Album: Anthems

 Click to buy CD (UK)

Mute, 2004

Full Track Listing: click titles for lyrics

Review:
Anthems is a compilation of Laibach's singles releases. You also get a second CD containing a selection of Laibach remix versions. I must admit that I never thought Laibach would release a 'greatest hits' album but here it is. The singles are highly representative of the evolution of Laibach's sound over the years, and in most cases would be considered stand-out tracks on the albums from which they originate. I have always thought Laibach were quite canny in choosing which tracks to release as singles so 'Anthems' is the perfect purchase for the casual music buyer looking to buy only one Laibach album. I would go as far as saying that this album makes a perfect gift for fans of alternative music.

The tracks go backwards in release date except for 'Mama Leone' which is the most recent single on this album. As is usual with Laibach 'Mama Leone', a 1978 hit for Bino, is an inspired, and totally unexpected choice for a cover version.  'Mama Leone' scored a massive hit in Italy for Laibach and perhaps marked a softer, more intimate style, which is evident in the following album 'Volk'.

The CD contains a forty page booklet containing an extensive biography by Alexei Monroe and pictures/paintings by Laibach/NSK.

Worth Buying:
If you already have a good selection of Laibach albums then only if you are tempted by the previously unreleased remixes and the 40 page booklet. If you are new to Laibach this is a perfect showcase of the band and you should buy it without delay.

Lyrics:

Mama Leone

Mama Leone, Mama Leone, tu sei un angelo
Mama Leone, sei sempre stata sol per la poverta
Mama Leone, tu hai dato tanto di felicita
A bimbi hai dato il tuo amore
Non hanno avuto che dolore, Mama Leone

Mama Leone, Mama Leone, fa che ritorni in noi
Mama Leone, quella speranza di riamarci e poi
Mama Leone, forse domani tutto cambiera
Cosi non piangeran piu i bimbi
E canteranno gli innocenti, Mama Leone

Mama Leone, Mama Leone, tu sei un angelo
sei sempre stata sol per la poverta
Tu hai dato tanto di felicita, Mama Leone,

Mama Leone, Mama Leone, tu che ti trovi la
Mama Leone, in quel paese pien di serenita
Mama Leone, tu che sei piena di bonta
Fai che nel mondo ci sia amore
In questa terra di dolore, Mama Leone

Mama Leone
(English Translation: May not be 100% accurate)

Mama Leone, Mama Leone, you are like an angel
Mama Leone, you will always remain only in poverty
Mama Leone, you have given much joy
To the children that you have bestowed your love
They have not had that pain, Mama Leone

Mama Leone, Mama Leone, she revives in us
Mama Leone, that hope of love, and then
Mama Leone, perhaps tomorrow everything will change
So don't suffer more for the children
And the innocents will sing, Mama Leone

Mama Leone, Mama Leone, you are like an angel
You are always in poverty
You have given much joy, Mama Leone,

Mama Leone, Mama Leone, you that you find there
Mama Leone, in that land full of serenity
Mama Leone, you that are full of goodness
You make all that is love in the world
In this Earth of pain, Mama Leone

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