Spiel nicht mit den Schmuddelkindern
Franz Josef Degenhardt · 1965
51 min · 13 tracks · traditional folk music
A poignant blend of traditional folk melodies and sharp, satirical lyrics that address social issues in post-war Germany.
Top tracks — play these first
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Spiel nicht mit den Schmuddelkindern Start here — The title track serves as a powerful critique of societal neglect towards children, blending catchy melodies with serious themes that reflect Degenhardt's political consciousness.
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Wölfe mitten im Mai — This track stands out for its vivid imagery and metaphorical language, portraying the tensions of everyday life while hinting at deeper societal issues.
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Der schwarze Mann — In this song, Degenhardt addresses themes of fear and prejudice through a compelling narrative that challenges listeners to confront their biases.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively combines folk melodies with sharp lyrics, creating a distinct voice in German music.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic guitar and simple melodies that support the lyrical content without overshadowing it.
- Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, allowing for clear storytelling and engagement with the listener.
- Several songs incorporate spoken word elements, blending narrative with song to enhance the satirical tone of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- poignant storytelling with depth
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- intimate gatherings with friends
- thought-provoking social commentary
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer standalone catchy singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album established Degenhardt as a significant voice in German folk music.
- Themes
- post-war disillusionment· children's plight· societal neglect
- Career context
- Released in 1965, this album was Franz Josef Degenhardt's breakthrough effort that established him as a significant voice in German folk music. Following his early work, this album showcased his unique ability to combine storytelling with contemporary social commentary, positioning him at the forefront of the 'Neues Lied' movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wolf Biermann· Hannes Wader· Ludwig Hirsch
Tracklist
- 1 Spiel nicht mit den Schmuddelkindern Start here 5:05
- 2 Ein schönes Lied 4:51
- 3 Deutscher Sonntag 6:08
- 4 Auf der Espresso-Maschine 2:38
- 5 Hochzeit 4:22
- 6 Gelobtes Land 2:52
- 7 Alte Freunde 2:25
- 8 Wölfe mitten im Mai 6:38
- 9 Der schwarze Mann 2:26
- 10 Der Mann von nebenan 3:41
- 11 Zwei und zwei 1:44
- 12 Diesmal werd’ ich nicht 3:26
- 13 Der, der meine Lieder singt 4:44
What to play next
Väterchen Franz
1966
Continues the blend of folk melodies with sharp social commentary.
Rumpelstilzchen
1963
Introduces the early style and themes that lead into this breakthrough work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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