Customer Reviews

Trips & Traume

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

 

 

This little-known classic is probably the most playful record ever to come out of Germany during the Glorious '70. W & W manage to sound psychedelic while playing almost only acoustic instruments, charming even while speaking in German (the tale of the little dog Karlchen ("Charlie") that crosses the sea in a smal boat in the track of the same name), and in general musically superb even while showing no pretentions at all. Not a dull moment in this collection of brilliant, diverse tracks.

Trippy cover, trippy name of album, rave review from Krautrock Sampler: this album seemed to be a no brainer, but I found it to be mildly adventurous acid folk (in 1966) and that's about it. This is one of those overrated much praised obscure records that we've all bought and been disappointed by when we hear finally get to hear it. If you are into zithers played in a conventional manner you might like this. I paid $14 when I bought it and felt mildly burned and I would be annoyed if I paid $28 expecting freaked out acid frenzy. The funny thing is I've seen photos of the band hanging out in their pad with hookas and other hippy paraphernalia looking like full on freaks, but I just don't hear it in the music it sounds like schlagger folk to me. I would try to hear the music prior to buying based on my experience. Amon Duul's Para Deiswarts Duul is a way better acoustic acid folk record.

Originally released in 1971 as this was the German cosmic folk band's second out of five lp's. I've heard a single track from this band on various artist discs, but this was the first time I got to hear an entire CD from them. A bit strange perhaps but quite entertaining, I thought. Cuts that truly stand out are the charming "Last Uns Auf Die Reise Gehn", the trippy "Orienta" (great flute playing) and the nine-minute epic "Karlchen". Line-up: Bernd Witthuser-guitar,mandolin&vocals, Walter Westrupp-guitar,zither&flute, Bernd Roland-bass&vocals and Renee Zucker-percussion. Might possibly draw in loyal follows of Wallenstein, Robert Fripp, Walpurgis, Third Ear Band and maybe even Faust. Not a bad pick.