When it comes to thundering punk anthems,
Die Toten Hosen usually manages to deliver the goods, and
Love, Peace & Money is no exception. With their first English-language album on a major label,
Die Toten Hosen (the dead trousers) achieved one of the high points of their career. Opening with the hit single "Here Comes Alex," all the familiar ingredients are there: political concerns, rousing singalong refrains, and a healthy dose of melody. It's a formula that the boys know inside out, and one that works surprisingly well. Occasionally the lyrics dip into fuzzy sentimentalism ("All for the Sake of Love") or comic machismo ("Sexual"), but the band is definitely at their best when ranting against the powers that be. It's hardly a focussed anger -- you often get the impression that underneath all the shouting they aren't actually making much sense -- but they have such a passionate way with their music that it's all rather charming really. If in doubt, resort to boundless energy and a stirring chorus. There's very little beneath the surface, but if you're after an album to carry you off on a wave of passion, then
Love, Peace & Money might well be what you're looking for. ~ Jim Harper