Review: Die Toten Hosen - Ballast der Republik (2012)
Die Toten Hosen are one of the most successful and influential punk rock bands in Germany. They have been active since 1982 and have released 17 studio albums, 8 live albums and numerous singles and compilations. Their latest album, Ballast der Republik, was released in 2012 and marked their 30th anniversary as a band.
Die Toten Hosen - Ballast der Republik (2012).rar
Ballast der Republik is a double album that consists of 16 new songs and a bonus disc with cover versions of German classics. The title translates to \"Ballast of the Republic\" and refers to the burden of history and politics that Germany carries. The album deals with topics such as nostalgia, love, Europe, freedom and rebellion.
The album opens with \"Drei Kreuze (Dass wir hier sind)\", a song that expresses gratitude for being alive and making music despite all the difficulties. The title track \"Ballast der Republik\" is a fast-paced punk anthem that criticizes the corruption and hypocrisy of the political system. \"Tage wie diese\" is one of the most popular songs on the album and a celebration of friendship and life. It became a huge hit in Germany and other countries and was sung by thousands of fans at concerts and festivals.
Other highlights on the album include \"Altes Fieber\", a catchy song about rekindling old passions; \"Europa\", a sarcastic commentary on the European Union; \"Das ist der Moment\", a motivational song about seizing the day; and \"Vogelfrei\", a powerful ballad about being an outcast.
The bonus disc, titled Die Geister, die wir riefen (\"The Spirits That We Summoned\"), features 15 cover versions of songs by German artists that influenced Die Toten Hosen or were part of their musical upbringing. The selection ranges from rock legends like Udo Lindenberg and Herbert GrÃnemeyer to punk pioneers like Fehlfarben and Ton Steine Scherben to pop icons like Nena and Falco. The covers are respectful but also playful and creative, showing Die Toten Hosen's versatility and sense of humor.
Ballast der Republik is a solid album that showcases Die Toten Hosen's strengths as a punk rock band: catchy melodies, powerful riffs, witty lyrics and passionate vocals. It is also a tribute to their musical roots and their loyal fans. It is an album that reflects their history, their present and their future as one of the most enduring and influential bands in German music.[^1^] [^2^]
Ballast der Republik was well received by critics and fans alike. It won several awards, including the Echo Award for Best Rock/Alternative National Album and the 1Live Krone for Best Album. It also topped the charts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and was certified platinum in all three countries.
Die Toten Hosen embarked on a massive tour to promote the album, playing over 100 shows in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. The tour was documented in a film titled Noches como Estas: La Vida de los Toten Hosen (\"Nights Like These: The Life of the Dead Pants\"), directed by Paul Dugdale. The film features live footage, backstage scenes and interviews with the band members and their fans.
Ballast der Republik is a testament to Die Toten Hosen's longevity and relevance as a punk rock band. It is an album that honors their past, embraces their present and looks forward to their future. It is an album that proves that punk is not dead, but alive and kicking. e0e6b7cb5c