Fanrank - Scooterfan kindergarden

A coupla' days before, Facebook introduced this new app called "Fanrank". In case you're among the lucky fellows who didn't bump into it: basically it's a contest between bands' fan-communities to decide who is the "biggest fan of [insert band name]". The Scooter Facebook page was also added to the app database, and that's when all hell broke loose.

The goal is: post as many status updates about the band as you can. You can get "points" for including the band name and band members' names in your status updates (maybe also related things or lyrics, I don't know the thing in such detail). Aaaaand, guess what? Yep, the person with the most points wins the title of the "biggest fan". Yes, I know, epic facepalm. My news feed was flooded with rubbish in about 2 minutes, so I instantly blocked the app.

To everyone who uses this load of crap: look inside yourselfs, damnit. Posting names and keywords to gain 15 minute online fame is as childish as can be. You are ADULT PEOPLE for God's sake! Why the hell are you doing this bullshit? You need attention? Or the belief of being important? Then go and create something valuable, or make yourself an active and constructive member of the fan community - then you'll surely gain the respect of others! But sitting in front of the Internet playing Scooter tracks and posting rubbish for a virtual badge will never make you look important, just miserable.

Being the third member - honorary job or not?

One of the advantages of blogging is that you can talk about things that the forum members are afraid to speak of, or something that might get deleted from Facebook. So, let's have a look at the position of "the third member".
As we all knwo, this position is currently fulfilled by Michael Simon - but how long to go? Will he leave the band for good, like the others did, or will he stay 'till Scooter's end? Good question.

We'll probably never get an answer to the mechanism of the band, but it's nice to have some speculation. When Ferris left, the official news were that he wanted to concentrate on solo stuff - and then 12 years later, we got to know that he was kicked out for being a depressive person. I haven't had the chance to talk about this with Ferris, so I don't know what to believe. Anyways, it really is an interesting twist to the story.

Axel also left for solo career. When I asked him about this 3 years ago, he said he is still in good relationship with the guys, it just "didn't work out with them in the end", and yes, he wanted to do own things. That's clean sheet for me.

I can't really remember what was the tagline of Jay's leaving the band, but back then, there were some gossip about he having a contract for 4 years which simply expired. In 2007 we had a nice long chat together with a coupla' fans, and he answered all of our questions regarding this subject. He denied having a contract, he said he wanted "harder sounds", and Rick and H.P. refused to go into that direction. The weird part is: look at Jay's music back then, it's not even close to "hard", while Scooter's jumpstyle stuff is much more like it. Strange, innit? Jay also told me he was working all alone on a lot of Scooter tracks (including all b-sides, clubmixes and several album tracks) - while Rick stated a few days ago on Facebook that every single track is made in teamwork. Okay, 4 years passed between the two statements, but I doubt they would change a well-working scheme on making the tracks.

And here we are now with Michael. It's useless to choose between him leaving or staying. I still think that the third member alone can't do anything to change the overall sounding of the band. No need to judge by personal experiences either; I only spoke with Michael 3 times, and he's a really great and friendly guy. But that doesn't change my opinion about him being just a "pawn" on stage, without major influence in the sound. And if that's the truth, that's pretty sad. I do hope time proves me wrong.

Flashback: ...And The Beat Goes On

This is gonna be a new post-series. From time to time I'm gonna spin the bottle and select a random album (or other stuff) to munch on. The first one is the first one, ...And The Beat Goes On!

I remember well when I first heard these tracks. I was 8, and my dad was listening to a cassette tape that was copied from the neighbor guy. It featured Hyper Hyper and Move Your Ass, and later the same guy bought the album when it came out. That's when I decided: this music will show my way in life. To put it in a cliché way: I didn't choose the music, the music chose me. I still consider myself an oldschool raver btw.

So, let's get the CD/MC/LP rollin'!

Different Reality
And there it is. The very first track of the very first album defines Scooter's sound at around the 50th second: rave. Pure, motherfscking rave. Not to be confused with hardcore, this track is something that classic rave sound was about. Nice strings, leads, catchy synths, simple yet effective melody. Perfection from start to end. When I first heard it, I couldn't understand the feeling and spirit this track is to give you. As an adult, I do. And I envy those who witnessed it played live back then.

Move Your Ass!
If the CD is a whole-night party, this track should be the "big name" DJ. You know, the one who really starts up the party. Faster tempo, harder grooves, everything you need. Personally I never "moved my ass" to this, I rather jump up and down uncontrollably. Still an absolute favorite, and miraculously it easily fits in hardstyle environment. (see: Live In Hamburg)

Waiting For Spring
When I was in primary school, many of my mates liked Scooter, and we usually played a lot of tracks on field trips and such. But we haven't had the cassettes back then, so we only had a few ones on copied tapes. This was one of the "played-till-the-deck-bled" tracks, mainly for the nice melody. It's not really a stomper for me, on parties I rather play it between two harder tracks for chills. (this doesn't apply to the live version, 'cause that just blows your balls off)

Endless Summer
Another all-time classic. There is one thing that alone wins the "fav" sticker: the pianos. Ricky really did a miracle with them in this track. I never learned to play the piano, but the first thing I learned to play, was this melody. I can still play it.

Cosmos
Classic rave/trance. A good track, but nothing extraordinary for me. Never got into my TOP-10, though I know some guys who just go nuts about it. Personally I think H.P.'s shouts are pretty much useless in this one.

Rhapsody In E
Lovin' this. One would never think how much energy sleeps in the depths of this track. It sounds relaxing and soft... until you put the needle on it to a crowd of 100 ravers. Earthquake!!

Hyper Hyper
You know what I like in this track? The simplicity. One TR-909, a Nord Lead and a TB-303 can carry this monster on their backs. And it still kicks! I really like the drum grooves, they are quite catchy. I'm sad they don't play this live anymore.

Raving In Mexico
Many people who laugh at Scooter and despise their music adds the remark "but hey, their first album was damn good!" - and if you ask them to name one track beside the singles, they will probably say Raving In Mexico. Yep, this track is absolutely killer. It has everything a raver needs: pounding groovy part, soft melodic part, nice intro and outro, some MC shouts. This is truly a glowing pearl in the sea of music.

Beautiful Vibes
Now that you think I'm gonna idolize all tracks on the album, I say: I don't like this one. Never did. I'm not keen on the breakbeat things, and I also find the "vocal" sample annoying. "Beautiful, beautiful, wooohooooo..." (BARBRA STREISAND! :D) The piano can't save it either, Endless Summer alreadyí got the point for that :P

Friends
The single version is much better in my opinion, but it's OK. In parties I usually choose this one, 'cause it's more DJ-friendly. But I really miss the piano&rhode melody from the single.

Faster Harder Scooter
The intro in this track is awesome. But as it slowly reaches the end, the track loses energy. Or at least that's how I feel. It has a hard kickstart, but it just can't last 'till the very end. Fortunately, the piano play towards the end gives bonus energy to keep the listener's ears up. The last kick and the fading synths are alright in the outro, nicely ending the album.

Yep, I love this album. Not just 'cause of the music, but for the countless number of sweet memories it pops into my mind. There are a few CDs around that I just have to look at when feeling down, without playing, and it just forces me to smile. And this is one of them.

The Only One - with or without it?

Okay, let's kick off with some fresh news. Nearly two weeks ago we got a very surprising package from Scooter. A new track, and a corresponding music video. Yep, The Only One. After listening for the 100th time, and watching the video exactly one, I must say, that this is definitely not The Only One for me :P

First, a few thoughts about the track itself. Short said: it's cool. Nothing more, nothing less, just "cool". At first I was surprised by the atmosphere and the arrangement, but I found it a good example of how dance tracks should sound like in 2011. No problem with that, this song should definitely work on the dancefloors (it won't, 'cause it's Scooter), and the sharp hard leads will blow up on a concert. Too bad the "Yee-eeeah-yeeah" part is ripped from Nirvana, that puts a small setback on the experience, but whatever. I like the MC lines, they fit nicely to the groove. The lyrics are mediocre at best, H.P. did a lot better before, but that's not a major fault either. Not the best, but far from the worst. I'd give it a 6.5/10, but that rating will probably rise after I heard it live.

Then, what do we have here... a regular extended (only on web, duh) and a club mix. I won't go into details about the latter one, it's awful. Soft house grooves, slow progress, no MCing... that flashes the 'crap' signal for me. And last, but not least, the video clip. OH. MY. GOD. Please, someone save me from this nightmare. I saw it one time, and I can't sleep at night. I always see visions of H.P. in that gay purple training suit... what moron's ide was this concept? God-awful stuff, hear me.
OK, I get the intention of making a parody out of today's pop-video trends, but this pink-glam stuff is so far from the masculine image of Scooter, I just can't empathize with it. If I want such videos, I rather choose Katy Perry. The video gets 1/10, but that's only 'cause of MY taste. Over & Out.

My Scooter Collection

My humble collection of Scooter releases. Started collecting around 2000, achieved a major growth about 3 years ago, and lately I've been slowing down a bit :P But the item count is still rising ;-)

ALBUMS:
...And the beat goes on!
...And the beat goes on! LP
Our Happy Hardcore
Wicked!
The Age Of Love
Rough and Tough and Dangerous - The singles 1994-1998
No Time To Chill - 2CD Limited Fan Edition
Back To The Heavyweight Jam
Back To The Heavyweight Jam (Strictly Limited FTM edition)
Sheffield - 2CD Limited Edition
We Bring The Noise +2video Limited Edition
Push The Beat For This Jam - The singles 1998-2002 2CD
The Stadium Techno Experience - Limited Edition (signed)
The Stadium Techno Experience (AUS Release)
24+3 Carat Gold
Mind The Gap - 2CD Deluxe Edition
Mind The Gap - Regular Edition (signed)
Mind The Gap - Basic Edition
Who's Got The Last Laugh Now? - Limited Edition
The Ultimate Aural Orgasm - 2CD Limited Edition
Jumping All Over The World - 2CD Limited Edition
Jumping All Over The World - Whatever You Want - Limited Deluxe Edition (2CD / 2DVD / T-shirt / Signed autograph card)
Under The Radar Over The Top (2CD + DVD Limited Fanbox edition)

SINGLES:
Vallée De Larmes
Vallée De Larmes (German vinyl)
Vallée De Larmes (Spanish vinyl)
Hyper Hyper (green cover)
Hyper Hyper 2nd release
Hyper Hyper 2nd release vinyl
Move Your Ass!
Move Your Ass! - The remixes
The Move Your Ass! E.P.
Friends
Endless Summer
Endless Summer vinyl
Endless Summer remixes
Back In The UK
Back In The UK - The remixes
Back In Ireland
Let Me Be Your Valentine
Let Me Be Your Valentine vinyl
Let Me Be Your Valentine - The remixes
Rebel Yell
Rebel Yell vinyl
Rebel Yell & Let Me Be Your Valentine (AUS release)
I'm Raving
I'm Raving remixes
I'm Raving vinyl
Break It Up
Break It Up vinyl
Fire red promo vinyl
Fire vinyl
Fire Limited Edition
Fire remixes (Silver CD)
The Age Of Love
The Age Of Love Limited Edition (yellow CD)
The Age Of Love Limited Edition (purple CD)
The Age Of Love remixes
No Fate (Green CD)
No Fate (Blue CD)
How Much Is The Fish (signed)
How Much Is The Fish 2 track (cardsleeve)
How Much Is The Fish 5 track
How Much Is The Fish vinyl
We Are The Greatest / I Was Made For Lovin You
We Are The Greatest / I Was Made For Lovin You double A-side vinyl
Call Me Manana
FasterHarderScooter metal box promo
FasterHarderScooter green promo vinyl
FasterHarderScooter
FasterHarderScooter 2 track (cardsleeve)
FasterHarderScooter Limited Edition
Fuck The Millenium
Fuck The Millenium (golden CD)
Fuck The Millenium 2-track (cardsleeve)
I'm Your Pusher
I'm Your Pusher promo
I'm Your Pusher 2 track (cardsleeve)
She's The Sun
She's The Sun dark promo
She's The Sun - Strictly Limited Edition
Posse (I need you on the floor)
Posse (I need you on the floor) (UK Release)
I Shot The DJ / Devil Drums vinyl
Aiii Shot The DJ
Ramp! (The logical song) promo vinyl
Ramp! (The logical song) vinyl
Ramp! (The logical song)
Ramp! (The logical song) Limited edition
The Logical Song (UK release)
Nessaja
Nessaja limited edition
Nessaja (US Release)
Nessaja (UK Release)
Nessaja 2 track (cardsleeve)
Weekend! promo
Weekend!
Weekend! Limited Edition
Weekend! 2 track (cardsleeve)
The Night
The Night vinyl
Maria (I Like It Loud)
Maria (I Like It Loud) promo
Maria (I Like It Loud) UK Release
Maria (I Like It Loud) vinyl
Jigga Jigga! promo vinyl
Jigga Jigga!
Jigga Jigga! UK Release
Jigga Jigga! 2 track (cardsleeve)
Shake That!
Shake That! Limited edition
Shake That! (NL Release)
Shake That! (AUS release)
One (Always Hardcore) (signed)
Suavemente
Hello! (Good To Be Back) (German)
Hello! (Good To Be Back) (International)
Hello! (Good To Be Back) (NL release)
Hello! (Good To Be Back) (NL limited edition)
Apache Rocks The Bottom
Behind The Cow
Behind The Cow (NL release)
Lass Uns Tanzen
The Question Is What Is The Question
And No Matches
And No Matches vinyl
Jumping All Over The World UK Promo
Jump That Rock! (Whatever You Want)
J'Adore Hardcore
Ti Sento
The Sound Above My Hair (German 2-track)
Stuck On Replay (German 2-track)

VIDEOS:
Encore - The Whole Story (2DVD)
Excess All Areas (2DVD)
Live In Hamburg DVD

SCOOTER RELATED:
Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am)
Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am) vinyl
Guess Who - Posse (I Need You On The Floor) vinyl
3AM - Nessaja vinyl
Bramfeld vinyl
Modern Talking - Win The Race (incl. Scooter remix)

...and a big bunch of posters, T-shirts, postcards and autograph cards which I'm not gonna list here.

Last updated: May 28th, 2011

...And The Blog Goes On!

Yeah. Here we go, after a loooong time I forced myself to launch this little baby. All about Scooter and the related things in one place. In English, for the internationality! What more could you ask for? :P

To those who just stumbled upon this site: you probably think "oh my, blogging about your fav band is so oldschool" - well yeah, that's what I'm thinking too as I'm writing these lines, but hey! This is not just about defying a band. This is about being cruel and merciless - being a real hardcore fan. If there's something I love, I'll say it. If there's something I hate, I'll say it too. Loud and proud. Don't get offended! Get with it, when I kick it, and comprehend it...

So, follow me and feel free to say what's on yer mind! See ya Posse! ;-)