Xmal Deutschland - Gift: The 4AD Years 2CD/3LP
Commemorating their ‘4AD years’ (1983-1984) forty years on, the mysteriously enchanting group returns now with a brand-new release entitled "Gift: The 4AD Years", out 9 May.
The extraordinary impact Xmal Deutschland had upon British audiences in the early Eighties is difficult to convey forty years on. A spell was cast by the staccato rhythms, unmediated channels and mysterious (to us) language of their music, and by the vision and strength of the women involved. Their breakthrough support slot with Cocteau Twins and first two albums with 4AD dazzled and dug deep, speaking in tones and temperatures unlike any band before or since. “And at some point, it seemed to people we just... disappeared”, muses singer Anja Huwe. “So this myth of Xmal Deutschland just got bigger and bigger over the years…”
"Gift", which will fascinate newcomers just as it feeds the faithful, is brimming with presence. And if the word “gift” in German slyly relates to a kind of poison, nobody said this music was all sweetness and light. Even if its radiance resonates, four decades later. Xmal Deutschland’s 4AD years were a bold and bewitching boomerang. The magic’s back.
The limited-edition 3LP boxset contains 2025 Abbey Road remasters of their two albums released with the label (the feverish "Fetisch" and titanic "Tocsin"), as well as tracks off other related releases and EPs including "Incubus Succubus II" and "Qual", creating a package pulsating with power and poise.
Gift’s striking cover artwork — featuring photography by Peter Schulte — was designed by Timothy O’Donnell, based on original art by 23 Envelope. It accompanies original sleeve photography by Nigel Grierson. Rounding out the package is an additional photo booklet containing images by Kevin Cummins, Paul Slattery, Sheila Rock, and more, as well as text by Chris Roberts.
Tracklist:
- 2CD -
1. Qual
2. Geheimnis
3. Young Man
4. In Der Nacht
5. Orient
6. Hand In Hand
7. Kaempfen
8. Danthem
9. Boomerang
10. Stummes Kind
11. Qual (12" Remix)
12. Zeit
13. Sehnsucht
14. Mondlicht
15. Eiland
16. Reigen
17. Tag fur Tag
18. Augen-blick
19. Begrab Mein Herz
20. Nachtschatten
21. Xmas In Australia
22. Derwisch
23. Incubus Succubus II
24. Vito
- 3LP -
1. Qual
2. Geheimnis
3. Young Man
4. In Der Nacht
5. Orient
6. Hand In Hand
7. Kaempfen
8. Danthem
9. Boomerang
10. Stummes Kind
11. Mondlicht
12. Eiland
13. Reigen
14. Tag fur Tag
15. Augen-blick
16. Begrab Mein Herz
17. Nachtschatten
18. Xmas In Australia
19. Derwisch
20. Incubus Succubus II
21. Vito
22. Qual (12" Remix)
23. Zeit
24. Sehnsucht
About this product: this release is available on 2CD and 3LP formats.
The 3LP is pressed on transparent red vinyl. Includes a 24-page booklet.