Album Review: Wasser Marsch by Bernd Walter – A Playful Blast from the GDR Past
Alright, buckle up because we’re diving into Wasser Marsch, a quirky gem of an album that dropped in 1988 under the AMIGA label in East Germany. This record is like your eccentric uncle who shows up unannounced but somehow makes the party unforgettable—part pop, part schlager, with dashes of comedy and folk sprinkled on top for good measure. It’s not just music; it’s a vibe, man.
First off, let’s talk about “Berndchen.” Oh boy, this track hits differently. Imagine being at a backyard barbecue where someone starts telling hilarious stories while strumming a guitar—that’s “Berndchen” in a nutshell. The lyrics are cheeky, almost like they were written by someone who knows exactly how to poke fun without crossing any lines (props to Van Duin for their contribution). And the melody? Catchy as heck! You’ll find yourself humming it later while doing mundane things like folding laundry or pretending you know what you’re doing at work. It sticks to your brain like glue, which might sound annoying, but trust me, it’s oddly comforting.
Then there’s “Also Nee!”—a tune so delightfully absurd you can’t help but laugh out loud halfway through. I mean, come on, when was the last time you heard something this unapologetically silly? It feels like Arnold Fritzsch (composer extraordinaire) decided to throw all seriousness out the window and just have fun. The arrangement has this bouncy energy, thanks to the studio orchestra he directed, and the comedic timing is spot-on. Listening to it feels like overhearing a ridiculous argument between two neighbors over whose turn it is to water the plants. Relatable chaos wrapped in a catchy Schlager package? Yes, please!
The design creds go to Jürgen Malik, whose cover art might not win awards today but screams vintage GDR charm. Paired with Karl-Heinz Golka’s photography, it gives the whole thing this retro aesthetic that screams authenticity. Like, yeah, this isn’t some polished Hollywood production—it’s raw, real, and refreshingly human.
Now, here’s the kicker: Why does an album from 1988 still matter? Well, maybe it doesn’t change the world or anything dramatic like that. But sometimes, life needs more albums like Wasser Marsch. In a world obsessed with perfection and algorithms spitting out cookie-cutter hits, this record reminds us that music can just be… fun. No deep existential meaning required. Just pure joy served with a side of laughter.
And honestly? If aliens ever invade Earth and ask for proof that humanity could chill once in a while, I’d hand them this album. They’d either beam us aboard for being awesome or leave confused. Either way, mission accomplished.
