Electronic Sound  |  Issue 53
When is a Berlin album not a Berlin album? When it’s ‘Lodger’ by David Bowie. When we talk about Bowie’s Berlin trilogy, what we really mean is ‘Low’ and ‘Heroes’ and, erm, the other one… ‘Lodger’ was the afterthought, the wobbly third wheel, a series of “planned accidents” stitched together into an album. It wasn’t recorded in Berlin, Bowie wasn’t even living in Berlin. It’s an imposter of an album. But then, Bowie’s entire career up to that point was a series of invented characters, made-up people he occupied for a year or so before discarding them.
Berlin – West Berlin as it was then – steamed into the 1980s without Bowie. His legacy hung over the city, but the post-Bowie generation had problems of their own, and the likes of Gudrun Gut’s Mania D and Malaria!, and Einstürzende Neubauten became the new core of the city’s intense underground nighttime music culture. The city’s clanging 80s noise even attracted Depeche Mode to Berlin, where they embarked on a dark new chapter in their biography with ‘Black Celebration’ album.
So, don your dark overcoat and head with us for Kreuzberg. Just avoid the heroin, we hear it’s not good for you.
When you’ve emerged blinking on the early morning light from our Berlin coverage, you can refresh yourself in the company of Barrie, Leaf Cutter John, Erland Cooper and Ela Orleans. Or delve into the deep history of Munich’s abstract electronic art project Popol Vuh, then check out the new wave of new age, and/or try to get your head around Mute’s new tribute to John Cage’s ‘4’ 33”’. Shhh…
read more
read less
Electronic Sound magazine is famed for its deep electronic foundations and sets the scene for Electronic Sound as a culture and a technology. High-quality journalism and undisputed expertise of the scene make this magazine a must read for fans of electronic music.
The latest technology and toy reviews are available in each monthly issue along with a synth analysis used by the early pioneers. Electric Sounds magazine is a plethora of synth knowledge and you’ll love the tips and tricks from the synth wizard, Synthesiser Dave, with a wealth of advice on repairs and fixes for all of your machines.
Offering you a range of popular monthly features; including artist interviews with past pioneers and future hitmakers, a historic look back at key synth sounds and expert tips within the popular tech advice section.
Whether you’re part of the DIY revolution or a trailblazing studio engineer then Electric Sound is talking about the topics that matter to you, so what are you waiting for? Subscribe to Electronic Sound magazine and download the latest magazine to your device and enjoy today!
An Electronic Sound digital magazine subscription is a must for electric music fans of all levels:
- The world’s number one electronic sound magazine
- Expert articles from the scenes best pioneers
- Insight from stars of the culture
- Detailed coverage of all major events and exhibitions
- Guides on how to repair your machines
- Delivered direct to your device every month
You'll receive 12 issues during a 1 year Electronic Sound magazine subscription.
Note: Digital editions do not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies.
Articles in this issue
Below is a selection of articles in Electronic Sound Issue 53.