If your notion that a big band orchestra is an odd pairing for Ms. Hagen-Daas, you're completely right. However, Nina's own liner notes declare that her affection for these standards make her decision to sing them right on--and it does. More than just a curio, Big Band Explosion is Nina's return to the inspired vocal adventure that's been either missing or forced on recent past recordings. Sounding more capable to sing these songs than any seasoned caberet veteran, she ultimately proves that she is a consumate vocalist--on par with any legendary elites--on much of these readings. Rarely before has Nina's voice been more entertaining, more inventive than it is here, which is only to confirm her love for this material. And that's this record's unwitting charm. (Wow, even Little Rascals' own Froggy gets channelled through Nina's sririt!) Obviously an artist who's made her own rules, this record was not a stab at an aging market by an aging artist. This is the most satisfying work Nina has unleashed since...well, Return Of The Mother. But consider her track record before that. Her reading of "Fever" here would have punctuated any of her Polygram releases; "Let Me Entertain You" offers you a real good time and by the time the fat-free funk (remember, a big band is indeed backing her) of "Starlit Hour" closes the set she's made more than good on her promise, ignoring any cliched pre-rock posturing in the process and exploiting her interpretive license to its intended artistic fullest. Of course, some listeners simply are not universal enough to understand a diversion as seemingly radical as this, but this truly is a Nina record as resplendantly bold as Nunsexmonkrock, as comically fearless as Fearless. After Nina has passed on to other intergalactic occupancies, Big Band Explosion will be the most interesting footnote to her Earthly legacy.

I was sure that this would be the largest misstep of her career. BUT, now that I've heard Ms. Hagen's interpretations of these standards, I've come away with a great feeling from listening to "Big Band Explosion". Hagen's "Through The Looking Glass". She wraps her vocal chords around these tried and true melodies with total assuredness. This is that moment in many artists lives where they can't pander to consumers expectations in all good conscience. They must go where their inspirations take them. And irony abounds. Her natural contralto voice sounds beautifully suited to the all brass accompaniment. She's in great form, period. The way I look at it, I'd much rather listen to her interpretations and delivery, than let's say, uh, rod stewart. Would I rather have had a new bombastic, stream-of-consciousness, replete with chilling atmospheres and massive overlapping voices, of course I would. That style will happen yet again. Give this disc the chance it deserves. The Leipzig Big Band provide a dynamic, muscular delicacy that hoists and carries Nina across the entire album. Her paramour, Lucas "Rocco" Alexander is more adequate and smooth than anyone had a right expect. Freaks reclaim a songbook made famous by talented squares. The Dietrich approach is totally palpable in Nina's relaxed delivery. And humor abounds. One thing I think that her fans forget that Ms. Hagen, (besides being a songwriter), is a chanteuse, and knows how to re-interpret material and make it her own. Great Excursion, overall. Safe to say, the lady's definately In Love. Her persona, idiosyncracies, and personalities are the driving force holding everything together from the first song to the last. Just gorgeous. Ditto for the beautiful artwork.

(Bear in mind that I'm writing this after reading some of the less open-minded reviews) Aaah, c'mon - stop the fussing already. You want punk Nina? Then listen to punk Nina, there's plenty of it. You want Cosma Shiva Nina? Pick up 'Om Namah Shivay'. You want rock Nina? Etc.. Nina Hagen is an artist, and everything she touches becomes her. This is true for any artist, be it in singing, acting, or visual arts. So don't hold punk as the Nina standard, it's just not true. This woman has moved way beyond that genre and she has incorporated whatever tickles her fancy into her life and music over the years. You like vocals? Check this out and crack up. It's great in a Hagen kind of way.