Album Review: Pop Splits Always On My Mind by Richard Fasten
Alright, so let me tell ya about this quirky little gem called Pop Splits Always On My Mind. It’s not your typical music album—heck, it’s not even really "music" in the traditional sense. This 2006 release from Germany falls into the “Non-Music” genre, blending radioplay vibes with spoken word storytelling. If you’re into something different that makes you think while nodding along to familiar tunes, this might just be for you.
First off, props to Richard Fasten, who wrote the whole thing, and Michael Pan, the narrator whose voice kinda sneaks up on you. You know how sometimes a random podcast grabs your attention? That’s what listening to this feels like. The design team at Fabrik Neue Medien GmbH also deserve a shoutout because, honestly, they made the cover look cooler than most non-music projects ever do.
Now, here’s where things get fun. The album includes some absolute bangers reimagined as part of its narrative flow. I mean, come on—Billy Idol’s Sweet Sixteen? Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire? How could you not listen? But two tracks stuck out to me in particular: Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You and Elvis Presley’s Always On My Mind.
Whitney’s song is legendary, obviously. Everyone knows it, but hearing it woven into this project gave me chills. Like, imagine someone telling a heartfelt story around those iconic notes—it hits differently. And then there’s Elvis. His version of Always On My Mind has always been one of those songs that sticks in my brain no matter what. In this context, it felt fresh yet nostalgic, like finding an old photo and realizing it still means something deep down.
The way these tracks are used isn’t just background noise; they become characters in their own right. It’s almost like each song gets its own mini-storyline, thanks to Frank Bruder’s editing skills tying everything together seamlessly.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. A German radio label (shoutout to Radio Eins!) putting out something this experimental seemed kinda wild. But after giving it a spin—or three—I realized it’s more than just an album. It’s like sitting through a late-night chat with a friend who loves music as much as you do.
And hey, here’s a random thought: if aliens landed tomorrow and asked us to explain human emotions through pop culture, handing them this album wouldn’t be the worst idea. Weird flex, I know, but stay with me. There’s something universal about the way it mixes well-known songs with personal stories.
So yeah, give Pop Splits Always On My Mind a try. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes all we want is something that surprises us—and trust me, this does exactly that.
