NEU!

Neu!'s debut and I had a tough love sort of relationship with me. I, being the Krautrock Newbie that I was, was expecting 1000 notes a second and insane arpeggios. But instead in front of me opened a soundscape which I was not ready for. It wasn't very melodic, it certainly didn't consist of a thousand notes. It was not PROGRESSIVE ROCK, but something completely different! It took me ages (well, a week or so) for me to get it. It's not about the notes, it's about the sounds! About being progressive, not prog. I can say now proudly that I get "it" and let me now say that Neu! is one of the most unique bands (well duo, whatever!) I have ever listened to. And let me tell you that this is one of the most rewarding records I have ever heard and now I absolutely love this record.

Well of course the opening track "Hollagallo" which in my opinion a fantastic opener to a fantastic record. Michael Rother displays some of the most interesting guitar work I have ever heard, and with the help of the very strong rhythm section Klaus Dinger supplies, the song propels forward like a tank! Wonderful track.

Sonderangebot is an amazing experimental track, which reminds me of future ambient music. The very atmospheric and open feeling on this track is soothing, while the loud screeching of the who-knows-what jolts you right back into reality. Superb, creepy, eerie, and yet wonderfully calm.

Weissensee is probably the most melodic track, not saying much though the song has about one melodic trace I can detect. But not the point. The song is breathtaking, again wonderful guitar (and bass of course) by Michael Rother. What more can I say about him? Just a genius guitarist.

Im Gluck is probably the track Rother is front and center the most, and he uses it to good effect. Again this is a pretty mellow track, beautiful, and highly experimental. Rother's guitar at one point sounds like a flock of seagulls, and in general the guitar work feels a bit like it's floating on water.

Negativland is probably the most intense track. The track, which to me reminds of 80's King Crimson in many ways (though of course this was recorded ten years before that). The drilling sounds lead into an absolutely mind blowing guitar by Rother, and the bass line is just thumps and gives the whole track this "umph" that makes the track so intense.

Lieber Honig is probably in my top 10 favorite songs of all time if not top 5. I can't put into words the absolute beauty of this song. I'm not sure who singing on this track, but this is some of the most emotionally drenched, powerful, downright scary, ugly but just so beautiful it will bring you to tears. You just really have to listen to it to get it, but it is one of those songs I can consider perfect.

I think that many people on this website have a problem with krautrock. I don't if it's the 4/4 time or the minimalism many of the bands use. But many people here need to understand this just adds to the depth. This music needs as much time and effort if not more than any really challenging prog album. I should say not for all, but I want all to really spend time and invest in this amazing stunning album!