This latest in the Strategies Against Architecture series continues Einstürzende Neubauten's generous tradition of offering original and interesting variations in their compilations. SASIV has many songs that were only available through the supporter project so is a 'must have' for the average fan. In comparison to other SAS series these songs tend to be more fully developed and offer EN's trademark range of experimental aural impact.
For the completely uninitiated you should know that most of these songs are sung in German and that early works by this band were uncompromisingly abrasive and chaotic but over time have become progressively more melodic, redolent with precision percussion without sacrificing dedication to experimentation. Start with the recent albums and work backwards until EN just seems too, too harsh for your sensibilities. Wait for six months and you will find that album which seemed so challenging will have become your new favorite. Precede accordingly... but be warned they become addictive as the rest of pop music becomes dull and predictable. Trade off is that you start listening to all of life as musical.
'Supporters' of all three phases will likely have most of these works but some original and interesting live versions are also included to mollify the completists in the crowd. In this day of rampant file sharing, buying uncompressed CDs has become antiquated but with their huge dynamic range of custom built instrumental sound, Blixa Bargeld's vocal nuance and exquisite attention to detail you really NEED to hear Einstürzende Neubauten on a real stereo for full effect.
Mp3 compression? Tiny speakers in earbuds? Bah-humbug!