The Young Gods Play Kurt Weill

This is The Young Gods, a 1990s industrial band's interpretation of the music of 1920s-1950s show composer, Kurt Weill. It sounds like a horrible concept doesn't it? Frankly, prior to hearing this, I wasn't at all familiar with The Young Gods or Kurt Weill. Both classical and industrial aren't really forms of music that I tend to dabble in too much. But this record really has caught my attention. Instead of the unpleasant, pretentious interpretation I was expecting, I was given music that seemed ideal for a gothic circus. Listening to this gives me mental images of elephants painted black and Robert Smith doing a tumbling act. An entertaining yet completely creepy display.

The Young Gods have done an inspired job here. There's still heavy elements of a classical feel to the music but their use of electronic instruments has given the music an entirely new flow. I don't know what Kurt Weill would make of it, but I feel they've handled his compositions with a level of expertise and knowledge and understanding of composure to make that dead guy and his fans proud.

Solomon Song
Alabama Song

Expired