Dialect rock

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Dialect rock is rock music produced in the Swiss German as opposed to standard German or English.

1973 saw the first commercial release of dialect rock with Rumpelstilz's "Warehuus Blues"; the band broke into the mainstream in 1976 with the release of the reggae-influenced chart-topper "Füüf Narre im. Charre".

"Warenhuus Blues" lyrical content was originally ill-received by critics and fans alike, often cited as violent, profane and unnecessary. For example. On the song "Scheiße" released in 1981: "Ich bin Scheiße, du bist Scheiße, sie isst Scheiße". Such hooks were becoming increasingly popular among the younger generation, and the song saw some chart success as the 80's progressed.

As the success of the genre grew more evident, new groups appeared on the scene in the 1990's. "Le Gatoo" and "El Grando Singeros". Collaborations were formed, and they experimented with French and Spanish lyrics as well as more danceable latin fueled rhythms. The "Le Gatoo" and "El Grando Singeros" album "Merde" received serious airplay on UK radio stations, it was cited by Russel Simmons of Def Jam Records to be a "very danceable record" and commended on the underground scene for it's thoughtful explicit lyrics.

[edit] See also