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KRAFTWERK - THE ALBUMS 1975 -1978
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"AUTOBAHN"
1975
AUTOBAHN - The debut single from this album that reached number 11 in the UK chart and is also the title track. At over 22 minutes long this epic song takes more than half of the album's entire length. It kicks off with an engine starting, merging into a quirky and easy going Pop Synth intro. At the 9 minute mark it hits a sc-fi styled Electronica with vocoded effects. It ends with a nice, melancholic, atmospheric vibe.
KOMETENMELODIE 1 - This is an eerie sounding track with lots of whirrs and whistles and with a very dark tone. Reminding me of the scary sci-fi TV programmes growing up! I think this translates as Comet Melody.
KOMETENMELODIE 2 - The slight intro is similar to the previous track but a bright and breezy Synth Pop sound is added to give it a real uplifting ambience.
MITTERNACHT - I believe this translates to "Midnight", German viewers please accept my apologies if my translations are off! A very dark and moody track that could be the backing of a horror movie scene. In headphones this sounds extremely scary!
MORGENSPAZIERGANG - Translating to "Morning Walk" (I think) this is a beautiful, lush track. The gentle soothing backing intertwines with flute sounds to create an atmosphere of bird song. Really relaxing and nice.
"THE MAN MACHINE"
1978
THE ROBOTS - The album opener kicks off with a similar synth style that Thompson Twins would master a few years later. A quirky robotic (obviously) melody throughout with the occasional synth Funk elements. The chorus when it comes is basically "we are the robots" but it still sticks in your head!
SPACELAB - A track that has a futuristic Disco beat but the almost melancholic melody over the top and eerie sci fi segments make this unique. It is structured almost like a Pop ballad, its emotive in a weird kind of way. Classic Kraftwerk genius.
METROPOLIS - This starts off in almost cathedral likefashion before launching into a mid tempo Pop synth ballad mostly instrumental track. Maybe inspired by Fritz Lang's 1927 masterpiece movie "Metropolis".
THE MODEL - The track that was so far ahead of its time it became a massice hit and reached number 1 in the UK four years later. Unusually for Kraftwerk, a lot more lyrics than in most songs which became instrumentals. Such a brilliant song, my first Kraftwerk song was probably "Showroom Dummies" but this one is my favourite. Its melodies, memorable chorus and pulsing beat are fantastic.
NEON LIGHTS - Really nice, relaxing melody for half of this song, very laid back and emotive. Then the brilliant echoed funky synth Disco keyboards come in before ending with a mix of choral chants to the end. Cool.
THE MAN MACHINE - Ironicalls as it is the title track, this final song is the least accessible to a non-Kraftwerk audience. Its repetitive music and lyrics special effects just don't make it easy listening. For the synth and Kraftwerk officianados this would mean more. To a casual listener of much music like me it doesn't grab the senses.
SAMANTHA FOX "TOUCH ME" 1986 TOUCH ME (I WANT YOUR BODY) - Sometimes making a huge switch in careers can be troublesome. Samantha Fox started as a 16 year old glamour model and became the most sought after pin-up girl in the 80s. However in 1986 she turned to music and released this great Pop album. Opening with this massive debut hit, number 3 in the UK chart its a great slice of Synth and Dance Pop with hints of Rock. Catchy, saucy, sexy and memorable. I'M ALL YOU NEED - The fourth and final single from this album only reached number 41 in the UK chart. This is a really nice, quirky Synth Pop track epitomising the early to mid 80s Electronic music boom. Catchy chorus and some lovely vocals from Samantha. SUZIE, DON'T LEAVE ME WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND - A kind of Motown/ R n' B simple track. Doesn't really go anywhere to be too engaging on the ear. Not one of my favourites and definitely a filler here. WILDA KIND OF LOVE - The intro shouts of "
HUE AND CRY "SEDUCED AND ABANDONED" 1987 STRENGTH TO STRENGTH - The band's debut album, considered to be "sophisti-pop" saved my music listening pleasures along with fellow Scottish counterparts, Deacon Blue, Texas, The Proclaimers and Del Amitri. Amidst the onrush of Acid House and boybands etc this was bliss. This opening track criminally was ignored after the success of "Labour of Love". It is an unusual orchestral Pop Rock track with old style crooning vocals. Great harmonies and melodies. HISTORY CITY - This track is a mix of Jazz Blues with a little Funk and some awesome vocals from Pat Kane backed ably by his brother Greg on various keyboards. Its punchy and bright and you can't help but move your feet! GOODBYE TO ME - A pure Pop Soul track with a Country twang. The band have a great ear for lush melodies and this is no exception. The lyrics are sometimes highbrow but the sound id incredibly engaging. HUMAN TOUCH - A gentle
FLEETWOOD MAC "RUMOURS" 1977 SECOND HAND NEWS - The opening track of the album is a bouncy, quirky Folk style Rock song, reminds me of the 60s duetted sounds of The Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel. Sung by Lindsey Bucking ham who was also the composer. Great melody and harmonies and a neat guitar solo to finish which could have been longer but a great song. DREAMS - The second single from the album reached number 24 in the UK chart and is one of my favourite "Mac" tracks. It was covered brilliantly by another favourite band of mine, The Corrs as well. This lilting Soft Rock ballad is beautifully sung by Stevie Nicks and is a notable classic. NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN - This song is a merging of Country Pop and Folk Rock with some stunning pure Acoustic guitar and vocals from writer Buckingham. Really lovely song. Was a B-side for a handful of singles in various countries. DON'T STOP - This track criminally only reached number 32 in the UK char
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