Zu Jung Zu Alt / Blut Ist Liebe
The marvelous 7″ and 12″ singles by Xmal Deutschland on the excellent Zick Zack label from Hamburg. After these two releases the band signed up to the equally wonderful 4AD record label and released several other 12″ singles and an absolutely brilliant debut LP which you can listen to on this site HERE The second LP on 4AD is also worthy of inclusion in any record collection. It is no secret that Mr Penguin simply adored this band during the few years that they first performed in London, I witnessed the band many times and eagarly awaited all the vinyl that was released up to 1986 when the band went off my radar somewhat. I think the last time I saw the band live was at the last night of the Lyceum in the middle of 1985, and that was a special occasion for sure although my favorite performances were in 1983 at The Hammersmith Clarendon and also at the Venue in Victoria.
Text below ripped from the ever ripped off wikkipeardear.
Xmal Deutschland were formed in 1980 by Anja Huwe (vocals), Manuela Rickers (guitar), Fiona Sangster (keyboards), Rita Simon (bass guitar) and Caro May (drums) in Hamburg, Germany.
Their first single, Großstadtindianer was released a year later on Alfred Hilsberg’s ZickZack label. The band also contributed to the ZickZack label compilation LP Lieber Zuviel Als Zuwenig. Around this time Rita Simon was replaced by Wolfgang Ellerbrock.
In 1982 the band released the goth classic Incubus Succubus. Drummer Caro May left the band and formed a new band, and the vacant drummer position was filled by Manuela Zwingmann the same year. While German audiences were less than receptive at first, a United Kingdom tour opening for the Cocteau Twins resulted in a label deal with independent label 4AD Records. Their debut album, Fetisch and the singles Qual and Incubus Succubus II were released in 1983, all three making the UK Independent charts, even though the band wrote and performed in German.
Fetisch was met with unanimous critical acclaim from journalists and fans alike it impressed with its freshness and exhilarated with its power. There was no confusion over the German delivery – Anja Huwe epitomized the voice as instrument. The album reached no.3 in the independent charts behind the pulp pop of New Order and Aztec Camera. It stayed there. ‘The seductive foreplay had begun’.
Manuela Zwingmann left the band after one year, being replaced by Peter Bellendir. This lineup, Huwe / Rickers / Sangster / Ellerbrock / Bellendir proved to be the longest running. 1984 saw the release of the single Reigen and the album Tocsin, followed by a world tour through 1985.
The Sequenz EP was essentially a remake of a John Peel session, which had been originally recorded April 1985 and was broadcast in May 1985. The EP contained the tracks Jahr Um Jahr II, Autumn (the band’s first English lyrics, apart from brief snatches of English that appeared in Qual, Young Man and Tag für Tag) and Polarlicht but omitted Der Wind, which was played at the Peel sessions.
Many happy returns to Lena Servo who is celebrating her birthday today. KYPP online wish you all the very best for your special day. Hoping you are fine and dandy…
Lena Servo
July 30, 2011 at 1:44 amTHANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS LOVELY! 🙂
I’m getting older, but ageing surrounded by lovely people, hugs and kisses and thanks again for this, it means the world to me! 🙂
Tony Puppy
July 30, 2011 at 7:54 pmHappy birthday Lena.
It was me wot wrote the Xmal Deutschland entry in the book Rough Guide To Rock; been loving ya for thaaaaaaaat long.
Lena Servo
August 3, 2011 at 11:58 pmThanks Tony =)
Patrick
August 3, 2013 at 9:53 pmX-mal Deuschland were one of those bands I had an obsession over (see also UK Decay/Virgin Prunes etc) in 83-85. The Venue show I saw them at they were supported by Gene Loves Jezebal and the Wolfgand Press, a great night out and also the Clarendon gig supported by Dead Can Dance. They did a couple of very good Peel sessions but I lost interest when Tocsin came out.