World of Kraut Rock [Import]

1. Work Is Done

2. Lunetic

3. Schmetterling

4. Der Rat Der Motten

5. Requiem Fur Einen Wicht

6. Queen Of Saba

7. Electric Junk

8. Im Garten Der Gemeinschaf

9. Priestess

10. Stop Little Lady

11. Der Lsd-Marsch

12. Marvellous Child

13. Dracula

14. Bo Diddley

15. Mother Universe

16. Just Before The Sun Will

Tracks:

Work Is Done - Birth Control
Lunetic - Wallenstein
Schmetterling - Brmaschine
Rat der Motten
Requiem Fur einen Wicht - Hrlin
Queen of Saba - Walpurgis
Electric Junk - Guru Guru
Im Garten der Gemeinschaf - Popol Vuh
Priestess - Wallenstein
Stop Little Lady - Birth Control
LSD-Marsch - Guru Guru
Marvellous Child - Wallenstein
Dracula - Bernd Witthuser
Bo Diddley - Guru Guru
Mother Universe - Wallenstein
Just Before the Sun Will - Birth Control

Customer Reviews:

< < >> from the BLACK MUSHROOM FOREST ..........2007-01-24

Birthday gifts to yourself are often the most enjoyable - I nailed it this year with this rich, vibrant musical sampler from the inner continent. I was in Germany for almost a year in the early 80's, but only came across a couple of these great bands back then unfortunately. There was an occasional friend there with a far-out collection I was able to sample. Once in Berlin I spent a few days filling up ten 90 minute cassettes with many of my finds there. This generally brings back good memories of roaming the German land.

Many styles are represented on the four hour-long cds in volumes 1 & 2 (both in cool reversible, dual-hinged slimline cd cases, with few track notes or info on these bands unfortunately), showering your thirst for fresh psychedelic fields to lay about in. FRAGRANT & COLORFUL, I think I will move in, set seed and stay awhile ... who ever said Germans can't rock or were uninspired tunesmiths??? All manner of elements rain down in these songs: beautiful acoustic and fiery electric guitars, flutes, mellotrons, sitars, cellos. Atmospheric warbly organ sounds and/or organic early synths blend with Bad-a** drums, along with tablas, bongos and other medium in various places. Art rock and space music are prevalent often reminding me of the more psychedelic sections of The Moody Blues, Yes, Pink Floyd, Nektar or early Deep Purple, etc (many songs are very long, proggy and/or jammy pieces).

Sheltering under these solid conical caps is everything I was expecting in this parallel (German) stoner-rock universe. It's ALL so familiar - The gills are vibrating and some universal musical code is sporing, floating on air and clearly understood (despite a few sections of lyrics in German): Stones (Secret Request), Camel, Jefferson Airplane, QMS, Gong, The Dead, Hawkwind, Santana, The Move, Early ELO, Pretty Things, Caravan, Strawbs, Renaissance (yes, it's acid-folky in spots) and many other influences (or influenced by them - i.e, later examples like Bevis Frond or The Lucky Bishops) are present as well throughout these wide-ranging selections. Not to say these bands weren't original. Hearing a great new (for me) guitarist or musician with a unique approach is always welcome, and many spots in these songs display great chops. This era was all about exploration within the cosmic (sometimes comic) mind. Everyone needs a home, and these bands seem to know where it's at.

The cover tells you all you need to know - if mj leaves, mushrooms & peace signs decorate the package, you've probably GOT MILCH (I wish I could put an umlaut over got)! Very little here feels even remotely like filler. I'm sure they could fill volumes with high-quality German music of this sort judging by the quality on these four cds (don't forget that volume 2 is a seperate package, and just as good, the other reviewers tell more about the songs and bands - they are all fun). Here is your next vacation, get packing!

Highlights of the OHR catalogue from early 70s.......2005-05-22

This is a great introduction to the world of Krautrock, for those who are looking for a bit more than just Can, Faust, Neu, Amon Duul and Kraftwerk. Not that there is anything wrong with those bands--in fact, those bands are really the place to start, if you have an interest in the KRAUTROCK sound. What you have in this 2cd set, are highlights from the OHR catalogue of the early 70s. After I bought this 2CD set, I realized I already had almost every CD, and the one or two i DIDNT have, i ended up buying. The set concentrates on the first GURU GURU lp, the second BIRTH CONTROLL lp (Operation), and key tracks from the more "Acoustic" bands in the OHR catalouge, all of which are beautiful, and worthy of discovery by all people that love the 70s music scene. It is not often you can find a 2CD set of music, at this price range, where every track is this good. Expect anything from psychedelic, sitar laden folk songs like "SCHMETTERLING" (Butterfly), to heavy keyboard "ARTROCK" sounds from the band WALLENSTEIN, a taste of the transcendental POPOL VUH, and even some songs from the rock and roll band BIRTH CONTROL. You won't find heavy rock, Goth, Electronic experimental music, or atonal freakouts. Except for a couple of exceptions, everything is sung in English too. So, if you want to dip your foot into the waters of German hippie/art rock music, you really can't go wrong.

'The World Of Krautrock' - Various Artists (ZYX Music).......2004-12-23

If you're a fan that hasn't heard all that much krautrock,then this 2-CD in a ultra-slim line double jewel case is for you.I don't believe I've ever seen this sort of CD case.A total of sixteen tracks covers both better known krautrock bands such as Popul Vuh,Guru Guru and Birth Control as well as some lesser known bands like Walpurgis(love their track "Queen Of Saba"),the folkish Wallenstein and Holderlin.Guru Guru has three(3)killer cuts here,"Electric Junk","Der LSD-March" and their own version of "Bo Diddley".Check out the Birth Control tune "The Work Is Done" and tell me the vocals don't sound similar to classic Guess Who.Go figure.Would make a nice gift for the eccentric music fan.Enjoy.I know you will.

Average customer rating:

Another nice Cluster record
Middling Work
An Interesting Observation (?)
Cluster's peak
Music from those who taught Eno everything except irony

Grosses Wasser
Cluster
Manufacturer: Gyroscope
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Techno-House | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000035DI
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

AVANTI
PROTHESE
ISODEA
BREITENGRAD 20
MANCHMAL
GROSSES WASSER

Customer Reviews:

Another nice Cluster record.......2007-01-31

While it is not one of their masterpieces and is maligned in some quarters I personally think that Cluster have come up with another good record, a great one in parts.

Middling Work.......2002-08-07

I don't know what on earth the reviewer below is on about but Cluster were definitely not in East Germany when they recorded this album! What used to be the first side of the album is full of the careful, melodic music that Cluster had been perfecting since "Zuckerzeit" - some of this is undoubtedly very good, Roedelius' knack of writing charmingly childlike melodies is well to the fore, but it tends to be a kind of in-on-ear-out-the-other music. In fact Roedelius' "Jardin Au Fou" album, recorded in the same studio at around this time is much more impressive. The title track is just dull and rather sloppy. I'd give this album three-and-a-half if I could but i can't, so three it is.

An Interesting Observation (?).......2002-04-14

I don't know why I've thought this way about GW's title track, but I'll share it with everyone out there:

Ever since I first heard this piece I've thought of it as instrumental protest music. It seems like they're saying, "Our rights have been supressed, our freedoms taken from us, and all we have left is our arts. It's pointless to resist, so if all we can do is play music, we'll pour our frustration, disgust, and anger into one long piece and hope someone gets the message." Has anyone else thought about the piece this way?
The title "Grosses Wasser" in german means "Great Water", so maybe they're thinking of the former free world as being innundated with a "Great Water" of oppressive governments...
They WERE in communist East Germany when they wrote and recorded the work...
I don't know. Maybe it's not supposed to be taken that way. Just thought I'd share. It's a great album though.

Cluster's peak.......2000-01-28

This release, produced by recently-departed ex-Tangerine Dream member Peter Baumann, is perhaps the best showcase of Cluster in all of their different styles. The first half seesaws back and forth between a Teutonic, motoric style that Cluster hadn't entertained since their 1974 "Zuckerzeit" album and the post-Harmonia simplistic, neo-classical stylings found on "Sowiesoso" and their work with Brian Eno. But the second half...the title track...is a landmark work that combines a sweeping, soundtrack-like sensibility with ambient electronics and 'radiospiel'-like effects to create perhaps their ultimate studio composition. This album perhaps better than any other shows off what Dieter Moebius and Hans-Joachim Roedelius are capable of. Essential.

Music from those who taught Eno everything except irony.......1998-12-11

These Germans make music for aesthetes with a profound sense of wonder and irony. Where Eno often takes himself too seriously and verges on musical sterility, Cluster is able to transform musical ideas into eclectic spatial images. Not merely "Pop" artists, their classical training allows provides them with a richer language with which to juxtaoppose and marry sounds. Thomas Mann, Paul Klee, Max Ernst and Rilke come to mind. I recommend their music to all who love the infinite possibilities of electronic music...

Average customer rating:

Yet another album of excellent Italian Prog Rock
Classic italian prog
Music with passion
Another good Italian Prog release
Rubbish.

Passio Secundum Mattheum
Latte e Miele
Manufacturer: Universal/Polygram
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Reale Accademia Di Musica
Forse le Lucciole Non Si Amano Più
Zarathustra
Felona E Sorona
Sognando E Risognando

ASIN: B00000IPOK
Release Date: 1999-04-26

Tracks:

Introduzione
Giorno DeGli Azzimi
Ultima Cena
Getzemani
Processo
I Testimoni, Pt. 1
I Testimoni, Pt. 2
Pianto
Giuda
Re Dei Giudei
Calvario
Dono DeLla Vita
Mese di Maggio

Customer Reviews:

Yet another album of excellent Italian Prog Rock.......2006-04-02

I am beginning to think that the Italian prog scene may actually be infinite. There is certainly no shortage of incredible albums, and this great 1972 release is no exception. Passio Secundum Mattheum is a concept album of a religious nature that revolves around 12 pieces that range in length from 0'43" to 7'04". The original album is roughly 35'00" in length, and the mediocre, poppy bonus track from 1974 (track 13 - Mese di Maggio) brings the CD up to just under 40 minutes. The CD was remastered in 1994 and the sound quality is excellent. With regard to the music, it is of the standard of excellence that I have come to associate with Italian prog - brilliant and haunting melodies/harmonies, superior musicianship by excellent drummer Alfio, guitarist Marcello (bass guitar, acoustic and electric 6 string guitar (sometimes heavily distorted), and classical guitar), and keyboardist Oliver (pipe organ, celeste, Hammond organ and acoustic piano, mellotron, mini-moog, and solina string synthesizer). This recording is largely instrumental but there is some spoken dialogue and very good vocal parts by the band members. In addition to the band vocalists, there are some brief operatic "choir" parts by a baritone, (two?) sopranos, and an alto (I think). With respect to outside influences, I Testimoni (parts 1 and 2) seems to be largely based upon the jam section of Traffic's lengthy piece Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971), while the introduction to Il Calvario consists of an unaccompanied pipe organ solo that sounds a great deal like Keith Emerson's pipe organ solo on Clotho from The Three Fates (ELP, 1970). Although this album is excellent, I have two very minor complaints including (1) the abrupt ending on track 4 (Getzemani) - not sure if it was intentional, or an error that occurred during the 1994 transcription; and (2) the odd track Guida, which ranges from death metal, to lounge jazz, then back into excellent prog. Fortunately, Guida is only 0'43 in length so it is not completely disruptive and does not affect the overall quality of the album. All in all, this really is a great recording and is certainly right up there with the great prog albums from Italy. Recommended.

Classic italian prog.......2004-12-18

This an excellent, heavily classical-inspired album from Latte E Miele, one of of the best italian prog band from the 70s. "Passio Secumdum Mattheum" is progressive rock at its best. The diversity and quality of the music are very impressive for a trio (yet it is NOT a rip of ELP), and the vocals are excellent and very typical of the Italian prog bands.
The only complaint I have are the lyrics, even if I don't understand italian it's obvious that they are related to Jesus and the bible. It's not really annoying in itself, but I think the theme don't really fit the mood of the album.

Music with passion.......2004-10-26

Attempting to break free of the traditional constraints of pop music (verse - chorus - bridge etc.) many progressive groups started experimenting with classical musical forms. Latte e Miele are, however, the only group that I am aware of who have tried to tell the Matthew Passion in the same way that Bach did.

The music doesn't overtly borrow from Bach, but this is clearly done in the same spirit, with passages slowly building up to strong, powerful crescendos. The songs are generally shortish in length, but run one into the other giving a strong feel of continuity.

It always amazes me how much power a three piece band can get, and Latte e Miele certainly deliver with all the flair perculiar to the Italian prog bands. While not quite in the league of the very best Italian albums, this certainly has its moments with a couple of strong riffs and good musicianship all around. A must have for those starting to delve deeper into the wonders of Italian prog.

Another good Italian Prog release.......2002-04-21

As I explore Italian progressive rock of the 1970s, one thing becomes clear; there was a great deal of depth in this scene. Latte E Miele's debut release in another fine example of the music being generated in Italy at the time. On this one, the songs are generally in the 2:00 to 4:00 minute range and the ideas change fairly rapidly. For moments there is a small choir, then jazzy sounding piano breaks, next Emerson-like church organ (think The Three Fates), this might be followed by a brief spoken section and then some "chunky" guitar chords. While it sounds fragemented, it actually flows together fairly well. At the time this was recorded Latte E Meile was a trio, and they play more as a combo than as individuals. Supposedly the overall theme has to do with religion, but, since I don't speak italian, you couldn't prove it by me.

To Simon, I have read many of your reviews (in fact I wish they were all together somewhere as I generally find them randomly in exploring) and usually find them very insightful and useful, but, I really think you missed the boat on this one. The music is somewhat innocent and derivative of other sources (and therefore not as mature as some of the better known Italian prog bands), but it is put together nicely with a lot of variety. There aren't many vocals other than the choir, which I find pleasant.

Overall, another good listen from Italy.

Rubbish........2000-12-30

If you want to hear some of the finest in Italian progressive rock go to PFM, Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso, Le Orme, Locande Delle Fate and Museo Rosenbach. This recording is a vastly overated piece of rubbish. The vocals are overblown and grating. They come across as pseudo-operatic bombast. The musicianship is competent but definately not inspired. They sound as if they are a group of assembled studio musicians attempting to record progressive music. The compositions and production are dated, stiff and uninteresting. Don't bother with this one...Simon

Average customer rating:

The softer side of Ambient Krautrock

Wenn der Sudwind Weht
Roedelius
Manufacturer: Gyroscope
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000035DK
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

Wenn Der Sudwind Weht
Veilchenwurzeln
Mein Freund Farouk
Mutee
Freudentanz
Goldregen
Auf Leisen Sohlen
Saumpfad
Sonnegeflecht
Felix Austria

Customer Reviews:

The softer side of Ambient Krautrock.......2002-04-14

I haven't listened to a lot of Roedelius' lengthy canon (I think he's been on over 80 records, and has about 40 solo releases) but so far, I like what I've heard. This one was made at about the same time as "Lustwandel", another very good album which I recommend, and it's a nice contrast to that one.
While "Lustwandel" is more piano-driven and has a feel of melancholy to it, "WDSW" is very cheerful and synth-dominated. It's like a cross between early Tangerine Dream and elevator music, but it's intelligent and engaging. Two tracks stand out: the eighth one (I don't know what it's called since the title is in german), which breaks the album's happy feel with a dark, somber synth drone, and "Felix Austria" which my brother describes as "carousel music". Parts of it sound like Terry Riley's "Curved Air".
All in all the album fits in nicely with other stuff by Roedelius or Cluster. This is my favorite album to listen to while reading.

Average customer rating:

De Luxe
Harmonia
Manufacturer: Universal Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Musik Von Harmonia

ASIN: B0007WZUSI
Release Date: 2005-05-30

Tracks:

De Luxe (Immer Wieder)
Walky-Talky
Monza (Rauf und Runter)
Notre Dame
Gollum
Kekse

Album Description

Limited Japanese reissue of the Krautrock band's 1975 album, remastered and packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Brain. 2005.

Average customer rating:

Musically updated version of Coeur du Verre soundtrack

Sing, For Song Drives Away the Wolves
Popol Vuh
Manufacturer: Milan Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Electronic | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

City Raga
For You and Me
Einsjager & Siebenjager

ASIN: B0000015H3
Release Date: 1993-10-26

Tracks:

Song Of The High Mountains
Pages From The Book Of Daring
Dance Of The Chassidim
Keepers Of The Threshold
Sing, For Song Drives Away The Wolves
Little Warrior
Sweet Repose
You Shouldn't Awake Your Beloved Before It...

Customer Reviews:

Musically updated version of Coeur du Verre soundtrack.......1998-09-17

Nowhere in all of Popol Vuh's releases is East Indian fusion more apparent, and more wonderful, than on this album and its earlier incarnation. On this release, however, some of the purity of that earlier vision has been lost and the tracks overlaid with keyboard harmonics that I personally feel detract from -- rather than add to -- the beauty of the compositions themselves.

These are dancing pieces (not pieces to dance to necessarily) full of worshipful wonder for the mysteries of Nature.

It gets 4 stars rather than 5 because this is a remastered, updated, rocked-up re-release of the killer Popol Vuh soundtrack album for Werner Herzog's Coeur de Verre.

On the other hand, it does contain a bonus track from Einsjager & Sebensjager.

The Coeur de Verre soundtrack is subtitled "Singet, denn der gesang vertreisst die wolfe." The tracks on the Coeur de Verre are Engel der Gegenwart; Blatter aus dem buch der kuhnheit; Das lied von den hohen bergen; Huter der schwelle; Der ruf; Singet, denn der gesang vertreisst die wolfe; and Gemeinschaft.

This CD's tracks are Song of the high mountains; Pages from the book of daring; Dance of the Chassidim; Keepers of the threshold; Sing, for song drives away the wolves; Little warrior; Sweet repose; and You shouldn't awake your beloved before it pleases her.

My recommendation is to buy the Coeur de Verre soundtrack in preference to this CD.

Tracks:

Ho Renomo
Schone Hande
Steinsame
Fur Luise
Mit Simaen
Selange
Die Bunge
One
Wermut

Amazon.com

The first collaboration between the prolific avant-garde German duo and the synthesist and future U2 producer bore tasty musical fruit. Meshing Cluster's affinity for loops and repetition and Eno's penchant for processing sounds, the trio proves that ambient music does not merely consist of drawn-out drones and insipid keyboard tapestries. Certainly many of these nine tracks play off of sustained sounds and atmospheres, but their shorter running times make them more digestible, as does their variety of moods and textures. Highlights include the angelic atmosphere of "Für Luise," the classically inspired piano interlude "Mit Samaen," and the Indian-influenced "One," a trippy progenitor of ethnoambient music, ripe with sitar drones, guitar noises, and exotic percussion that features contributions from Okko Becker and Asmus Tietchens. The group also usurps their spaced-out predilections with the off-kilter "Selange"--a cyclical piece for keyboards and drum machine with a tricky rhythm change to discombobulate its otherwise smooth flow--and the upbeat Western gallop of "Die Bunge." Cluster & Eno is a worthy model for the eclectic possibilities of electronic music. --Bryan Reesman

Customer Reviews:

quite good.......2005-04-29

If you like eno and cluster you must have this. It is nothing unexpected but quite good indeed

"Microphone Against The World" - cool cover.......2002-11-23

Cluster live and work in Berlin. They like Eno, and Eno likes them. They call him up and say "come to Berlin and We'll make a record". Eno's friend David Bowie calls, says "I'm depressed." Eno says, "Come to Berlin, we're making records. oh and hey, bring Fripp along." Bowie and Fripp show up with Iggy Pop - he came along because He's a big fan of Fripp (believe it or not!).

And that's the story of how "The Berlin Albums" came to bieng. They are: "Cluster and Eno" and "After the Heat" by C&E, "Low" and "Heroes" by Bowie, and "Before and after Science" by Eno. Such an amazing quintet of albums was never before or since put together and released all in the space of one year. To get the full effect, you really have to listen to all five at the same time in one of those five-tray "random play" CD players.

But on to the review. "C&E" is probably the darkest and most unsettling of the five, featuring instruments such as Theremin, Fretless Bass, Assorted Percussion (of the pots-and-pans variety), Sitar, Piano Trio, and the ubiqtuous Synthesisizer. In fact, Eno's little VCS3 dominates the record, but in many places it takes the role it did with Roxy Music, merely treating the other instruments.

Like I said Before, you have to but all five. the "Berlin Group" creates a complete musical micro-universe within themselves.

essential.......2000-09-23

It's odd, but if you look at the careers of Eno and the German synth duo Cluster (Hans-Joachim Roedelius, Deiter Moebius), the parallel each other quite a bit. Eno started out in Roxy Music, the experimental rock outfit; Cluster started as Kluster, an anarchic trio (3rd member being its founder-Conrad Schnitzler, arch experimentalist formally of the "Electronic Meditation" era Tangerine Dream) whose experiments were so severe and heady that they would send shivers down the spine of a deaf person.

Both Eno and Cluster would settle into grooves (Cluster, in fact, were profoundly influenced by Eno, as their later efforts would prove- even in 1996, when I saw them and interviewed them 3 times on their only US tour, they both told me that Eno was critical in their development as musicians), and then find each other.

The 2 lps they did together are landmarks for both Eno and for German synth music. This lp has the occasional moment or 2 of tedium in it, but overall, the results are glorious- just listen to the wonderful "Steinsame" for the lp's crowning moment.

An amazing collaboration and essential listening for any fan of synth music, no less Eno or Cluster fans.

1/2 Of..........2000-01-28

This release is an interesting affair. Cluster shifted gears a few times in the mid-70s, arriving at a very atmospheric, stripped-down approach to electronic music with "Sowiesoso" and their collaborations with Michael Rother as Harmonia. And as such, it's only logical that Brian Eno, the godfather of ambient music, would collaborate with them. The results are documented here and in a bookend work, "After the Heat", as well as a few tracks on Eno's "Before and After Science", and the results are stark, beautiful, and amazing. In a few places, things get a little tedious, but this really doesn't detract all that much from the goings-on here. Docked one star because, honestly, this should be in the same package with its tandem release "After the Heat" to get the real feel of the pairing. A critical release.

Average customer rating:

Phew with Czukay
Phew , and Holger Czukay
Manufacturer: Dsa
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005YAX4
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

Closed
Signal
Doze
Dream
Mapping
Aqua
P-Adic
Fragment
Circuit

Average customer rating:

Hans Joachim Roedelius - 'Durch die Wuste' (Gyroscope)
Title song too long, every thing else is primo
It grows on you
Roedelius' First Outing

Durch die Wüste
Hans Joachim Roedelius
Manufacturer: Gyroscope
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000035DJ
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

AM ROCKZIPFEL
DURCH DIE WUSTE
JOHANNESLUST
GLAUBERSALZ
MR. LIVINGSTONE
REGENMACHER

Customer Reviews:

Hans Joachim Roedelius - 'Durch die Wuste' (Gyroscope).......2006-11-27

Originally released in 1978,good CD reissue of Hans Joachim Roedelius's first solo work.Most probably know him simply by Roedelius,as a key member of Kluster and Harmonia.Tracks here that tend to stand out are "Am Rockzipfel",the fourteen-minute title cut "Durch die Wuste" and "Mr.Livingston".Nicely done neo-kraut,as some might describe it.Line-up:Roedelius-keyboards&vocals,Conrad Plank(R.I.P.)-guitar,fellow Kluster partner Deter Moebius-synthesizer and Jaso Christo-drums.Do check it out.

Title song too long, every thing else is primo.......2004-12-06

Roedelius is a master at arrangement of instruments to perform the compositions in the most expressive format. Compositions are simple, yet puzzeling. Sound quality is great.

It grows on you.......2002-07-27

Roedelius' first solo record, which would start a string of around 40+ other solo releses. Strangely, this sounds more like a lost Cluster record than a Roedelius, for instance "Lustwandel", "Wenn der Sudwind Weht", etc. In parts, it sounds like Roedelius is simply "fooling around" in the studio's splicing lab (check out the bizarre vocal section in the middle of the title track), but all in all a very good album.
The only annoying song (IMHO) is "Glaubersalz" for two reasons: the really cheezy beginning which sounds like the "Ladyhawke" soundtrack, and the tempo of the song, which speeds up and slows down randomly and gets VERY aggravating at the end. But you can always skip over that track. The rest of the album is very good, especially the end of the 14-minute-long title epic; this part reminds me of Rick Wright's playing on parts of "WYWH" and "Animals".

Roedelius' First Outing.......2000-02-02

This is H-J. Roedelius's first solo effort, released and recorded between the periods of his group Cluster's "Sowiesoso" and "Grosses Wasser" albums. And as such, there are elements here that remind one a lot of both. The classicisms of the former can be heard in the shorter works, such as 'Glaubersalz' and 'Johanneslust', and the sprawling title track of the latter finds its precursor in the title track of this release. An intriguing effort, but perhaps a bit rough here and there in terms of recording quality and execution.

Average customer rating:

So-so Music
Cluster - 'Sowiesoso' (Sky)
Beautiful
A quiet electronic masterpiece...
Any Way, Way is Zodiac Free

Sowiesoso
Cluster
Manufacturer: Gyroscope
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Techno-House | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000035DH
Release Date: 1996-03-19

Tracks:

Sowiesoso
Halwa
Dem Wanderer
Umleitung
Zum Wohl
Es war einmal
In Ewgkeit

Customer Reviews:

So-so Music.......2006-03-22

Cluster deal with organic, analogue sounds - ones that ooze and tremble akin to the noises that Brian Eno and Robert Fripp worked with together in England, sounds which are inherently pleasant and soothing. They structure these sounds, on this record, into pieces which mimic classical and chamber music, with a different set of voices. I find the structures unsatisfying, overly static, and old-fashioned.

Cluster - 'Sowiesoso' (Sky).......2004-12-13

Originally released in 1976,'Sowiesoso' is apparently German for 'Any Way Way'.Cluster,by this point was stripped down to a duo,Dieter Moebius-synthesizer&keyboards and Hans-Joachim Roedelius-producer,audio generator&effects.'Sowiesoso' is quite far fetched from most any other CD I've ever heard.I would best tag them as good electronic krautrock.The tunes that I thought stood out were "Dem Wanderer","Zum Wohl",the title cut "Sowiesoso" and the atmospheric "In Ewigkeit".Those last two I just mentioned runs over seven minutes.If you ask me,this sort of music is taylor-made for such lengthy tracks.Recommended,that is if you're a fan of this sort of work.

Beautiful.......2002-12-12

Sometimes I run across a record that needs no other justification for it's existence than that it SOUNDS good. Sometimes I think people get too involved with the "importance" or "significance" of a musical work, so that they ignore the fact that the music is just plain good. This record is'nt groundbreaking, or visionary (not even for the musicians involved, it's just the logical conclusion of the ideas first presented in "Zuckerzeit") - but it is essential, because it is good.

The album's first track presents the formant for the subsequent pieces - simple synthesizer-based sound paintings that stay close to their origianl structure. One could even say that they are "static". But the way that Cluster blends different organ, piano, and synth lines together into an overall sonic background is simply masterful. Listen to the sense of depth in the title track, or in "Zum Wohl". In this particular track, for example, the band creates, through the subtle use of bird sounds, the effect of playing the song deep inside a forest. Then there is also the final track on the CD, which is unbelievalby slow, while not seeming to be.

It is interesting to note what was going on with other musicians at the time; for example, Eno, while not working on any particular project in '76, had just released his "Discreet Music" album. And Tangerine Dream was recording "Stratosfear" ( the second track of which sounds quite a lot like some of the stuff on "Sowiesoso").

I would recommend this album to anyone interested either in Eno or TD, as well as some of the other german groups (Kraftwerk, etc) or the early works of Steve Roach ("Structures from Silence"). Or of course, to anyone who likes a good piece of music.

A quiet electronic masterpiece..........2002-04-14

Sowiesoso is a great album! I have never heard an album with such soft textures and an atmosphere that's so calm and refreshing. This is the sort of album you can listen to during a rainy Sunday afternoon or late at night. Heck, I'd listen to it anywhere, anytime! Sowiesoso is very far away from the early days of noisy drones and sonic terror found on Cluster 71 and the two Kluster albums. One of my favourite tracks - In Ewigkeit - is a gorgeous repetetive little melody performed on piano, xylophone, various acoustic percussion (a gong, perhaps?) and different electronic instruments and effects. That track alone is worth the price of admission for this CD.

I believe the word for this album is "organic". The blend of electronic rhythms and quirky bubbly sounds combined with piano and a few bits of guitar here and there is pure bliss. Modern bands such as To Rococo Rot has based their entire career on the sounds of Sowiesoso. Dem Wanderer, for example, sounds a lot like some of the stuff Tortoise does, but not as wanky and self indulgent.

Have a quick look at the cover and you'll understand what the music inside will be like. Fans of Autobahn by Kraftwerk, Harmonia and modern electronica should give this a try. You won't regret it!

Any Way, Way is Zodiac Free.......2001-09-18

Hans-Joachim Roedelius comes from a family of teachers, preachers, musicians and doctors. Dieter Moebius's origins are more informal, as his long-standing association with the Harmonia Commune of Germany suggests.

Together, they form Cluster, and have produced an extensive discography of meditative electronic music. Sowiesoso, which means 'any way way' was released in 1976. This album was recorded during a particularly fruitful time in Berlin history, before each artist began their solo careers, starting in 1978 and 1983, respectively.

Cluster originally came out of an art music collective called the 'Zodiak Free Arts Lab', which was formed by Conrad Schnitzler ( one of the leaders of Berlin's avant-garde ). The adventurous, experimental spirit of the 1970's German electronic music scene flows throughout Sowiesoso.

Listen attentively, without distraction, to this lovely musical offering, and you may find that you are then transported to far away places, by Cluster's whimsical imagination and abundant musical talent.

World Music:

World Music

world music

World Music

Some Things Never Change [Import]

A Gift of Piano: The Most Beautiful Melodies

Art of Anna Tomowa-Sintow

Istambul da Eylül

An Apple a Day

Auto:Matic

Au Bol D'Or des Monedieres [Import]

All Rise

Alternation

3 for 1 [Box set] [Import]

A Place in the Sun

1952-1953

Ambitions of a Rap-A-Holic [Explicit Lyrics]

Sibelius/Tchaikovsky: Violinkonzerte

Beginning