2

I definitely agree with James about this being a killer 70's underground recording. Released in 1971 and called "2" because the same band had already released an album unfer the name ROYAL SERVANTS. When they decided to write the lyrics in German instead of English they thought they better change their band name to a German one as well. By the way the "y" in EULENSPYGEL should be an "I" but they were following THE BYRDS lead just to be a little different. And yes the album cover is one of the most tasteless ones i've come across.They actually pulled it off of the market after selling about 7,000 copies and put it back out minus the dead chick. It was still tasteless but better I suppose. The singer has an interesting voice. If your familiar with the German band NOEKK he sounds a lot like him. Gnosis describes his voice as "deep, almost mockingly operatic." I like it. Yes they were one of the first Krautrock band to sing in German. Most kept to English so as not to be associated with pop music in Germany that was always sung in their native tongue. A seven piece band with two guitarists one who also played violin, along with organ, drums, bass, flute and vocals (harmonica too).

"Till" is catchy with a fairly heavy rhythm as vocals join in.The organ also floats in. Nice instrumental section before 2 minutes as the guitar comes in and lights it up. "Son My" is an incredible track. I like the instrumental intro then this dark sounding organ comes in followed by vocals.This is great ! A change after 3 minutes as the guitar comes to the fore after the vocals have stopped. Drums and bass are in the spotlight after 4 1/2 minutes as the synths join in.The guitar is back a minute later. Fantastic sound here.The organ then leads, then guitar as they trade off.The vocals do not return until after 10 minutes.It's haunting to end it.

"Konsumgewasche" is led by drums, organ and vocals early. A jazzy interlude 1 1/2 minutes in and harmonica follows. Organ and marching styled drums before 3 1/2 minutes to end it. "Strub Auf Deinem Haar" has this pulsating organ with drums and vocals also standing out.Violin and guitar come and go.This is a jazzy flavoured track. Nice guitar 2 1/2 minutes in. Flute after 5 minutes as they continue to jam. Drums are the focus 6 minutes in then the vocals return before 7 minutes. Excellent tune. "Die Wunde Bleibt" is a short piece with intricate guitar and cold filtered vocals.

"Das Lied Vom Ende" opens with flute, violin and acoustic guitar. It changes quickly though as it picks up and becomes heavier with vocals.Violin and drums lead before 2 minutes then the organ and other sounds join in.This is great ! Vocals are back after 3 minutes as it settles.The violin is slicing and dicing before 5 minutes.The guitar joins in after 6 minutes.Very cool. Some insane organ runs before 9 minutes.

The lyrics apparently are very left wing and anti-war but also very "out there" at times. An excellent addition to your Krautrock collection.