Satin Wheel - Lost Mankind (1975)

The German band 'Satin Whale' was founded around 1971 in the region of Cologne by Thomas Brück (bass, vocals), Gerard Dellmann (keyboards), Dieter Roesberg (guitar, sax ,flute, vocals) and Horst Schöffgen (drums). Their first record 'Desert Places' was released in 1974 on the green 'Brain' label, musically a typical example of German Seventies rock not unlike their stablemates 'Grobschnitt' and 'Jane' for the harder edge, with guitar and organ jams.

During a rock contest in 1974 ('Rocksound 74') 'Satin Whale' was elected the most popular German band. For the second release 'Lost Mankind' 1975 new drummer Wolfgang Hieronymi joined and the band changed to the 'Teldec' label, continuing musically in the same direction as their first record, with 'Jethro Tull' inspired flute-work. The band then went on tour as a support act for 'Barclay James Harvest'. This had a direct influence on their music and their third record 'As A Keepsake' was inspired by BJH, less rock and more symphonic influenced pop.

Their consequent tour served for the double live 'Whalecome', which showed the good musicianship of the band, giving room to extended improvisations, especially on the 17-minute long 'Hava Nagila. In the same year 'Satin Whale' released 'A Whale of Time', a good record especially the title track, an instrumental with a great string arrangement. In 1979 the band composed the soundtrack for the German movie 'Die Faust In Der Tasche' by director Max Willutzki. As the film was a popular and with their popularity rising the band released the same year 'On Tour'. In 1980 'Satin Whale' released 'Don't Stop The Show', their last and commercial record, together with Ex Triumvirat singer Barry Palmer and the band split up in 1981.

'Desert Places', 'Lost Mankind' (their only album you can listen from Spotify) and 'Whalecome' are recommended.

Members: Thomas Brück (bass, vocals), Horst Schättgen (drums, vocals, 1971-74), Gerald Dellmann (organ, piano, string ensemble, synthesizer, vibraphone, Moog, marimba, tubular bells, glockenspiel), Dieter Roesberg (guitar, saxophone, flute, vocals, harmonica, 1972-81), Wolfgang Hieronymi (drums, 1974-81), Barry Palmer (vocals, 1980-81), Eberhard Wagner (guitar, 1980-81), Pete Haaser (piano, organ, synthesizer, 1980-81)

Lost Mankind tracklist:

A1 - Six O'Clock - 3:47
A2 - Lost Mankind - 5:35
A3 - Réverie - 1:35
A4 - Go Ahead - 11:15
B1 - Trace of Sadness - 5:25
B2 - Midnight Stone - 2:40
B3 - Song for "Thesy" - 4:45
B4 - Beyond the Horizon - 7:05

Info taken from Rate Your Music and ProgArchives

Los documentales musicales de la BBC: Synth Britannia, Krautrock (The Rebirth of Germany) y Prog Rock Britannia.

Dos de estos documentales fueron reseñados con anterioridad en el blog, hace ya bastante tiempo, y cuando creía que estos documentales se verían a trozos en YouTube, heme aquí que ya están al completo, pudiendo ser disfrutados uno detrás del otro, o incluso si alguno lo desea descargarlo con cualquier utilidad que permita bajarse los videos y visualizarlo en su ordenador en cualquier momento o en cualquier lugar, e incluso pasarlo a DVD y verlo en el televisor de su casa.

Sobre el dedicado al krautrock alemán, lo he conocido justamente hoy y es también un documento imprescindible para los amantes del rock en su vertiente más arriesgada y comprometida, donde la experimentación con los materiales y la tecnología juegan un papel fundamental dando forma a nuevas maneras de expresión a través de la música. Absolutamente recomendables.

Ougenweide - Eulenspiegel (1976)

Original release information:

Label: Polydor
Catalog#: 2371 714
Format: Vinyl, LP

Country: Germany
Released: 1976
Genre: Rock
Style: Krautrock, Prog Rock, Folk

Tracklist:

A1 Till
A2 Tyllurius Spiegelius
A3 Der Hofmaler
A4 Till Und Die Gelehrten
A5 Tills Ende Und Vermächtnis

B1 Welscher Tanz Und Hupfauf
B2 Totus Floreo
B3 Wal Mich Der Stunde
B4 Durch Den Ermel Gat Das Loch
B5 Enzio

Credits:

Bass, Guitar, Accordion - Stefan Wulff
Drums, Percussion, Vocals - Olaf Casalich
Flute, Horns, Mandolin, Banjo, Bouzouki, Guitar, Vocals - Frank Wulff
Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals - Wolfgang Von Henko
Percussion - Jürgen Isenbart
Piano, Flute, Harmonium, Electric Piano, Vocals - Minne Graw
Producer - Achim Reichel

Purchase links:

Amazon Germany //// MP3 Panda //// MP3 Fiesta //// MP3-Raj.com //// MP3 Fun Bit //// Music MP3 //// MP3 Database //// New Musics.org //// Popular Music

Ash Ra Tempel - Ash Ra Tempel (1971)

One of the most formidable of the German Krautrock groups, ASH RA TEMPEL were a powerful force led by guitarist Manuel GÖTTSCHING, and also included former TANGERINE DREAM drummer Klaus SCHULZE at various points. Their music is very spacy and psychedelic, in the manner popularized by early HAWKWIND and AMON DÜÜL II. The early albums all had basically one track a side, one more powerful and dramatic, the other of a more atmospheric nature.

Their albums are all classics; those with Klaus SCHULZE ("Ash Ra Tempel" and "Join Inn") are the best. ASH RA TEMPEL's first release is a classic of the space/cosmic genre. This is definitively the one to start with if you're not familiar with this band. "Schwingungen" is a vastly underrated album even by ardent fans of the band. Basically, "Join Inn", along with the two albums, are supposed to be the essential woks from ASH RA TEMPEL, and I certainly haven't been disappointed by any of the three. GÖTTSCHING's later work varied between solo albums and those within a group format.

Later, after recording the dreamy soundtrack "Le Berceau de Cristal" (1975 unreleased until the 90's) ASH RA TEMPEL changed name to ASHRA, making a more melodic synthesizer based music. In the year 2000 the ASH RA TEMPEL moniker was reborn. Joined by long-time colleague Klaus SCHULZE, the appropriately titled "Friendship" was released. This is the best release by Manuel since "Blackouts" and shows that he hasn't lost his touch. ASH RA TEMPEL is probably the best known band of the German space scene. A SPACE JOURNEY FROM START TO FINISH...!

Tracks:

1. Amboss (19:40)
2. Traummaschine (25:24)

Total Time: 45:04

Line-up / Musicians:
- Manuel Göttsching / guitar, voice, electronics
- Hartmut Enke / bass
- Klaus Schulze / drums, electronics

Releases information
LP Spalax 14244 / Spalax 14144 (1971)

"Brain-melting" is the first thing that comes to mind when attempting to describe this music. For me, I need servings from both sides of the progressive coin: structured 'European' type stuff, as well as the unhinged cosmic slop which Germany spilled forth so graciously. This album falls firmly in the "cosmic slop" category -- actually, it may just be the finest example of unadulterated psychedelic mayhem that I've ever heard. Guitar, drums, bass -- two instrumental tracks; equal time is spent drifting serenely in space and going noise explosion. "Amboss" is especially intimidating, with an amp-torturing frenzy in the middle that always leaves me bewildered. If you need to lose yourself in some classic Kraut space-mush, this is the place to do it.

LINKS:

Ashra Website

Amazon //// CD Universe //// Last FM España //// Last FM //// 3-MP3 //// MP3 Lion //// eMP3 Download

Ash Ra Tempel - Join Inn (1973)

The return of Schulze on drums and it is also the last classic ART album, IMO. Indeed, Klaus would drop by again in ART before releasing his first solo album: Irrlicht in 74 on the Ohr label, which is also the case for the last time for ART. The trio is again in top form, as is Rosi on vocals (not very present, though) ,but the deception is a very "poor" artwork, that seems to point to some kind of segregation towards Schulze: he's a framed pictured, compared to the rest of the band. anyway much less spell-binding as previous works.

This album follows again the blueprint of their debut. The first number makes me think of the best Hawkwind (but I am not suggesting who inspired who) and is a must. Slightly more refined than Amboss on the debut Freak'n Roll is very much that!!! A great 19-mins of jammed packed musical freedom, not stretching itself beyond its limits. Again the quieter side 2 is much scarcer in the music depth, relying on the ambiance and waiting the last five minutes to take off. Although much better than the S&B track from their Schwingungen album Jenseits cannot seem to develop past a good even excellent Floydian plan with bluesier jams, with the last parts dedicated to calm vocals (almost whispered) and cool heavenly organ drones..

I hate to speak in terms of Price/Quantity/Quality factor for music, but if such thing was acceptable, ART would not be well placed, because there is vacuous side to their usual side 2 tracks: very little substance and all ambiances. This third album is however much worth a spin and attentive listenings, like its predecessors.

Tracks:

1. Freak'n'Roll (19:15)
2. Jenseits (24:18)

Total Time: 43:33

Line-up / Musicians
- Klaus Schulze / drums, keyboards, electronics
- Hartmut Enke / bass
- Manuel Göttsching / synthesizer, guitar
- Rosi Müller / vocals (2)

Releases information
LP Spalax 14246 14146 (France) / Purple Pyramid CLP 0309-2 (USA)

LINKS:

Amazon //// Ashra Website //// 3-MP3 //// e-MP3 Download //// Last FM //// Yahoo! Music

Ash Ra Tempel - Schwingungen (1972)

A bit different from their debut because of the presence of vocals. Also Klaus Schulze left, in pursuit of his famous solo career. New drummer Wolfgang Müller is in, along with, of course, guitarist Manuel Göttsching and bassist Hartmut Enke. And for a vocalist, they chose a guy by the name of John L., previously of AGITATION FREE (who got booted out of that band for being too deranged, apparently ASH RA TEMPEL felt the same was as he was given the boot after this album). Talk about an acquired taste, John L.'s voice tends to be harsh and he always sounded out of tune (he reminded me of CAN's "Malcolm Mooney", so you get sort of an idea what you'll be facing here).

The album starts off with the rather bluesy "Look at Your Sun", complete with John L.'s off-key singing. The next song, "Flowers Must Die" is basically John L. simply screaming under an intense rhythm of guitar and drums, plus the presence of sax gives it a bit of a jazzy feel. Definately party-clearing music, to say the least. The second half of the album consists of "Suche" and "Liebe". "Suche" is a rather sinister spacy piece consisting of mostly vibraphone and organ. "Liebe" is more guitar and voice (this time by Göttsching), and sounds like a cross between PINK FLOYD and ASH RA TEMPEL's debut. Amazing album, if you can get used to the vocals.


Tracks Listing:

Light And Darkness
1. Light: Look at your Sun (6:34)
2. Darkness: Flowers must die (12:22)

Schwingungen
3. Suche & Liebe (19:23)

Total Time: 38:19

Line-up / Musicians
- Manuel Göttsching / Guitar, organ, electronics
- Hartmut Enke / Guitar, bass, electronics
- Wolfgang Mueller / Drums, vibes

- Guests:
- John L / Vocals
- Jew Harp / Percusssion
- Matthias Wehler / Alto Sax
- Uli Popp / Bongos

Releases information
Spalax 14248 / Purple Pyramid CLP 0310-2 (USA)
Arcángelo ARC-7080 (NKCD-3944) CD (2004)

LINKS:

Amazon //// Amazon UK //// Ashra website //// 3-M3 //// Last FM //// MP3 Shelf //// eMP3 Download

Annexus Quam - Osmose (1970)

Another fine jazz influenced krautrock band which delivers ambitious, inventive sounds. As it was said, the geographical roots of the band are from Kamp-Lintfort near Düsseldorf back to 1967. At this time the musicians were connected with a local religious brass band and then they decided to form a "cosmic" rock band to expand their own musical ideas and to put the stress on the jazziest side of their music. Very interlocking their first album released in 1970 for the ohr label definitely represents the fusion between "cosmic" music and jazz rock. Their strange, psych improvisations are mixed with weird space / electronic effects. Wind instruments (mainly the flute and the trumpet) are associated to the electric organ and conventional electric guitar parts. These combinations offer a tasteful musical ensemble. Recorded in 1972, their following album is maybe more elaborated, more evident with a very accomplished improvisatory approach. Consequently two remarkable efforts which contributed to the development of the Krautrock scene.

Almost totally unnoticed in the prog rock history, this little underground but mesmerising cosmic/jazz rock band shoudn't be ignored. Their first album Osmose opens the dance with a dreamy/spacey piece built around dicreet guitar harmonies, then a nice and grave trumpet solo is added with weird cosmic sounds in the background. A pure krautrock hymn!!! The second track is a dynamic jazz rock composition with strange acid vocals at the end. Next we have a cool jazzy tune dominated by electric organ parts and a subtle improvised guitar solo. The fourth track begins with a peacful flute's line carry on a bright psychedelic improvisation mixing guitar patterns with flute/sax solo. The tune which closes the album is built around the piano, then comes jazzy guitar solo, apathetic trumpet parts and cosmic noises. Simple, honest, instrumental and well played this album is a must in Krautrock's first years.

Tracks Listing:

1. Osmose I (4:15)
2. Osmose II (3:11)
3. Osmose III (10:36)
4. Osmose IV (18:20)

Total Time: 36:22

Line-up / Musicians
- Uwe Bick / singer, vocals, percussion
- Jürgen Jonuschies / bass, vocals, percussion
- Werner Hostermann / clarinet, vocals, percussion
- Peter Werner / guitar, vocals, percussion
- Hans Kämper / guitar, vocals, percussion
- Ove Volquartz / saxophone
- Harald Klemm / flute, vocals, percussion, trumpet

Releases information
LP OHR Ger-1970 / CD Spalax-SPA 14881-Fra

LINKS:

Amazon //// iTunes Music Store //// Last FM España //// Starzik ES //// Yahoo! Music

Annexus Quam - Beziehungen (1972)

AQ's second album, Biziehungen, is the logical continuity of their debut album, even if it has fairly "progressed", although not exactly to my liking. Indeed the balance between Nucleus-like jazz-rock and Tippett-like free jazz (in favour of the first one in their debut) has been reversed. The album cover is a bit misleading as well as the joyous space rock artwork clashes completely with a good deal of the album.

Only four tracks on this baby and after the great opening track Trobluhs, which is reminiscent of their debut album, the album veers into a senseless and way too lengthy (IMHO at least) free improv Leyenburg 1, where the group seems to be doing so, just because it seems like the "thing to do to be considered a serious muso". Although there are lapse where the music does come back to more charted territories, the bulk of it is lost to this writer.

Indeed the second side does start better (with a good intense third of the way into the lengthiest track of the album, it again veers into indulgent free improvs, and even if the track does come back to reality every so often, by coming back to the opening feel, it is simply too much that will eliminate itself from a relatively frequent and infrequent spinning rotation in your deck. This is so, especially given that the last track is the second part of the difficult Leyenburg of the first side, even if in this case, the "thing" is not senseless.

This second album is unfortunately a wasted opportunity to take their music in adventurous territories without becoming obtuse. Not one of the legendary label Ohr's better releases, this album is only for those who are familiar with the more difficult side of their Osmose album.

Tracks Listing:

1. Trobluhs el E Isch (5:29)
2. Leyenburg 1 (14:05)
3. Dreh Dich Nicht Um (16:20)
4. Leyenburg 2 (3:35)

Total Time: 39:29

Line-up / Musicians
- Peter Werner / guitar
- Hans Kamper / trombone, guitar, flute
- Ove Volquartz / flute, saxophone
- Harald Klemm / zither, tabla, guitar, Bendira
- Martin Habenicht / bass

Releases information
LP Ohr 556028 (1972) / CD Spalax-SPA 14811-Fra

LINKS:

Amazon //// Last FM //// iTunes Music ES //// iTunes Music US //// Starzik ES

Amon Düül II - Made In Germany (1975)

"Made In Germany" (1975) by Amon Duul 2 is a glorious chapter in the history of "Krautrock". This rock opera ROCKS, with great melodies, guitars, keyboards and vocals. Sole female member Renate Knaup sings most of the best songs and is fantastic. Others are sung by Robby Heibl and Chris Karrer.

Karrer's "Mr. Kraut's Jinx" lifts from Lou Reed's "Berlin" period, revs up with Bowie's "Suffragette City" riff, and concludes in punk style with the shouted refrain "future ain't tomorrow, future is today" (shades of the Ramones' "today your love, tomorrow the world"). And that's just one song! All are sung in English with charming, clipped German accents. The lyrics are included in the glossy booklet, along with all the original artwork.

Some of the songs reference German historical figures and events, while others are about being a rock band. Most fascinating are the two songs about 19th century King Ludwig of Bavaria, who was obsessed with building elaborate castles (one of which became the proto-type for Disneyland's Magic Kingdom). His drowning the day after being hounded out of the monarchy by his enemies is still an unsolved mystery. Other songs mention Kaiser Wilhelm, "Metropolis", the "loosey girls" of the Weimar Republic, etc.

The extensive liner notes include a "plot" synopsis, but the so-called plot they put forward is really only evident on two of the tracks. The whole affair is more impressionistic and poetic than it is coherent.

This was a 20-track, 2-record set when issued on vinyl in Germany, but was whittled down to 12 tracks for the U.S. market (and the songs were in a different order). Please note that only ten of the tracks feature vocals - the other ten are rock instrumentals, brief musical interludes, a comical faux-interview with Hitler, and even a majestic overture. Only 2 of the 9 instrumental tracks (and no interview) made it onto the U.S. release, which also had a different cover - with Knaup posed as Dietrich in "The Blue Angel".

Re-issued in its complete form several years ago by Repertoire, it is newly available in this beautifully remastered package by the Revisited label. The restored tracks add a lot - it's all much more "grand". Amon Duul 2 would crash and burn after this, then resurrect themselves in less heralded groupings in the years that followed. Renate Knaup left to join Popol Vuh. But at least they left us with a masterpiece.

Of the many rock operas I've bought, this is one of the best and most interesting (and fun). Highly recommended. ~ Amazon.com



Artista: Amon Düül II (Alemania)
Título: Made In Germany
Sello original: Nova/Teldec.
Fecha de lanzamiento: Noviembre 1975
Formatos publicados:
LP : Nova/Teldec [Germany] (6.22378 AO) / Atco [USA] (SD 36 119) / Atlantic [UK] (1975, K-50182)
2-LP : Nova/Teldec 6.28350 DX (1975)
CD : Castle Communications (1991, UK CLC 5009, 1LP reissue) / Repertoire "2 LP in one CD" (1996, REP 4631-WP) / Revisited Records (2005, Digipack SPV 42342 REV 092)
Género: krautrock / progressive rock / opera rock

Tracklist:

Disco 1:

01. Overture (5:12)
02. Wir Wollen (1:32)
03. Wilhelm Wilhelm (3:10)
04. SM II Peng (2:16)
05. Elevators Meets Whispering (1:26)
06. Metropolis (3:37)
07. Ludwig (2:32)
08. The King`s Chocolate Waltz (2:28)
09. Blue Grotto (3:33)
10. Mr. Kraut Jinx (8:44)

Disco 2:

11. Wide Angle (4:06)
12. Three-Eyed Overdrive (1:17)
13. Emigrant Song (3:21)
14. Loosey Girls (5:13)
15. Top of the Mud (3:45)
16. Dreams (4:08)
17. Gala Gnome (3:52)
18. 5.5.55 (1:39)
19. La Krautoma (6:08)
20. Excessive Spray (1:41)

Músicos:

Robby Heibl - Bass, Violin, Guitar, Vocal
Chris Karrer - Guitar, Violin, Banjo, Vocal
Renate Knaup - Vocals
Peter Leopold - Drums, Percussion
Falk U. Rogner - Organ, Synths
Nando Tischer - Guitar, Vocal
John Weinzierl - Guitar



Buy it / Cómpralo:

Amazon .:::. Amon Düül Website .:::. Inside-Out shop /
3-MP3 .:::. MP3 City .:::. 7-Digital España .:::. 7-Digital UK

Tangerine Dream - Alpha Centauri (1971)

The second album by Tangerine Dream marked the entrance of Chris Franke, who would remain a key member of the band for the next ensuing decade and a half, though was originally brought on board for his drumming. Alpha Centauri is sonically pretty much where it stands chronologically: right smack in-between Electronic Meditation and Zeit. It is similar to the former with its caveman-era ambience where sounds churn and grapple with one another, yet closer to the latter in terms of its greater sense of form, astral imagery, and a 'no one can hear you scream' quality entrenched firmly in the bowels of space. Also, much as in "Fauni Gena" from Atem, one is also always cognizant of the tremendous reverb that nonetheless encases the music as one listens, a component of Dieter Dierks' studio were these were recorded. Listening, you feel like you are set about in a humongous terrain with a huge glass container perched over it.

"Sunrise in the Third System" makes a stunning opening track, the music you envision might have been playing as God said 'Let there be light.' It begins with pin-pricks from Froese's guitar, like tiny sparks from a flint flying up against a vast, blackened void. From this arises a theramin-like voicing (I'm assuming it's Froese's electric guitar again) crying out and eventually a lonely, gothic organ from Schroyder. For me, "Fly and Collision of Comas Sola" is the first categorically great track to the band's name. The track begins with a howling wind-tunnel of synth, out of which gradually materializes Froese playing a solemn pattern of chords on his guitar in tandem with a softer-edged organ, as traces of flute ride above it all. The dynamics slowly build, with the synth howls peeking in from time to time, until the piece finally climaxes with Dennebourg's flute emerging more prominently, and an explosive tom-tom and cymbal freak-out from Franke. The title track is another glacial twenty-two minutes, given to dreamlike waves of organ and all manner of rising and descending, twirling, whistling, and swooping. The band paints a Guernica-sized sound portrait, one that finds its ultimate end in an ominous broadcast speaker-recitative, more gothic organ, and a sea of ghostly choral vocals.

Successfully atmospheric, but like all of the albums they made back then, not an easy listen. Of the pre-Virgin Records albums that Tangerine Dream recorded, Alpha Centauri is the one I would recommend the most. For those with their eyes to the stars.

(C) Ground And Sky.

Line-up / Musicians:

Edgar Froese, guitar, bass, organ, coffee machine;
Chris Franke, drums, percussion, lotos flute, piano harp, zither, VCS3 synth;
Steve Schroyder, hammond and farfisa organs;
with Udo Dennebourg, flute, voice;
Roland Paulick, VCS3 synth

Tracklist:

1. Sunrise in the Third System — 4:20
2. Fly and Collision of Comas Sola — 13:23
3. Alpha Centauri — 22:04

Total time 39:52

Buy it:

- Amazon
- Rhapsody
- Last.FM
- CD Universe
- Price Minister
- 7-Digital Store