comes to mind) or for actually engaging in anal sex with a dildo and ejaculating prepared semen from it onto the first rows of the audience during their first live DVD, Rammstein had long since become a name that everyone knew, even those that had no interest in this kind of music.
With such a reputation to live up to, as well as the amazing predecessor Mutter, expectations were high prior to the release of Reise, Reise – and Rammstein, despite these high expectations, didn’t disappoint in the slightest – I would probably even dare to say that they surpassed them.
The album is amazingly consistent, with not a bad track to be found on this release. Interestingly enough, Rammstein also moved away from the controversial themes on this album. Of course it did contain the obligatory scandal song (Mein Teil), complete with a video that could only be aired on MTV between ten and six, because it featured scenes of singer Till Lindemann being fellated by an angel, while tearing out it’s feathers, but other than that, the songs seem to move away a little from the shock angle and feature some stunning lyrics (mainly those that tell stories, such as Dalai Lama and Stein um Stein – songs about emotions are more prone to become cheesy, such as Ohne dich) in their own right.
The performance of the six musicians is stunning as well, with singer Till Lindemann really standing out, as his voice, while it does take some getting used to, is a very powerful and emotional one, which, along with great vocal melodies, make the vocals to be the most praiseworthy thing on this album, in my opinion.
But really, everything about this album is great. Many will probably not agree – if you don’t enjoy Rammstein, then this album isn’t for you – but if you haven’t heard Rammstein yet, then this is an ideal starting point.
Recommended tracks: Dalai Lama, Morgenstern (fun fact: my mother sings in the choir in this one), Stein um Stein, Amour
39. Deep Purple – Made in Japan (1972)This live album is, for me, the pinnacle of what Deep Purple would accomplish. Released at the very height of their career, this album showcases all the aspects of Deep Purple that have made them one of the most successful rock bands to have ever existed.
The song selection, something which makes or breaks a live album for me (among other factors, of course) is spectacular, with all of my personal favourites (Highway Star, Child in Time, Space Truckin’, Speed King) being represented, most of them in extended versions which truly showcase the creativity of all the members, though Ritchie Blackmore and Jon Lord especially shine – the key solo in Highway Star, for instance, is one of my favourite keyboard solos ever to be recorded.
All in all, there’s really not a lot to say about this album. It’s considered one of the best live albums in the history of rock, and not an ounce of this praise is undeserved. If you don’t have it, buy it. Now.
Recommended tracks: Highway Star, Child in Time, The Mule, Space Truckin’