Remember the first time you heard German techno? Oh, you don’t? Well that’s probably because you were in a drug-induced trance. No worries because Modeselektor is around to remind you why, along with bratwurst and beer, German music is such an important part of Germany’s gift to our world. With their sophomore album Happy Birthday! they lose none of the sinister, electronic, trance, base-riddled beats of the German techno of yore – Kraftwerk, Rammstein, et. al. It’s that kind of cd you pop into your car, perform some of the best car dancing of your life, you’re compelled to continue it at home – because the songs are long and it’s just so freaking good, in the living room, invite the neighbors over, turn the lights off, break the glow sticks, volume at top notch. Yes, it’s catchy. But more than that, it’s smart. Layered, building beats that will have you throwing your arms around in mad panic, hoping the song won’t end. It’s not as hard as Rammstein, yet not as soft as Kraftwerk. It’s almost as if Aphex Twin lived in Berlin and made an album. Make sense?

Much to our lone female designer’s dismay, this album may just propel Modeselektor into popularity (among the indie set, let’s not go overboard). It’s one of her favorite bands, and I suspect, one she’d rather not see end up on a Levi’s commercial. Alas, what can we do….

Here’s a great video from Modeselektor. Enjoy. And if you’re interested in listening and in the office, it’s on Heather’s itunes.