The gentleman above is Mehmet Scholl, the ex-Bayern Munich and German international player.

Scholl is similar to his Scottish counterpart in that he likes to listen to some half decent tunes. I say half decent because unlike Nevin his selections are not the most eclectic or avant-guarde, but it is still stuff that you would hear on 6 Music.

Before we continue - Thank you Nick from Fisted Away for the scouting.

I’m not going to do a full bio on Scholl’s footballing career, but I will do a quick recap:
Mehmet Scholl is one of the most successful German football players of all time, during his career the attacking midfielder won eight German Championships with Bayern Munich, as well as the UEFA (Europa) Cup and the Champions League trophy. He was also part of the German national team which won Euro ’96.

It’s obviously the musical angle we are looking at and with a couple of mixtapes (compilation albums) in which Scholl was responsible for selecting the tracks.

From Wikipedia:

“In May 2002 and October 2003, he released two successful mixtapes, featuring his favourite bands. The compilation’s title “Mehmet Scholl kompiliert – Vor dem Spiel ist nach dem Spiel” is a reference to Sepp Herberger’s famous expression “nach dem Spiel ist vor dem Spiel” (“after the game is before the game”). In an interview, Scholl said he chose this title because he listens to this music before the game, after the game, in the car on the way to the stadium, and in the car when leaving the stadium.

The first volume includes songs by The Beta Band, Sportfreunde Stiller, Jimmy Eat World, and The Notwist among others. The second volume includes songs by Oasis, Wir sind Helden, and The Flaming Lips. Once a month, he co-presents the feature Mehmets Schollplatten in the program Nachtmix of the Bayern 2 radio station, which is the culturally oriented channel of the federal public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk.”

Since I’m doing the Summer Of Pod at the moment this discovery by Nick is perfect timing. I’ve chosen some (not all) tracks from each of the Scholl mixtapes for your listening pleasure:

You can purchase these compilation albums over at amazon.de > Mixtape 1 & Mixtape 2.

…and there more…

In 2007 there was a documentary made about the man. It’s called Frei:Gespielt – Mehmet Scholl: Über das Spiel hinaus (Free: Played – Mehmet Scholl: Beyond the game) and is a retrospective on his career.

There’s an accompanying soundtrack which by the looks Scholl also chose the tracks for this album. On there you can find Decemberists, Mazzy Star, Teenage Fanclub… It is still available at Amazon UK & Amazon USA.

…but that’s not all…

There’s one more band not included above but is a favourite of Mehmet’s. They played live at his farewell match (Bayern v Barcelona) plus he managed to convince them to wear the traditional leiderhosen as they performed at Scholl’s farewell dinner afterwards:

The band are called The Hidden Cameras [int w/lead singer] and I highly recommend you search out any or all of their releases. I didn’t know this band or anything about them until I saw the above clip, after this I had to go and find out more. They are just fantastic.
Nick from Fisted Away pointed me towards three videos of theirs: In The NA, Underage and The Little Bit.

I bought their 2006 album Awoo and this is the title track:

[See post to listen to audio] » The Hidden Cameras – Awoo

“The only things I’m afraid of is war and Oliver Kahn”   ~   Mehmet Scholl

Oh and Bayern Munich of course…

Dare I say… he’s like a cross between The Hoff and Jess Conrad.

Less the Hoff because he’s not known anywhere else apart from Germany, more the Conrad (and maybe the Hoff too) with his natty taste in clothing but especially for his cheezy lyrics.

…With a final example and a chance for you to view Mr White in action with this last song:

[See post to listen to audio] » FC Bayern/White – To The Top

Many of the songs posted here were supplied by the man himself on his very own website.
[ *WARNING* Flash header with embedded music which automatically plays.]

If you want more(!) go over here and listen to some Andrew White solo tunes, plus some examples as Executive Producer for Dionne Warwick, Grace Bumbry and “Brian Presley 3rd cousin to Elvis Presley”.

This former lounge singer just does not know when. to. stop.
He continues to assault our senses when he breaks the third taboo (football and CHRISTMAS music) when he once again roped in that Bavarian club, plus he must have had some good blackmail on their parents because he got a childrens choir involved in this next one:

"That's some nice photoshopping there Lou "

I’m being unkind, not getting into the Crimbo spirit and all that. I think it’s because I’ve been exposed to these footballers doing Xmas music. There should be some sort of ruling against it. I mean the Church always launch a vehement protest against anything that doesn’t fit their thinking, so why don’t we see any demonstations about this ?

Ok that was a weak lead in/excuse to post that pic. On with the music and actually… skip the first one and listen to the next one. Herr Weitz and the Bayern boys almost redeem themselves.

[See post to listen to audio]» White/FC Bayern – Merry Christmas Time

[See post to listen to audio]» Andew White/FC Bayern – Stille Nacht

I’m still not done yet ! One more posting and then we’ll never speak of this again.

In the 1990′s Bayern Munich became to be known as FC Hollywood because of some players frequently appeared in the gossip pages of the press rather than the sports pages. During this period Andrew White and the team recorded an album…of covers…

[This isn't something new, it was previously done by the 1970 England team. ]

Pin your ears back as you listen to some cover versions sung by players including Jean-Pierre Papin, Lothar Matthäus, Olli Kahn and their manager who was… yes that’s Giovanni Trapattoni singing there.

Herr Weitz and team have a go at the Queen back catalogue before taking on Tina Turner:

[See post to listen to audio]» And White/FC Bayern – We Are The Champions
Quote: “…I’ve served my sentence… but committed no crime…”   You sure about that ?

[See post to listen to audio]» Andrew White – FC Bayern – We Will Rock You

[See post to listen to audio]» Andrew White/FC Bayern – Simply The Best

I’m still not done with you yet. Hey guess what… Yes that’s right.

Let me tweak that last line a bit more: In a certain part of another country might be politely asked for his autograph by fans of a particular team.

That team in question is Bayen Munich and yes… you are already ahead of me.

But before we continue – a quick bio on the above gentleman in question:

Also known as Andrew Weitz he is actually from the U.S.A and was born in the Bronx area of New York City. Andrew decided to study the piano at college and that started a fledgling career as a recording artist, but alas no chart success. In the mid 80′s he eventually found himself in Europe and eventually playing the piano in a Munich restaurant which was frequented by well connected clients and this led him to performing all sorts of corporate gigs. Once again Andrew attempted to reach the charts with a CD release and Bayern Munich, who had hired him previously for corporate shows remembered Andrew and tapped him up for the following.

Ah the internets. What a genius invention it is…. Sir Tim Berners-Lee I will forever be in your debt.
It’s because of him and Vint Cerf and others that I am now proud to be able to present to you:

[See post to listen to audio] » Andrew White/FC Bayern – Forever Number One

[See post to listen to audio] » Forever Number One (Radio Version German)

[See post to listen to audio] » Forever Number One (Karaoke Version)
No I’m not kidding. Sing along now

[See post to listen to audio]» Forever Number One (Live Version)
Live ? Doubtful about that….

- -

EDIT: Update: I’ve just discovered (I wish I didn’t) that Andrew White went back to the well again and again periodically remixed and re-re-releasing this tune. Flogging a dead horse ? Not even close. The addition below is the another version released I think the 2nd time. The next instance I found was from 2003 and sounds the same. This track appeared along with the German version (again) and the Karaoke version (again and again and…) Please make it stop.

[See post to listen to audio]» Forever Number One (Party Mix)

- -

Oh and I forgot to tell you – This is only the first part. There’s more to come.

Come on… play through the pain…go and run it off…

It culminated in April when they were gubbed by (the eventual winners) Barcelona in the Champions League and California Klinsmann was dismissed soon after. They brought in Jupp Heynckes as a caretaker manager and there was a bit of a fight back but it wasn’t enough. They eventually finished as runners up in the Bundesliga.

Bayern have signalled their intention to be back next season better and stronger with the appointment of Louis van Gaal – who just won the Eredivisie with AZ Alkmaar – as their new coach. But the next question will be who will be playing under him ?

The summer transfer window opens on July 1st but the speculation began long before as to where a couple of best chums will be at the end of August:

The word is with Luca Toni (who has just turned 32) will be transferred over to the retirement home… that all depends on who Silvio Bertusconi finds to be his next puppet….

The BIG speculation though is about the picturesque Franck Ribery, with Uli Hoeness, the Bayern Munich General Manager putting a €100m price on his head.

He may value the rugged Ribéry at that much, but the man himself will dictate where he wants to be next season (he’s got previous when he decided to walk out on Galatasaray to play for Marseille) – and amongst the choices for his next destination is (maybe) ManUSA*, Real Madrid* or Chelski.

* This all of course depends on where C-Ron wants to flout next season.

- on the music side some people have sung about fancy boy Franck:

[See post to listen to audio] » Kaiser Franz Hose – Oh Franck Ribery » MySpace page Updated. Thanks to Jules for filling in the gap.

But the better one is about Luca Toni, which has a video with the man himself starring in it.
- Firstly though the song:

[See post to listen to audio] » Matze Knop – Numero Uno - The (mad!) Lyrics Are Here Fritti, Scampi, et Chianti, calamari Luca sei per me – NUMERO UNO Cannelloni, Luca Toni, Pepperoni Luca sei per me – NUMERO UNO Bella Donna, Mama Mia, Alimente Ciao Ciao, Roma Roma, Ribery, Amore Mio Mozzarella, Mortadella, Mit Nutella Luca sei per me – NUMERO UNO Prego, Foul an Luca Toni Simulazioni, Stehe wieder auf (hey) Prego, Luca Tore mache, Und bei Jubel lache, Campioni LUCA TONI Zabaione, Minestrone, Oben Ohne Luca sei per me – NUMERO UNO Italiani, trifft Germani, große Klappe Luca sei per me – NUMERO UNO Bella Donna, Mama Mia, Alimente Ciao Ciao, Roma Roma, Ribery, Amore Mio Amaretto, Rigoletto, Benedetto Luca sei per me – NUMERO UNO Prego, Aqua minerale ,Grappa speziale Cozze vongole Prego, Foto di panini, Schicker Lamborghini, Luca Toni kriegt Millioni Tortellini, Cappuccini, Con Martini Luca sei per me – NUMERO UNO Luca Toni, Telefoni, Berlusconi Chiama qui per te – NUMERO UNO Bella Donna, Mama Mia, Alimente Ciao Ciao, Roma Roma, Ribery, Amore Mio Schwarze Haare, Viel palare, Calcio di mondiale ma per me – NUMERO UNO Welcome to the news of the world: Colero ma-kio mio millo piascolo piccolo, no, Monaco di bavaria, Campioni del Mondo, no, EM ausgeschieden, no che bello, no, alora che bello Gool de Luca Toni!! Tortellini, Cappuccini, Con Martini Luca sei per me – NUMERO UNO Luca Toni, Telefoni, Berlusconi Chiama qui per te – NUMERO UNO Bella Donna, Mama Mia, Alimente Ciao Ciao, Roma Roma, Ribery, Amore Mio Schwarze Haare, Viel palare, Calcio di mondiale ma per me – NUMERO UNO

See that hand gesture in the picture ? That’s his goal celebration. He does it all the time.
- Including his appearance in the official music video.

- And here’s a visual lyrical version.

Finally let’s watch the two best buds having a mess around, before they depart for pastures new:

I want to change direction and post some songs done by or about other Bundesliga clubs, but before I do here’s one that will put a cap on the Bayern ones…

Die Toten Hosen (Wikipedia: The band's name literally means "The Dead Trousers" in English, although the phrase "tote Hose" is a German expression meaning "impotent", "lifeless", "boring", or "nothing going on". A more idiomatic translation of the band's name might therefore be The Deadbeats. have been going since 1982 and they have an Englishman playing the drums.

The band (apart from the drummer “Von”) are from Dusseldorf and they did a song which wasn’t exactly in praise of the Bavarian club…

- A quick history/background: Quite a few years ago now I found myself living and working in Munich.
I was a (German) friend in a sports store and was looking at some footie shirts. I asked him which should I get (Bayern or 1860 Munich). He told me that the Munich thing was a bit like the Manchester or Madrid thing – People who are from Munich support 1860 and everybody outside of, support Bayern. So I bought and still own that TSV 1860 München shirt. I went to see them on a few occasions too.

I also think that there is some jealously/annoyance there with the fact that Bayern, like Man Utd keep winning things all the time which was probably the reason why Die Toten Hosen (who sponsored Fortuna Dusseldorf) did this track:

[See post to listen to audio] » Die Toten Hosen – Bayern - German Lyrics here (will open in new window) - Click for Google Translated lyrics There is not much in this world, what you can hold. Some say love, perhaps because what is on it. And yes there is still God if nobody else has. Others believe in nothing, life has made it hard. It can happen so much, it can happen so much. Only one thing I know one hundred percent: never in life I would go to Bavaria. I mean, if I wär 20 and supertalentiert, and Real Madrid have already angeklopft, and the boys from Manchester. And I’d already played for Germany wär and mentally fit and Uli Hoeneß would be with me stand on the mat. I would not open my door, for me because it’s not in question, so when people like the Bavaria his character to foul. The only times I want to make it clear so we understand: I have nothing against Munich, I would just never go to Bavaria. Must be really denn sowas? Life is not much to be beautiful? Themselves so through away and FC Bayern to go. It can happen so much, it can happen so much. No matter how hard my fate would be I would never to FC Bayern Munich go. What parents must have so as to be spoiled, a contract to sign Scheiss this club? We would never to FC Bayern Munich go! - Never go to Bayern! We would never to FC Bayern Munich go! - Never go to Bayern!

Wikipedia info:

It is an anti-FC Bayern Munich song, which is the most successful German football club. A slogan from this song has become synonymous with DTH among the fans, which can be shortened: “Es kann soviel passieren. Es kann soviel geschehen/Nur eins weiß ich hundertprozentig. Nie im Leben würde ich zu Bayern gehen.” (Many things can happen. [the same with another word]/One thing I know for sure. Never in my life will I go to Bayern. [where the football club is meant]).

Also Real Madrid and Manchester United are mentioned along with Uli Hoeneß, the manager of FC Bayern.

The Tipp-Kick version is more anthem-like, as it features the line “Wir würden nie zum FC Bayern München gehen” (We would never go to FC Bayern Munich) throughout the song, not only in the end and the emphasis is taken off the I-character (the narrator).

The three other tracks on the CD single were cover versions including this track (sung in English) which is very familiar to us. Especially to Liverpool fans…

» Die Toten Hosen – You’ll Never Walk Alone

As you can see they are big footie fans and this isn’t the only time they’ve gone on record (*ak !*) with their praise of the beautiful game (ak ! ak!….*bang*)

I’m adding them all here for now and might repost some of these if the subject ever comes up or demands it.

[See post to listen to audio]
» Die Toten Hosen – Auswärtsspiel [Trans: Away Game]

- This is from the 2006 World Cup, which Teena from Y I, Mum? (the supplier of most of these) tells me that it is a nice pisstake. I’ll update this post when I have the full story, but from looking at the Google Translated page of the lyrics I get the gist of what they are saying.
[See post to listen to audio]
» Die Toten Hosen – Weltmeister (Unplugged) [Trans: World's Champion]

- Finishing off now with one that was included on the official soundtrack to the 2002 World Cup (Held in Japan & South Korea – you can find more stuff here) which was done in English:

[See post to listen to audio]
» Die Toten Hosen – We Will Be Heroes

- Lyrics

You know I never thought I would find something that would compliment the Klassic Keegan Kollection that I err… collected… Nor discover somebody with a barnet as good as, if not better than King Kev’s curly mop.

When doing the Keegan stuff I found the image below which was taken in the 1970′s. It documents that actual moment when Keegan realised bouffant-wise, he had been beaten.

The man on the left there is one Paul Breitner who pulls off the 70′s perm with aplomb. He owns it.
If only Kev had grown a beard as well…

Brietner, according to his Wikipedia entry is one of Germany’s most controversial players. Why ? Not for his footballing exploits but because of his views and what he did off the pitch:

By many of the older and more traditional football fans in Germany he was decried for his “revolutionary” attitude and his tendency for voicing strong opinions on political and social issues. Before the 1982 World Cup (held in Spain) former “leftist” Breitner caused a major uproar in Germany when he accepted an offer by a German cosmetics company to pay him the – what many Germans regarded at that time as a “scandalously high” – sum of 150,000 Deutsche Mark if he shaved off his fluffy full beard, used their fragrance and advertised for the company.

He took money to do an advert… How dare he !

- Hey another little known fact, something I didn’t know until today: In 1988 Breitner was the coach of the German national team – for 17 hours. What happened was that chairman of the DFB announced the appointment but some other suits at the Association kicked up a fuss (because of that advert ?!) and the chairman “reconsidered his decision”.
Now that is sad. What a bunch of wankers. – Although I have to say I don’t know the whole story. If anyone who does could post in the comments…

A couple of years before that a German band called Die Ärzte (The Doctors) did a (short) song in tribute:

- German Lyrics Hätt’ ich den Afro von Paul Breitner, und das Hirn von Bela B.. Wär’ ich der Freund von Heike Makatsch, dann wär’ ich echt okay (dann geht’s ihm gut). Hätt’ ich den Bart von Rudi Schenker, und die Zähne von Farin U., den Ohrring von Hartmut Engler, dann gehörte ich dazu (dann geht’s ihm gut). Mit Rod Gonzalez seiner Tolle, und dem Hut von Lindenberg, mit einer Stimme wie Arabella, man, das fänd’ ich echt verstärkt (dann geht’s ihm gut). Aus mir ist leider nichts geworden. Ich bin nur ein kleines Licht, und wenn Du fragst, ob mich das stört. Nein, das stört mich nicht (das stört ihn nicht). Das stört ihn nicht. (wdh.)

[See post to listen to audio] » Die Arzte – Der Afro Von Paul Breitner - (Google Translated) English Lyrics Had I the Afro of Paul Breitner, and the brain by Bela B.. Wär ‘I am the friend of Heike Makatsch, then wär ‘ich echt okay (then it’s good). Had I the beard of Rudi Schenker, and the teeth of Farin U., the earring by Hartmut Engler, then I belonged to (then it’s good). With its Hot Rod Gonzalez, and the hat of Lindenberg, with a voice like Arabella, man, that fänd ‘I really strengthened (then it’s good). For me, unfortunately, become nothing. I’m just a little light, and if you ask me if this annoys you. No, it does not bother me (that does not bother him). That bothers him not. (Repeat)

This one is taken from an album they did just about hair. No seriously, they did.

I like this band. They are like Die Prinzen and have a tongue-in-cheek look at things.

- Because it is a short song I wanted to find another tune to accompany it and I found this great track:

[See post to listen to audio]
» Die Arzte – Arschloch
(You don’t need me to translate that !)

- Also take a look at this video they did featuring Lara Croft : Männer sind Schweine (Men Are Pigs).

What can I say about the original Becks. He’s won every honour to be had. This sublime sweeper at Bayern Munich got three Bundesligia titles in a row – AND – three European Cups, again in a row.

As an international won the (’72) European Championship and then the World Cup as a player (the captain of the team no less) and as a coach. Afterwards at club level he won a French title with Marseille before returning to his hometown team of Bayern and took them to a league title as well as a UEFA Cup.

Before he went into management he took the same route as his fellow countryman by going into semi-retirement with a move to the New York Cosmos…

Like his Bayern team-mate Mueller, he also took to the mic and did two singles.

This is either the B Side or the double A side from his first one:

[See post to listen to audio]
» Franz Beckenbauer – Gute Freunde kann niemand trennen
(English: Good friends can’t be separated)

- Also found a a 1 minute video clip of him singing this.

- I read that there was a remix done in 2005. I don’t have that but what I do have is a (brand new – done this year) dance remake:

[See post to listen to audio]
» PS – Partyschweine – Gute Freunde (Radio Mix)

Next up is a song from his 1967 single which I think (music-wise) was his crowning achievement…and what a title too:

[See post to listen to audio] » Franz Beckenbauer – 1-0 fuer Deine Liebe (English: One-nil for your love)

- German Lyrics 1:0 für deine Liebe 1:0 hast du gesiegt Denn ich weiß, dass Alles Glück in meinem Leben Ganz allein in deinen Händen liegt 1:0 für deine Liebe 1:0 für dich allein Hab ich dich, dann Kann mir gar nichts mehr passieren Deine Liebe lässt mich glücklich sein 1:0 für deine Liebe 1:0 hast du gesiegt Denn ich weiß, dass Alles Glück in meinem Leben Ganz allein in deinen Händen liegt 1:0 für deine Liebe 1:0 für dich allein Hab ich dich, dann Kann mir gar nichts mehr passieren Deine Liebe lässt mich glücklich sein

- (Google Translated) English Lyrics 1:0 for your love 1:0, you have triumphed Because I know that All happiness in my life All alone in your hands 1:0 for your love 1:0 for you alone Hab ich dich, then Can I do nothing happens Your love makes me happy 1:0 for your love 1:0, you have triumphed Because I know that All happiness in my life All alone in your hands 1:0 for your love 1:0 for you alone Hab ich dich, then Can I do nothing happens Your love makes me happy

It is a great track which would have been perfect for a movie made in the 60′s – Just imagine the opening title sequence to The Italian Job or something similar with this playing on the soundtrack.

I made a note to myself to make a list of the best Footie (and/or) Music songs I’ve posted on here and this makes the list. One of these days I’ll make that list public.

According to the stats only Pelé and Romário are higher on the all-time goalscorer rankings.

…and lucky for us “Der Bomber” liked to belt out a tune too. In the late 60′s/early 70′s he was Keegan-like with his attempts at the popular charts. Between 1969 and 1974 he released four singles.

Sadly for us (or gladly depending on your outlook) at the moment we only have one of his efforts.
- This is from 1969 and check out the most excellent picture for the single:

[See post to listen to audio] » Gerd Mueller – Dann macht es bumm

Extra Time:

- An Austrian band Stahl (English: Steel) who’s musical style according to a page I found is: “…straight forward Hard-Rock with AC/DC Sound and kick-ass german lyricks…” I don’t know about the AC/DC comparison, more Hanoi Rocks or one of the other hair bands like that. Take a listen for yourself though:

[See post to listen to audio]
» Stahl – Gerd Müller