Customer Reviews

Carnival in Babylon

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Amon Duul II always had a good grasp on melodic and harmonic development - even on albums that featured lengthy freak-outs like Tanz der Lemminge (1971) and Phallus Dei (1969). On this 1972 release the melodies are still present, although the songs are shorter and generally range from 3-5 minutes in length, with a single track at 7'19" and the closing track Hawknose Harlequin is the longest at 9'45" (and is simply incredible). Stylistically, this is very psychedelic stuff with subtle shades of prog here and there - a perfect combination in my book. The instrumentation consists mainly of acoustic and electric guitar (sometimes heavily distorted), energetic electric bass (it is way up in the mix), and drums, with some soft Hammond organ work a la Rick Wright (Pink Floyd), acoustic piano, Farfisa organ, and various electronic effects. I really like the unusual vocal style of Renate Knaup and the vocal harmonies with the other musicians are fantastic, although I can't imagine that every listener would agree (they all have an odd vocal style). Hands down, my favorite tracks on the album include Shimmering Sand, with its gloomy soundscapes and minor keys, and the closing track, which features the freak-out qualities of their earlier albums in the form of a KILLER spacey jam with some great electric guitar playing. With respect to the remastering effort by Repertoire, the sound quality is pretty good, there are photos of the band, and the liner notes are informative (and in English). In addition, four bonus tracks in the 2-4 minute range have been included that were released as singles between 1970 - 1972 and are all pretty good. All in all, this is a great album that was put together with a tremendous amount of imagination. Highly recommended along with Phallus Dei (1969), Yeti (1970), Tanz der Lemminge (1971), and Wolf City (1972) - which was released shortly after Carnival in Babylon and is very similar, although not as psychedelic.

Carnival in Babylon was one of the first German rock albums I came to love back in 1972. Ninety percent of my listening has been to the same wonderful German rockers ever since. Yes, I do like Can and Ashra a bit more than ADII, but I still have practically all of their work and I still think this is some of the world's best rock. This release would get five stars if it were not for so many that are even better. I would give five stars to Almost Alive (an ADII album that is almost impossible to find), Wolf City, and Dance of the Lemmings. If you already own these, I think Carnival in Babylon should be next on your list.

I was quite shocked when I stumbled upon the reviews for AMON DUUL II's classic "Carnival In Babylon" (1972). This is an album which for years lived in the masterpiece category of my mind and to read how misunderstood the album was by many of the reviewers was quite a surprise. First off, certainly it must be admitted that "Carnival In Babylon" (1972) is quite different from "Phallus Dei" (1969), "Yeti" (1970), or "Tanz der Lemminge" (1971). "Carnival In Babylon" certainly does have elements of folk, but they are utilized in the same ways as Os Mutantes (Brazil) or the Velvet Underground. It is a mellow album, but one with highly emotional songs sung with passion and angst. It is amazing that the follow up to "Carnival In Babylon" was "Wolf City", also released in 1972. "Wolf City" is as savage as Krautrock gets, which leads me to my main point concerning why "Carnival In Babylon" (and Amon Duul II in general) is so awesome. It is totally unique in the Amon Duul II catalog. While it certainly could be argued that EACH Amon Duul II album is unique, none for me stands so tall in stature as a single piece of art quite like "Carnival In Babylon". It's all in the song arrangement and the brilliant female vocals of Renate Knaup, one of Krautrock's most alluring and on "Carnival In Babylon", sensual voices. Bottom line, it would be a tragedy to skip over this amazing album because it is more song oriented than the exploratory and chaotic days of "Phallus Dei" (an album released almost four years before "Carnival In Babylon"). "Carnival In Babylon" is an essential moment in Amon Duul II history and one which MUST NEVER be overlooked! Another Krautrock masterpiece from Amon Duul II and an essential purchase!

Buy the remastered Repertoire edition of 2002, the sound is really something and the music sparkles in bright psychedelic colours...The starting theme is splendid acid-tongue in Renate Knaup voice that makes my blood a little warmer, the male voices too well synchronized with her making a drone-like effect...Astonishing is second song, "All the Years 'Round", drowned in fiery psycho-guitars, gorgeous psychedelia!!!
Seems they had a pause in their experimental progressive rock, after the Yeti masterpiece, using a more conventional song structure, but in the same fresh way...The lysergic ambient is intact, there is a almost-acoustic jewel, "Tables Are Turned", with that goblin-like intrepid bongos... The bonus tracks are a remarkable addition to this Carnival, they really fit...Splendid edition!!!!Please come back, Repertoire!!

It's hard to imagine what was going on with Amon when you realize that this was released between Dance of the Lemmings and Wolf City, both of which were relatively pretty "out there" and intensely experimental. When I first listened to Carnival in Babylon, I was expecting the logical median between those two albums, but I actually got a very good "traditional" classic rock album that sounds at times more like Pink Floyd or Yes and less like typical "krautrock" bands like Faust or Can. Even the cover has a different vibe than other Duul albums of the time, which all seem to have the same surrealistic feel. It's only my theory, but I think they were trying to prove that they were as good as the most popular English or American bands. Amon Duul II fans should expect some shorter songs and a less dark atmosphere. Many people think they were trying to be more commercial, but if that was the case, why would they sing the first track entirely in German? My only question about this re-issue is the seemingly unrelated bonus tracks. One is a re-working of part of a song on Dance of the Lemmings (I believe), and one I've never heard before, but they were clearly not recorded anywhere near the time this album came out. The songs sound really cool, it just seems pretty random and takes you out of the album rather than expanding on it.

1972's Carnival in Babylon marked a point in Amon Duul II's career where the band cut back on those extended experiments and concentrated more on music. Not unlike what Brainticket had done on Psychonaut. While nothing Duul II had ever done was as disturbing as what Brainticket had done on their debut, Cottonwoodhill, their previous albums were marked with side-length experiments, at their most weirdest, they were not unlike what Tangerine Dream was doing at the same time ("The Marilyn Monroe Memorial Church" from Tanz der Lemminge reminded me of TD's Alpha Centauri, while most of what ADII did was usually more rock-oriented than TD). In 1972 Tangerine Dream was to release their most experimental album ever, Zeit (one that obviously polarizes fans, I am one that defends the album, but I can understand those that don't dig the album), but Amon Duul II went the other way.

A few people ended up a tad disappointed with Carnival in Babylon, probably because of the shorter cuts and lacking the extended experiments of albums previous. This was their first single album since Phallus Dei (their debut). My theory as to why they cut back on the experiments was to reach a larger audience or they were starting to have bad drug experiences. Renate Knaup had returned (she sat out Tanz der Lemminge), Rolf U. Falkner was gone (temporarily, for this album), in place of Karl-Heinz Hausmann, who tended to the Hammond organ. Peter Leopold played drums, as well as Danny Fichelscher. John Weinzierl and Chris Karrer are still here, as well as bassist Lothar Meid (who replaced Dave Anderson after Yeti, because Anderson returned to England in order to join Hawkwind for one album, In Search of Space, and moved on to other things, including Amon Duul III aka UK in the '80s and '90s, and in charge of the Demi Monde label, a label that gave Ozric Tentacles their first label deal).

Many other groups who did what Amon Duul II did on Carnival in Babylon got away with it, and many albums from such groups had the reputation as "lost gems of prog/psychedelic", and to be honest Carnival in Babylon is not bad at all. Many of the songs have a strong Pink Floyd-like feel, but with female vocals (that is the tracks that Renate sings on). The Jefferson Aiplane comparison often surfaces, probably because Renate Knaup sounded something like a Teutonic Grace Slick, and the Airplane influence can be heard on "Tables are Turned" (but has elements you'll obviously not find on Surrealistic Pillow or the much more experimental After Bathing at Baxter's). The psychedelic feel is still there, luckily. It's only with "Hawknose Harlequin", the album's longest track, does the band harken back to experiments of earlier albums, but not as extended (as it's only 9:45, as opposed to around 20 minutes). It's definately a worthwhile album, but the only reason why I gave this a four star rating, is because their following album (also released in 1972), Wolf City was a better album, improving on the new direction the band was going on this album.

Be warned: sonically speaking this new upgrade is no different that the version of this that was available many years ago. And the bonus tracks are of very recent vintage NOT from when this album was recorded. So if you like drum machines and samplers etc (which is what the bonus tracks use to a very noticable degree) go ahead and buy it. This one however is especially offensive for the following reasons: the OLD version of this with bonus tracks had 3 really GREAT bonus tracks. From the correct vintage. THESE new bonus tracks of RECENT vintage are here IN LIEU of the better bonus tracks! And there is more than enough room left on this new version that there is no reason at all that the vastly superior old bonus tracks could have been included here as well! If that does'nt bother you go ahead and waste your money. But otherwise you might feel royally screwed like I did after getting rid of the old versions and spending quite a bit of cash to upgrade all the albums only to find that they sound EXACTLY the same! This is a great album but this new "upgrade" sounds just as horrible as every single version of it (including the original vinyl issue) ever has.

I just have a hard time understanding all the negative reviews for Amon Duul II's Carnival In Babylon. First of all, what a *beautiful* album cover! Alright so an album cover alone can't save an album if the music isn't any good, but... this is definitely a clear example of an album that DOES deserve to be heard. Numerous times, in fact, because with every listen you'll hear something new you missed the previous time.

The opening song is solid proof that Blue Oyster Cult HAD to have been familiar with this band. Oh sure, the members of BOC have said in the past that they were influenced by the Doors and a few other American and British artists, but I'm honestly not buying it.

I mean seriously, I can think of several BOC songs that resemble the songwriting, the guitar playing, and the atmosphere of the opening song. I hear the lyrics are completely in German, too. If so, that explains why I can't understand them!

"All the Years 'Round" shows us why the female singer from this band is a perfect comparison to the legendary Neil Young. Just LISTEN to that voice and tell me it doesn't resemble Neil Young a little bit when he's hitting those high notes. It sure does!

Anyway this song rules because it's really dreamy, then eventually it drifts into a speedier vocal section with an even higher and more unusual vocal range. I LOVE it though. Probably inspired by Pink Floyd's psychedelic years, but you know what? This songwriting feels more complex and unpredictable than what Pink Floyd was doing at the time.

"Shimmering Sand" continues the same theme as the previous track- atmospheric and melodically played guitar solos, and a build-up to some downright *fascinating* vocal work. I especially like the vocal melody you hear at the very end. Cool stuff.

"Hawknose Harlequin" displays the bands talent at laying down some interesting guitar solos.

Calling this album a sellout or a disappointment compared to Yeti and a few other Amon Duul II albums never made a bit of sense to me. It's not worse in ANY way. It doesn't feel like the band got lazy with their songwriting or their ability to constantly explore new ground, so it will forever remain a mystery to me why this album isn't better received by the majority of music fans.

I am in total shock right now. Amon Duul II... why in the WORLD aren't more people aware of these guys? This is probably some of the coolest music I've ever heard, and by "cool" I mean a band that knows how to be extremely creative and diverse to the point where you can't believe how many exciting ideas they brings to the world of experimental rock. They were absolutely rolling in the 70's. Maybe they weren't well-known outside of Germany, I don't know.

"Shimmering Sand" sounds simply... magical. What other word can describe those vocals? Completely unique vocals. Unlike anything I've ever heard before (and I've heard a *lot* honestly, over 600 albums from the 70's alone). Then you have other tracks where the guitarist shows just incredible his skills are, always finding the right sequence of notes to move the listener and make the entire experience as adventurous as possible.

Man, what a band Amon Duul II is. It's time this band got the respect they deserve, so please, find a way to hear a band that focuses on diversity and standing apart from all the other bands of the era.

I've heard that some Amon Duul 2 fans don't really like this release because it's not as experemental as their earlier ones. I love this album just as much as I love their earlier ones. Many bands get stuck in a rut because they want to do somthing different, but are afraid to because they may allienate(spelling?) fans. Of course one must also remember that Amon Duul 2, had many personneel changes durring their existance, and this alone will cause difference's in sound from album to album. However as I said in the header good is good