Die Toten Hosen - Unter Falscher Flagge

Die Toten Hosen (their name literally translates as The Dead Trousers) were formed in 1982 from the ashes of two Düsseldorf punk bands, ZK and KFC. Their first album, Opel Gang, was self-released in 1983 and several months later EMI signed the group and reissued the LP. EMI soon grew disenchanted with the band (particularly when they were sued by German pop icon Heino after they parodied him in concert) and Virgin released their next album, Unter Falscher Flagge, in 1984.

"Opel-Gear" struck like a bomb ... Was the energy of the Düsseldorf Chaos troops already lost?

NO!! "Under The False Flag” released in 1984 would continue where "Opel Gear" had left off; with nasty punk rock at its finest! The bar was raised even higher and successfully passed over. Metal elements were brought in discreetly, sophisticated melodies adorned the mostly very raw songs and technically there was something for discerning ears. This offensive by the Düsseldorf pirates seemed to be miserably submerged in the wake of the bankrupt vulture; "Opel-Gang" was a rather remarkable success commercially, but the band was chronically broke. In addition, the recordings for "Under The False Flag" had to be interrupted again and again because Campino and Breiti had to do their community service. Nevertheless, the record still bangs unbelievably today; the opener - a cover version of Ennio Morricone's "Man With The Harmonica" - incorrectly titled "Spiel Mir Das Lied Von Tod" by the ‘pants, prepares the inclined listener in a melancholy and exciting way for the Pogokracher "Liebessreiber". Still a part of their live shows and a real classic. Ballad-like songs were also used for the first time ("Last Watch", "The Eyesore") and showed a clear development of the ‘pants. The title track "Under The False Flag" drives the whole set and only leaves a pitiful pile of burning ashes; the finest punk metal. And finally, with "Sekt or Selters", Campino let his imagination run wild with marriage, family and philistine - probably a bit outdated today. One of the major achievements of the album is the depressed, slightly threatening and spooky-looking "In The Harbour Is The End Station" - what a wonderful refrain! Rarely has a ‘pants song created such a dense atmosphere as in this track.

Ripped following a jolly jaunt along the Rhine to pogokarcher MP3 @ 320kbps

Die Toten Hosen - Unter Falscher Flagge

1.      Spiel Mir Das Lied Vom Tod

2.      Liebesspieler

3.      Letzte Wache

4.      Der Abt Von Andex

5.      Der Mord An Vicky Morgan

6.      Am Hafen Ist Endstation

7.      Unter Falscher Flagge

8.      Sekt Oder Selters

9.      Der Schandfleck

10.   Betrunken Im Dienst

11.   Shake Hands

12.   Warten Auf Dich

13.   Im Hafen Ist Endstation 2