AUTOBAHN

Perhaps you have to be German to understand the impact of this album. Or you should understand the Germans :). I read that Kraftwerk is "cold". Perhaps they are, but this album isn't. Pretentious? If so, then they're equally intelligent. Perhaps they once became so, like almost always fame leads to the wrong kind of superiority feeling. But we're talking about Autobahn here, not about any other album this band made. I would rather say that this album is made by naive people. Naive in the good sense of the word, open minded, eyes wide open to everything that is new. Naive also in a way that they didn't create their "work of art" with in their minds what the critics might say about it. Real art only thrives on freedom, being naive is a necessity.

Minimalistic and repetitive? Some people got famous with it. Less is more. The only thing, like the good old captain already said; if you've got ears, you've got to listen! Headphones, concentration!

Krautrock? I thought that was a Can and Amon Düül label. (Lemmingmania, the song that is, mmmmm....!)

Progressive? Can naive be progressive? Perhaps it is, but not because it meant to be. I can't imagine one the guys sitting in their Kling Klang jam session suddenly shouting; hey, why don't we make a damn progressive state of the art influence all album!

Another reviewer doubted between 4 and 5 stars. I would say 4++, but since this album contributed significantly to my musical taste (being 10 when the single Autobahn got out) it get's my bonus one.

Afghanistan?