NEU! 75
Neu!
1975
Album Summary
Neu! 75 is the third studio album by the krautrock band Neu!. It was recorded and mixed at Conny Plank's studio between December 1974 and January 1975. It was released in 1975 by Brain Records, and officially reissued on CD on 29 May 2001 by Astralwerks in the US and by Grönland Records in the UK.
WikipediaHave you ever been showering late at night with your grandmother and accidentally slipped over causing your face to press snugly against her vulva? This record felt like that wholesome family moment. Like a hugging embrace from an old friend...who's a massive racist.Like using a dildo for the first time, but it's a hand-me-down from your brother. Interesting, but perverse.
Fresh, bold, daring, expansive... and never dull. "Neu! 75" cements Michael Rother and Klaus Dinger as two of the coolest, most forward-thinkers in rock. There are just six tracks here, and each one of them is a fully realised sonic world, offering a unique view of this extraordinary band. It's a cross-roads of different styles at the midpoint of the 1970s, indicating the different routes popular music was about to split off into. We begin with "Isi" and "Seeland", two instrumentals that are calm in tone, with very simple repeated melodic figures on synth, piano and guitar. They're psychedelic leaning, with hints of early 70's space-rock, but nothing ever falls apart or loses control. The air is cool, detached, and utterly captivating: simplicity is key, a firm tonal centre is key, and a steady tempo is key. While these tracks still offer strong melodic hooks, they're perfect exercises in restraint. In fact, vocals don't enter the mix at all until some semi-spoken word declarations in "Leb' Wohl". This piece is so beautiful, so stirring in its two piano chords and the space it affords, that its nine minute length is not an issue. It's meditative and contemplative, and it feels like an early foray into ambient that Brian Eno would later capitalise upon. The second half is driven by more energy, heightened aggression. Klaus Dinger takes the lead. We get the jagged edges of punk (and even post-punk prior to punk) with its bellowed vocals and abrasive instrumentation. Really though, it's just a warm-up to the sublime proto-industrial "E-Musik", with its liberal use of flange and its propulsive, motorik beat so relentless it feels like it could be a drum machine, and finally the blistering hard-rock of "After Eight". By the time this closer hits (by Neu's standards, out-and-out anthemic punk) it feels like a full-blown catharsis. It's the moment everything comes together. There are so many highlights across the record, but my favourites per side are "Leb' Wohl" and "After Eight" (honorable mentions to "Isi" and "E. Musik") This album is just missing out on 5* owing to "Hero" and "Seeland" not being quite up to the same standards as the other tracks, but it's a 9/10 for sure. Very grateful to have been introduced to this album and it's absolutely one I'll be spending a lot of time with.
This album is something! Given it was released in 1975, it is basically (correct me if I'm wrong) post-punk that was recorded before punk. Legit stuff that reminded me of some later records I sincerely love. Highlights: Hero and After Eight.
Another sort of "whatever" album. It's decent electronic rock to have on in the background, but it's entirely forgettable.
This, boys and girls, is why it's important to listen to an album all the way through before rating it. I was pleasantly surprised by the first three tracks of this six-track album. They're chill but interesting melodic soundscapes and they made a nice backdrop to my morning. Unfortunately, those first three tracks are followed by 20+ minutes of incoherent screaming and mind-numbingly repetitive drums that utterly tanked the album for me.
An interesting album, divided in two halves between a solid atmospheric electronica style and an electronic rock style. Both are really good halves, and are worth listening to even if you're not particularly into either genre.
I listened to this one with Julianne and it was incredibly soothing for the a side and a lot more engine like and moving on the b side. I loved the imagery that this was able to keep consistently in my head with its ambient passages and incredibly clever use of different tones
J'ai pensé à détacher crisdusseld le temps d'écouter cet album originaire de sa terre natale et puis je me suis souvenu de l'ordure qu'il était.
Comme vous le savez tous, je me suis reveillé ce matin de très mauvaise humeur, la faute au service e-banking de ma banque UBS ayant décidé de ne pas fonctionner au moment exact où j'en ai besoin. Ce n'est certainement pas cette parodie musicale qui aura réussi à rehausser mon humeur, 45mn d'allemand se prennant pour des esthètes musicaux, qui ne proposent pourtant qu'une soupe de sons fort peu ragoutante. J'espère ne jamais vous retrouver dans ce génèrateur
Production: 17/20 Songwriting: 15/20 Innovation: 19/20 Bangers: 15/20 Emotional response: 18/29 =84 Wallop what a fucking cracker
NEU! is brilliant asf. Remains one of my top experimental electronic music artists from Germany.
Production: 17/20 Songwriting: 15/20 Innovation: 19/20 Bangers: 15/20 Emotional response: 18/29 =84 Wallop what a fucking cracker
A great experience, atmospheric at first and psychodelic during the second part of the album. Draws you into the music.
I liked this album. To make this chill music in 75 without getting wankery with the guitar is pretty respectable. This was nice. 5/5
A krautrock classic! I have listened before and loved it. Listening again, I still love it. This albums comes at the end of their relatively short stint in the 70's, forming in 1970 and releasing this as their last official album in, well, 1975. This finality was due to differences between the duo of NEU! that could not be reconciled. As such, this is widely know as a fantastic "double album" with side 1 being completely by Rother and side 2 being only Dinger. Rother's side is noticeably more calm, entrancing listeners with ambient bits while keeping that classic steady Motorik beat. This is my favorite side of the 2, but side 2 is still worth exploring. A much more punk-influenced edge on the sound, still with the Motorik beat driving it. Dinger decidedly makes his side a wake-up from Rother's side, a stark contrast for listeners who had got up to flip the record over just a few seconds ago. The only major low point for the album is near the end of E-Musik where Dinger slows everything down. It just doesn't work as well in comparison to side 1, and ultimately takes away from the upbeat precedent set by the rest of side 2. Other than that, this is a wonderful album. Well-worth the listen. Loved it!
Yeah, this one's very sick. A blend of experimental soundscapes and hard rocking that never felt stale at any point. Favorites: Isi, Seeland, Hero,E-Musik
Kolejna niemiecka pozycja w tym tygodniu, ale nie jest to jedyna rzecz laczaca ten album z kraftwerkiem, oba zespoly nagrywaly z legendarnym w tamtych czasach Connym Plankiem, ktory byl chocby jedna z osob stojacych za sukcesem autobahna, tym razem trafilo na hardy kraut, wiec blizej mainstreamowym gatunkom muzycznym eksperymentalnie progresywnemu rokowaniu, ale jednak jest w tym cos o wiele bardziej czarujacego i tajemnicznego, bo jednak jest to muzyka z starego kontynentu, ktora jednak byla influencyjna na tak mainstreamowych tworcow tego okresu jak chocby pan Bowie i jego trylogia berlinska, gleboko czerpiaca z dorobku takich zespolow jak neu, nawet tytul srodkowego albumiku trylogii berlinskiej nawiazuje do openingowego traka b sajda dzisiejszej plyty, wiec neu!'75 jak sam tytul wskazuje wydanego w 75, 42 minuty, 6 trakow i idealna rownowana pomiedzy strona a i b, prawdziwy muzyczny jin i jang, pierwsza strona spokojna, niekiedy nawet melancholijna przez te deszczowe brzmienia oraz motyw przewodni calego nagrania, wiec rozlaki, bo otwierajacy isi, to zdrobnienie od izabeli, kolejny na plejliscie utwor seeland, wiec calkiem samotlumaczacy, jako kraina do ktorej iza pojechala, a zamykajacy pierwsza czesc leb' wohl na polski oznacza zegnanko, druga czesc rowniez zawiera slady tego motywu juz w samym hero, ktory jest najbardziej lirycznym trakiem calej plyty jest wspomniany wyjazd do norwegii jakiegos skarbeczka, ale to jak obie strony sie roznia jest czyms pieknym, hero nie ma w sobie nic z ambientowego grania do ktorych przez pierwsze dwadziescia minut czlowiek sie przyzwyczail, a atakuje ostrymi gitarami dzwiekami, ktore sa w pewnym sensie petane przez lagodne synthy, dodatkowo drumsy, ktore graja pierwszo planowa role na drugiej stronie, dodatkowo wokale ktore rowniez biora z zaskoczenia, a przypominaja jak cos co mozna bylo uslyszec pozniej u sex pistolsow czy stogesow, wiec proto punk kipi z drugiej strony tego materialu, oczywiscie liryka po anglinsku jak przystalo na jakosciowego krauta, ktory sluchany byl globalnie, a nie tylko lokalnie, na plejke wrzuce openingowe utwory obu stron zeby podkreslic dualizm tej plyty nawet na plejce, jesli mialyby grac po sobie oba traki, ale cala plyta leci na poleczke spotifajowa, bo album nagrany z zamyslem zeby przesluchac od poczatku do konca zeby poczuc roznice jak roznorakie oblicza moze posiadac jeden material, a nadal trzymac sie jednego konceptu
Another aural dreamscape. I haven't listened to much Krautrock apart from Can and Kraftwerk so was really surprised as how much Neu!'s sound is echoed in newer acts. They really reminded me of Stereolad who obviously are influenced by them which was great by me. I also picked parallels with Suicide and am curious as to who influenced who or if they hit their sounds independently. Either way, I love this and will be listening to it a lot more
Love this album. Is kind of one mood broken into lots of different moods, starting with the soaring Isi. It helps that I played it on a Monday morning as I sat down to start work. You can see why / how Bowie was so inspired by this band.
Krautrock with ambient tendencies? That's my jam! ✌️ I could happily listen to this looped all day. Fave track - "Seeland" maybe? But this is an album album, and should be listened to straight through...
Fantastic album! Great music to just sit back and reflect. Any album that features waves crashing can do this for you. The order of tracks was very well done as they flow into each other pretty seamlessly and build to a climactic ending. For example, first couple track have no lyrics. Then the middle tracks featured just small little pieces of vocals here and there. And then the back half showcase the vocals pretty heavily. I also really dig how the opener sounded like something you’d hear on Rainbow Road in Mario Kart. This is definitely one I’ll be running back in the future
Four stars and a half An all-time classic of krautrock / komische As is usually the case with those five-stars albums, I won't write a full-blown review about this particular record, because others have already written wonderful stuff about it and there's not much I can add that I feel could be relevant and interesting. It's just a gem. Go and listen to it a.s.a.p. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 917 (including this one) Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 43 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 22 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 19
motorik - probably the most consistently german of the german proto techno mid 70s scene
As great as ever - very essential album, just like its two predecessors (I assume the first album is in the list as well but the second one should be too on basis of its first half).
This is a fascinating album. Musically adventurous, but also with just the right amount of restraint. The resulting songs are really listenable, never grating, always a little surprising. I love that there's a more ambient, organic sounding side and then a noisier, more mechanical side. The contrast is mind blowing, but in the best way. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Leb' Wohl, Hero, After Eight, Seeland, E. Musik, Isi
OK, so while I didn't actually listen to this today, I know that this is a brilliant album. Neu! took the foundations of krautrock and built a template for electronica, punk, post punk and so much more. Cracking stuff!
I’m a little embarrassed by how much I enjoyed this album. But a bunch of German dudes making space sounds was a great time
What a sublime album. Thoroughly enjoyed the soundscapes of the first three tracks. I then also enjoyed the harder punk-ish last three. It didn't quite ease the transition which is probably my only major complaint with this album. Although this on vinyl I'd guess they're on different sides and the transition wouldn't be as clear as Spotify. Good track count and record length perfect 5/5
I liked this one a lot. It was some chilled-out ambient rock if that's a thing. Will look to it if I just want some quiet goodness in the background. favorite song, probably Isi because it really set the tone, 6/8 my kind of music.
This is the best old album I’ve never heard of that I’ve discovered in years. First half is total John Carpenter and second half is just cool late 70s style punk.
Cool instruments, different sounds. Great change from a norm. Can see how this album influenced others in the 70s
honestly really good to do work to. each song is so different from each other/has a different vibe but is really consistent in its energy so you can still focus but vibe with the change of pace
The exclamation point threw me off -- I was expecting some euro-centric electro-pop. But this is super chill and really surprisingly good.
Somewhat relaxing ambient first side that mixes electronic sounds with sounds of nature in some songs. Side two starts with a more rock type sound with drum/guitar sounds. Almost a more punk sounds with 'Hero'.
I really enjoy this kind of krautrock. I preferred the instrumental songs much more to the ones with vocals though.
Every time I listen to Krautrock, I think I need to listen to more of it. It's amazing how such an obscure sub genre had the influence it did on the future of rock.
Never heard this before but really liked! The two "sides" of this record are so different but both were good.
What a little gem! Coming across albums like this that I’d never heard before is what makes rating this list so exciting for me. Most of the time I’m either broadening my listening vocabulary by way of expanding on bands I already know or landing on albums I’d never heard of from artists as equally unknown to myself. I mean who the hell is ‘Neu!’?? Well I can tell you they made at least one terrific album...this one. Track 3, Leb’ wohl, is a beautiful piece of music that transports you away to another place and time. The piano playing reminding you to take everything in and enjoy it in that moment. There are only 7 tracks but each one has a story and that story is up to you to decide. Give it a listen and allow your mind to roam free.... 4 Stars!
Jedan od najbolji Krautrock albuma. Odličan od početka do kraja, kad imam fazu Krautrocka, ovo je među prvim albumima koji si pustim.
A pleasant surprise. Super boring cover doesn't really do justice to the music that's on here. You can clearly hear the influence it's had on countless bands and ambient artists, and especially on David Bowie.
Sounds so fresh - if you told me this was released last week I’d believe you. Fascinating, pioneering sound and points the way for so much electronica to come.
Favourite album so far. I can't say I've explored Krautrock beyond a surface level, but it's a genre I adore. NEU! 75 was a nice step forward in my journey through this sound. // Favs: Seeland / Leb' Wohl / E-Musik / After Eight Score: Decent 4
This is a very enjoyable listen. New to me but sounds fresh and interesting. Melodic and rhythmic. I will definitely return to this album 4 🌟
This album I fully love. It’s not a particular track I like a lot or anything, it’s just the thing as a whole and the feel that permeates it. The cool german progressive cosmic energy. I also have a deep-seated allergy to unnecessary vocals, especially bad vocals over an excellent instrumental. I’m a strong believer that if the vocals don’t add something substantial and central to the experience, you're probably better off without them. /Neu! 75/ mostly had excellent judgement on this front. Overall, every track was unique and brought something new yet there was still a connection between them all. ”Isi” is like a sequel (prequel?) to ”A new career in a new town”. ”Seeland” is equally depressed and hopeful. Leb wohl has an enthralling ticking noise. Hero - annoying punk rock with nice synth arrangement. E-musik: sounds like a bouncing basketball.
Initially didn’t like but the more I listened the more I got it.. an intense listen but very good
This is a very enjoyable listen. New to me but sounds fresh and interesting. Melodic and rhythmic. I will definitely return to this album 4 🌟
I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. Mostly slower, jazzy instrumental stuff, but After Eight kinda rocks.
Though there are few sections that give a hint of the era, this seems pretty timeless. Sparse in places, and more driving with a good groove in others. I couldn't tell if the vocalizations were english, german or just noises... but after getting past that, it was quite enjoyable and cool.
And now for something completely different and unexpected! This was like listening to two different and short albums - one almost modern electronic and softly melodic, and one with some really great unconventional psychedelic jam rock. I really enjoyed both sides, especially ‘Seeland’ and the opening track to the second half, ‘Hero’. I can definitely see the influence on Sex Pistols and Bowie.
Leb' Wohl is perhaps the most relaxing song I've heard. Album is an enjoyable listen but not really a MUST listen 7/10
Het eerste deel is heel zweverig en rustgevend, het 2e deel is wat steviger, en chaotisch. Er is dus een groot contrast binnen dit album. Was het contrast wat kleiner, ging deze volle punten krijgen
Cool! Been wanting to listen to them, perfect time to start. You could probably play Leb’Wohl at a yoga studio. Hero is what I’m talking about. There is a definite difference between sides 1 and 2. I really liked side 2 and especially the drumming. I don’t know if it has a name - not the motorik beat. I’ll have to listen to the other albums now :-)
never heard of krautrock! Loved this, need to do a deeper dive into the genre. very interesting.
Interessante rustige muziek. Zou makkelijk als achtergrondmuziek kunnen weggezet worden maar heeft toch iets complex.
When I read psychedelic rock on Wikipedia, I was ready to give up on this. More fool me! With the exception of Heroes when they actually sing (bad decision), this is a great listen. Uplifting at times, peaceful at others.
20 minutes of atmospheric soundscapes and another 20 minutes of post-punk noise psychedelic rock, years before punk rock even became a staple of mainstream music. Brilliant record.
Spacey, psychedelic. I dislike using the word "hypnotic", but "Leb' Wohl" has beach sounds, a man speaking softly, and what sounds like a steady metronome... so... A bit repetitive, but that definitely feels like it's by design. It's pleasant background music that I feel like I could dig into a bit more, or just enjoy it passively. Favorite tracks: "Seeland", "E-Musik"
7/10. Maybe even an 8 out of 10, because parts where it was just pretty sounding instrumentals were really nice, but then there'd be weird and somewhat offputting vocals from time to time.
Has some good Kraftwerk Autobahn vibes. I prefer all the instrumentals to the lyrics. Still a good time for all!
I'd never heard of this band before, and found this album pretty appealing. Definitely identifiable as a precursor for a lot of other artists I like. A good discovery
This was an unexpected but fun ride. Not sure if I knew much of krautrock but it seems in my wheelhouse. Wish the production was just a little less sterile.
Yeah very cool. Would have appreciated more vocals on this one. Favorite tracks: Leb' Wohl, E-musik
This album really took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting such a wonderfully layered and atmospheric album. I like when albums take their time to build and allow each layer to be savored. The sounds of wind and the ocean really added to the effect. The use of the driving Motorik beat, typical of Krautrock, kept the songs moving. The more contemplative tracks are punctuated by high energy tracks which read more like proto-punk while still featuring the droning synth in the background and the Motorik beat.
two halves to this album, chilled beats vibe and more guitar second half. Enjoyed both
Quite interesting and likable, but the contrast (or clash) of styles presented by “Hero” undercuts the overall effect. The influence sound of that song is clear – John Lydon would steal this vocal style. and Bowie pay respects – but it belongs on a different album and maybe to a different band. Sign me up for the chiller, subtler and more evocative tracks (“ISI,” “Seeland” “Leb Wohl” and “E-Musik”), all of which have wonderful meditative hooks (like spa or chill music before it was cool). I think I prefer Neu! to the much better known Kraftwerk. Glad to know it and will listen again. However, I am dubious about the “invented the remix” claim and can’t / don’t love unconditionally, at least not initially. 3.6 for 4 (but just barely).
A quiet and gentle album that downplays the rhythmic element and incorporates a stronger melodic element. It builds up like a Wagnerian climax . (7/10) FT: ISI
Fyrsta lagið, ISI, er algjör banger. Svo fylgja flott lög í kjölfarið, en þegar Klaus Dinger fer að pönksyngja í laginu Hero minnkar sjarminn smá. Samt... helvíti fínt.
Vaguely remembering the first albums by NEU, this initially felt quite underwhelming. It felt quite repetitive and I could not get into a nice groove. However, as the songs passed by, things started to settle, and I found the second listen much more enjoyable. As I am still struggling with some of the songs, I have ended up with 4 stars.
A band that is new to me. The sound is pretty fresh and current and this album is a must listen, if you like the synth/drum undie sound.
"Isi" the opening track has that feel as if we were watching a collage of sincere moments of a Doctor Who just prior to the Doctor's regeneration. Space sounds as we have come to musically interpret are prevalent, but what is also there is a method to the seeming madness. Piano chords, mild beats, and a comprehensible melody give this album from 1975 a certain sense of mystery. Obviously, this pre-dates post-rock quite a bit but the listener can note that NEU! very much layers their tracks in that progressive way reminiscent of Ravel's "Boléro" with a repeated cadence and melody that is slowly added to with different sounds/instruments as it goes along. At a meager six tracks totaling 42 minutes, this review can afford to be a bit more comprehensive. The more surprising aspect of this album is how beautiful the piano is played on this album. Pianos have the ability for their players to impart a more diverse selection of mood, whether it be the high energy of a rock band piano, or in this case the foundational yet gentle almost-an-afterthought the listener can get here. While these are not always negatives, experimental music like this tends to get diminished when vocals get included. Starting with the third track, we get a heavy on the reverb recitation of verses, however NEU! managed to avoid a critical mistake of letting that be the song, instead using vocals as an accompaniment. The second half of the album increases in energy rather substantially, as if we entered into a punk rock phase back to Earth. Believe it or not, this is a sort of shock that after three beautifully subdued tracks, that a listener may actually find to be rather welcoming. "Hero" is very much a punk rock song, and a good one as it balances the pointless chaotic with the melodic prowess NEU! clearly exhibited in the three tracks prior... because "your only friend is music till your dying day." The final two tracks are a little more of the same, higher energy punk-rock with more comprehensive melodies, mixed with a little bit of experimental-isms, that for the most part yield an incredibly satisfying six track experience.
Ratio: 0% Pretty cool album, can appreciate why it's popular. Not really my style and wouldn't listen again though. Favs: N/A Dislikes: N/A
The first track is ambient but the drumming is quite strong and gives it pace. The next two songs are a little snoozy. Then we flip it over to side 2 and holy %#*! Hero is excellent as is the final track. This is hot. I recall that most of my favourite bands - Bowie, The Stones and The Who - were underperforming in the mid 70s. Side 2 of Neu! '75 has some great tunes that I could have been listening to in 1975. My loss.
A lot better than I thought it was gonna be. A really interesting experience which makes me want to listen to the rest of Neu's discography. The punky second half was alright but the ambient first half was fantastic. Was also cool to read their backstory of making this and their affiliations with Kraftwerk.
I... really liked this... After the Can album (which was a bit too much for me) and Kraftwerk (bit too repetitive and creepy), I thought that Krautrock probably wasn't for me, but this was great. Lovely transition over the course of the album from some really mellow electronica to something approaching heavy metal at the end - I liked it all, but definitely enjoyed the second half more. Sounds incredibly modern for something made in 1975, certainly feels fresher than the Kraftwerk album which came out a couple of years after it. 4/5, really strong.
Surprisingly nice, I am very diffident toward german music, but it was enjoyable, nothing amazing but a good background
Thoroughly enjoyed this! Many different sounds, similar vibe, had nice flow start to finish. Gonna check em out a lil more.
This krautrock stuff is not too bad. Hadn't heard of this genre before I got the Faust album earlier, and I definitely enjoy it. Kinda chill and spacey. Feels pretty advanced for 1975. 4 stars.
Cool and pleasant. Alternatively meditative and (lightly) energizing. Best songs: “ISI,” “Seeland” “Leb Wohl” and “E-Musik." More satisfying than Kraftwerk, but not without clunkers, such as "Hero," the grating vocals of which breaks the proto spa-chill effect.
Yet another illustration of why I absolutely adore this whole 1001 Albums project. I'd never heard of this band nor heard any of their music, and without this project, it's a near certainty I never would have. I am glad I did. This album is fantastic! Incredible that it was made in '75. If you played it for me and told me it was just recently recorded and released, I'd have believed it. Their compositional and arranging skills are excellent, and I love the way they performed and recorded their tracks. Some beautiful piano work on some of the pieces. Lovely and understated. For a rock/pop group to show that kind of intelligent restraint, especially in the mid-70s when so much music was rockin' so hard (which I also love, but that was the common trend), this is refreshing. And when they kick into the rock high gear mode for the second side of the album, they cut some real solid tracks in that style, too. I can hear how they influenced quite a lot of bands that followed. I will come back to this album and I must explore the rest of their catalog. Thank you, 1001 Albums Project!
David Bowie specifically names this album as an influence on his German era, which is very evident, especially once you know that fact. This is by far the most listenable of any album I've had so far with the label of krautrock. I'm still not sure I want to voluntarily spend time with it. It was fine. Best track: After Eight
leb wohl fajne plaza morze vibe pogg reszta utworow w sumie git ale jakos nie rozjebalo mnie
Great background ambient music, I was listening while I worked and some of the songs were very effective. Highlights: -Isi -Hero -E-musik
Surprisingly good and interesting krautrock. I've never been a huge fan of the genre, but this album is worth the listen.
Its like a stadium soundtrack for an empty stadium. an audience of 1 or no one. Ambient rock. which is cool if that's your thing. Its a cool contrast between desolation and life. order and void.
I really enjoyed this. Quite a contrast between the chilled out 'Seeland' and the more 'in your face' 'Hero'. 'Hero' came across as the kind of thing a 70s punk bank would do if they were told to put a tranquil spin on a tune. I almost put a 4 for this one as sonically, this is right up my street, especially the early songs. It's just not something I'm going to be listening to much and I'm a bit 'take it or leave it' with the punk vocal. Might regret not giving this a 4 but for the fact that I won't be inclined to listen to this too much, I'm going to stick with a 3.
Tiene más valor como ruptura en su época que musical como lo que es. Es decir, abrió camino, pero no es nada que no haya sido mejorado. Hay una canción bonita con sonidos de mar.
i've listened to the 1972 album a few times and enjoyed it, don't know why i never thought to listen to the back catalogue. on the whole pretty good. tracks 2 &3 should have been later in the album, you can't start an album with a good tempo hit us with a wall of slow downbeat and then just pick it up again. crazy germans don't know shit about planning an album, where's my roller coaster of emotions?
I love a bit of kosmische, but Neu! have never been my favourite for whatever reason. On this album, I think maybe the spacey ambient music and the rock elements are too separate maybe, so it feels like a record of two halves. I also don't love the vocals, and find the final track a bit weak. Still a quality recording. It's interesting how "Hero" foreshadows post-punk, even though this a few years prior to "punk proper". I'm thinking 3.5 for this. I hope there are plenty of other albums in this genre on the list.
More German music. Starts very atmospheric and has sea, bird and plane(?) sounds in it. Vocals come in on the fourth track and then on the B-side. Interesting for sure, and very variable. E-musik's chugging guitar sounds almost exactly like a train. Wikipedia mentions summer heat vibes which I can agree with. Don't rate the last track (After Eight) very much.
Instrumentals were really really fun, loved the atmosphere and like reminds me of the national's sleep well beast. Solid album but the vocals can be forgettable sometimes so dropping this to a 3
It's basically two different albums on each side. Side A was kinda boring but pretty. Side B was much more in my wheelhouse. Hero is a fun song and I can see why it's consider influential / proto-punk. Interesting album but not sure if I'll revisit
Most of this album is much more soothing than I was expecting haha. Probably will not listen again.
This was different than I was expecting. I REALLY enjoyed the first half that was really chill and relaxing and calming. The harder, wilder stuff was cool too, just a little jarring after the first few songs.
Pretty cool, but didn't dig the change of vibes on the second half. Cool synth stuff though
First time listening to this band. An album of its geography and time, but still works today. A good example of how to use the medium with two contrasting 'suites', with the soothing soundscape of the first setting up the more clattering second.
Ken always tried to get me to listen to Krautrock, but I usually found it quite difficult if not completely unlistenable. This was actually pretty enjoyable.
I like the vibes. Very vibey. If it were a sex toy, it’d be a vibrator. An instrument, the vibraphone. I need to do my homework on this whole scene. Kraftwerk, Can, Neu! Who else do I need to check out?
Hard to know what to make of this, as it frustrates as often as it delights, frequently within the same track. Yet its influence is beyond question - the fingerprints of 'Isi' are found on a slew of contemporary synth acts. It also happens to be a gorgeous piece of music in it's own right.
A decent vibe here and sounds way ahead of its time. Maybe only ten years ahead of its time, but still. It stayed in the background, but it had some pep.
Resposta de dos dels primers membres de Kraftwerk a l'incipient èxit de la seva exbanda. Aquesta autoreivindicació deu ser en mode d'expressió krautrock, perquè déu n'hi dó l'abstracció amb la qual s'expressen. 'Hero' és el tema a destacar i el més accessible. La primera part és dominada pels paisatges musicals més onírics i la segona es deixa emportar per un protopunk batallador