Album Review: Plus Minus Acht DJ Tage DJ Nächte by Hans Nieswandt
Alright, let’s dive into this quirky little gem of an album—or should I say audiobook? Plus Minus Acht DJ Tage DJ Nächte is not your typical music release. Released in 2003 under the Deutsche Grammophon Literatur label (yep, they’re known for classical stuff but here we are), it’s more like a sonic diary narrated by Hartmut Wessling with some cool beats sprinkled in by Decomposed Subsonic. It’s part storytelling, part experimental sound collage, and all kinds of German charm.
The vibe? Think late-night radio shows mixed with snippets from a DJ’s chaotic life. The genre says “Non-Music,” which honestly fits perfectly because you won’t find traditional songs here—just moments that stick to your brain like gum on a shoe.
Standout Tracks
Let me tell ya about two tracks that really stood out to me:
First up, "Corporate Clubbing." This one hits differently. You’ve got these eerie yet hypnotic beats layered underneath Wessling’s narration, painting pictures of neon lights and sterile dance floors. There’s something oddly relatable about hearing someone talk over glitchy electronic sounds while describing the absurdity of corporate-sponsored raves. Like, who hasn’t been at a club where the vibe felt forced? It’s funny, sad, and kinda poetic all at once. Plus, the track feels way ahead of its time—like if Aphex Twin decided to write a satire piece on modern nightlife.
Then there’s "Silvester 2000," which is basically New Year’s Eve vibes bottled up in audio form. The track starts off low-key nostalgic, talking about ringing in the millennium with fireworks and awkward parties. But then the music kicks in—a mix of retro synths and crackly samples—and suddenly you’re transported back to that weird limbo between decades. I dunno why, but this track made me laugh. Maybe it’s the way Wessling delivers his lines, or maybe it’s how the production mirrors the chaos of celebrating a new era without having any clue what’s coming next. Either way, it’s memorable.
Little Details That Make It Special
Props to Redisigndeutschland for the artwork—it’s as minimal and intriguing as the content itself. And hats off to Hans Nieswandt for pulling everything together. He’s listed as writer, producer, and probably chief coffee brewer during recording sessions. Oh, and shoutout to Myriam Brüger, the product manager, who must’ve had her hands full keeping this unconventional project on track.
Decomposed Subsonic’s contributions deserve love too. Their work on tracks like “Ereignisse Zwischen 33 Und 45” adds depth to the overall mood, blending mechanical rhythms with raw emotion. Honestly, their involvement elevates the whole thing from “weird audiobook” to “art project worth revisiting.”
Final Thoughts
What makes Plus Minus Acht DJ Tage DJ Nächte so fascinating is how unapologetically niche it is. It doesn’t try to cater to everyone; instead, it invites listeners to step into its world—a world filled with whirlpool productions, forgotten discos, and musings on life as a DJ. If you’re into experimental stuff or just enjoy things that feel slightly offbeat, this might be right up your alley.
And hey, isn’t it wild how an album about DJ culture ends up being less about partying and more about introspection? Almost like Nieswandt wanted us to think twice before hitting repeat on our favorite club bangers. Or maybe he just wanted to remind us that even DJs get tired sometimes.
Anyway, give it a listen if you’re curious. Just don’t expect sing-along choruses—this one’s for the thinkers, dreamers, and midnight wanderers.
