[Earth Below Us] -- Forty years ago this week, German synthpop artist Peter Schilling released his first studio album, Fehler Im System (July 3, 1982). The English language version, Error in the System, was released in March 1983. Since then, both versions have been combined into a box set which is available around the world. Now, you might not immediately recognize Shilling's name... unless you are a fan of the only other hit song, that is not by David Bowie, about an astronaut named Tom. Yes, Shilling is the artist behind "Major Tom (Völig losgelöst)" ... or, in its English version, "Major Tom (Coming Home)."
Shilling is known for using aliens, astronauts and science fiction catastrophes in his lyrics. Two out of the three were present on this debut album, with politics taking the place of aliens:
- Astronauts – In "Major Tom (Coming Home)," our titular hero is an astronaut who is launched into space where an accident happens and he loses contact with Ground Control.
- Science Fiction Catastrophes – In "The Noah Plan," the atmosphere is hotter, seismographs are erratic, and all Hell is breaking loose so ... it is time to abandon the Earth.
- Politics – Refer to either (or both) "(Let's Play) U.S.A." -- which can still be applicable today -- and "Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" with its cold war lyrics referencing bombings.
Shilling released 21 albums and 36 singles between 1976 and 2021. However, "Major Tom (Coming Home)" was his sole entry in the US Top 40, as well as his only international hit, so he is largely considered a one-hit wonder. But what a hit!
I do have a few notes for this week's embedded playlist. First, I was unable to find German versions for all the tracks on this album. So, this playlist has the English version of the title track -- "Error in the System" rather than "Fehler Im System" -- and "(Let's Play) U.S.A." from the English release instead of the German language version which was simply titled "U.S.A." Also, as best I can tell, the sixth track (or the first track on the B-side) of the German release was an instrumental titled "Major Tom," but I can find only the English release which was titled "Major Tom, Part II."
And now, with those caveats out of the way, I hope you enjoy ... Fehler Im System!
Flashback: Fehler Im System (July 3, 1982)
And that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
I'll see you in seven!
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