Such is my fascination with the Clueso Summer Tour 2024 concert in Berlin (presented below) and my preference of the live versions over the originals, I’m going to do something I have never done before, which is present a double feature. The two songs – Chicago and Keinen Zentimeter (Eng. Not a centimetre) respectively just happen to be the first two which open this monumental performance. The third song from 13:40 in the video called Sag Mir Was Du Willst (Tell Me What You Want) featured here back in March this year.
For the launch of my Music Library Project on July 25, 2019, I wanted to present a single song that could encapsulate the breadth and depth of the music I planned to feature. I ultimately chose the track Wenn Du Liebst (When You Love) by the German pop singer and rapper Clueso (pronounced [klyˈzo]) (image left). A friend, who shares a deep appreciation for German culture and language, introduced me to the song in 2019 and so started my slow, but gradual uptake and appreciation of the music from Clueso (born Thomas Hübner (9 April 1980).
The concert begins with a ‘lush’ and slow electric guitar strumming unveiling the song Chicago at tortoise pace. That’s fine, I don’t have anywhere to be – so lets see where our star Clueso goes here as he gets accustomed with his audience. Then the curtain backdrop suddenly drops away and ‘Boom’! – the band accompaniment jumps in and with great gusto! I would suggest – then we are treated to perhaps some of the best of modern music has to offer and it seriously rocks, but not in a untucked flannelette way smelling of cheap bourbon, but a chilled, crisp, and humble manner – just letting the music do the talking.
The extent of my knowledge of the German language is confined to a semester of German in grade 5, which means I understand ‘diddly squat’, but that doesn’t deter me from enjoying these rich melodies, rhythmic groove and polished instrumentals. The powerful drumming and infectious guitar playing is marvellously complemented by an effervescent, dynamic horn section. Also the transition from Chicago into this slamming guitar riff intro of Keinen Zentimeter is something to behold.
Now, lets not forget the setting – a breathtaking amphitheatre at dusk, adding to the magic and allure. Not to put too fine a point on it, I am truly enamoured with the first 17 minutes of this spectacle and I doubt I’ll ever grow tired of it.
Chicago
Chicago was first released as a single on April 21, 2006 as part of Clueso’s third studio album, “Weit weg,” from which it is the first single. The lyrics address drug use among teenagers and young adults. The chorus sings about being high on drugs in Chicago, where no one knows you. It’s about, among other things, “Chicago” and “The Last Supper.” about a female person who meets with a few people at an unspecified location and lets “fresh stuff” flow through her veins and passes the “spoonful” on to her friends.
Sometimes she meets up with a few people
In an undetermined place
And when fresh stuff flows through her veins
You kick the bucket to your friends
Only this time she didn’t come
Maybe she didn’t make it
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find content on Keinen Zentimeter (Eng. Not a centimetre) other than the translated lyrics here.
References:
1. Clueso – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Interesting!
Hi there! What did you find interesting?
I recall (shockingly!😂) you posted about Clueso before, including from this particular concert. I knew “Chicago”. I came across that song many years ago when I created a playlist of German songs. I have to agree with you Clueso’s live version of “Chicago” is way more engaging than the studio version. Don’t get me wrong, obviously, I sufficiently liked the studio version to include it in the aforementioned playlist, but this live version kicks up the song a few notches. “Keinen Zentimeter” doesn’t sound bad either. To me, Clueso comes across as a likeable and engaging live artist.
This made me laugh Christian. You did mention the ‘Chicago’ song in the previous post.
That’s cool you felt the live version was superior to the original as well. Also his command of voice has obviously improved a lot over the years. Comparing the originals to these live versions you can’t help but admire just how much his music has evolved over the years. I agree that his stage presence is very appealing. He’s simply a very likeable artist.
It’s a shame that each individual performance of this concert hasn’t got its own stand alone video in YT. In fact that’s why I went with the double feature here (two birds with one stone, and I’m not a big fan of the ‘Keinen Zentimeter’ original).
My favourite song of the first three songs is the rap / hip-hop – Sag Mir Was Du Willst. I love that song especially in the concert here from 13:40 onwards. The original video of it is very cool as well, but once again the live version far exceeds the original IMHO.