KLAUS SCHULZE & RAINER BLOSS: DRIVE INN

Klaus Schulze is the only artist who has scored so high and so many times in my reviewing process. Nine albums in a row between four and five stars. Some of you might know that there aren't many five stars in my ratings: some five per cent of the albums I have reviewed, which is quite normal after all. Masterpieces should remain exceptional.

This "Drive Inn" is not of the same calibre and should be considered more in line with his late seventies / early eighties work. There are some (scarce) good moments like the splendid and ethnic "Sightseeing". A wonderful trip into South American territories: I can't prevent to think about Peru when I listen to this very harmonious and elegant song. The highlight from this album; but completely different from prior releases.

It was a privilege (at least I feel so) to listen to the great Mike Shrieve on the percussion for a couple of albums. He really brought energy and great skills (but I'm biased by this fantastic drummer). I can't tell the same about Michael Garvens who is just filling a chair behind a drum kit; with little to none input whatsoever ("Truckin" and many other ones).

If you would like to listen to a speedy version of "Autobahn", this "Highway" tune should be alright for you. But unlike the original "Kraftwerk" song, this one holds little to be remembered. Sounds as a nineties TD electro beat track. But not of the good ones: just boring repetitive and "dance" oriented. It hurts, believe me!

Since the "concept" is around cars, the next song in the list is called "Racing". Some sort of pitiful tribal item. Again, Shrieve could have saved the bill here, only with his fantastic drumming capabilities but, as such this is a very weak track.

We are approaching a "Clear Road" now. The "mini epic" from this album. After all, it doesn't sound as weak as some of its predecessors. Fine synth and decent electronic beats are on the menu. I have already had many better meals, but this one is still OK. Digestible. Only.

I guess that, by now, the best option is to "Drive Out" as the closing number invites. Actually, one should never have to "drive inn". This is the weakest effort of the great man so far. It can't really score above two stars in my rating system.