Falco - Einzelhaft (1982 Reissue) (1987)

"Einzelhaft" (what the LP cover indicates) or Solitary Confinment, is the end result in Falco's classic observation of anti-establishment and social disorder. From the opening track "Zuviel Hitze" (Too Much Heat) we're placed in Falco's world of deception and reckless abandonment, and it only gets worse for him in his constant attempts to snub his nose at authority. The mega-smash "Der Kommissar" (or The Commisioner, which was also covered by After The Fire) is another example of his refusing to bend to the rules and regulations of society (the classic video confirms it as well). In "Siebzehn Jahr" (Seventeen Years) Falco becomes consumed with the charms of a beautiful blonde minor which would explain the sequel of Der Kommissar on the following track. That being "Auf Der Flucht" or On The Run, is another poke at the police atmosphere that excist around his every movement. Not to be mistaken as a concept LP, but it sure would have made an interesting one as every song leads to his altimate demise, hence; Einzelhaft.

Whatever your opinions are of Falco's reckless approach concerning law and order and living on the edge. You can't deny the power and intensity of this 1982 (his first) release. Produced by long time cohort Robert Ponger, Einzelhaft is an "in your face" look at the social disorder and graphic decay of society, and the anti-establishment attitudes that excisted during the post-punk era. The David Bowie-esque "Helden Von Heute" (Heroes Of Today) is mere confirmation of this testament. If you're just discovering Falco because of the ever popular Rock Me Amadeus (which is still in rotation on VH1), his first release is a poignant place to start. With the exception of "Junge Roemer" (Young Romans) Falco would never again make such a relevant and definitive statement as he does here. As popular as "Falco 3" was, it was quite a departure from what he was really capable of. Because of the "high fashion" oriented success of his third release Falco would go on to become bogged down by the dance/hall daze assembly line of the disco-tronic 80's.