Customer Reviews

Widerhoren

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

 

 

Unlike the other german bands of the period, who people tend to pigeonhole as "Krautrock" (thus ignoring the sometimes not so subtle variations in approach and instrumentation), Kraan never allowed only one-dimensional elements like texture to direct the music. We're talking about MONSTER musicians here. Peter Wolbrandt might be the only rock musician who brought unadultered samples of true jazz guitar to his playing, and Hellmut Hattler is probably one of the all-time top bass players on earth. In this album, the processed sax of Johannes "Alto" Pappert gave way to ex-Karthago keyboardist Ingo Bischof, who contributes with great e-piano/clavinet and spacey synth landscapes. Some people might think Kraan is more fusion than rock (they did chose to concentrate on that path on later albums), but their rock origins can be heard throughout. From the lysergic soundscapes of "Let's Take a Ride" to the manic title track, this band *delivers*. After listening to this outlandish diplay of musicianship, you'll understand why the (sadly) few people who actually know about Kraan have them among his fave bands (fans include, among others, Ed and Seaweed of the Ozric Tentacles)

Originally released in 1977,about as good as their 'Flyday' lp(see my review).To me,Kraan seems like the German reply to Steely Dan.Any listener is sure to notice Ingo Bischof's keyboard playing,especially on the cuts "Just One Way","Vollgas Ahol" and "Rund Um Die Uhr".Wanted to also mention that "Rendezvous In Blue" appears to have some familiar chords,that to me sounds like possibly a score for an old Peanuts TV show.Guitarist Peter Wolbrandt displays some decent vocals on "Let's Take A Ride".Might be a bit to jazzy for some,but it does get better with each play.Most progressive fans should enjoy this CD.

I totally agree with Brotherize and Joott.I picked up this album by chance in 1977,and I still love it.It is my favorite Kraan studio album.

"Wiederhoren" is great stuff. The jam that lives here is the kind that takes you down the block. And I would not try to chew no bubble gum at the same time neither. Because your head would start to doing them whoop-dee-whips, and your shoulders would start to a-heaving, and down below you would start into that old "dime-quarter-dime-quarter" kind of groove, do you understand? I tell you this record is lay down, break down, on the hot side of town.