FSK - The Sound of Music

[GDNMFOLKIE]

"The Sound of Music"; FSK; produced by David Lowrey; Flying Fish, 1993; FF
70646

Reprinted from a review for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

The Musicians: David Lowery; Justin Hoffman, Thomas Meinecke, Michaela
Melion, Carl Oesterhelt, Wilfried Petzi; with guests on some cuts

reviewed by Harperess

I hope it's only a myth that good parody is the death-knell of any music
genre. In "The Sound of Music," FSK again offers more than an hour of
entertaining parody, satire, humor, hilarity, even a little profundity if
you understand the German language.

Traditional German music is found alive and well as often in nostalgic
German-American enclaves like German Village in Columbus, Ohio as in the
beerhalls of the Fatherland. For fifteen years, FSK has been to German
music in America what Spike Jones is to Tin Pan Alley standards, what
Peter Schickele is to the classics, and what the Berrymans are to
contemporary folk song. Americans' confusion over what cities are located
on the Rhein, how it copes when a German band is asked to play a Cajun
tune, the Stomach Steinway as cultural artifact, Rheinbank romance all
come in for their share of ribbing. FSK's musical commentary isn't
confined to parody, though. Just when you think you know what to expect
from this inventive group, they throw in a cut like "Flagge Vebrennen
(Flag Burning)" with driving rock rhythm, lyrics to challenge complacency,
and clangorous techno-instrumentation. But FSK never lets you forget it's
an electric German band, even when it tackles Appalachian, blues, or
Hawaiian.

When I found out FSK has played several times at German Clubs here in
Columbus, I invited some denizens of German Village to listen to this
album. They all dubbed it good fun despite Fritz's distress at the
"overdriven speakers" whenever the electric guitars fuzzed. Its polka and
waltz rhythms are definitely danceable; the kind of band they'd hire for a
family night at the club so the kids (anybody under 40) would have some of
"their music" too.

If you like traditional German music, but have an open mind; if your funny
bone needs tickling--especially if you understand the German language,
you'll enjoy FSK: The Sound of Music.

Technical note: Despite the clear, well-defined tracks, levels on this
recording being on the light side (considerably less than 10) could cost
radio play at stations that require standard levels. For best sound,
individual listeners should expect to set volume and balance controls by
hand after the CD starts.
Mark Horn

Luck is that place where opportunity and preparation meet.

[William Wagman]

I agree, FSK is a wonderful group. They have recorded 3 or 4 albums that
I know of but have only been able to find one of them. If anyone knows
anything about them or where to get their recordings I would love to
know. I'm also curious as to whether or not anyone knows how David Lowery
got involved with them. Any information welcome.

GDNMFOLKIE (gdnmf...@aol.com) wrote:
: "The Sound of Music"; FSK; produced by David Lowrey; Flying Fish, 1993; FF
: 70646

: Reprinted from a review for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

: The Musicians: David Lowery; Justin Hoffman, Thomas Meinecke, Michaela
: Melion, Carl Oesterhelt, Wilfried Petzi; with guests on some cuts

--
Bill Wagman
I.T. Campus Access Point
wjwa...@ucdavis.edu
(916) 752-1208

[Scott and Katie]

Does anyone know all the lyrics for the song Dominique by The Singing
Nun.

Please E-mail to ma...@magi.com