KRAVETZ

4.5 stars. My first listen to this album stopped me dead in my tracks. It's been a long time since that's happened, I remember this occuring on my first listen to KRAAN's "Psychedelic Man" album, but it was just on one particular song.This whole album except for the short ballad- like track just blows me away. Now a name like Jean-Jauques Kravetz doesn't exactly sound German does it ? Well he moved from France to Germany when he was around 20 years old. He was a classically trained keyboardist extraordinaire and would play in several high profile German bands. About a month ago I was searching for some obscure Krautrock bands and albums that might be worth tracking down when I came upon this little-known solo album of Jean-Jauques. After some investigating I found out that this is the same keyboardist who played on FRUMPY's "2" album which is one of my favourite (4.5 stars) Krautrock albums. And on top of that Inga the singer for FRUMPY guests on the opening track.This came out the year after "2" and features an ultra talented drummer and vocalist in Udo Lindenberg who after this would go on to become a star in Germany with his own band and Jean-Jauques would be a part of that more commercial sounding music. In fact on the album cover here it says KRAVETZ (featuring Udo Lindenberg) haha. I guess they thought his name being on the cover would help sell albums.

"I'd Like To Be A Child Again" has such meaningful lyrics and the chorus is so emotional for me.The song opens with gentle guitar as these relaxed vocals from Inga join in. Drums, organ and a fuller sound come in around a minute as vocals continue.The chorus is even more passionate. It settles back as themes are repeated. A nice laid back guitar solo after 5 minutes then the piano joins in at 6 minutes before the guitar starts to rip it up.The organ then leads and then the vocals return 7 1/2 minutes in. Amazing tune ! "Ann Toomuch" is drum,keyboard and vocal led early. Guitar after a minute as it settles back. Man this guy can drum. It kicks back in as contrasts continue. Love the drums and guitar after 3 minutes and it goes on and on. So good. Synths then take over before 5 minutes sounding a lot like ELP (debut).Vocals join in after 7 minutes as the synths continue.This is so freaking good !

"Routes" is drums and organ led early then it settles back with fuzz and organ as drums continue. Some nasty [&*!#] right here. A haunting calm after 2 1/2 minutes. A beat comes out the darkness after 5 minutes as the guitar cries out.Some fine Krautrock right there. "When The Dream Is Over" is that short ballad-like tune with vocals. "Master Of Time" opens with some nasty organ as the guitar and drums kick in as well.Vocals follow.They stop after 2 minutes as we get a fantastic instrumental section right up to before 9 minutes when the vocals return.That instrumental section includes an organ solo from Jean- Jauques and check out the drumming after 8 minutes with that throbbing bass.The organ returns to overrun them both.

Almost perfect for my tastes, in fact take away the ballad and this would be worthy of 5 stars.