Search - Nina Hagen :: Definitive Collection

Early Classics

Pieter | Johannesburg | 12/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2-CD set is an excellent compilation of Nina Hagen's early work. All the classics are here: early German gems like Unbeschreiblich Weiblich, her version of the Tubes' White Punks On Dope (TV Glotzer), her breathtaking operatic rock excursions Natuertraene & Heiss, all of the aforementioned from the debut album Nina Hagen Band. This album became an instant cult item on the indie/alternative scene around 1978.



The second album, Unbehagen, provides the catchy Wir Leben Immer Noch (The Lene Lovich song Lucky Number), the magnificent African Reggae and the catchy Fall In Love Mit Mir. Her music became more accessible with this release, veering into mainstream rock, reggae and pop. Other great songs on this compilation (which is not definitive anymore) include Zarah, Universal Radio, Rangehn, New York New York, Auf'm Friedhof and Auf'm Bahnhof Zoo.



The spark of creative genius burns brightly here in her late 70s/early 80s work, extending the boundaries of rock, punk and reggae in its seamless operatic fusion and innovative rhythmic explorations. She performs with enthusiasm, the playing is tight and the arrangements are just the right side of quirky. The music has aged very well.

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