v/a: Deutsche Elektronische Musik: Experimental German Rock and Electronic Musik 1972-83

Label: Soul Jazz

Stop thinking Krautrock: This two-CD compilation picks up four years after the birth of Krautrock and mostly stays true to its title across 24 tracks. The concentration on electronic music provides focus, but there's plenty of variety beyond the usual suspects, notably the exotica-prog of Between's “Devotion,” the sweet West Coast-style psychedelia of Gila's “This Morning,” and keyboard-heavy tracks by Michael Bundt (“La Chasse Aux Microbes” is my favorite new-to-me track here) and E.M.A.K. Most of the bands one would expect (except Kraftwerk and Achim Reichel) are here: Popol Vuh, La Düsseldorf, Amon Duul II, and of course Moebius and Roedelius (a solo track each) and their bands Cluster (once) and Harmonia (two tracks; “Veterano” shows the influence of Minimalism's phase music period). The robotic electronica of Conrad Schnitzler's “Auf Dem Schwarzen Kanal” and Tangerine Dream's iconic “No Man's Land” are key. A few acts don't really belong, but nonetheless this is a very enjoyable set. (Steve)