Max Raabe - Kussen Kann Man Nicht Alleine (2011)

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.