Zuckerzeit

There are multiple ways to read the boiling down of the music herein, attach something to -ness and file the record as precursor. At worst, think of the decent video game of the middle stretches; Otherwise, consider at least two label catalogs I could name, or motorik beats on a machine, or synths that bite back. Really, though, krautrock remains rarefied air, and Cluster master a pop expression of it in still-expansive form.

I quite enjoyed this, listened a few times. It comes off as such friendly music despite being extremely experimental.

1974 was a watershed year for electronic music. Tangerine Dream released the spacey, kosmische "Phaedra," and Kraftwerk released their epic ode to the German motorway with "Autobahn." Both albums which are part of the official 1001 list, and rightly so. But somewhere in the liminal space between those two more famous albums lies "Zuckerzeit," which was also released in that most auspicious year. "Zuckerzeit" is much more tightly packaged and catchy than the loose and atmospheric "Phaedra," but it is far less rigid than the conceptual "Autobahn." It was a turning point in Cluster's work, moving away from their noisier and more abrasive past in Berlin, and towards something closer to IDM, which would take another 2 decades to fully develop.

A really fun time listening to ambient german beats! Somewhere between vaporwave and retro-german-techno-futurism. What a cool find!

Electro pioneer Germans always get my vote. Ausgezeichnet!

Kinda spacey krautrock stuff, drawn out and stoned. Moogs and drumkits and bass and whatnot. Great vibe, maybe a bit *too* drawn out in places, but still a good 3/5.

Very synthesized, almost ambient "jam music." Ze Germans always had a good corner on this particular type of music. Had never heard of them until now. Based on late 60's-70's timeframe I'd imagine lots of bands watched these guys and took notes for the late 70's-80's synth "noise bands."

7/10. Had no idea what this was going in, and enjoyed it. Good instrumental music.

Couldn't come around on this one, just synthesizer noodling.

Interesting at times, but overall not my thing. It was 37 minutes long but it felt like an hour and a half. 2 stars.

Fun and happy sounding instrumental Krautrock. I can't say I've listened to much Cluster so this was a fun revisiting.

Pretty good Krautrock, although I think the selections on the list cover the genre quite well.

Classic German artist style beat.

Kooky kraut-rock

Perfectly fine and foundational early electronic music, but nothing here blew me away like contemporaries such as Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, or Can.

Comparisons with their fellow Krautrock peers are inevitable and I must say I much prefer the more melodic Kraftwerk or the spacey/prog sound of Tangerine Dream. I think these guys really start cooking when they're joined by Eno, but alas Eno is nowhere to be found on this album.

I'm not a fan of Krautrock at all. I've never been able to get into the sound of the genre's big names like Can or Faust, so when I saw this album by a lesser-known band like Cluster, I was all over it. I was wrong. It's not an album that changes my opinion of the genre, but it's the most accessible thing I've heard from the era. Short instrumental tracks that could almost work as protosynth-pop. An enjoyable and appreciated listen

Typical Krautrock. Not bad, but not really my first choice of music

Pas trop mon style, meme pour un album genre electro.. 2.75

Meh. Not much my thing

I really wish I was more open-minded when it comes to musical genres that live in the more outer regions of the musical spectrum. I would really love to actually 'get' music like Cluster's. But I don't. I can't wrap my head around why this would be even remotely interesting for anyone to listen to. Luckily there are many people that do 'get' this. Makes life a lot less plain and boring. But still, to me this sounds like endless noodling on electronic switch-boards. I envy those that hear actual music in this.

Als het openingsnummer al geen zang bevat, maar wel elektronische gelaagdheid weet ik genoeg.

This is a watershed electronic album featuring drum machines and synthesizers in an avant garde style. This komische style music was incredibly influential in the further development of electronic music and post-punk. This album definitely should have been on the original list.

An actual deep cut that surprised me with its depth. While the uptempo energy does peter out over the course of the LP, the strong start is enough to demand attention with its layered rhythms and punchy, bassy synths. Most of the electronica from this era has aged poorly due to the high-pitched treble-drenched synth choices of the time, so to find a well-done LP with some electronic meat on its bones is a real treat

Nice Spielart of Krautrock.

Incredibly impressive for 1974, the use of electronics is bright, atmospheric, and able to induce feelings of calmness, energy, and hope. It sounds incredible, very clean and you're able to pull apart the layers. There are some amazing unique styles on here. My major complaint is that it does sometimes come off as a bit harsh, with moments where it sounds like the dudes are just abruptly hitting random keys. It's more noticeable in the eerier more experimental tracks, which I don't think are very good compared to the brighter, fuller ones. I think one reason it sounds a bit harsh and weird at times is because the technology is dated (rather than their skill or precursor artists), and I'm sure it would sound so much smoother had they used stuff from just a few years later.

These deserves to be on the list instead of Kraftwerk. Experimental bubble gum pop, which is apparently right in my wheelhouse.

Retro dance. Super

This is so cool. Thanks for sharing it. Whimsical and strange with an occasional undercurrent of menace. Minimalist, but rich with nuance. This is an underheard album in the Krautrock-verse, but it's a really excellent listen and highly influential. You can hear echoes of this music in pretty much every electronic band that followed it. Fave Songs: Fotschi Tong, Caramel, Marzipan, Hollywood, James

I really enjoyed this. Kraftwerk and Neu but something bouncier. I reckon I’ll end up buying it.

A surprising variety, not really my thing though

Interesting and weird

Definitely more pop and sugary than Kraftwerk, but, as with sweet confectionery, not nearly as satisfying.

OK

Gentle instrumental electronic krautrock that gives off a great sense of movement. Sounds like a 90s computer game. Rating: 3 Playlist track: HeiBe Lippen Date listened: 09/09/24

Not bad. Surprisingly minimalist. It really seems like a very basic electronic loop with a few layers and a little atmosphere. Stripped down and each track doesn't wander too far from that. Interesting to listen to, but it doesn't do a lot to capture your attention. I did have a moment where i was getting a Heroin/VU vibe from James.

Synthy

Electronic, avant-pop, kosmische, electronic pop, krautrock. Ni fu ni fa.

Listening to this while working was not the move. It just stressed me out more and ended up giving me a headache. 4/10

Eh. It is just synthesizers and techno. Thankfully it was short.

Rating: 5/10

I'm not sure I understand this one, either. It sounds like a bunch of songs you might hear at a carnival, with other instruments.

Just too much synthesisers for my taste.

This seemed like an incomplete album. As I listened to it felt like it was missing something. I get it was an electronic but other electronic albums have more substance. This was just the base layer of something that could’ve been better. 2.2/10

It is like the soundtrack of the most annoying video game you have never played