The album
Küssen Kann Man Nicht Alleine ("You Can't Kiss Alone") marks the first collaboration between
Max Raabe, the leader of Berlin's
Palast Orchester, who specializes in German chansons performed in the style of the 1920s and '30s, and New German Wave veteran
Annette Humpe (of
Ideal and
Ich + Ich fame). On 12 tracks, the duo presents ironic pop songs arranged by
Raabe's long-term pianist
Christoph Israel, whose low-key instrumentation leaves ample room for
Raabe's vocals and clever lyrics. While the regular album does not feature
Palast Orchester (the songs were recorded mostly with synth backing), the limited-deluxe edition adds a second CD with alternative versions of all songs, recorded with the full orchestra, as well as a DVD with interviews and more. ~ Christian Genzel