When the Machines Rock/When the Machines Love
Now on LaunchCAST - Kraftwerk's "Computer Love." Definitely a classic that transcends the "computer" concept of the album, or thoughts of computers, love, or anything in between. Frankly, this is Kraftwerk's version of "Free Bird," except instead of a massive guitar solo at the beginning, there's a massive keyboard solo at the end.
Here's what the BBC had to say about the song, the album, and the group:
Kraftwerk have been there or thereabouts since 1970. Hutter and Schneider were originally part of a group named Organisation....Deciding they wanted to make more 'unusual' types of music with different instruments they left Organisation and formed Kraftwerk....The first three albums were never released officially on CD....There's a good reason for this. They are not really Kraftwerk albums as we know them. They are highly experimental and awkwardly produced....
So, although Kraftwerk had existed for four years most people would consider 74's 'Autobahn' to be their first proper electronic album.
Subsequent releases 'Radio-Activity' (1975), 'Trans-Europe Express (1977), and 'The Man Machine (1978) would cement Kraftwerk's reputation as true pioneers of the electronic movement. They gained endorsements from David Bowie, Brian Eno and the like but had yet to make that really essential album that would set in stone the Kratwerk myth once and for all. By 1981 they were ready to release that album! 'Computer World'.
The album came at a time when home computers were beginning to enter the market. Indeed the cover of the album illustrates the four guys on a somewhat primitive computer. I'm still convinced that Kraftwerk were unaware of the magnitude of thier foresight but looking back it all seems planned!
At this time, Afrika Bambaataa had just purchased a copy of the 1977 album 'Trans Europe Express'. Finding that the repetitive 'motorik' beat of the title cut (clocking in at over 12 minutes!) allowed for vocal improvisation, easy cutting and sampling without too much hassle he suddenly propelled not only himself into the clubs he took Kraftwerk with him as well.
In the flash of an eye, Kraftwerk were almost trendy. Who'd have thought it? Germans! Fashionable?
So the release of 'Computer World' brought Kraftwerk finally into the public eye and they didn't disappoint. The lead single from the album (and incidentally my favourite Kraftwerk track!) was 'Computer Love'. At seven minutes it was a bit long for a single but even now those warm, analogue synths still bring a smile to my face. The interplay of little melodies and different robotnik drumbeats are hypnotic. By the end every molody line has been added to the track one on top of the other. Amazingly, it was it's B-side that scored Karftwerk their only number 1. 'The Model' from 1978's 'The Man Machine' was shorter and catchier. Realising they had a hit on thier hands EMI quickly repackaged the 'Computer Love' single.
The albums first side was a collection of smooth and very slick techno. 'Computer World' and 'Pocket Calculator' contain very playful lyrics and some wonderful keyboard work. 'Numbers' is the abstract piece of the album. Numbers in various languages recited through vocoders and studio treatments backed with one of the most sampled drumbeats of all time segues effortlessly into 'Computer World 2'. This track brings a sense of balance after the madness of 'Numbers' to close the side.
Side two opened with the aformentioned 'Computer Love'. 'Homecomputer' followed with it's futuristic take on the growth of computers. Again, the track is slick and polished with some unique sounds. The album closes with 'It's More Fun to Compute'. and you can sense the fun Kraftwerk are having. Numerous recurring themes and interwoven synth lines and hypnotic beats. It really is timeless.
At just under 35 minutes 'Computer World' threw down the gauntlet for the 1980's electro movement. Sadly, only New Order took electro music further in that decade. Kraftwerk made keyboards sound sexy and sinister, warm and cold, simple and complex in one fell swoop. Considering the primitive equipment they were using I dare half of you bedroom samplers to produce anything that becomes as remotely influential as this album....
Personally, I'd argue that OMD, Depeche Mode, and Human League made their own advances in 1980s electro music. These three bands proved that electronic music doesn't have to be cold and unemotional. Eventually, all three of the bands proved that electronic music doesn't have to be electronic. Heck, most people today probably think of Martin Gore as Depeche Mode's guitarist (and Alan Wilder as their ex-drummer).
P.S. Olive's "Push" sounds intriguing. I like the way I've programmed my station - there's no radio station that sounds like it. Dance music interspersed with Johnny Cash; that's the way to run a music station. Of course, LAUNCH! doesn't give you total control over content, which is a good thing - but if I ever wanted total control of content, there's always Podcasting.
P.P.S. Note to self - explore the LAUNCHcast stations of other bloggers.
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