DER ELEKTROLURCH

This double set of vinyl records was my first GURU GURU experience and I got used to it after several listens. Only much later have I found out that it is rather a compilation of songs from their two albums than a proper studio album. Actually, it consists of all tracks from "Kanguru" (1972) and "Guru Guru" (1973) album, although given in random order. This was probaly the best collection of "classic" GURU GURU prior to CD era. Including the masterpieces like "Der Elektrolurch", "Ooga booga", "Oxymoron", "The Story of Life"... For those unfamiliar with this interesting German band, this album is a fine starter.

This is not really a compilation but two Guru Guru albums, Kanguru and the self titled Guru Guru which were released back to back in the early 1970`s compressed into one package. What really works is that the tracks have been mixed in to form what would seem to be a single album and this makes both works more effective. Although both albums have been reviewed extensively elsewhere on this site it is worth it to briefly discuss the material to be found on this record.

First off, it could or could not be a good introduction to the early period of the band because it combines one of Guru Guru`s stronger efforts (Kanguru) and one of their more mediocre ones ( Guru Guru ). On the whole the music is weird and wacked out and the musical style of the band has often been described as "acid space". You can hear everything from Floyd-like tracks to cover versions of rock n`roll standards from the likes of Eddie Cochran. But if you`re expecting standard cover versions you`re in for a big big freakin`suprise. In the form of a medley lasting almost 14 minutes they register high on the weird-ometer. The title track, Der Elektrolurch about an imaginary electric amphibious creature registers even higher. Jazz stylings and all kinds of phsychedelia can also be heard.

If you have just begun to explore the strange and wonderful music of this unique band and have not got around to either of these two records I highly recomend this CD. The songs have not been changed and work better in the sequence presented here.