Andy Bell’s cover of The Passions’ 1981 post-punk gem, I’m in Love with a German Film Star—retitled i’m in love…—is a lush reimagining that doesn’t stray far from the original but adds its own hypnotic texture. Featuring whispered, ethereal vocals from Dot Allison and layered guitars courtesy of Michael Rother (Neu!), the track envelops you in a haze of fuzz and echo. The guitars shift between chiming, spidery riffs and jagged, cutting edges, all wrapped in an otherworldly reverb. It’s a mesmerizing, nocturnal take that pays homage to its predecessor while carving out a space that feels quintessentially Bell: atmospheric, intricate, and ambitious.
This single sets the tone for Bell’s upcoming third solo album, Pinball Wanderer—due February 28 via Sonic Cathedral—which promises to push his sonic boundaries even further. i’m in love… isn’t just a cover; it’s a shimmering statement that bridges post-punk nostalgia with Bell’s contemporary, dreamlike artistry.
Check it out, here
