Geier Sturzflug is a German musical group created in 1979, playing a style of “West German New Wave” originally derived from post-punk/wave with electronic influences. Stylistically they combined rock, pop, ska, and jazz, always with cynical lyrics. They are best known for their hits “Bruttosozialprodukt” (Gross national product), “Pure Lust am Leben,” “Einsamkeit,” and “Besuchen Sie Europa.” – the first of these was number one in Germany for the entire month of May 1983. The band has stayed active over the years and returned in 2022 with an entire ska/reggae album entitled “IN DER GROSSEN” which shows signs of their 80’s new wave roots combined with a bluesy European revival ska sound (think The Busters, Braces, No Sports). A tight sound and infectious groove, highly recommended even if you don’t speak German. A pleasant surprise! Speaking of 80’s punk/ska/new wave THE PIRANHAS (UK) original album (that was shelved) has finally been re-released on vinyl (a few CD box sets exist with this material). The Piranhas formed in 1977, and were a British ska-influenced punk band from Brighton, first coming to prominence when DJ John Peel started playing their single “I Don’t Want My Body” on his BBC Radio 1 program, but achieved their biggest success with their cover version of the South African kwela song “Tom Hark”. When “Tom Hark” became a hit the band suddenly signed to SIRE and the original album recorded for ATTRIX was shelved with much of the material re-recorded. Finally we can enjoy on vinyl this incredible and historic piece of unsung 2-Tone history!
