A long-awaited single finally released
P. Bjel | Richmond Hill, Canada | 06/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This single was released on March 25, 2002, to the relief of waiting Rammstein fans. As I wrote in a previous Rammstein review, it was promised that following the release of the singles SONNE, LINKS 2 3 4 and ICH WILL there would be one more single released off the respective MUTTER album (released April 2, 2001). Looks like this is it: the MUTTER CD single, covering the cover song of their amazing album. During the speculation stage, before the single was even released, fans had to decide whether "Mutter" or "Spieluhr" would be the song chosen for the single, as Rammstein themselves publicly stated it would be either one of those songs. I personally was betting on the latter; apparently I was wrong. Being a cover song does not hamper the originality and integrity of this single. Here is the track listing: (1) Mutter (Radio Edit) (3:40)
(2) Mutter (Vocoder Mix) (4:32)
(3) 5/4 (5:30)
(4) Mutter (Sono's Inkubator Mix) (7:22)The previous three singles had five tracks on them, and one of the few minuses of this current one is that it contains only four. Track 1 is simply a shortened (edited) version of the song "Mutter," taking out the soft introduction to the original song, as well as a few other segments of the song; this version is eighty-eight seconds shorter than the original. The lyrics, about a genetically created child seeking revenge "for the mother that never bore me," remain intact. Track 2 probably remains the most unoriginal remix of the song, as the only difference from the original is a lengthier beginning and middle, as well as an "echoed" effect on vocalist Till Lindemann's voice. It is not as bad as Westbam's vocal enhancements on previous Rammstein songs (that is, "Links 2 3 4, Westbam Technoelectro Mix" and "Ich Will, Westbam Mix"). Certainly, it is interesting, but hardly a complete remix of the song. Track 4 is the only other remix of "Mutter" on this single; the only vocals on it are the choral melody, though the electronic hymn is quite catchy; for some reason, I am reminded of Paul van Dyk's remix of "Ich Will" while listening to it. The crowning point on this single is Track 3, a song called "5/4" ("Fünf Viertel"), which was never released before. During Rammstein's 2001 European tour, this song was played as an intro to their concerts. Before this single, the only other place one could obtain this track was through bootlegs. It is instrumental; the first time its existence became known was on April 16, 2000, at a fan rehearsal concert. The current track is a studio version; unlike the rare live track "Pet Sematary" from the ICH WILL single, it is not performed live. For those who did not see Rammstein on their 2001 European tour, this version is the next best thing. It has a haunting melody that hooks you to the song from the very beginning; drumbeats kick in almost two minutes into the song, picking up the song from there. Smashing guitar riffs top it off. One would wonder why such amazing songs do not make it onto the actual albums that are more readily available! Truly, it is a pity that this is the alleged final single from the MUTTER album. Then again, it is probably time to move on. For one album and four singles, Rammstein have certainly done a terrific job."
