The Multi Coloured Shades - Ranchero

southernbelleblondie

Review by Tansy Bibeau

Album Review: Ranchero by The Multi Coloured Shades Released in 1989 under Virgin Records, Ranchero is an intriguing dive into the alternative rock scene of late '80s Europe, particularly Germany. This album doesn’t scream for attention—it whispers with a gritty confidence that keeps you listening. With its raw energy and thoughtful songwriting, it’s no wonder this record has stuck around in the minds of fans who were lucky enough to stumble upon it. The band's chemistry shines through every track, thanks largely to their collaborative approach. Everyone from Eddie Wagner (guitar/vocals) to Pete Barany (lead vocals) brings something unique to the table. Even Hansi Gralke on bass and Bernd Gremm on drums add layers of depth that make the whole thing feel alive. Lyrically, they tackle themes like rebellion ("Gangland") and resilience ("Live My Life"), but what really stands out is how these songs hit differently depending on your mood. It’s not just music; it’s kind of like flipping through someone’s diary—messy yet compelling. Two tracks that especially stand out are “Nasty Tramp” and “Cold Angel.” In “Nasty Tramp,” the driving rhythm section feels almost hypnotic, while Pete Barany’s vocals have this sneering edge that makes you want to crank up the volume. There’s a swagger here—a mix of danger and humor—that sticks with you long after the song ends. Meanwhile, “Cold Angel” slows things down just enough to let Peter Sauermann’s keyboards shine. The melody builds steadily until it hits this emotional peak, leaving you feeling both melancholic and oddly hopeful. These two tracks showcase the range of Ranchero, proving the band wasn’t afraid to experiment within their genre. One can’t help but notice the cover art designed by Johann Zambryski—it perfectly matches the vibe of the album. Stark, bold, and slightly offbeat, much like the music itself. And credit where it’s due, Thomas Caspari’s photography adds another layer of authenticity to the package. It all ties together nicely, making Ranchero more than just a collection of songs—it’s an experience. Looking back now, decades later, it’s wild to think about how overlooked this album might’ve been outside niche circles. Sure, it didn’t set the world ablaze commercially, but albums like Ranchero remind us why we listen to music in the first place—not because it’s trendy or polished to perfection, but because it speaks to something deeper. And honestly? If I ever meet someone rocking a Ranchero t-shirt at a thrift store, I’d probably stop them mid-aisle just to chat. Because finding gems like this feels rare these days. So, hats off to The Multi Coloured Shades—they may not have changed the game, but they sure left their mark.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: the-multi-coloured-shades-ranchero.zip
  • MP3 size: 83.6 mb
  • FLAC size: 492.8 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Wonderworld4:48
Gangland4:57
Bad Baby 693:23
Live My Life3:56
Saddle Preacher4:20
Cold Angel5:19
Meanstreet5:42
Colour Of Love3:45
Nasty Tramp3:40
Live My Life (Long Version)5:08
You Can Run2:28

Video

Live My Life (Long Version) - The Multicoloured Shades - 1989

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • 209 623
  • 259 623-222
  • 209 623, 209 623-630

Labels

Virgin

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Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Album
  • Test Pressing
  • CD

Companies

RoleCompany
Pressed BySonopress
Record CompanyVirgin Records
Phonographic Copyright (p)Virgin Schallplatten GmbH
Copyright (c)Virgin Schallplatten GmbH
Printed ByTOPAC
Published ByWintrup Musikverlag

Credits

RoleCredit
BassHansi Gralke
DrumsBernd Gremm
GuitarEddie Wagner
VocalsEddie Wagner
KeyboardsPeter Sauermann
Lead VocalsPete Barany
ProducerThe Multicoloured Shades
CoverJohann Zambryski
Lyrics ByBernd Gremm, Jürgen Eddie Wagner, Hansi Gralke, Pete Barany, Peter Sauermann
Music ByBernd Gremm, Jürgen Eddie Wagner, Hansi Gralke, Pete Barany, Peter Sauermann
Photography ByThomas Caspari

Notes

  • In generic sleeve and 'Unverkäufliche Musterplatte' labels.
  • Includes a printed inner-sleeve with lyrics.
  • ℗ & © 1989 Virgin Schallplatten GmbH. Published by Wintrup Musik.
  • Printed in Western Germany by TOPAC, Gesellschaft für Tonträger-Verpackung mbH, Gütersloh.
  • Catalog# on labels: 209 623
  • Catalog# on back cover, inner sleeve and spine: 209 623-630

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A, stamped): DM209623 A 2 / 1 - 89
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side B, stamped): DM209623 B 3 / 1 - 89
  • Matrix / Runout (Label Side A): DM 209 623 A
  • Matrix / Runout (Label Side B): DM 209 623 B
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side A "stamped"): DM209623 A 2 / 1 - 89
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout Side B "stamped"): DM209623 B 3 / 1 - 89
  • Label Code: LC 3098
  • Rights Society: GEMA STEMRA BIEM
  • Pressing Plant ID (Label side B, embossed): [Bass clef]

About The Multi Coloured Shades

The Multicoloured Shades from Recklinghausen area, Germany were a quite popular Psychedelic band in the 1980´s. They mixed their sound with contemporary independent Rock and profit from the 80s Psychedelic Rock revival. Singer Pete Barany, who also worked at Last Chance Record Store in Dortmund and later at Discover Record Store in Bochum, died in 2002 from a medication overdose.

Name Vars

  • Multicoloured Shades
  • The Multi Coloured Shades
  • The Multicolored Shades
  • The Shades

Members

  • Bernd Gremm
  • Heinz-Werner Maleike
  • Michael Doering
  • Pete Barany
  • Detlev Bizer

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a fun fact: The album *Ranchero* by The Multi Coloured Shades is like a time capsule of late '80s alternative rock. Released in 1989 under Virgin Records, it blends raw energy with moody lyrics, all while showcasing the band's tight-knit collaboration. Every member contributed to both the music and lyrics, making it a true team effort. And get this—Eddie Wagner not only shredded on guitar but also shared vocal duties with Pete Barany. It’s wild how much creativity they packed into one record! Tracks like "Live My Life" even got a long version, giving fans more to sink their teeth into. Not bad for a group that seemed to fly under the radar!

Comments

killatia
2025-03-15
Wow, der Song ist richtig geil! Schöner Sound und so macht Rockmusik Spaß, macht weiter so.