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Autobahn

Kraftwerk - Autobahn Audio CD

A fair review of the Kraftwerk "Autobahn" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Kraftwerk reviews here, or go back to the Kraftwerk tabs.

Band: Kraftwerk
Title: Autobahn
Rating:

Release Date: 1996-02-15
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Autobahn 2: Komtenmelodie 1 3: Komtenmelodie 2 4: Mitternacht 5: Morgenspaziergang

Unique,Futuristic And Beautiful
One of the main reasons for that is,much as Stevie Wonder did in his musical world made music that was creative and often very beautiful music (yes,even for all Kraftwerk's cold exterior sound) with very primative and difficult instrumentation. Legend aside Kraftwerk definately created some of the most unique and certainly the most enduring music of the 70's. The title song of course dominates this album and there's a good reason for that. The melodic theme is irresistable for one,not to mention the fact between two stereo channels the quartet allow for a self created series of vast polyphonic style sounds from what are obviously primative synthesizers only capable of playing one note at a time,mostly seeming to illustrate impressions of various automobile sounds. . But even audiophiles will not likely tune emmediatly into the masterful engineering on this album but rather to the haromonic and melodic delights found within. Most of the rest of the music here follows a similar pattern to the title track and "Kometenmelodie 2" really showcases another of Kraftwerk's many appealing musical qualities,again one I can liken to Wonder despite the differences in mood and genre. They could take a musical idea that was,as they say all wax and utilize their pre-MIDI electronics,as illustrated by another reviewer and great new rhythms based on basslines and beats. Since this begins what is really a second stage in Kraftwerk where live instrutmentation tended to be shunned,as opposed to the more live sound of their first three recordings it's surprising to here a pretty flute melody,a piano and what sounds like a Japanese Koto harp on "Morgenspanziergang",which actually repeats one of the melodic ideas from the title song. The great innovative sweep on Kraftwerks music,without which of course all electronica of the last two decades could'nt have existed as such,that began to peak during their Trans-Europe Express period really began here. It's definately a key point in 70's music on many different respects,not to mention how rhythm and blues in the 80's would owe much of what it became to Kraftwerk's rhythmic and melodic use of electronics.

A Superb Electronic Rock Record!
In addition to the duo of Ralf H�tter (vocals/keyboards/synth) and Florian Schneider (vocals/flute/synth) was Wolfgang Fl�r (electronic drums) and violinist/guitarist Klaus R�der. Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk released their fourth LP "Autobahn" in 1974 and it marked a turning point in the band's career signaling the beginning of the band's classic electronic sound with a pop sensibility yet at this point, the band still retained a few of the more avant-garde inspired experiments of the three previous LPs. The five compositions set aside for release were recorded at Conny Plank's Studio in the city of Cologne, West Germany sometime in 1974.

The classic title cut opens the LP but before the music starts, the sound of a car's closing door is heard. After the car's engine starts a robotic voice sings the title in a droning manner and so it begins: the unforgettable +22 minute journey through Germany's autobahn highway! The composition alternates between the catchy vocal parts (this section was edited for a single release cutting down the overall length to three minutes and it became the group's first ever hit) and some long instrumental bridges where you'll hear some nice flute/guitar phrasings and sometime later there's more percussive sound effects plus the sound of cars speeding by made with the synths. But for the last six minutes or so, a new section is introduced that uses the motorik 4/4 beat. On top there are a lot of cool inventive synth textures plus some mixolydian scale based notes! If you enjoy this last section, then check out the kraut-rock group Neu! and the songs "Hallogallo" from their self titled debut and "F�r Immer" from "Neu!2". Also check out the group Harmonia. I'm pretty sure you'll like them!

Although the title cut is definitely the highlight of the album, the four remaining compositions are masterpieces too! "Kometenmelodie 1" (comet melody) starts with some atmospheric notes. This intro section could be considered as early ambient music! A few moments later it becomes darker with a thick synth texture. A whistle-like sound doubles the main melody. Listen carefully, in the middle a piano briefly joins. Eventually the notes merge with the beginning of "Kometenmelodie 2". This one is much more up-tempo and catchier. Again there are some cool mixolydian scale melodies in the middle. The main theme has a slightly melancholic feel that becomes more apparent towards the end. It fits well with the song's title since comets come with their spectacular light show but once people say goodbye, they are gone forever (in human lifetime terms) making it a once in a lifetime sight. . . That's what I felt when I heard the song's conclusion: the sad feeling of waving it goodbye forever! It makes me think of for example comet Hale-Bopp which made its closest approach to Earth in 1997 and it turns out that it won't be coming back for at least 2500 years! Think about it. . . will the human race still exist by the time it comes back in about the year 4490? What will the Earth look like then? Only time will tell. . .
Anyway, track number four "Mitternacht" (midnight) finds the band a different mood: dark and eerie. This is the most avant-garde sounding tune here. I like the synth effects that mimic what sounds like water droplets smashing into a pond inside a cave or something. R�der added a violin overdub that enhances the dark atmosphere nicely making some strange noises. However the last composition called "Morgenspaziergang" (morning walk) it's much brighter as the title suggests. In the beginning you'll hear the birds singing (made with the moog synth) plus a very pleasant melody played on the flute and towards the end, a piano joins as well making for a very relaxing piece! Sounds kind of oriental. Excellent ending to this masterpiece of an LP!

For the people interested in electronic music this excellent group called Kraftwerk is essential listening and so is this album!
Thanks for taking the time to read!
Later. . . .

One Of Three Seminal Records That Changed My Life
Like "The Velvet Underground & Nico" in the 60s, this was the record of the 70s that has had the most dramatic and long lasting influence. The brutal 7" edit of the title track from this album is one of the three top 40 singles that changed my life. Listen to the transition of electronic music from art to pop begin in earnest with this album.

Returning to states from Germany in mid-70's, great to hear this album
I've always enjoyed this album, even here in 2009; so for an album to be listened to for over 30 years there really is something to it. Maybe it's because I'd come back to the states from Germany, being an army brat, back in the mid-70's but to hear Autobahn being played in Kentucky pool halls was just a bit surreal. Some will say the title track is the whole album and the other songs aren't worth listening to - but I differ on that opinion in that each track has something to offer and as is so true in life, sometimes the best things come in small packages - sometimes the best music is the smaller tracks.

Gret Price, Quick delivery
This was the best price by far if anywhere I had shopped. Autobahn is hard to find and usually pretty expensive. It arrived in plenty of time (as it was a gift) and in perfect condition. I would certaily use this vendor again.

You can see a complete list of all Kraftwerk discography, or go back to the Kraftwerk tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.