Customer Reviews

Trans-Europe Express

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Even since I got into electronic music back in the 60's (Lothar and the Hand People), I've sought out bands that play in that genre. Kraftwerk were one of the pioneers of the German branch of the genre, along with Tangerine Dream.

Trans-Europe Express is a deep listening album, full of unique sounds that take many listens to fully appreciate. The band has a tendency to play repetitious riffs, and occasionally, they go on and on with nothing new each 12 bars, and they have been criticized for that. However, they also lay down a machine-like atmosphere layered with melodies, electronic drum beats, and Ralf Hutter's mechanical voice.

As the music plays, I can focus in on the subject of each song, and actually feel it. This is not just endless noodling, set over a repetitious beat. It evolves.

As I listen I am also trying to figure out how they get some of those sounds. I know how to replicate many of them, but they also surprise me with something that takes a while to figure out. I actually have to force myself to stop thinking analog synth patches as I listen to it.

Overall, this album is pure atmosphere with some melodies and unique accented vocals to hold it all together. I place it right up there with Autobahn. Highly recommended for electronic music fans.

The record perfectly captures an ideal image of central Europe... a bittersweet feeling. Essential in any record collection.

If this record was all that I knew about Germany, I would have to imagine that it was some sort of perfect paradise full of warmth of life and precision. The precision, of course, is obvious, but most people would probably gather from listening that Kraftwerk is a cold and sterile band. Either way, the pleasures of Trans-Europe Express are clear. Dancing or not, the beats are infective, and in "Trans-Europe Express" bring out the realism of riding in a train through an innovative dopple effect. The majority of this album has a peaceful mood, with the exception of the well-named "Metal on Metal" and the almost terrifying "Hall of Mirrors". A loss of identity is a possible theme, but only by joining with another body into one. We become one with the train, one with Germany, one with Europe, one with the beat. We also become one with the album through its "endless" cycle from "Europe Endless" to the very similar &qu! ! ot;Endless Endless". This record is a must for techno fans, industrial fans, and synth-pop fans alike. Also important as a frame of reference to those who enjoy the german Iggy Pop/David Bowie/Brian Eno collaborations of the late 70s.