The Multi Coloured Shades - Ranchero

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.

Download The Multi Coloured Shades - Ranchero

Artist: The Multi Coloured Shades
Album: Ranchero

Rock

Alternative Rock

1989

Rating: 4.75

Review
About Album
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Video
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Catalog Numbers
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Listen online
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Credits
Notes
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About Artist
Interesting fact
Comments
Related albums

Download

Filename: the-multi-coloured-shades-ranchero.zip

MP3 size: 83.6 mb
FLAC size: 492.8 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
Wonderworld	4:48
Gangland	4:57
Bad Baby 69	3:23
Live My Life	3:56
Saddle Preacher	4:20
Cold Angel	5:19
Meanstreet	5:42
Colour Of Love	3:45
Nasty Tramp	3:40
Live My Life (Long Version)	5:08
You Can Run	2:28

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

Listen online

écouter en ligne
lytte på nettet
lyssna på nätet
online anhören
ascolta in linea
online luisteren
escuchar en línea
kuunnella verkossa
ouvir online

Formats

Vinyl
LP
Album
Test Pressing
CD

Companies

Role	Company
Pressed By	Sonopress
Record Company	Virgin Records
Phonographic Copyright (p)	Virgin Schallplatten GmbH
Copyright (c)	Virgin Schallplatten GmbH
Printed By	TOPAC
Published By	Wintrup Musikverlag

Credits

Role	Credit
Bass	Hansi Gralke
Drums	Bernd Gremm
Guitar	Eddie Wagner
Vocals	Eddie Wagner
Keyboards	Peter Sauermann
Lead Vocals	Pete Barany
Producer	The Multicoloured Shades
Cover	Johann Zambryski
Lyrics By	Bernd Gremm, Jürgen Eddie Wagner, Hansi Gralke, Pete Barany, Peter Sauermann
Music By	Bernd Gremm, Jürgen Eddie Wagner, Hansi Gralke, Pete Barany, Peter Sauermann
Photography By	Thomas Caspari

Notes

In generic sleeve and 'Unverkäufliche Musterplatte' labels.
Includes a printed inner-sleeve with lyrics.
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

multi-coloured-shades.de

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!