Episode 566 is POPOL VUH. They are categorized as a Krautrock band but the German word term for it, “kosmische Musik,” fits better as they are cited as pioneers of “space music.” And electronic music too, as their first two albums featured the Moog synthesizer. But then leader Florian Fricke set that aside for piano and guitars, creating ambient soundscapes and textures with ethereal, at times spiritual, dimensions and non-European percussion and vocals. Fricke was close with Werner Herzog and composed soundtracks to several of his films. Among the Krautrock groups, Popol Vuh’s approach was cl ..read more

(June 2023) Episode 502 is FAUST. Unlike most of the other German outfits listed as Krautrock, they never ventured beyond their experimental roots.  Their approach eschewed conventional structure and form, but in doing so they influenced the development of ambient and industrial music. Their discography lacks an iconic album (such as Can’s Tago Mago or Kraftwerk’s Autobahn) that identifies the band, but that also means it will require me to return to the recordings several times to appreciate it more. After a 70s heyday, they reunited in the 90s for a long string of eclectic albums. Favor ..read more

(April 2023) Episode 490 is NEU!. Krautrock!  What Neu! Lacked in output and commercial success, they made up for in influence.  Comprising a duo spun off from Kraftwerk, Neu! is credited with creating “motorik,” a spare yet mesmerizing beat that propels the music forward with German efficiency. Favorite album: Neu! Favorite song: Hallogallo Compared to expectations: ↑ Recommendation: the three 70s albums are good for your groove ..read more

(July 2021) Episode 345 is CLUSTER, plus side project HARMONIA. Make a Krautrock Venn diagram of the sounds of Can, Tangerine Dream and early Kraftwerk, and that space in the middle is the sound of Cluster, who unfairly didn’t get the recognition of the others. Cluster requites my inordinate love of mid-70s synthesizer music. The duo teamed up with Brian Eno on some (by definition) quality recordings, directing their later sound toward Eno-esque brainy ambient. Favorite album: Zuckerzeit Favorite song: Hollywood Favorite Harmonia album: Deluxe Favorite Harmonia song: Deluxe (Immer Wieder) Comp ..read more

(December 2017) I have completed episode 149 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: KRAFTWERK. It is shameful and unexplainable that they weren’t in my rotation back in the day, given my love of mid-70s electronic music. It’s so good. I prefer the earlier krautrock material to the later robot-pop. Favorite album: Autobahn Favorite song: Autobahn Favorite period: 1973-77 Compared to expectations: same ..read more

(May 2015) I have completed phase 55 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s entre discography from start to finish. This episode: CAN. Because Krautrock! How to describe their music? The best answer is from my college roommate who introduced them to me a decade ago, who said: “I can’t. Just go listen to the album” (Tago Mago). Favorite album: Tago Mago Favorite song: Halleluhwah Least favorite album: Can (an attempt to be disco-relevant) Compared to expectations: same ..read more