Love

by Mike DeGagne Brief but entertaining, Nina Hagen's Love is a ten-song compilation of her most spirited material. From raunchy to angelic within a couple of notes, Hagen's punk-laden vocal dramatics make her renditions of "New York, New York" and "My Way" two of the most off-center cover versions ever to come along, while her attempt at Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" bounces and slides with ample amounts of her birdlike cooing and high-pitched tongue flittering. "Smack Jack" is a hectic, hyperactive punk gem that can't slow down, while her best track, "African Reggae," is delightfully upfront and tuneful. Even the German material, like "Zarah" and "Was Es Ist," is perky, excitable, and wonderfully high-strung. Love doesn't cover Nina Hagen's career completely, but the tracks do provide a good cross-section of her material and would serve as an effective starting point for anyone interested in her mysterious brand of music.