Hometown Punk. But one of the lesser known ones as were not really part of the live circuit and the city crowd, as they originated from a southern suburb. They only played a few shows before disbanding over both the need to flea the army to Berlin and the fact that their studio, that also served many other bands, was robbed (as in emptied).
They also turned to other music, Tom Meyer specifically, though he still was able to put up a new setting (Neuland Studio) that provided some bands with recording capabilities (and was home to the production of the now legendary “Waterkant Hits” in 1983).
What was so special with Hermann’s Orgie? Their not so (hardcore) punk sound? No, don’t think so – i think it was one of the first outfits to give way to the use of the German language, something at least in Hamburg not really known: Local heroes Big Balls, Buttocks and Razors all tried to master English – with questionable quality…
The verdict:
1977 – yes, i think they can claim that big time and more then others!
published by a cool label – sure, local and self-made, just class!
found in a cool shop – Konneckschen, where else?
catching sound – Back then for sure, today it sound “tame” but that is because i have been spoiled with 35+ years of listening to punk rock
the lyrics – i could relate to German better back then because my school english was poor, hence i loved the ones singing in a language i did fully understand. And this message was so simple and sound (i felt home and “being like them”)
My loveliest song from that one is coincidentally called “1977” and was recorded live in 1979. Back then to me “studio” or “live” did not make any difference, specifically on this one as it seems recorded without any audience audible:
In unseren Strassen In unser Stadt Eine Revolte Was wir brauchten 1977 - in unseren Strassen 1977 - in unser Stadt 1977 - es gab nicht viel zu tun 1977 - macht trotzdem Spass Sie spielten laut Sie spielten schnell Sie waren wie wir Wir waren wie sie 1977 - in unseren Strassen 1977 - in unser Stadt 1977 - es gab nicht viel zu tun 1977 - wir hatten Spass Sie spielten laut Sie spielten schnell Sie waren wie wir Wir waren wie sie 1977 - in unseren Strassen 1977 - in unser Stadt 1977 - es gab nicht viel zu tun 1977 - wir hatten Spass English version: On our streets In our city A revolt Was what we needed 1977 - on our streets 1977 - in our town 1977 - there was little left to do 1977 - we had fun They played loud They played fast They where like us We where like them (c) 1981 Moderne Musik Produktion
They did not like to continue to be part of the – back then – ever growing and more violent leather clad punk scene and they also did not like the so called “Neue Deutsche Welle” that washed away good new music in favor of mu-sick industry (just like the punk re-break in the US in the 90s). Hence they called it a day as a band and moved their own directions. Tom Meyer is a mastering guru today and Clement Hülse is a web developer in London – like so many they choose not to hang around forever, but left a classic legacy. Thanks for that!
