E2 - E4 [Import]

Manuel Gottsching | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 2, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Spalax
• ASIN: B00004UXUC
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,539 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Quiet Nervousness

Editorial Reviews

French reissue of the German guitarist's 1984 album features 9 tracks. the one solo track of Manuel Gottsching, E2-E4 is genuine, and set the trend for Techno/Trance/House music almost a full decade before it became one. A masterwork from an essential master. Spalax Music. 1992.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Techno-Trance Milestone, May 7, 2003

By 

Louie Bourland (Garden Grove CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: E2 - E4 (Audio CD)

After many years performing with Ash Ra Tempel (who later became Ashra), Manuel Gottsching released "E2-E4", his first album under his own name. Recorded in 1981 and released three years later, "E2-E4" paved the way for what was to become known as 'techno' or 'trance' music. Although there are nine track titles listed, the album is essentially one single uninterrupted piece of music which is close to an hour long. The music was also recorded live in one take with no overdubs. The first half of the album consists mostly of a subtle rhythmic sequencer pattern along with a rhythm machine. As the piece unfolds, so do the variations of this sequence. At about the half-hour mark, Manuel brings in a stellar electric guitar lead which sounds like a cross between George Benson or maybe a mellow Eric Clapton. He continues with the guitar playing while alternating between his electronics and sequencers providing further variations on the repetitive chord structure heard throughout the piece. Towards the end, the guitar fades out, the rhythm pattern echoes into silence and finally this long piece comes to its end. I highly recommend this album not just to the old-school electronic music buffs (ie: people who like Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schulze et.al) but also to fans of todays techno/trance/chillout/etc music. This is definitely music that is ahead of its time and has been a blueprint for dance artists both old and new. It's not only great music to dance to. It's also great music to sit back and relax to as well. A classic in every way, shape and form.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Krautrock Landmark, June 24, 2006

By 

Juan Mobili (Valley Cottage, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: E2 - E4 (Audio CD)

At the turn of Sixties and intensely through the first half of the Seventies, German Rock and Electronica influenced music all over the Western World. CAN, or Kraftwerk or even Ash Ra Tempel-- Gottsching's group--influenced different but important artists here, from Talking Heads to Anthony Kiedis, David Bowie or even Johnny Rotten.

Gottsching's second solo album--"E2-E4"--leaves behind the brand of Space Rock he helped invent for a crisp but extremely poetic dialogue between his guitar and Electronica. More human than Kraftwerk, Gottsching travels similar but less paved landscapes than the classic Autobhan.

Along with Michael Strother and CAN's Michael Karoli, one of the best guitar players of Rock and Electronica to ever come out from Germany. This album is a classic, a classic that remains adventurous even after almost thirty years.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blissful and amazing, August 2, 2006

By 

77Jim (Philadelphia PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: E2 - E4 (Audio CD)

Listening to this album makes an hour go by in what seems like minutes. In short E2-E4 is a wonderous work of musical accomplishment. I am glad to have stumbled upon this album (ultimately by reading Amazon lists from various Tangerine Dream fans) I was curious and looking for something new and exciting. The simple but attractive cover design also triggered some curiousity in me I must admit. Something drew me to this album and I am thankful.

Do not let the words "electronic" and "avante garde" scare you off. There is melody and bliss to be found in abundance here. The album is worth the ticket price. I feel it is my duty to pass along this torch of greatness. Share this one. It's a keeper!