Kraftwerk - Kraftwerk + Kraftwerk 2 : 2 x CDs
SKU
05-GERMANOFON94001-42
The great, lost, never to be properly reissued (why? ask the band and they won't tell you either) first and second albums by Kraftwerk, available in this high quality pirate edition. This features the artwork from the rare UK double-lp version of the release (which is the version I own), although it's not as rare as the original German single-disc versions.
"After disbanding Organisation (Tone Float, RCA UK-only release/1970) the duo Ralf Hütter und Florian Schneider adopted the name Kraftwerk (Power Plant). The album was recorded between July and August of 1970 in their new Düsseldorf studio. It was co-produced and engineered by Conrad Plank. When released in late 1970 the lp sleeve was designed by Ralf and showcased their adopted trademark -- the traffic cone. From the very opening notes of the lp, it is evident that the duo had put much of the meandering uncertainties of Tone Float behind them, arriving at a more disciplined form of music. Side one opens with 'Ruckzuck', a piece which was to become a live favorite of the duo. The 12 minute 'Stratovarius' follows and gives the impression of a more ordered structure than on the Tone Float lp. The tempo speeds up and slows down to various climaxes, ending with a plaintive violin and flute played over a minimal percussive beat. Side two opens with 'Megahertz' which begins with a low oscillating note slowly developing into waves of industrial sound. This finally gives way to a quiet passage which has an almost classical minimal tune, showing an early understanding of the sort of basic melody lines they were later to use to such effect. On the last track noise swoops from speaker to speaker, tension building as stabs of industrial sound are joined by a tribal drum beat. The intensity and direction of the duo was now clear as the track steps out of the shadows of their contemporaries as a portrayal of industrial sound. When the Kraftwerk 2 lp was released, Ralf and Florian had rejoined forces to continue Kraftwerk's music ideas. The lp was recorded at their own studio in Düsseldorf (KlingKlang) and the Star Music Studio in Hamburg. It was produced in just seven days between the 26th September and 1st of October 1971. It was co-produced by Conrad (Conny) Plank who once again played an important role. The Kraftwerk 2 album was originally released on the Philips label and is a musical extension of the first Kraftwerk lp. The lp is totally instrumental and Ralf is credited with rhythmusmashine (rhythm machine) as well as a host of other instruments. With no conventional drumming at all -- the first 17 minute track 'Klingklang' has an altogether softer sound than most of the first album. The track's constantly shifting tempo is due to the changing beat of the drum machine, giving the impression that it is a machine that is actually driving the music forward. This was in 1971 a totally new phenomenon and it is very much the 'Kraftwerk sound' being born."