Flipping the script: The song 'Money' by KMFDM makes a witty critique of materialism

Not to be confused with the Pink Floyd song, "Money" is a song by the industrial metal band KMFDM, which was released as both a single and the title track of their 1992 album. The song is a prominent example of KMFDM's distinctive sound, characterized by heavy guitar riffs, electronic beats, and politically charged lyrics. KMFDM (originally Kein Mehrheit Für Die Mitleid, German for "No Pity for the Majority")

The single was released in 1992, followed by the album of the same name. The lyrics of "Money" criticize materialism and consumer culture, which is a recurring theme in KMFDM's work. The song's aggressive tone and direct message align with the band's overall ethos of challenging societal norms and confronting power structures, giving it the rebellious edge most people want in such rock music.

"Money" was well-received in the industrial music scene, appreciated for its energetic delivery and provocative lyrics. It could be a solid example of what industrial sounds like. AllMusic defines industrial music as the "most abrasive and aggressive fusion of rock and electronic music,"
However, KMFDM are not the most abrasive band in the broad genre of industrial music. Then again, some people who find overt social criticism undesirable will indeed find this track abrasive.

It's a song that boosted KMFDM's reputation as pioneers of the industrial genre, known for blending harsh electronic elements with heavy metal influences, but with some key pop sensibilities. Also, of course, songs by the average industrial act could easily blend in with a goth rock playlist.

Themes of this classic KMFDM song

In some ways, this song flips standard perceptions upside down. It reminds me of how Nigerian afro-beat musician Fela Kuti transformed the meaning if "V.I.P." from "Very Important Person" to "Vagabonds in Power," to make a rebellious statement about class. In this case, KMFDM flip the notion of the successful entreprenuer on its head by telling the story of a successful drug dealer — perhaps an inevitable byproduct of a culture that so often valorizes money, salesmanship, and owning fancy things above all else.

"Money" includes several remixes and alternate versions of the song, showcasing different interpretations and emphasizing various aspects of the track's industrial and dance elements. These remixes are typical of KMFDM's approach, where songs often receive multiple treatments to explore different sonic landscapes. Lots of electronic musicians do that, in fact.

"Money" has been a staple in KMFDM's live performances, often energizing audiences with its powerful rhythms and pointed commentary. The band's live shows are known for their high intensity and multimedia integration, making "Money" a fitting addition to their setlists. The song and the album Money contributed to the evolution of industrial music in the early 1990s.

How songs like this shape industrial music

Every industrial band is at least somewhat different. For example, Throbbing Gristle, often considered founders of the genre, were often more experimental and less rock-oriented. Critic Simon Reynolds once said that being a Throbbing Gristle fan was “like enrolling in a university course of cultural extremism.” That band was also quite shocking, at least in many respects, and could easily make it to a list of memorable shock rock acts.

KMFDM's work is more metal-influenced through their career, and during this period influenced many other artists in the genre and helped bring industrial music to a broader audience. "Money" by KMFDM is a significant track in the industrial music scene, notable for its critique of consumer culture, its energetic industrial sound, and its role in defining the band's influential style during the early 1990s. Check this song out!