Reviews (page 5 of 7)
Not my cup of tea
First few tracks I was quite enjoying this and was wondering why the rating was so low. Problem was, while I didn’t find anything terrible, it didn’t hold my attention past the first 3-4 tracks. A couple of times I had to put a song back to the start cause I realised I had tuned out and hadn’t been paying any attention to it. Knowing now that The Divine Comedy were involved in this it’s mildly disappointing.
Feels like a bad broadway production, a little Les Mis, Cabaret, and Rent.
I don’t know how seriously I’m supposed to take this album. Maybe this would be tolerable if I were watching a musical at a dinner theater and these were the songs they were singing, but as an album to listen to? Nah. The lyrics are cringe worthy, the singing is too dramatic and over the top. Maybe I’m missing some context or something but I did not enjoy this. Added to Library: The Part You Throw Away
Not shocking to read that Divine Comedy is part of this. Also reminds me of that Dagmar Krause album I was forced to listen to. These songs aren't sung so much as performed.
Its like fine, bit long, slightly dull at times I dont see how this merits a place on the list Sounds like a musical. Fine but what are we doing here You Were Meant For Me is good but the song after sucks and it lasts 10 mins My fear that I'd run out of the classics seems to be accurate
starting with Nick Cave was already a bad choice, and dont get me wrong, Ute Lemper seems like an interesting composer to assemble something like this with all these artists, its just more of a slog and gets weighed down by some sterile performances. Something like this should be greater than the sum of its parts. Shouldve added some David Bowie, I think he wouldve lent himself well to this kind of project.
Boring but I didn’t find it as offensive to listen to as other listeners. However I still can’t stand Nick Cave and Elvis Costello so their presence really knocks this album down a peg
What a feature list. Was awaiting Tom Waits’s gravel voice to interject which sadly never came.
Better than I thought but not my cup of tea for sure
Not really sure this is long term for me
Pop’s most crepuscular talents emerged from their garrets to dance a doomed tango with Ute, until she stamps pitilessly on their necks. I am trying to figure out what activity this music is suited for. And what the hell is it on the list. Seriously.
Not my kind of music
I don’t like show tunes, and now I know songs that sounds like show tunes is also a things.
Very theatre coded. It feels like I'm listening to an opera or a movie score. Some nice vocal work on this one, but it's not an album I'd ever come back to. Definitely below average overall and a left-field pick for this list.
Didn't do anything for me
I struggled with this one. It somehow manages to accomplish the impressive feat of being equal parts unpleasant and uninteresting. One of the few albums where I didn’t bother with a second listen. 2/5 Highlights: Purple Avenue
The final two songs lean into an eerie and more ...authentic? ... vibe. Kept this from being a 1 star from me.
This sounds like the score to a musical I went to, but not by choice.
very dramatic and orchestrated, but genuinely feels like you're listening to the soundtrack of an off-off-broadway musical. lemper's voice is nice enough but the entire album has the veneer of a sideshow act. get ready for some carnival music! there's accordion and sometimes it feels like a calliope in a bad way. artsy for artsy's sake. and the last track! oh my god. 11 minutes of boring, yet dissonant nonsense! not my thing.
I don’t understand why this is on the list.
This wasn't very good. 2*
2.3
I am not sure what to make of this, one minute it was a one, next it was a four, so let's just settle at a two
I sometimes strain a bit to find the significance of some albums on this list. This album is a particular struggle. It's fine, but honestly, not that interesting. Baroque pop cover songs backed by The Divine Comedy. It has an audience, sure, but it feels pretty niche and not particularly groundbreaking. The original artists are better and mostly feature elsewhere in the list, so I'd ideally save some time and listen to those. Also, this album is something of a Trojan horse to sneak more Elvis Costello into the generator!
Underligt men utan att vara intressant
2. Not a theater kid and this would have been a one, but I can appreciate the effort and going outside of my comfort zone.
It's really not that bad, but it's quite problematic that Dimery's boner for The Divine Comedy is large enough to warrant this album's inclusion in this book. 2.5/5
Kind of a strange listening experience. It’s like an out-of-order tracklist for a musical I haven’t heard of. I respect the performances and arrangements but this is just not for me.
Mismatch of emphasis and talent imo. I also couldn’t get over the feeling that they butchered my favorite song from the Three Penny Opera
I can't explain it, but listening to this felt triggering for me. Like most of the album felt like I was stuck in a hotel lobby or elevator. I guess the Tango Ballad didn't really sound like lobby music, but it also was just flat bad. Nearing the end of this and the singing is getting on my nerves. Now we've transitioned to bad showroom singing. Scope J. sounds like if A.I. tried to create the instrumentals for Severance but then halfway through the program froze. Pretty unpleasant! I think this is solidly a 2 because at least the instrumentals were ok...at least on most of the songs.
Man there is some really, really bad shit on here. Not a fan! Even though some of the instrumentals are solid. It has the worst sounds of the 90's on here for most of it though. Parts of her singing also remind me of Jan singing in Threat Level Midnight. Not in a great way. Scope 2 reminds me of the Severance theme a bit. It's different so I'll go with a low 2.
I was wondering what Elvis Costello and Divine comedy baroque pop/avant pop songs would sound like with a “traditionally good” singer. Turns out, less enjoyable. Very cabaret and not something I would want to listen to a second time. Second star given as the first song was slightly interesting - turns out that is the Nick Cave song.
I entered this album quite biased. An artist I don't known is performing titles from artists I have more or less mixed emotions. And furthermore in a variety-show/musical-style?! But surprisingly it works here and then for me - basically because of the good production. Nonetheless not my preferred style of music. favourite: "Split", "You Were Meant For Me" 2,5
I found it to be pretty hit-or-miss. A handful of pretty interesting songs with lush, orchestral instrumentation mixed with some snoozers. 4/10
I am being generous here because the album really tries to be serious enough to be viewed as a real attempt to make good music.
Not really my cup of tea. Sounds like a rock opera... very Meatloaf-ish. I did enjoy the VERY last song
That's an oxymoron.
Haha calice Écouter ça pour le plaisir, c'est comme s'exfolier le scrotum avec une sableuse électrique montée avec du p60. Figure dans le livre "1001 Albums They Play On Repeat at Guantanamo". La dernière toune, du haut de ses 11 minutes, pourrait tuer un sourd.
I can’t believe this is my first album wtf even is this
Teatral, dramático y orquestal, este álbum parece la banda sonora de un musical de Broadway, y me ha sorprendido que fuera publicado en los 2000. Los temas son historias inconclusas con un toque de misterio, un poco decadentes y sensuales, rollo film noir. La voz de Ute Lemper es potente y apasionada, encajando perfectamente en la atmósfera del álbum, más aún con ese acento alemán que le da un toque adicional de sofisticación a lo cabaret de la República de Weimar. Otro aspecto interesante del álbum es la cantidad de compositores conocidos que se pueden leer en la portada: Elvis Costello, Tom Waits y Nick Cave, entre otros, y cómo se nota la marca personal de cada uno de ellos en sus respectivos temas. Y, a pesar de todo esto, el álbum no cumple con las expectativas. Se hace repetitivo, largo, aburrido, y suena bastante anticuado. Además, si eliges un álbum de este estilo, ¿por qué no incluir uno de los 60? La única explicación es la fijación obsesiva de Robert Dimery con la mayoría de estos compositores. Un álbum teóricamente interesante, pero muy alejado de mis gustos personales y que, de todas maneras, no debería estar en esta lista.
é bem chato meio cabaret demais. vou dar 2 estrelas pq nao foi INESCUTÁVEL mas foi paia
4/10 - it was kind of strange but it had a wide variety of artists which was surprising
Not good. At least I get to listen to the smiths now
Another album and artist that is completely new to me. I was intrigued by the listed songwriters, so was cautiously optimistic going in. During the first song I thought that she had a good voice and the song was interesting, sort of like something from a musical. Not really my thing usually but I was ready to give it a go. Unfortunately it got a bit tiresome for me quickly after that. I didn't really care for the male voice (not sure who it was) that was on some of the songs, and by the end I was skipping past them. The Phillip Glass song was ok at first but even that just got annoying and I couldn't finish it either. Disappointed overall in this. She seems really talented but not for my ears I guess.
Kinda one note all the way through. I agree with others: it sounds like a musical you don’t want to watch/listen to.
With the number of star guest vocalists appearing, this should be at least a 4 star album. It's lucky its getting 2 stars.
Wasn't expecting a German musical in the morning. Would give it a 2.5 for the inclusion of Tom waits if possible. It wasn't bad and there were spots where it was really quite good but...then others where it felt a bit saccharine.
Yawn. This was boring af. Couple not bad moments but just not my thing at all. Felt like I was watching a kids movie. Definitely musical talent here, but just wasted in my opinion. Weak 2
Sounds like a sung-through musical, but not in a good way. How can so many talented musicians poop out such an album as this? Full of cringey lyrics too. Favorite bad lyric: I got the brain, she supplied the breast. Split was alright. Light 2/5
There's something off-putting about this album and I can't quite place it....the instrumentals are fine....I guess it's the singer? Idk, something isn't meshing well. It doesn't necessarily sound BAD, but I could not just sit there and listen to this.
ou s git de type album. songs vom nick cave und em costello und so mit no fahlerer instrumentierig? wött etz nöd vo afang ah hate aber scho au bitzli. okay s arrangement uf the case continues isch reeecht geil. glaub elvis costello songs mached afoch nöd eso viel mit mir. tango ballad isch brecht/weill, schad singt sies nöd uf dütsch. oke schono cool. couldn't you keep that to yourself schöni akkörd und no cool wenn en costello song guet gsunge isch. aber scho sehr pathetisch. uuuh philipp glass aha. het mi etz nöd sooo brauscht. the part you throw away chli viel vibrato und sache für mich. sie singt suuuper aber isch afoch gad nöd de richtig mood für mich. sehr so cabaret musig. isch dad album afoch sochli de musical pick für die liste? checks nöd so würklich. hey sie singt huuere schön aber chas nöd soo gnüsse isch chli es potpourri vo sache und de letst etz ischmer würkli zu pathetisch. es zwo
I respect the artistry, but I wanted to enjoy it more
Fine
Canzoni carine, album noioso
Found it to be kind of boring. I feel like it was trying to be edgy and didn’t really accomplish that. 2/5 Won’t listen again
Nice stuff. Soundtrack?
Whispery
Experimental rock opera vibe with nick cave in the mix
The Good: We get a kiss! The Bad: Not the kind of kiss we expected… The Ugly: Realizing that the punishment isn’t limited to the kiss… Tit for tat… that’s all that comes to mind. As in, somewhere out there, there is a person, or persons, who actually enjoyed listening to this album. We should not judge… right? Myself, I am conflicted as the experience did not leave me with inner-ear damage, as I did not jab myself with a pencil to make the sound go away… however, neither did I find myself in a state of euphoria… Chalk it up to an experience which I won’t repeat… 2*
Dad- 7 Mom- 6 Mike- 3 Lori- 3 Michael- 5 Miles- NA Cole- 3.5 Avg- 3.42
Woof. Not COMPLETELY awful but pretty terrible.
2/3
The singer is a bit like when you're at a family gathering and someone sings. They have a good reputation and for a bit they're quite impressive. But, you don't really like it and at the end of the song you politely clap along with everyone else. But ultimately you're glad it's over. Until, the crowd asks for an encore so you head to the kitchen for a drink and close the door behind you
If you can call upon the likes of Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Elvis Costello to write for you, and their input is evident, how can the resulting album be so poor?
Fantastic voice, just could not enjoy the music.
This album felt like listening to the cast recording for a musical theater production, but lacked any of the context of such a production that would give the songs their emotional force.
Pretty unpleasant but not the worst I've heard so far.
A failed attempt at Bond: The Musical
This seemed like a soundtrack to a off Broadway musical. Not horrible, but not very good either. A bit too talky, singing for my taste.
Another cool record that is definitely not for me.
Meh. Sounds like the music that might play in a hotel elevator or anywhere else where music fades into the background.
Meh. The singing wasn’t great but wasn’t terrible. The songwriting wasn’t great and wasn’t original. Not much of interest to me, and it felt like the author of the list trying to squeeze in a bit more Costello, Cave, and Waits. Favorite Track: Die Dreigoschenoper: Tango Ballad
She has a solid voice, but I’m fucking bored.
A bit too long. Tracks 2, 6, 8 and clearly 11 (with some French for the latest) stood out for me. When she sings softer songs, Ute’s voice reminds me a bit of Patricia Kaas. The vibrato gets a bit tiring after a while, but when she pushes it, it’s actually quite nice. The musical foundation is interesting — you can clearly hear the signature style of the artists involved. It’s a well-produced mix between jazz and film music, an interesting experience, but honestly, it got a bit monotonous in the end. I really wish the lyrics were available on Deezer. Maybe with more time, I could have appreciated it more.
++: The Case Continues, Streets of Berlin, The Part You Throw Away, Scope J +: Little Water Song, Couldn't Keep That to Yourself, You Were Meant For Me +-: Passionate Fight, Split, Punishing Kiss, Purple Avenue -: Tango Ballad 5,4/10
This album is probably OK to use as background music, but nothing really stood out and time passed by very easily. Maybe that's the best use for it, for times when you just don't really care what you listen to, since time passes and you aren't really bothering to listen. That said, I probably won't relisten to it...
Favorites: - Split Krijg hier sterke disney-villain vibes van
Das ist schon etwas. Had no idea going in, still not sure I do.
A little too outre for my taste, but I can see how it might appeal to some. I respect the vision; I just don't like it.
I just didn’t care for it and I thought I would with all those people collaborating with her. I just don’t like her voice.
Feels like the plot filler songs from a bunch of musicals, complete with incredibly obscure references to things that have happened or are happening on stage that I don’t understand. I keep thinking the next one is going to be the big banger that I’ll have heard of.
I have never heard of this person and had no idea what to expect. The album has some strong opening songs. Vocally I’m reminded of Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Shirley Bassey, even a little Bjork. Instrumentally it’s very compelling - harps, accordion and orchestral elements. Lyrically, I like songs that tell a literal story (The Case Continues). As the album progressed it became clear this is some later career shit, as it has a certain eccentricity that can only be marketed to an established fan base. With Die Drogresch (with The Divine Comedy) I started to lose interest as the cabaret style, talk-singing, unstructured melodies and vibrato began to grate on me. This would be fine if it was a musical soundtrack that had a story associated with it but in its own right it just sounds random and wailing to me, and by the last few songs I was just waiting for it to end now.
Just not my type of music, couldn't get into it at all
I wanted to like this. The songs were composed/written by artists like Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Elvis costello - all of whom I like. I couldn't stand most of the songs. Maybe I choose the wrong day to listen to this album (stormy, miserable grey January day). I can appreciate Ute Lemper's voice. She's clearly talented. I think these songs have a late night feel to them that could hit the spot with the right listener. They're just not for me though. Too much cabaret for my liking. I wouldn't listen to this album again, so 2 stars.
кросс между Тристаном и Изольдой и тем дуэтом Кайли и Ника Кейва. странная музыка со странными участниками) при этом сама девочка голосистая и не мерзко поёт, но всё окружающее...
Ute is utter bull💩. Boring and predictable after the first songs all are same pace. Outdated from 2000 sounding like a 1970 bond soundtrack. Good singer thou. Lyrics are pretty good thou. Not a top 1000 by any means
Anne is not cultured and not a fan
It was okay until I looked at the lyrics. Then it was bad.
This album has some of the right elements, and certainly its source material is compelling, but it overplays its hand. I feel like I am at a convention where fringe artists are being honored, but by musicians whose weirdness is less authentic.
I get the sneaking suspicion they really thought they were doing something special here. Neil Hannon really has the touch of merde 1.5*
Kind of operatic, ethereal/atmospheric. Felt like a bit of a slog to get through
This was not a bad album, however I found it rather uninteresting and boring to be honest. I would probably give it a 2.5/5 if possible but I will have to give it a 2 here.
I was heading into the last track upset about how I’d spent the last hour of my life with this derivative, atonal garbage then she almost—ALMOST—rescued the whole thing.
She has an incredibly strong voice, but this musical style is nicht für mich. Streets of Berlin stood out.
Not a style of music I particularly enjoy.
I mean, she's obviously very talented and is huge in Germany (sang on Roger Waters "The Wall - Live in Berlin")...but I would never listen to this again unless the only alternative was Leonard Cohen.
I’m not a fan of Scott Walker, Divine Comedy and now Ute Lemper, as strong as her voice is. It’s over the top theatrical and I’m not looking for a broadway show when listening to music. If I want some theatrics, some dramatic flair, I’ll put some Bowie, Kate Bush, Bjork, Destroyer, some of Montreal on. This was theatrical snore and it’s not for me at all. It’s not a 1 but I hated this. It was punishing for sure, Punishing Miss 2 stars
Ganska dramatisk musik.
This Chanson sounds like the soundtrack of a musical straining my patience with all the drama in the music while almost nothing happens in stage.
Qua geluid is dit wel even prettig na gisteren, maar verder slaat het echt he-le-maal nergens op dat dit album in de lijst der lijsten staat. Een soort Eurovision cover-contest met een meer dan gezonde dosis theater. Alsof je Wicked zit te kijken. Denk ik dan, geen idee eigenlijk. Creepy albumcover ook, met de moeder van Draco Malfidus op de set van Saw 13. Dit is echt totaal niet aan mij besteed, maar het is technisch niet super slecht. Prima productie met een prima geluid eigenlijk, even los van wat je van de vies theatrale zang vindt. Als ik één ster zou geven zou ik gewetenswroeging krijgen want ik kon deze beter doorstaan dan andere enen, dus het wordt héél nipt 2 sterren. Die laatste track wilde me nog wel even verleiden naar de één overigens.
This was fine but didn’t do a lot for me personally. Took me a while to get through it, honestly. It’s an odd assortment of songs, I sorta feel like I’m missing some context for it. Oh well
Very confused by this bootleg kate bush… how tf did she get philip glass, tom waits, nick cave and scott walker to write songs on this thing. This was boring and confusing
Not my thing and the lyrics ARE god awful at times
Annoying
Really wanted to like this but despite the Nick Cave and Tom Waits songs, I just found the Björkish warbling over edgy cabaret style music discordant and not to my taste.
Wtf did I just listen to?
The song split is the only reason this album is getting a 2 instead of a 1.
Interesting vocals, and I enjoyed a couple songs, but this was largely not my cup of tea. 1.8
It’s not good, but I don’t understand the sheer vitriolic reaction to this one. A lower average rating than Suicide? It’s bland, but it’s not that bad.
什么玩意
This album is all over the place. Some of the songs I enjoyed, some I think are probably better in German, some were bland and boring. Probably due to how many songwriters were involved in this. I generally like show tunes, so I didn't really have any issues with that part of it, but I wish the songs had been generally better and more consistent.
Punishing Kiss is a faux sophisticated album. This is just a covers album by a German singer, and I'm supposed to think it's something ground breaking because Ute Lemper sung in a classical way? Yawn. I mean, yes, it was fascinating to hear Tom Waits' songs song by someone very unlike him. And you know what, the vibes were legit cool! While this album was a slog and didn't capture much of my attention, it wasn't complete garbage. I'm just confused as to its presence.
When I saw "songs by" and it included names like "Elvis Costello" and "Nick Cave", that this was going to be a pretentious album that was going to be a bit of a chore to get through, to say the least. The vocals on this album bounced between "interestingly odd" and "bizarrely off-putting". Ute Lemper's voice seems to be a cross between Liza Minnelli and Tori Amos -- turns out I'm not really a fan of that particular cross. And the music itself I would describe as being like "dark cabaret". Anyway, I don't really know why this is on here (700-something reviews on this project and this phrase is becoming a staple).
I understand it's good, honest to God I get it! But I would not listen to it again
It’s punishing alright.
Day344 - if bjork and barbara streisand had a dramatic baby who was over the patriarchy. it’s funny that nick cave,tom waits and elvis costello wrote songs for this
There are just so many artists on this album that I do not like at all. With this being considered, the album was much better than I expected. And yet I still never want to hear it again
like 2 stars but not for me
jag vet för lite om det här för att ge det något annat än en stark tvåa. inte för mig men vissa låtar är ganska coola. gillade split.
I found this album very unpalatable. I couldn't follow any of the melodies and a lot of the songs felt dissonant, which didn't make for very satisfying or enjoyable music for me. Nick Cave collaborated on this album and it had some of the same hallmarks I associate with the albums of his that we've had in this project -- rambling and monotonous. People say his stuff is very interesting musically and I just don't get it. Ute has a great voice though.
Not really my type of music.
If Ute Lemper thinks that kiss was punishing, then she should take a listen to her own album. She may wish for the kiss of death at that point. I am sure there are individuals much more cultured than I am who will see these songs by such great artists like Nick Cave, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits and Scott Walker as beautifully interpreted. This is cabaret music apparently, but is it cabaret music? Does singing slow cover songs in a jazzy voice make this cabaret? The duets brighten the album up a bit, so hearing Split caused me to think there was some hope. Then Punishing Kiss dashed all hopes with the circus music sound. This is followed by Purple Avenue, which poses the question, "What if we did a Tom Waits song, except make it worse?" This is the kind of music white guys wearing turtlenecks would own and/or you would hear at a hotel lounge in the background while guests drink overpriced alcohol and wonder where the hell they had heard this song before.
Not for me.
2.5 rounded down well. i’ll give credit where it’s due for being unique and getting me out of my music comfort zone. but unfortunately, that’s kinda all this album has going for it highlights: little water song, passionate flight, punishing kiss (apr 23 2026)
The aptly titled Punishing Kiss is macabre and overly melodramatic, was hoping for so much more. The Case Continues (best song) sounded like it was taken straight out of an old detective movie, so that was cool. Much of the rest seemed like Broadway show tunes. Incredible guest appearances on the album, but I really didn’t get much from them. (2.5*s)
I found this a struggle. Not my cup of tea and quite boring. Great voice, just a dull album.
Not as terrible as some reviews here make it out to be, but nowhere near as good as Ute Lemper and the people who made this album obviously think it is. Very self-important.
Wow this is not good. It’s awkward and out of tune, yet weirdly charming? Ute Lemper clearly put a lot of effort into this album, so points for that I suppose. The song partly titled “Tango Ballad” is perhaps the single worst song I’ve ever heard. I don’t even care enough to look up the name of the male singer here, but dear lord, abomination almost comes close to describing that vocal performance. I’m not sure how I can really explain this album, it’s terrible but I don’t hate it. It’s a very conflicting feeling. I’ll never listen to it again, though. 2 stars.
This is not my thing. Too overwrought. I will not return to it.
"We have Phantom of the Opera/Cabaret at home"
I had high hopes for this, given the associated artists, but it was pretty dull, sad to say. Neil Hannon gave it a bit of a lift, but only a bit.
Fails to move, primarily because, one supposes, it's not exactly Kate Bush or Aimee Mann, now is it? This seems like a record for people who feel Scott Walker isn't stiff or formal or melodramatic enough. Feels an ill fit for this list and easily replaceable by, say, Feist or Sarah Harmer or Waxahatchee or Snail Mail or Claro or Soccer Mommy or Courtney Barnett or even, for Chrissakes, Neena or Nina Hagen. Rounding down because of the line "if sex were an Olympic sport / we'd a won the gold" – even recognizing she didn't write it, she chose it.
Great voice But it often sounds like she is singing to a different tune than the actual instrumentals
Was this album recorded as a joke? Who the hell makes the choice to listen to this?
Good singer but I didn’t like any of the songs. Not my style of music.
What is this junk? A compilation album and we still have hundreds of albums that haven't made the list.
Bien puesto el género 'cabaret'. Canta bien pero es un embole, bastante una verga además.
Fine, just not my thing
Like being hit over the head repeatedly by the soundtrack from an amateur production of Cabaret.
While I enjoyed the opening track with its quintessential morbidity (even Lemper's vocal inflection reflects Nick Cave's style), the dark bombast lost its initial appeal pretty quick. To be fair, I love Cave, Costello, Waits, and Walker. But this classy cabaret overwhelms my head with a grating pain.
E jebiga sad ljudi... ovo već ulazi u moju profesiju.. naslušao sam se, a bogami i sudjelovao u operama i mjuziklima, tako da meni ovo nije ne slušaljivo. Ovdje ima par katastrofalnoj pjesma, ali ima i par pjesama koje sam vrtio na repeat pop streats of berlin koje je preeeejebena stvar, ko netki sisters of mercy sa ženskim vokalnom uz orkestar. Ovaj devine comedy je stvarno odličan ansambl, mos se jebat. I moram priznati uvijek volim poslušati neku avangardu + dosta stvari znam jer su u pitanju i waits i nick cave. Album sam slušao dok sam hodao ulicom i pjesmu po pjesmu sa popisa tražio po youtubeu... Tak da kad sve to uzmem, nije katastrofa nije odlicno, ali ne iritira me.. 4.5./10
This album may certainly be for someone, but it ain't me. Makes sense there was so much collaboration with Divine Comedy as this album kind of annoyed me in the same way that they do. It also seemed to try to pull off the sultry jazz singer schtick that I associate with Jessica Rabbit, but failed miserably. 1.5/5
Pretty weird, some good moments
German caberet singer covering Kurt Weil, Nick Cave and Tom Waits?!? Well now you have my attention. Is this a great album - meh. More curiosity or the perfect soundtrack to walking at night through a rainy nondescript European city.
Theatrical, meh
It was OK in places, the places where I didn't nod off especially. It was like a bad west end show at times.
Not really my thing
Not my
War mir zu seicht.
😬 not for me
dead
I just can't get into this. She has a voice alright, but I don't find myself enjoying anything about any of this.
I really don’t know what to make of this. Is it for real? Is it a parody? Would it work if I was watching it as a Cabaret style musical? I like the first few tracks and after that it just sort of descends into… something. What a weird album. The Wikipedia page doesn’t provide much insight either
The definition of "mid"
Feels like a musical
She has an interesting voice, but something about it was just so over the top. And she did not write most of these songs, just sang them, which amazes me she was able to find this many over the top songs to sing. It felt very musical theater or opera overall because it was just sooo much. Plus the lyrics were so literal (Split). The song Tango Ballad sounded very Phantom of the Opera-esque. Its not that it is bad, it was just too much and so in line with musical theater, all I could do was image her in my mind signing these songs sh dramatically moving about on state, singing so hard she is spitting and out of breath, rolling and collapsing on the floor. Which shows she has passion and emotion, but maybe a little much for me.
This isn't exactly bad, but I can say that I won't listen to this again. I also don't understand why this is included on the list. If you're going to include something like this, might as well include a Leonard Bernstein recordings as well. Not to mention this is a bunch of covers of songs mostly by artists who already have albums on this list, some of whom I'd much rather listen to (Tom Waits, Nick Cave), and some of whom are already on here too much (Elvis Costello, Divine Comedy). Again confused why 1001 seemed like the right number when so much of this list feels like filler. I'm not going to give this a 1 only because I'm not unimpressed and I'm not exactly mad that it exists, but I can't give it more than a 2 because I don't want to finish it and I won't listen again.
auf jeden fall musikalisch sehr voll und durchdacht, sie hat auch ne tolle stimme aber es ist einfach nicht so meine art von musik
Never heard of this singer. Powerful voice and kind of interesting. Not sure about it being in this list but...
Musikaali. Tosin tästä ei taida muodostua yhtä tarinaa, mutta melkein kyllä. Ehkä ois voinut vetää sinne asti. Sinänsä vaikuttavaa ja on hienoa laulua, mutta toivoisin sävellyksiltä ihan snadisti enemmän, jotta tää lunastais tilansa, kun (vai jos…?) ei esitä eheää musikaalitarinaa, ts. musiikki ja melodiat ei ole ”vain” taustaa. Ehkä mulla menee jotain ohi, mutta en jotenkin usko
This sounds like a Barbara Streisand album from 1966.
Liked this more than I thought I would. The Nick Cave song is the best one.
Two stars, mainly because of The Case Continues and Split.
I mean, Ute can sing and these songs sound good as musical numbers, but this project seems lil unnecessary. Couple standouts, but I'd kind rather listen to a regular musical soundtrack 🤷
Chansons is'nt me.
This might be generous rating. Felt like she was singing covers to show tunes I’ve never heard of.
Not the best
I dunno it was really boring and I just wanted to move onto a different album. Vocals are good, but they are the only thing of note here. But they arent used to tell an interesting or compelling story. Nnn
Talented musicians. Theatrical, cabaret-style. You either like this style or you don’t. Not anything I would choose to listen to twice.
Some nice musicianship but otherwise I have no clue what's happening on this album.
Little Water Song // 1.5/5
Meh album. Here's one where I'm confounded by its inclusion in this list. Is this some terrible, weird, experimental album that was groundbreaking to some subculture? No. But, I would at least understand that as an inclusion on the list. This is easy listening cabaret music from a musical actress. I'm guessing it is included because Nick Cave was involved, and this list is Dimery's love letter to Nick Cave (which I'm OK with as a 1001 album list will likely include the entire catalogue of the author's beloved artists). This isn't bad, but it doesn't seem to offer anything notable. I'm sure there's many better and more influential albums in the genre. **
Who is this even for? There’s just enough talent to keep it from being a 1, but just barely.
I can't tell if I liked it. Not a good sign.
Sounds like a boring musical.
Not good
Its fine... sounds like German Björk without the electronics. Nothing interesting on here but its not actively bad to listen to.
Ehhh.. it's fine but it's very theatrical and just .... eh.... musical theatrey.
Not my thing but didn't totally hate it.
Hum ja, wat is dit nou weer voor interessantdoenerij? Een soort poging tot de sfeer van een Berlijnse nachtclub in de jaren twintig, het is verzorgd gemaakt, en ze heeft ook nog eens Nick Cave uitgenodigd (of iemand die daarop lijkt). Maar weet je wat? Het laat me eigenlijk allemaal koud. Ze klinkt als de vrouwelijke schurk in een Disney-film. Kan ik niks mee.
Toegegeven. Dit biedt variatie. Elk nummer weet me op een andere manier op mijn zenuwen te werken. Soms moet ze even kracht bij zetten met geschreeuw, soms maakt ze het extra saai. Of zeurend met van die laaaaaannnnnggggeee lettergrepen.
This album is good. It’s easy listening. I doubt I will listen again, but it’s good.
I assume people felt about this album the way I feel about Lump when it first came out.
what
When this came up I thought "Jim, you're going to hate this". And then I said "No Jim, don't judge a book by it's cover" Turns out my initial judgement was correct. However because I am reserving my single star ratings for the truly truly awful, i'm giving it 2. But I did not like it.
p869. 2000. 2 stars. Sounds like the original cast recording from a failed Edinburgh Fringe musical. Massively disappointing when you consider the song writing talent (Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Elvis Costello). And she has an annoyingly strident voice. Bonus point for being in tune.
i dreaded this when i saw it but a couple of tunes turned out to be okay
I’m starting to learn that I’m pretty disinterested in most things by the gang of people on this album that keep popping up
There’s a surprising amount of German cabaret music on this list. This isn’t the only artist on the list to cover old German songs. French songs too. This album also has songs by Elvis Costello (I like him but those songs felt boring) and Tom Waits (you can hear his style even with another singer) among others I was less familiar with. I liked some songs more than others and Ute Lemper has a nice voice. But this felt pretty niche to me. Not essential listening and not my taste. It’s too dramatic and stage-y for me.
Very ambitious album with interesting tones, performances, and personnel involved. Usually corny or cheesy music doesn't bother me; like I can listen to a lot of cringey genres of music and not be bothered by them, but the overall vibe of this one feels a bit too much. It's hard to put a finger on exactly what's making me dislike it, like the second track is this big huge cinematic track with intrigue all around it, but then you get a lyric like: "If sex were an Olympic sport we'd have won the gold" and I can't help but groan in discomfort. I think it's the vocal performance that is throwing me off. It feels at times like broadway musical music where the performer's character is playing "the cool antagonist". Third track in and it's even more apparent and forced. I just can't get past that. Atleast the music is cool!
I did not like this
I remember that I liked some of Lemper's songs some 30 years ago, when she became widely known for her roles in some big musical productions. This album on the other hand is somehow dull.
This album screams 1980s Broadway, which for someone not inundated daily with Broadway may be appealing. I just couldn’t get into it. Her voice…well, actually, all the music feels too over dramatic for my tastes. I felt like I was in a James Bond movie, except a post-retirement Sciatica and Glaucoma eating at Denny’s at 430pm James Bond…
Jeg har meget svært ved at se hvad dette album laver på listen. Hvorfor skal man høre disse uinteressante coverversioner? Kvaliteten er ikke musikalsk fantastisk. Og jeg har svært ved at se hvad dette album har bidraget musikverdenen med.
2 stars. not my fav.
A melodramatic journey through a selection of songs by artists I don’t really like. The orchestra music is pretty good, lots of great string tracks on here, but anytime anybody is singing I was just annoyed. Also, it feels weird to include a album full of covers on this list. Mostly cover albums don’t bother me from earlier singers like Sinatra and Elvis, but by this time it feels like we need to be including original material.
There are points at which this album promises a lot, but what it giveth it taketh away again with interest. I don't mind the oddness of the album - the cabaret style does work with some songs, especially the Costello ones, but several tracks are painfully bad. Not for me I'm afraid.
This teeters between meh and bad.
A good vocal album, but that’s not really my thing.
meh, i can see the talent for sure, just not into cabaret
Заебался бля слушать женщина чето там поет себе под нос бля 4/10
Meh. Lobby jazz.
The musicians are good on this album, but what are we doing here? Any idea? Me neither.
How and why did we get here? This could have easily been avoided.
On dirait une comédie musicale sombre dont je ne serais pas allé si on ne m'avait pas invité. Plutôt mélodieux par moments avec le piano et le violon (?). Pas mon type.
Pretty boring. I was not interested but it did not make me angry.
Something a bit different but still kind of meh.
I just didn’t find this very compelling. Her voice is great, but I thought it was kind of flat and boring and all the songs were a bit too theatrical for my taste
Weird avante-pop mixed. Didn’t really vibe.
puf, menudo rollazo. Por los nombres de los autores pintaba bien, pero ...
Ute is a fine vocalist, but I don't like the songs she's singing - the album is a lot like watching a Broadway musical from behind a post. A big post.
I hated it, but also - I respect it.
Why is this a MUST?
Not for me
Like listening to a broadway musical. Not my thing.
Fell asleep while listening, which tells the story. Those duets with Kurt Weill (correctly pronounced vile) are a special torture.
A wailing woman. I’m not into it
Not really for me. Gonna go 2/5
Never heard of Ute. Notes hit sharp in the first track. Sounds like a cross between Barbara Streisand and Tori Amos. I see a lot of comparisons to Edith Piaf in notes. I get the overwhelming artistry in her work and that of the talent featured in the songs. I just don’t enjoy this. Feels overblown and too operatic without caring about the characters, like a Vegas or Lido show. If I want a dramatic German operatic experience, I’ll listen to Janelle Monet.
It's a cover album with 3 original songs. I think they wanted to include some German music. They obviously didn't know much German music and opted for a collaboration with someone they did know. I wanted to give it 1 star, but it's too well crafted. This definitely doesn't belong on the list.
Vocally driven music isn't my jam, but interesting collection of collabs
There is a campily odd presence to this album that I felt bordered on parody. Which comes off well, if that's what was intended. Otherwise, Elis Costello and Cait O'Riordan contributing on the title track is all it has going for it.
Well this was a strange journey. I pulled the plug multiple times, assumed it was a 1. But then somehow later ended up listening through and even briefly considered a 5. What is this anyway? Is it supposed to be an opera somehow? A musical? I took away 2 things - one part of a song reminded my of a James Bond romance soundtrack, like perhaps after he defeats Dr. No and is snogging out at sea in Her Majesty's rescue raft while the evil island explodes in the background. The other take away is I haven't listened to any good tangos in a while, and I should.
Really insane album, this. Not actually sure if I loved it or hated it. Unlikely I will listen again, but it will occupy a space in my brain forever.
"Wanna listen to some edgy tunes by the likes of Nick Cave and Tom Waits?" "Yeah" "Want me to do the songs in the style of showtunes?" "No" "Very well, 5,6,7,8!" "Wait...Stop."
2.5
Showtunes.
Couldn't get into this at all. Is the show tunes?
The curator of "1001 Albums" must love a German cabaret album. Some of the songs are pop-y enough -- almost borderline Bjork/Tori Amos -- but it doesn't quite deliver. You can hear Waits & Costello come through in their songs, although I'd rather hear them sing it. 2.8
Wat kut
Ja nee he
It’s ok I guess, if you don’t like music
Sometimes you are just not in the mood for certain types of music. I'm afraid this was the case for me when I listened to this one. Although I appreciate the artistry of this album, it was too morose for me to really enjoy it and I found myself looking forward to it ending. Given that feeling I can't give this one a good rating. The vagaries of rating by committee.
There must be a message here. A meaning. A reason. Is it code? Is she a spy? Nobody puts this on simply for their listening pleasure. I’m going with soundtrack to a play that i can sleep thru. At times, pretty. Most times, weird.
So here's an idea, let's take some of the most dynamic and interesting artists of the late 20th century and make them sing boring show tunes. This sucks. The only interesting thing is that somehow Ute Lemper convinced a bunch of super talented musicians to agree to work on this project. 3/10
A good voice, but the album just seemed very overwrought.
Ute obviously has singing and performing talent. And while a lot of the lyrics and subject matter were entertaining, cabaret/lounge performances are just not my thing. Props to her, but…
I really wanted to like this. So many artists featured who I adore. I also recognize that Ute is very skilled within her genre. I wish I liked this it just feels too Jessica Rabbit. I can’t get into it.
Just really not my vibe
duplicate
Not a great listen
Too odd
Track 2 is like if a committee of Germans wrote a Bond theme
This album had two flavours - cheesy hammy slop, and the low effort live stuff they used to play at a restaurant I used to work at. I hated that job. I think I'm hungry.
unexpected
Starts strong but really drones on after a while. I wanted to like this and just couldn't quite get there. Felt like a poor man's Bjork or Rasputina. Better in small doses, one song at a time. 2 stars
2/5 nope...
Impressive roster of writers, but her delivery grates on my nerves. She sings those songs but she doesn't immerse herself in them, she's just so... distant. All it made me wish was to hear these compositions made by the actual writers. The Scott Walker one is bonkers though.
It doesn't matter how many big names you put on the cover, nobody cares about this.
All this work, all these collaborators, all this instrumentation, all this deployment... for so little feelings. It's impressive how I felt nothing while listening to this. Really impressive.
This best can be described as adequate performances of off-Broadway songs that never will be sung again. But considering the notable collaborators, I can only assume that each artist offered up songs that everyone else had rejected first. It's not that the songs are bad, its just that they are pretty nondescript. And the arrangements weigh too heavy on a calliope of sounds that you would expect from an off-Broadway play. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to but I wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
This was completely rubbish and awful music. So incredibly boring.
Ute Lemper has a beautiful voice and when paired with the writing of Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Phillip Glass, and many more legends, there are some interesting songs on here. That being said, the songs are pretty slow and long. I’m not sure I’ll ever pop this on again, but there was some enjoyment to be had.
In theory, this was right up my street. I used to love the Brecht/Weill music and play it an awful lot. I had an otter Lempa album when I was younger. I have a dim recollection of seeing her perform somewhere as well. I also love the divine comedy and the people she was collaborating with on here like Elvis Costello. However, I was presuming the music was going to be as inflamed as I was but actually added up to less than some of its parts. It didn’t hit any mark. Much as the divine comedy style was recognisable, and the Utah voice was all there it just didn’t pack a punch or have that passion, and grit that I was expecting. Nice to have the variety though on this list.
It was fine. Her voice was fine, the songs were fine, the arrangements and music, all fine. But I listened to it twice and I still don’t care about it.
Good recordings. Totally not my bag.
Wish I had a better musical vocabulary to describe why I don't think this is worth being on the list. Sub-par show tune-style production and songs. By the time I got to the last couple of songs even my dog looked up at me with eyes that said "make it stop." Just to see if she was better in German, I listened to two cabaret songs auf Deutsch. Nein. Nein. Nein.
Didn't love this, she can sing tho, kinda felt like a film soundtrack but didn't really go anywhere
Very hit or miss. Some songs truly resonated others very much didn’t. Ute’s voice is stunning and unique but the songs just don’t hit consistently enough. I don’t think this is something everyone would enjoy.
Entiendo que no todo tiene que ser rock, electronica y, ugh, country, pero no es algo que volvería a escuchar.
From the album description, I was expecting a sort of Femme fatale / trip-hop portishead vibe. That unfortunately was very far from the case. Felt very informal and chatty, boring and not very thought through, 2/5.
not for me 2/5
It feels like a compilation of mediocre songs from much better albums. Also very horny. Definitely did not need to be on this list
The instrumentation is good for the most part. Her vocals are overdramatic too often. I quite liked Passionate Fight. The last song is a real drag though.
Enjoyed this but wouldn’t put on again. Too close to (listening to) Elvis Costello.
track 2 review: what if we took some of Nick Cave's worst impulses (bloated overwrought murder ballads) as a template for an orchestral music singer showpiece? what. if. guessing it's basically the same for the rest of the authors. will I regret not listening to each to see if this deserves a 1 instead of a 2? no. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
This sounds like the soundtrack for a musical that doesn’t exist, which makes it very unappealing to me. Impressive vocalist, can imagine someone loving this, but not me.
This is not for me. Ute Lemper is an excellent vocalist. Hopefully she's doing some Disney soundtracks and making a living. Including this on the list feels like someone's pet project. We all know someone that tries to get you to like music that you just don't for whatever reason: "C'mon man! You HAVE to hear this!!!" It's okay. Very heavy-handed. Maybe for another time. Elvis Costello jumped the shark a while back when he tried to do a Country album (yeah, I said it). Considering skipping blatant attempts at taste making on this list in the future.
22 Based on this scale: 1 - 0 to 19 2 - 20 to 39 3 - 40 to 59 4 - 60 to 79 5 - 80 to 100 Cabaret music. She has a good voice, but it's cabaret music. This is about as high a score as it can get.
Mid
Part You Throw Away, Case Continues
Strange album. It sounds like it's way older than from 2000 somehow. If lining up all of the different famous artists on the album cover was going to be selling, it unfortunately didn't contribute to it being actually good. Ute sounds like a competent singer, but the songs just weren't for at all.
Weird. No thanks
Meh
Nicht so meins.
Bombastic, overwrought vocals throughout. Technically might be great singing talent but I can't appreciate the songwriting or genre at all.
Interesting, and diverse but it really just isn't my jam.
god its so boring. its a little interesting and the orchestra is great but god its soooo boring
Strange but two or three songs were listenable.
If this was punishing in any way I might have actually enjoyed it.
Punishing Kiss? Punishing listen.
This was an album that feels like it could’ve been made for a play or a movie. Not quite sure the overall appeal of it other than for people who like to feel superior over others. The singing was good from Ute Lemper. The other people singing brought it down a little. Overall there isn’t anything I find worth revisiting here. 3.9/10
Punishing Kiss is a 2000 classical/pop album by German singer Ute Lemper. Ute sings tracks with/from the backing band - the Divine Comedy - and compositions from other artists such as Nick Cave, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Philip Glass, Scott Walker, and Kurt Weill. There is also a French version of this album containing three bonus songs entirely in French. This album performed decently well in Europe and specifically the UK. Ute Lemper is a beautiful singer and it was nice to hear these tracks, although it's not the type of music I'm usually into.
Had some difficulty to finish the album. I tried it before but the songs did not stick, just like on this occasion. Too much late-period Elvis Costello and too little Divine Comedy perhaps.
These are mainly redundant covers of in some cases quite nice songs, and toward the end it becomes a struggle to keep listening.
Extremely dramatic, story driven lyrics. Interesting
Unlike a lot of reviewers here, I've been exposed to some of this kind of European theatrical avant garde music before (Bowie was a fan of this style, and a few of his deep cuts lean in this direction). While it's not my usual thing, I don't dismiss it out of hand. This definitely had its moments, but overall I found it to be quite inconsistent, which makes sense given the wide variety of songwriters involved. I'm not mad that I listened to it (always good to try something new) but I certainly don't agree that it's essential listening.
Outoa, musikaalimaista, tylsähköä, outoja lyriikoita. I had the brain, you had breast??? Russians are going
Punishing, yes. Kiss? Not nearly as pleasurable.
It's not terrible, the instrumentation and songwriting is generally pretty good. Her voice is the main thing turning me off, it doesn't sound very good to me at all, especially when she really tries to push it. Also the cabaret angle just sounds a bit goofy in here too. Can't see myself coming back to it.
Tellement d'éléments intéressant pour que le produit final soit complètement oubliable. Je ne sais pas l'expliquer, mais tout semblait si grandiose et si drabe à la fois. Malheureusement ça m'a complètement laissé indiférent, et c'est exactement le genre d'album dont je doute le besoin d'inclusion ici. 4/10
Felt like I was listening to the recording/score to a theatre show. Didn't really enjoy much here, but it definitely was an interesting listen
A complete nobody collaborates with famous avant-garde musicians to produce a cinematic stream of music that takes from classical, jazz, ambient, cabaret, and world music. It really does sound like a movie soundtrack, a mix of classical arrangements and loud synths. There's a lot of interesting instrumentals with unusual rhythms and instruments, but it goes too quickly and doesn't ever satisfy. I also hate Lemper's voice, and it feels like she's singing on top of the music. But sometimes it feels the other way around, like how "Split" keeps repeating and dragging on for her, which is a shame considering I liked that song's premise. The only tracks where her voice goes well is Philip Glass's "Streets of Berlin" and the second half of "You Were Meant for Me." I also hated Tom Waits' contributions, literally does nothing except play an accordion, doesn't matter if it's smooth and jazzy. I wonder how much more I'd like it without the vocals. Ones where I really liked the instrumental: Case Continues, Passionate Fight, Streets of Berlin, Split
Fun in some sense, but just not for me. The cabaret/opera atmosphere is deftly produced, but it enters a campy territory that I'm not entirely a fan of. I respect it, but I won't be going back to it.
Highlights: "Couldn't You Keep That to Yourself," "Split," "Tango Ballad" This just made me wish the songwriters were singing it. Costello and Cave have great voices for this stuff. Kate Bush fans will be able to handle the vocal bombast at face value, but Lemper's style matches better to campy, fantastical lyrics, and the problem is that a lot of the songwriting here is excellent. I want to enjoy the knot in my stomach from the bitter, cutting lyrics and cruel, shocking changes without being bowled over by this giant ham. In other words, the production is unmistakably late Walker. By the finale, it has lost its entire mind in a blathering juvenile morbidity but gets points for effort and musical daring.
Oof, tough listen. Barbara Streisand and Bjork had a love child, who sang James Bond theme songs on Broadway.
Conflicting: It felt like I was watching a show on the New York Broadway which I was a bit bored of. I have to say I was expected a lot worse but then again my expectations were rock bottom. I don't think I'll be coming back to this anytime soon bc it just never really captured my attention and felt like it had all been done before (like in a musical).
Quite boring to be honest, dramatic sounding without actually sounding dramatic.2/5
This is kind of weird and sort of sounds like a movie soundtrack but it is not.