At the start of the new millennium, a jackbooted, alien mask-wearing German, Kompressor (aka. Andreas K) came to show the world the true might of the synthesizer. Firing his propaganda over several types of media, Andreas would not rest until all knew the greatness of Kompressor and his comprehensive educational program covering hygeine, penmanship, lawn care, rabbits, fire, vitamins and more. Each new album showed more progress, but by 2004 it was obvious the message was getting played out and it was time for everyone to use what they have learned and get on with their lives.
Finally calling it quits in 2006, Kompressor left the world a sadder and ultimately uncrushed place. Swearing to return to a new project at some point, he revealed his true identity to Drew of Toothpaste for Dinner fame. While easily duped fans may have been sad to learn that Kompressor was not a true German industrial powerhouse, but rather a dude from Ohio, they at least held out hope that future projects could be as funny. As of yet, no further projects in the vein of Kompressor have surfaced. However, Drew has recently made all of the original Kompressor albums, plus an instrumental album, available on Amazon MP3 for darn fair prices. Seeing as the original CD's are quite rare now (even ebay rarely yields any copies) this could be your best chance to experience the somewhat perplexing glory that is Kompressor. Below is a quick album-by-album primer to get you started on your digital shopping spree.
Released in 2001 this is the first widely available Kompressor album. World Domination established who Kompressor is (German), what he is about (crushing, not dancing, etc) and any number of other informative messages. While not the strongest of the albums, it certainly has tracks that stand well on their own.
K is for Kompressor. This lays down the basis for the Kompresor project and introduces the signature, faux German style you will grow to know and love.
Kompressor Does Not Dance. Another expository piece detailing one angry German's dislike of the (then) contemporary rave scene. This is one of the most often quoted Kompressor tracks and easily the first "hit" Kompressor enjoyed.
Destroy Mass Media. The only song I know of about fish gaining a financial windfall and rising up against the vapid entertainment found in some corners of the internet.
2002's Crush Television takes the best points of World Domination and stretches them out to an entire album's worth of songs. Nearly every track on this release is a musical and lyrical step up. This album contains some of the best typical Kompressor tracks as well as the most successful departure from his usual style.
Vitamins Are Good. Easily one of the most informative Kompressor tracks ever, this is an enlightening romp through the world of nutrition. Nutrition has rarely sounded this exciting.
Vogel und Reptilian. A haunting dirge about taxonomy, this is a stylistic departure, albeit a brilliant one. This is unquestionably my favorite Kompressor track as it perfectly balances the dark ambiance with grin-inducing lyrics.
The Girl From Ipanema. Combining jazz and industrial is no easy task, but this may be the perfect union. It is now the only thing I can hear in my head when I am exposed to any other version of the original jazz standard. All covers should be this good.
Discipline, released in 2004, would mark the end of the run. Although not abandoning the project until 2006, it was obvious this would be the last full CD. This release contains the best production quality of all Kompressor material. It remains more accessible than the past albums, but retains the aggressive side that started it all. While it was dissapointing to see the project end, at least it finished strong rather than parody itself into oblivion as so many internet fads are wont to do.
Music Industry. A track near and dear to me, this is as applicable today as it was four years ago. Lyrically, it's one of the best works of the project.
You Need Services. Nerdcore and landscaping are unlikely bedfellows, clearly Drew got them both staggeringly drunk and the resulting hook-up worked out splendidly.
Crushing in Progress. Music for future police on the beat. No doubt this playing constantly inside Robocop's helmet.
Well, there it is. Hopefully you've found something of interest. Thanks for reading all the way down there. As a reward, here's a link to the, um, interesting cover of Daler Mehdni's Tunak Tunak Tun.
K is for Kompressor. This lays down the basis for the Kompresor project and introduces the signature, faux German style you will grow to know and love.
Kompressor Does Not Dance. Another expository piece detailing one angry German's dislike of the (then) contemporary rave scene. This is one of the most often quoted Kompressor tracks and easily the first "hit" Kompressor enjoyed.
Destroy Mass Media. The only song I know of about fish gaining a financial windfall and rising up against the vapid entertainment found in some corners of the internet.
2002's Crush Television takes the best points of World Domination and stretches them out to an entire album's worth of songs. Nearly every track on this release is a musical and lyrical step up. This album contains some of the best typical Kompressor tracks as well as the most successful departure from his usual style.
Vitamins Are Good. Easily one of the most informative Kompressor tracks ever, this is an enlightening romp through the world of nutrition. Nutrition has rarely sounded this exciting.
Vogel und Reptilian. A haunting dirge about taxonomy, this is a stylistic departure, albeit a brilliant one. This is unquestionably my favorite Kompressor track as it perfectly balances the dark ambiance with grin-inducing lyrics.
The Girl From Ipanema. Combining jazz and industrial is no easy task, but this may be the perfect union. It is now the only thing I can hear in my head when I am exposed to any other version of the original jazz standard. All covers should be this good.
Discipline, released in 2004, would mark the end of the run. Although not abandoning the project until 2006, it was obvious this would be the last full CD. This release contains the best production quality of all Kompressor material. It remains more accessible than the past albums, but retains the aggressive side that started it all. While it was dissapointing to see the project end, at least it finished strong rather than parody itself into oblivion as so many internet fads are wont to do.
Music Industry. A track near and dear to me, this is as applicable today as it was four years ago. Lyrically, it's one of the best works of the project.
You Need Services. Nerdcore and landscaping are unlikely bedfellows, clearly Drew got them both staggeringly drunk and the resulting hook-up worked out splendidly.
Crushing in Progress. Music for future police on the beat. No doubt this playing constantly inside Robocop's helmet.
Well, there it is. Hopefully you've found something of interest. Thanks for reading all the way down there. As a reward, here's a link to the, um, interesting cover of Daler Mehdni's Tunak Tunak Tun.
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1 comment:
KOMPRESSOR IS FOR KRUSHING!
KOMPRESSOR IS NOT FOR ANALYSIS!
YOUR EDUCATION FAILS YOU, YOU NEED TO GO TO KOMPRESSOR SCHOOL SO YOU NO LONGER SMELL LIKE SCHOOL!
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