Das Capital cover

Das Capital

Luke Haines · 2003

38 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A sardonic blend of alternative rock and electronica, layered with sharp wit and critical commentary on modern life.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Baader Meinhof — This track stands out for its darkly humorous take on the infamous German terrorist group, showcasing Haines' knack for blending historical reference with pop culture.
  • →
    Unsolved Child Murder — With its provocative title and chilling narrative approach, this song exemplifies Haines' ability to tackle disturbing subjects with irony and narrative depth.
  • →
    The Mitford Sisters — This track reflects Haines' fascination with controversial historical figures, marrying catchy melodies with biting commentary on social elite dynamics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's sharp wit and blend of rock and electronica create a distinctive sound with strong lyrical themes.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tempos and layered instrumentation, while the second half shifts to more subdued arrangements and introspective lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, blending them seamlessly with traditional rock instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • sardonic wit and sharp commentary
  • brief tracks for quick engagement
  • playful irreverence throughout the album
  • late-night reflective listening
  • quirky narratives that provoke thought

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer long immersive experiences
  • dislike humor in music

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time of 'Das Capital's' release in 2003, Luke Haines was known for his work with The Auteurs, having previously established himself as a distinctive voice in British alternative rock. This album followed his solo endeavors and marked a continued exploration of personal and political themes through a unique musical lens.
Stylistic neighbors
Pulp· The Auteurs· Suede

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 How Could I Be Wrong 4:33
  • 2 Showgirl 4:16
  • 3 Baader Meinhof 3:03
  • 4 Lenny Valentino 2:16
  • 5 Starstruck 3:32
  • 6 Satan Wants Me 3:09
  • 7 Unsolved Child Murder 2:26
  • 8 Junk Shop Clothes 2:46
  • 9 The Mitford Sisters 5:02
  • 10 Bugger Bognor 3:50
  • 11 Future Generation 3:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata