The pioneering German synthmeisters took electronic experimentation into the mainstream and inspired a host of bands with their melodic machine music
If Ralf Hütter had his way, the world would think Kraftwerk came to life in 1974, glistening on the motorway, lights on full beam. None of Kraftwerk’s prog-leaning, first three albums are on Spotify (they weren’t part of the big reissue/remaster programme in 2009), but this closing track from Autobahn hints at the group’s earlier existence. Florian Schneider’s flute conjures up ghosts of 1971’s Kling Klang, after which he and Hütter would later name their studio. It also recalls 1973’s more pastoral Tongebirge (which translates, deliciously, as Mountain of Sound), from the hard to find LP, Ralf und Florian. By mimicking birdsong and running water with synthesisers, Morgenspaziergang (which means Morning Walk) also reveals the romantic side of the men living and working in modern, clean Düsseldorf. Then again, Kraftwerk’s records were always really love letters to experiences, old or new.
by Jude Rogers via Electronic music | The Guardian
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