Falco reaches blistering highs, but suffers a few catastrophic lows on the tragically flawed 1991 American Sound Records "Data De Groove". What's painful to witness here is what should have been left on Falco & Ponger's cutting room floor (such as the title track for example or the chipmunk-esque "Neo Nothing"). But somehow manages to escape through to release. Rendering what would have been a powerful return to form with a significant blemish. However, that shouldn't stop Falco enthusiasts from seeking out this rare and relevant find from his catalog of overlooked gems. Falco redials Vienna and makes a strong connection with nostalgic appeal in the brilliant "Expocityvisions". Also getting through with an explanation point on the vein pulsating "Pusher". The blues infected "Alles Im Liegen" (look for Falco's wicked laugh in the background...a priceless snicker) and the high-tech bingo hall club dub "U.4.2.P.1." are also not to be missed. The classic "Jeanny" revisited in dry mode "Bar Minor 7/11" and "Anaconda Mour" round out what should have been considered one of his greatest achievements, but falling short for obvious reasons.
olofpalme63
Track Listing for Cassette Version:
(1) Neo Nothing - Post Of All
(2) Expocityvisions
(3) Charisma Kommando
(4) Tanja P. Nicht Cindy C.
(5) Pusher
(6) Data De Groove
(7) Alles Im Liegen
(8) U.4.2.P.1. Club Dub
(9) Bar Minor 7 / 11 (Jeanny Dry)
(10) Anaconda 'Mour
Two albums and a full 6 years removed from his biggest album "Falco 3," and 3 years after the disappointing "Wiener Blut" release, "Data de Groove" finds a refreshed Hans "Falco" Hölzel doing what he does best: exploring new music boundaries and having some fun. After having gone through a well-reported descent into numerous rock-star excesses and coming out the other side in good shape, we find our hero stretching out and dipping his toe in the burgeoning genre of electronica, adding smart and commercial touches along the way. Credit should go to Co-producer (along with Falco) Robert Ponger, the man behind the boards of Falco's first two albums, who brings a refreshingly stripped-down, back-to-basics approach that stands in stark contrast to the usually baroque Euro bombast wrought by the Bolland brothers, the production/songwriting team who Gave us "Falco 3," "Emotional," and one-half (the lesser half, IMO) of "Wiener Blut." Like his old days with producer Ponger, Falco is also back to writing his own lyrics, not just occasionally contributing to Bolland compositions. Fully vested in his music and lyrics for the first time since 1984, "Data de Groove" fairly crackles off the speakers, and its energy and palpable sense of fun alone make this an album worth seeking out. The problem is, nobody seemed to notice or care much upon its release, as this was far and away Falco's worst selling studio album (its US distribution was nearly nonexistent), with only one single charting in his home country of Austria, and that's it. Not surprisingly then, "Data de Groove" remains (as of this writing) the only Falco album that is out of print. It deserved better.
Given the consistent sales of Falco's back catalog, (a continuous stream of re-releases, compilations, remixes-- even a feature biographical film-- has been going on in Europe for years), I hope this does get the re-release treatment it deserves, as "Data de Groove" sets the table for Falco's final albums, the uniformly strong "Nachtflug" (the 1992 comeback that brought Falco back to the top of the Euro charts), and "Out of the Dark." After minor flirtations with club/electronica in previous albums, "Data de Groove" explores this genre, and, freed from any expectations, distractions or restrictions, Falco is clearly enjoying himself and is in fine form here-- it's the strongest of his final 4 studio albums ("Verdammt Wir Leben Noch," a posthumous release is an excellent cutting-room floor collection, but not a "true" studio album). Thanks to its extreme rarity though, the price can be a bit dear-- I've seen copies selling for well over $50-- but I'm happy to report that I purchased a used copy of this CD on Amazon for $7.95 recently, so keep your eyes peeled-- this can be had for a reasonable price if you are patient and do your homework. Recommended.
