Iconic places and their soundtracks: Berlin
There are a handful of iconic places in the world that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. They have always had a particular draw, attracting waves of visitors every year. They have inspired novels, poems, songs and films, and become icons. Relaxnews has compiled a playlist of music that is quintessential to each of these iconic destinations.
Drawn by the city's openness and edginess, artists have descended on the German capital in large numbers, making it a center for art, fashion, design and music. More than 20 years after the fall of the Wall, the city has become one of the trendiest capitals in Europe, with over a hundred galleries opening over the last decades, an international film festival and a multicultural carnival. For art lovers a great place to visit is the Kulturforum.
The 'new Berlin' also carries the heavy weight of history and is home to numerous famous historical landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.
Its troubled past might be one reason behind the forward-looking hedonism of the city, whose energy is palpable. When it comes to partying, Berlin has been described by the magazine Time Out Berlin as "a 48-hour more than a 24-hour city." The most popular venues recommended by Time Out include the Berghain/Panorama Bar, a former power plant turned into European home of techno music, the Salon Zur Wilden Renate, and Farbfenseher in Kreuzberg -- a favorite of locals.
A one-time slogan for the city called it "poor but sexy": Berlin is a haven for artists, exhibitionists and creative types. Its thriving music scene embraces everything from punk cabaret to minimal electro. The city has also served as an inspiration for artists around the world and within Germany throughout its history.
01. Kamikaze Queens - "Voluptuous Panic" (2009)
Berlin's eclectic and vibrant music scene is introduced here by punk cabaret group Kamikaze Queens. Comprising members across a range of nationalities, the Berlin-based group released its debut album, also titled 'Voluptuous Panic,' in 2009.
02. Noir and Haze - "Around (Sub-an Remix)" (2011)
The remix of Danish electro-artist Noir and Haze hit "Around" captures the spirit of Berlin's party scene.
03. Wankelmut - "One Day" (2012)
Berlin house DJ Wanklemut found fame across the blogosphere after uploading this track to online streaming site Soundcloud in 2012.
04. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - "Berlin" (2007)
American rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club kicks back in this T-Rex inspired track titled in tribute to Germany's capital city.
05. Lou Reed - "Berlin" (1973)
The legendary solo artist and former Velvet Underground frontman reminisces about old times in Berlin with a love now lost on this 1970s track.
06. Paul Kalkbrenner - "Sky and Sand" (2008)
A popular electro track from Berlin-based German musician and actor Paul Kalkbrenner.
07. Neena - "99 Luftballons" (1983)
Possibly one of the most famous German-language songs outside of the country, "99 Luftballons" imagines a nuclear incident caused by a group of balloons at the height of tensions in the Cold War.
08. Mz Sunday Luv, Aaron Hedges, Posh! The Prince - "Broken (Original Mix)" (2011)
"Broken" features the Berlin-based creative sensation POSH! The Prince, who, as well as being an artist in his own right, has also served as a front dancer for Lady Gaga. Also features Berlin-based Ms. Sunday Luv and US-born Berlin-based Aaron Hedges.
09. DAT Politics - "Step Back" (2010)
Signed to the Munich-based label Chicks On Speed, DAT Politics includes Berlin resident Claude and drew inspiration from Berlin's burgeoning music scene .
10. Jim Kroft - "Let Go" (2010)
The 2010 track "Let Go" by Jim Kroft, formerly of the Berlin band Myriad Creatures, is from his solo album 'Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.'
Listen to this playlist on music streaming service Grooveshark at: http://goo.gl/td8tS
(no sign-in required).
