Tank Battles

Finally, we get a glimpse of Lily Von Schtupp's ill-conceived career after she left the backwater town of Rock Ridge. 3/10 2 stars

From what I could dig out on YouTube, this is very Brecht/Weill, sounds like Lotte Leyna. I'm not much of a fan of this style, and my kids *DESPISE* it! Guaranteed to drive them to the edge of sanity. The English lyrics are quite clunky and remind me of polemic from a Socialist Worker article. As the great Molly Ivins said about Pat Buchanan's speech at the 1992 Republican convention, "probably sounded better in the original German"

6/10. Still a better war album than Let England Shake

That was… unexpected. Beautiful voice and reading a bit about the artist who she covered, I can see the beauty in it, but it feels like a cold war level of importance which doesn’t resonate so much with me.

She had me at "Look, there's a new crack started, even the bricks have farted." Actually, I was all in before the first measure of the first song was complete. Fantastically theatrical, so dramatic, so compelling. Why this isn't available streaming anywhere but YouTube is beyond me. Apparently it was never released in the US. I love Dagmar Karuse's vocals. I can't stop thinking about these songs. Wish I was sipping a cocktail in Berlin right now... Beautiful! I loved it!

This is a truly bizarre one. It's probably the first album so far on my generated list to have no presence on Spotify. It's not even unavailable, it's just missing entirely by the looks of it. I found the full album on YouTube, or at least most of the album I think? The disk it was recorded from had bad popping noises throughout and it ended abruptly, though the video seemed to be about the length of the album. Gonna be weird having a permanent missing song from my curated list, but I'm sure there will be more. This made for a good background album I suppose. Didn't particularly enjoy any of it, but it wasn't bad as such, just not for me. It's certainly got a dramatic and theatrical aspect to it. Who is this for? In fact, I'm fascinated about why it's on the list; I'd be interested in reading the entry this has in the 1001 albums book. That's not from a place of distaste, I'm honestly curious about what landed it in the 1001. There's not much information about it on Wikipedia. I can't shake the feeling that I've heard Lied Von Der Belebenden Wirkung Des Geldes somewhere. Absolutely no clue where though... Favourite: Lied Von Der Belebenden Wirkung Des Geldes Favourite:

My interest in Weimar-era agitprop has not increased with age.

Quite extraordinary songs by Hanns Eisler who collaborated with Brecht but is less well known than Brecht’s other collaborator Weill. Socialist, sardonic, witty and poignant, the songs retain their power to shock and stir. And Dagmar Krause is a stunning interpreter of the songs - that gravel voice, born to perform in the Weimar Republic cabaret but gifted to the modern age. The whole album needs to find its way to streaming services - it deserves a wider audience.

Five star simply because its had the good grace to be impossible to find so saving me time.

A modern interpretation of songs written in post-WW1 Berlin. The arrangements may not be for everyone, but most of the tunes capture the feeling of hopelessness that pervaded Germany not just when these songs were written, but in the midst of the Cold War.

More like a performance art piece. Sort of reminiscent of Brecht. Addendum - it turns out that the music on this album were all written by Hanns Eisler, who worked with Bertolt Brecht, so it was a reasonable reaction. It got better when I stopped actively listening to it and it was more background to me reading.

This sucks, is in German, and is not on Spotify.

Wish the whole thing was available somewhere but loved what I could find

Truly bizarre. Makes me think of a fictitious anime film soundtrack composed by a 4AD band. Picking up on heavy Dead Can Dance vibes. I wouldn't give this any overwhelming praise but it's a positive for me purely on its uniqueness.

It is strange to me that this is an album "you must hear before you die," yet no album by Dagmar Krause's band, Slapp Happy, made the cut. If you know anything about that band, you would know it is quite a bit better than this, or at the very least deserves it a little more. This album can be daunting, as despite its average runtime, the amount of tracks in juxtaposition to the lack of variation can lead to a lot of songs whizzing by with very little to recollect later, and it leads to the majority of the album being forgettable, even to the point of annoyance by the end, but I'd be lying if I didn't say the sappier, more musically well-constructed material had me more intrigued. Krause's voice is not stereotypical, but it is technically impressive at times, and I'd say the strange delivery combined with the off-tempo instrumentation lead to a lot of moments where I think I could enjoy this in small bursts. It is hard to tell, as the songs not being on streaming means I can't quite remember a favorite or two to listen to later, but I know they were in there, and while that was bound to happen with a whopping twenty-two tracks, I still have to give it some (Stockholm Syndrome-esque) credit. It isn't a good album, and I can't recognize why many would come away from this confused and angry at what they just listened to, but I think it barely scrapes by as just weird enough for it to be barely up my alley. You won't see me recommending it to anyone else, though, and it certainly isn't an album to listen to before you pass away.

Interesting. This is different enough that it's hard to judge. It's good enough for 3 stars with just one listen. Some music requires a little effort to fully appreciate, and this might be such a case. But I don't enjoy it enough to put in the work (which might just lead me to the conclusion that, yes, this really is just 3 stars).

What is this doing on the list? Weimar-era art song has some enduring influence on contemporary music, but is _this_ really the example you must hear? Serialist-inspired agitprop kabaret from the second most important song composer of the period is pretty niche, as shown by the difficulty in finding this album online. It's quite a tribute to Hanns Eisler (who, let's face it, was hardly Brecht's number one collaboration) and this is surely the definitive recording of this material. I am sure it was enthusiastically received by the 87 people who bought it on first release. I am stunned that a major record label poured as much money and effort into this record in the first place. it is, to give it all due credit, wonderfully arranged, performed and recorded. This was not an inexpensive undertaking. Dagmar Krause has a really great voice for this type of thing. But how the hell did anyone at Island record ever think this would recoup its budget? I hope that they found other gainful employment after their inevitable firing. I found if I settled in and let it wash over me, I could listen to this record. It's OK, you know? But including it on the list of 1001 must-hear albums is either willful perversion or hubristic pretension. Not for the first time, I implore Robert Dimery to pull his head out of his arse.

Interesting album, a commentary of war and political standings. Almost felt like a slam poetry session, with more production value. While a good art piece, I wouldn’t necessarily call it good music, or something I’d enjoy listening to often

This was soooo weird and not in a good way honestly. The voice sounded like Meryl Streep down two octaves and doing push ups. Just a weird album altogether.

I had to listen to this on YouTube and it was the English version. I came to appreciate that, though, because these songs are incredibly biting, funny, and satirical. I felt swept away to Weimar Germany by Dagmar’s voice.

This certainly takes me back to 1920s Berlin. Krause's voice is quite remarkable! I'm not going to play this a lot, but I loved hearing something unlike anything else I've listened to in 900+ albums.

This was fabulous! I could imagine enjoying the show in a club back in time.

Love Dagmar Krause, Hanns Eisler and Bertolt Brecht 🙏 Very pleased to have them recognized on here. Go modernist theatre!

I was able to find this album on Youtube. This album is Dagmar Krause's interpretation of Eisler-Brecht songs and is a combination of cabaret and avant garde music that is meant to evoke post-WWI Germany during the Weimar Republic. The songs are stark yet richly brought to life by Krause. The musical backing fits them well and seemingly owes more to 20th century composition than to popular music. With Krause's unique vocal style and emphasis of certain words and tones, I was reminded of Schoenberg's 'A Survivor form Warsaw' which is as high of praise as I can give this album.

The theater kid in me loved this, 10/10 would audition for

It's enjoyably Teutonic and operatic. Wagnerian. Bit obviously without the odious views. Feels a little bit like Tom Waits. Hard to say if I love it from the first listen... But I want to hear more, so that's good.

Вроде люблпытно

Quite interesting. Tank Battles is an album I'll remember for its unique singing and presentation.

Found it here: https://youtu.be/JbYmWrfNJpQ?si=KB05SRDULWAIWZRY It's giving me Cohen vibes weirdly. If Nico was a good singer and covered Scott Walker covering Jacques Brel. I like it. It's dark, avante-gard. Challenging, but rewarding.

Wild theatre-kid energy

How do you even start reviewing and scoring this cabaret-style output? It's obviously representative of a different songwriting tradition than the vast majority of albums on here, which are all, in some way, popular music. Dagmar Krause delivers a distinct, emotional vocal, which suits the play-like compositions perfectly. Perhaps it would work better if there was some visual aids accompanying it - like a theater stage? Ultimately, the thing dragging Tank Battles down is the inclusion of too many 1-1.5 minute tracks that are basically just intermezzi, but really damages the flow of the record and make it quite clear, that this really isn't an album at its' core.

This is the happiest album in Germany

I want to give this a one but since we share a surname I think Dagmar and I must be related. You have to stick by your family, even if they make a horrible, horrible mistake. Also, joking aside, there are parts of this that aren't that bad. Whenever she's actually singing in German and there's actually music playing behind her, I feel like there's some quality here. It's when she sings uncomfortably in English and/or the "music" turns into "arthouse circus" that I get sad.

This is uh... pretty offbeat. Has the feel of show tunes but it's surely also a bit too inaccessible for that. Maybe some kind of independent theatre production that runs on off nights. But I... don't hate it? On paper I fucking hate it, but I kinda don't. It's a complete and utter wank, sniffs its own farts and tells itself it's very intellectually stimulating. 2/5.

This album can kiss my ass. What even was this? Sounded like a very bad off Broadway German play. 2/10.

Feel free to skip this, you’re not missing out on much

Jeg havde virkelig ikke behøvet at høre det her inden jeg dør

Why 5? For on album I cant find? And what is this niche called “Cabaret, jazz, avant-garde”? Its music from the 1920s! The 5 is for the genre - salty dark/light style of Deutsche serious fun - its poetic dramatic themes, time, and place. I am happy and a bit surprised to find it here (and that my beloved Ute Lemper’s album is also on the 1001 list at some point!) So, the album is too hard to find. So if you really want a taster, I include suggested samplers below so you can “taste” this salty dark/light style of Deutsche serious fun. Can i do that? I do. A hugely influential genre, and very special style - I call it Kabarat - the “Weimar Republic era” in 30’s Germany - songs from dramatic plays in what one might all very progressive times, and works such as The Threepenny Opera, or Brecht-Weill's "sung ballet" The Seven Deadly Sins. We are deep in Brecht / Weill / Eisler territory and its harsher, heavier and more demanding but truer in German. Its not just music for femme fatales to sing as cameos in WWII films, across the 20th century, everyone from Louis Armistorng, Lou Reed, Nick Cave,Tom Waits, and Mariane Faithful got together to do cover versions of this stuff. The current ‘pure’ singers is Ute Lemper - superb - seen live: her voice cuts you. Robyn Archer is apparently good. There is also an opera singer who does Kurt Weill - Teresa Stratas . The core singers originally were Lotte Lenya - the original (she married Weill) Marlene Deitrecih (yes), And somewhere this Dagmar Krause inthe 80s?. P.s. This entry was supposed to be about this album you just cant find it streaming on the main two - Spotify and YoutubeMusic, except as playlists) Tank Battles (1994) reissued covers both the nelgihs and german versions (Tank Battles: The Songs of Hanns Eisler by Dagmar Krause 1988. & Panzerschlacht: Die Lieder von Hanns Eisler. Sung in GERMAN Meanwhile.... Recommended showcase albums ALBUM: “Punishing Kiss” - Ute Lemper (2000) - NOTE: this is elsewhere on the 1001 list (2010 version) Compilation” Lost In The Stars: The Music Of Kurt Weill - various artists (1985) (includes Dagmar Krause - “Surabaya Johnny” ( very good audio) . Film & CD & DVD: “”September Songs – The Music of Kurt Weill” (1994) (there is a 2015 DVD) - documentary + all star performances A weird but flawlessly done one - by industrial band from Zurich The Young Gods Play Kurt Weill (1991) Go hear Mack the Knife - Nick Cave Then listen to the The Louis Armstrong & Bobby Darin versions Alabama Song (whisky Bar) - the doors (166 on their debut album) . “Moon of Alabama (good Quality Audio)” - Lotte Leny (1930s recording I presume) Bilbao song Pirate Jenny, After all of this, the Hollywood version of CHICAGO might seem vanilla. Maybe try the older versions....

This album is way off the beaten path. I've never heard of Dagmar Krause. She has a great voice. This type of stuff is why I started this project. I don't need to be validated with albums I already know I like. I need albums that push my boundaries and challenge my ears.

Really captivating album. I can't believe I waited so long to listen - I guess I saw German and thought it would be early edm, plus not being on spotify I gave up for a bit. But I am seriously impressed. Theatrical, delightfully disturbing, and there's even a truckload of clarinet content! So unique. I feel like I owe it to listen again and do my research on the lyrics too. Great stuff

Ausgezeichnet!

ich bin so überrascht gsi, wie geil die musig isch wtf so en banger

Different, but Cool!

Found a YouTube playlist that pulled all the tracks together in one place! I gotta say, I 100% was not expecting this when I hit play. Very theatrical/showtunes-y but with a very bleak feel. Makes total sense that it's a bunch of Weimar-era Cabaret songs. I like the tracks in German better than the ones in English. The whole point of this project was to introduce myself to new-to-me music that I wouldn't come across or seek out naturally, and I think this album is a great example of that. It's weird and dramatic, but I'm into it.

Nein es ist kein Main Stream. Musik muss auch kritisch sein und anecken. Die Interpretin geht ihren eigenen Weg und bleibt diesem stilistisch und inhaltlich treu. Dies z er ihr das Album, dass schwierige Musik und anstrengende Texte durch die Kraft und die Markantheit ihrer Stimme zu einen angenehmen Hörerlebnis macht. Ich will es nochmal durchhören.

ud fra coveret troede jeg at det ville være noget Sheryl Crow-agtigt adult alternative fra 90'erne haha, tog helt fejl i mit vibe check. Virkelig positivt overrasket! Det hjælper nok, at jeg er glad for musicals og den teatralske måde at synge på, men synes også arrangementerne var virkelig smukke. Marlene Dietrich vibes! Jeg tænkte dog ret ofte, at oversættelserne lød lidt unaturlige

(Listened on YouTube). Sounds like the soundtrack to a German musical play. Not that that's bad in itself... I honestly can't figure out how I feel about this. Like, it's kind of fun and oddly comforting, but it's also just... weird? xD Idk... I THINK I like it? My first instinct is to give it 3 stars because I'm so hot and cold on it, but because it has me so confused about how I feel... I think that deserves a bump to 4. xD

Politics and commentary in a cabaret style. This is an excellent reminder that music and songs have an embedded and often implied social structure and are part of social ideas as a whole. We are constantly building and re-enforcing a world view with our music and songs.

1920s German songs, words by Bertold Brecht and several other contemporary German writers, music by Hanns Eisler. Great arrangements, carefully stylised staccato vocals. Melancholic and powerful. This edition has the lyrics in English Translation. I also listened to some of the German language edition - despite not understanding the words, it sounded even better to me in German

8/10. I love the unique vocals, and strong messages. It was a delightful and unique experience to listen to this album. However, the album could have been slightly shorter. :)

A German cabaret album with a Brecht/Weill undertone.

A nice discovery. I wanted to like it a lot more than I did. Intriguing mad cabaret feel, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find that this influenced Tom Waits’ Black Rider, The Legendary Pink Dots, divine comedy, and a lot of other late 80s theatrical avant-garde acts. I will definitely give this a few more listens To catch things that I might have missed. Difficult to find these days, but very deserving of a spot on this list.

A fascinating listen, musical theatre essentially. Very interesting. I only listened to the In Our Time episode on Brecht the other day, serendipitously. Obviously also maintained an interest through Bowie's work also. Whitewash, Sackslingers, Bourgeois Welfare, Trenches. Striking tracks all. It's probably necessary for me to seek out some Art Bears to get more of that voice.

With the album released just prior to the Berlin Wall coming down, Tank Battles is a late 80's recording of music composed in the 1920s by a frequent collaborator of playwright Bertolt Brecht, Hans Eisler. Some songs are sung in English, some in German. This is about as early modern as you'll probably get as far as compositions - it's an eclectic mix that brushes cabaret, jazz, and 20s popular music. It's indeed very evocative of interwar Berlin, with chronicles of the descent into madness prior to the Nazis taking over. This feels like very important music - at times absurd/dissonant, and others very elegiac. Not an easy listen for someone whose ears have not heard much before classic rock or early rock & roll. The astute among you will recognize the last song of the album repurposed by Sting as The Secret Marriage on ...Nothing Like The Sun. It's well produced and sounds mostly era-appropriate, with a little bit of chorused guitar creeping in with it's 80s sound Favorites are The Perhaps Song, Ballade von der belebenden Wirkung des Geldes, Song of a German Mother, Bankenlied, Mother's Hands, and To a Little Radio.

I ended up finding this on YouTube and it's pretty rad. Spooky cabaret.

This is already weird. 🤣track three has my attention. The rest so far sounds like the weird stuff in “yes man”. This feels like it should be a musical of some sort. I might enjoy this more if there were visuals. There is some good stuff on here. I think I can give this a three. Oddly I like the German lyrics better than English. Something about the way those melodies flow. This was way better than I expected it to be. It took me on a journey.

3.8 mostly for originality

Wasn’t sure what to expect of an album that was almost impossible to find, and that had a lot of 1 star reviews, but it was markedly better than expected. Krause has a wonderful voice, and the whole album has a haunting beauty to it.

I don't know quite how to rate this. I think it's well executed and her voice is so perfect for this style of song. But the album is very long. I am not sure if I was supposed to listen to songs sung in both English and German, but I couldn't find a version that only included English .... hence, most of the songs twice. That said, I enjoyed this. It's such a particular style from a particular time, and quite specifically a product of the dire political environment of Weimar era Germany.

I think I liked this? It was giving Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and I enjoy that musical so.... It certainly wasn't what I was expecting. I didn't really listen too closely to the lyrics but the lyrics I did hear were... interesting. 4 stars!

That's one of the most bizarre things that I've ever listened to in my life. It was like the feeling of existential dread you get deep in your soul the day after an intense session on the whiskey. It was like listening to the soundtrack to an oddly macabre musical which doesn't exist. It was like listening into an alternative timeline and hearing something you shouldn't. Yet, it was strangely compelling. Once I'd got my ear in, I was kind of hooked and dragged along for the ride. What an odd thing this is.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Lied von der belebenden wirkung des geldes, Bankenlied, The trenches

Just excellent.

En syret udgave af soundtracket til Cabaret sunget af Kate Bush klonet med en østtysk steroide-atlet . Vild oplevelse.

So weird, but in the best way possible. Can see why it would not be everyone's cup of tea.

This was a bit of a journey to search out for it, and was able to find it on YouTube. But this was a rewarding listen. Very weird and out there music at a time brimming with political turmoil and change in Germany. I really enjoyed this, and if it was easier to find these, I'd probably listen to the German version as well.

Very Berlin 1920. I can't figure out if I want to listen with a score, so I can really follow what is happening, or if I should just listen for the shape of the line. I also don't really know enough about Germany to fully understand the deeper meaning.

As basically everyone has written, it’s a pain to have to listen on YouTube, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. I had zero expectations but I ended up kind of loving this!? If nothing else, this is so historically significant with the Eisler / Brecht combo and includes some great compositions and politically interesting lyrics. With that said, I do have a degree in German literature, so I may have a slightly higher tolerance for this, but give it a chance! Also, Bankenlied is an absolute BANGER.

The friction in resorting to Youtube to listen to Tank Battles: the Songs of Hanns Eisler is not as delicious as hoped, and accidentally switching halfway between English and German versions banjaxed me, but this record has impressed me: it’s an icy, slightly boozy flash of 20th century modernism that forces home the brutal clatter, aggressiveness and sardonicism of many of the movements and manifestos, a fit to the century's dizzying rush of social change, technological progress and broadcast horror. Appropriate testament to Eisler, who appears to have had a heartbreaking life of exile piled on betrayal piled on exile. I see that Dagmar Krause's voice is divisive - are the opinions split between "she's pretty great" to "she's a genius"? Her enunciations punch, tickle, keen and beguile, even when I have no idea what she's singing about. This is music as cinema - it demands attention, so I may never return to it - this busy life we have! But I am grateful for being brought to this record. Time for a coffee Brecht.

This was a bit of a sharp - ahem - left turn for a Monday morning. I found it hard going in places, but it was interesting to listen to songs where the lyric is the key. The voice does what it needs to do, and that is not always easy. This feels like no-frills music that nobody makes any more. I am not sure I would play this often, but more like this, please.

i found this a fascinating listen. it's clearly something i would have not ever listened to, or even found out about. i could barely even find a copy of this album to listen to, but thanks to youtube, i was able to find it. i found myself really intrigued by the music. obviously a little challenging but reminds me a lot of other similarly european torch-music-esque stuff, like edith piaf. what i found most fascinating was taking the time to read about the composer of all the songs, hanns eisler, who was exiled from nazi germany to come to the united states, where he was once again facing persecution from HUAC. this music really put this into context for me. seems like a very fascinating person and wrote very interesting music. will i go out of my way to listen to this one again? probably not. am i happy to have listened to something that exposed me to something i ordinarily would not have with an interesting backstory? absolutely

Randomly picked this up on vinyl as it intrigued me. Very eclectic.

Noe spesiell, men interessant.

Reminds me of the Ute Lemper record this site also recommended. A lot weirder/more dramatic. This feels like the soundtrack to a really underground off broadway musical. Super theatrical but really odd arrangements and tones. Not bad but I'd never choose to listen to it.

very dramatic! Was very middle of the road, nothing to get you going but not much to hate either

Very thoughtful, the instrumental arrangements are intruiging, I do love the combinationg of the german military music elements and folk songs in this one. The structure is more like musical theater than pop music album? The songs are often too short to be a song but rather a fragment or a motif. 2.5-3, I didn't enjoy it much musically but I appreciate the concept.

The Sorrow and the Ditty* With respect, this is genuinely, crazily, bleak. Thanks to whoever uploaded the source material. It's not a suite of music I'm likely to seek out again, but I am glad to have made the effort to listen through it all. It's quite impressive in its scope. *Review headline if I were a sarcastic Melody Maker sub-editor (which, tbf, might have been a dream job)

Definitely one of the stranger, bizarre albums I've heard here so far. Quite a theatrical performance with a cabaret, show-tunes, avant-garde styling that transports you back to post WW1 Germany, sounding like a cross of Marlene Dietrich and a female Tom Waits. That accent and her incredible voice adds to the drama and over-the-top songs that is hard to ignore. I can't decide if I like or hate it. It was a challenging listen, but at least it got my attention and discovered this kind of music is still being recorded, at least in 1988.

OK.

I‘m having a hard time rating this. Historically it’s fascinating. Lyrically it’s moving. Musically it’s interesting. But an enjoyable listen it also really wasn’t.

Interesting album, and a wonderful voice. Not my usual jam, of course (are there people who's usual jam this is? 😅), but much better than its rating here.

Fav: Ballad Of The Sackslingers Least Fav: Mother Beimleim Had too many short songs that affected the pacing, but the lyrics and overall feel of life in Germany in and out of war was done very well. Flawed but worth the listen

This feels like one of those albums that’s on the list to represent its pre-album-era writers (Eisler/Brecht in this case) as much as its performer. Two birds with one stone and all that. I'll admit it: I can’t see a situation where I’d stick this album on again, if I’m being honest with myself. But I also don’t want to mark it harshly. Why? Because it’s something different from the normal fare, something a bit challenging. Because it doubles up as a lesson in early 20th century German social history. Because there’s some powerful, haunting songwriting, but also an absurdist vignette about rats. Because most of the tracks are short and to the point, not outstaying their welcome. Because ‘Ballad of (Bourgeois) Welfare’ is an absolute banger.

Can't find this on Spotify, but she looks cool.

"Tank Battles: The Songs of Hanns Eisler" is a solo album by German singer Dagmar Krause. The album is a collection of songs by German composer Hanns Eisler sung by Krause in English and German. Cabaret, jazz and avant-garde are the Wiki-genres. Eisler is best known for composing the national anthem of East Germany. "The Song of the White Wash" opens the album. Prancing piano, horns and strings. Very cabaret. "(I Read About) Tank Battles" is ominous with the horns and talks about war. Krause uses a haunting voice in "Mother Beimlein" as she describes a woman taking a guy home to her room. In "Song of a German Mother," a mother sees her son in an army uniform and realizes she'll never see him again. A melancholy piano carries "Mother's Hand." An ode to all mothers. An anxious piano and strings enhance the paranoia of "The Rat Men-Nightmare." I don't really want to know what this is about. "The Trenches" has marching drums and horns. Dramatic and as you can imagine, they've come to take him away to the trenches. This album plays like a musical or opera. Krause sings and talks as she tells stories of plagues, war, life during war and immigration to the US. Most of these songs come in between one and two minutes long and they are more painted scenes than stories, taking place in Berlin circa the 1920 to 1940's. That reminds me to catch up on the tv show "Babylon Berlin." Krause's strong and dramatic voice fits the music perfectly. Strong production and arrangments. If you're a fan of musicals, this album is for you.

Interesting, sounds like a musical. Couldn't listen to much as YouTube is ridiculous but I think it was interesting and I'll have to check out the rest sometime.

A lot of interesting folksy sound. A few of the songs were hard to make out, being more tales than full rhythms, but was enjoyable. Notable song: Ballad of the Sackslingers 3.8/5

It’s totally fine, but it’s way less interesting than a lot of other weird albums with low ratings. Also it’s not on Spotify which is really annoying.

I'm not even sure what to say about this one. On one hand, I didn't enjoy listening to it. On the other hand, this is the type of thing I would have thought there would be more of in the book, and I appreciated it for that.

Just admit you're a lazyass if you're giving it a low rating over it not being on spotify. Very stylish and classy.

Honestly when I first started this album I was like, what the heck is this. But as I listened longer I kind of got into it. Her vocals are awesome, the music was cool. I'm not sure I'd ever be in a mood to jam out to this, but it was a great listen.

Not my taste. At all. Wondering what qualifies it to be on the list?

I have come a conclusion that Tank Battles doesn’t really fit this list. I just don’t get, why everyone would need to sit through this cabaret-style record in their lifetime. When that it said, I was strangely compelled by Krause’s emotional vocals and, at least to some extent, the storytelling as well. You can hear in the delivering alone, that this is an important album - maybe only to Krause, maybe because of its themes, maybe to a lot of people understanding this slightly better than I do. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. So I’ll finish this review now, before I change my mind and hand it 2 stars.

Tank Battles offers a unique blend of avant-garde cabaret, political folk, and classical music. Dagmar Krause takes on the compositions of Hanns Eisler, whose work was rooted in protest and resistance. Her intense, theatrical delivery suits the stark, socially charged lyrics, while Greg Cohen’s sharp production brings out the tension in these minimalist, cabaret-like arrangements. The musicianship is flawless, adding depth to an already weighty album. The historical relevance of Tank Battles is undeniable. The universal themes of war, oppression, and resistance still resonate, and its rarity gives the album a special allure. For this reason it fully deserves its place in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Krause brings immense gravitas and theatricality to these tracks, making the material feel both urgent and timeless. That said, the album’s length—26 tracks in total—can make it feel overwhelming. Even with many short compositions, the experience is a bit long-winded. Krause’s teutonic vocal delivery, while powerful, can also be jarring for some listeners, coming across as more confrontational than melodic. This starkness makes the album feel more like a political statement than a traditional listening experience. In the right setting, Tank Battles can be gripping and eye-opening, but it’s not a go-to album for casual or repeated listens. Despite its impressive achievements, this is more of an album you appreciate for its impact rather than one you turn to for musical enjoyment. While it’s certainly thought-provoking and historically important, it’s not an album I find myself eager to revisit any time soon. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? if the aim is to include a multitude of genres and eras then yes Would this release make my personal list? doubtful Will I be listening to it again? rarely

Ret meget et wtf moment, men jeg synes det var fed! Stærkt, god produktion. Ville virkelig ønske at den oprindelige 45-minutter plade var på YouTube, for jeg hørte en 80-minutters udgave (kunne ikke engang stoppe halvvejs for tracklisten er helt anderledes!), tror det ville have været mere effektivt hvis den var kortere.

Weird one

It's too bad it's a challenge to listen to this artist, because this is some strange but interesting music. Feels more like a play than an album, and it sounds far older than 1988, almost like WW2 propoganda. Some of these songs are quite cool, like You Have to Pay. Definitely unique among this 300 albums I've had so far.

Wasn't on Spotify and took me a while to find a decent playlist version on YouTube (thanks to those who linked to it in the reviews!) Quite a strangely powerful album, took me unexpectedly.

I'm giving this a 3 because this list could use more variety of genres, but this couldn't be the best Brechtian cabaret album you could dig up, could it?

Ihan hyvä versionti saksalaisesta laulumusiikista, joka ei ole itselleni järin tuttu genre.