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EULENSPYGEL

Krautrock • Germany


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Eulenspygel picture
Eulenspygel biography
Founded in Stuttgart, Germany in 1971 - Disbanded in 1983

The ROYAL SERVANTS, forerunners of EULENSPYGEL, were formed in 1965 in Swabia/Germany. Starting up with beat music, they gradually turned to Blues Rock, finally Progressive Psychedelic and released one album named "We". In early 1971, they were one of the first bands to write their songs in German. So they changed their name into EULENSPYGEL the same year and the first new release was named "2", recorded at the Maschen studio near Hamburg. The front cover caused a scandal because of a burnt chicken and was later substituted. This album documents the awakening of the german rock music on the way to its own identity.

Musically they played on the same level as foreign bands including long instrumental parts, sometimes psychedelic coloured. Lyrics were full of social criticism. The lineup at this time was: Karl-Heinz Großhans (organ, vocals), Cornelius Hauptmann (flute), Ronnie Libal (bass), Günter Klinger (drums), Rainer 'Mulo' Maulbetsch (vocals, harmonica), Detlev Nottrodt (guitar, vocals) and finally Matthias aka 'James' aka 'Till' Thurow (guitar, violin). Next LP "Ausschuss" was produced 1972 with the same members in London at the famous BEATLES Apple Studios. It succeeds in capturing the early-70's progressive mood, sometimes angular sometimes mellow - in the year 2000 reissued on CD with several blues oriented bonus tracks produced by the reformed band in 1973/74.

From 1975 on and after several lineup changes and unsuccessful attempts to find another record company, the group was a quartet with only one remaining original member Detlev Nottrodt. After years of not much activity their eponymous third album was recorded and released in 1979 with 10 songs, later also offered on two compact discs with several additional tracks. This was followed by "Laut & Deutlich" 4 years later. The last two records changed to mainstream conventional mellow rock with less creativity and none of their radical political lyrics. EULENSPYGEL disbanded for good in late 1983.

With "Staub auf deinem Haar" recorded 1973 but released in 2004 for the first time they were demonstrating that they could convince their fans on the stage too.
At the moment this is the last sign of life of this interesting german band.

Rivertree (Uwe Zickel)

See also: HERE

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EULENSPYGEL discography


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EULENSPYGEL top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.63 | 49 ratings
2
1971
3.84 | 48 ratings
Ausschuss
1972
1.37 | 11 ratings
Eulenspygel
1979
3.00 | 4 ratings
Laut & Deutlich
1983

EULENSPYGEL Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.80 | 10 ratings
Staub Auf Deinem Haar
2004

EULENSPYGEL Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

EULENSPYGEL Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.50 | 2 ratings
Eulenspygel/Laut & Deutlich
1990

EULENSPYGEL Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

3.50 | 2 ratings
Till/Konsumgewäsche
1971

EULENSPYGEL Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 2 by EULENSPYGEL album cover Studio Album, 1971
3.63 | 49 ratings

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2
Eulenspygel Krautrock

Review by siLLy puPPy
Special Collaborator PSIKE, JRF/Canterbury, P Metal, Eclectic

3 stars EULENSPYGEL was a bit different than most of the early German Krautrock bands that emerged in the beginning of the 1970s. While most European bands with the exception of the Italian ones were opting to ditch their mother tongue in lieu of English lyrics, a few steadfast bands chose to stick to what they knew best and sang in their own national lingo. This particular band was one of the few who stuck it out in German and paid the price of marketability in the process. Apparently a variation of the spelling that came from Till Eulenspiegel, a protagonist of a German chapbook that was published in 1515 however the 20th century band EULENSPYGEL was actually the next step of The Royal Servants who released a single album and then changed their name, hence this debut album being titled with the number 2.

Considered one of the politi-rock bands of the era, EULENSPYGEL's lyrics dealt with criticism of Western society, capitalism, environmental degradation and not surprisingly the Vietnam War. Unlike many Kraut bands of the 70s, EULENSPYGEL stuck it though the entire decade and disbanded in 1984 although it only released four albums in the timeframe. Initially, the line-up consisted of Detlev Nottrodt (electric guitar, vocals), Matthias James Thurow (electric guitar, violin, mellotron, sitar), Ronald Libal (electric bass), Mulo Maulbetsch (vocals), Günter Klinger (drums), Cornelius Hauptmann (flute, saxophone) and Karl-Heinz Großhans (keyboard). That's right, seven members but it was Haptmann and Großhans with their classical training that were the primary songwriters of the band.

Despite the disturbing album cover art of a baby chick sitting in a frying pan with another dead chick and frying egg which caused an uproar, EULENSPYGEL's musical style was somewhat of a mix between the keyboard driven hard rock of bands like Birth Control and Frumpy only with moments of jazz and folk added for flavoring. Despite the classical training, EULENSPYGEL 2 sounds more like a jamming process with some improv thrown in for good measure. The general melodic constructs are closer to Deutschrock than progressive Krautrock but there were enough twists and turns, time signature deviations and psychedelic organ runs to let them into the prog club. The band Lied des Teufels comes to mind as the closest musical relative due to the German lyrics, melodic hard rock motifs and prog accoutrements however Rufus Zupall also may be warranted as a comparison.

The album featured six tracks of varying length with the two tracks "Son My (My Lay)" and the multi-suite "Das Lied vom Ende" with playing times of over ten minutes. The album is fairly uniform in its approach with incessant organ driven hard rock not unlike the Deep Purple or Atomic Rooster sound only with occasional flutes, violins and harmonica which at times sound out of place. The musicianship is generally top notch but the band never really reached the level of virtuosity of similar styled bands of the era. At times tracks like "Staub auf deinem Haar" are a bit funky with receptive bass grooves so the album offers a tightrope act between super accessible and marginally experimental. Overall EULENSPYGEL was not one of those cosmic trippers but rather played it safe with a style of psychedelic hard rock that happened to adopt a few jazz and folk elements.

Perhaps my least favorite aspect of EULENSPYGEL are the lead vocals. They are neither horrible nor pleasing. They are just average and although they get the job done i'm not too keen on this guy's German pronunciation. German doesn't have to sound so harsh and this singer exaggerates the harshness. All is pleasant but really EULENSPYGEL 2 doesn't really excel in any particular way either. This is a play it safe sort of album where the band applies a prog by the numbers approach and i'm talking the most accessible prog of the early 70s. This has never been a band that offers a lot of appeal but yet when i listen to this album it's not offensive or misconstrued in any way. It's just not as good as countless other albums from the same era. Oh and that album cover really is awful! WTF, chuck? LOL

 Ausschuss by EULENSPYGEL album cover Studio Album, 1972
3.84 | 48 ratings

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Ausschuss
Eulenspygel Krautrock

Review by GruvanDahlman
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Germany played host to a myriad of bands in the 70's, all sporting different directions and styles, yet bundled together in the cramped box labelled krautrock. I find the term somewhat narrow and it may be that the term simply means "progressive rock from Germany". If so, I'm fine with that. As far as genres are concerned Germany was just as exploratory and/or adventurous as any other country.

I have always enjoyed the jazzier side of rock. It is something dear to me. Eulenspygel was exactly that, jazzy and hellbent on creating the perfect blend of progressive rock where jazz takes a prominent role. In their attempt to do so, they created one of the greatest albums to ever emerge out of Germany in the 1970's.

Though their first album may be a more cohesive affair I think that "Ausschuss" really is the Place to start, since it boasts the 22- minute epic of "Abfall". That song or suite is one of the most accomplished pieces I have ever heard. Simply outstanding. Everything just falls into place, melding and forging the elements into something out of this world. The vocals are emotional, the organ majestic and the overall orchestration flawless. It's certainly raw but not as in unrefined. Simply delicious. The opening mellotron is just thrilling and eerie.

It's hard to follow up on a track like that and subsequently the remaining tracks seems less brilliant, while they're actually not. They are all very good. "Menschenmacher" is very much a riff-driven track and "Teufelskreis" acoustically performed. The songs are all very good indeed but in comparison to the magnum opus inferior. What else is there, really, to expect?

The vocals are all performed in german but don't let that hinder you. The lyrics are politically left-winged and performed with passion.

This is an amazing album and really Worth checking out. I love it to bits, especially "Abfall".

 Ausschuss by EULENSPYGEL album cover Studio Album, 1972
3.84 | 48 ratings

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Ausschuss
Eulenspygel Krautrock

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars EULENSPYGEL continue with their left wing lyrics which have become increasingly demanding and critical of society.There is a side long suite on this their second album about orphans. Lyrics are still in German and the band certainly didn't just preach without practising their philosophies as they would visit orphanages and youth prisons which gave all the band members that emotional connection to the subject matter.They would take a train to England to record this album at Apple Studios. Lots of pictures in the liner notes including ones from the roof of that famous studio and inside as well as them crossing Abbey Road like THE BEATLES famous album cover.Their music was becoming increasingly complex as they listened to Classical music as well as YES, GENESIS, VDGG, ELP and more. At the studio they used instruments that had been left by Rod Argent including mellotron which might have been the studios and possibly the one THE BEATLES used.

"Abfall" is the side long suite which is really a Rock Opera of sorts about orphans. A haunting intro with mellotron as spoken German words join in.The music kicks in around 2 minutes.Vocals before 3 1/2 minutes as it settles some.Flute too. It turns experimental as the vocals stop.The atmosphere stops before 9 minutes as strummed guitar takes over followed by flute then vocals 10 1/2 minutes in. Some heavy organ before 12 1/2 minutes with electric guitar, drums and a full sound.Nice. It then picks up with vocals including some chunky bass. It settles back 16 1/2 minutes in with floating organ and almost spoken vocals. It's building and the vocals sound so good here.Very powerful and opera-like. It settles again after 19 minutes with organ and a beat as the mellotron joins in. Incredible track !

"Menschenmacher" is my least favourite because it's pretty straighforward.Vocals are the focus as the organ, drums and guitar help out. I do like the organ solo followed by the guitar solo later on. "Teufelskreis" is a cool sounding tune with the vocals sounding more laid back as the drums and acoustic guitar offer up some enrgy. Sitar before 6 1/2 minutes to the end. Maybe the one THE BEATLES used ? "Herzliches Beileid" has a beat as reserved vocals join in. I like this ! The organ replaces the vocals but they switch back again after 2 minutes. "Der Fremde" opens with organ as the guitar joins in. It kicks in hard around a minute then settles back with vocals.This is excellent. Spoken words after 4 minutes then it all picks up again. "Untertanenfabrik" has a good heavy intro and the vocals come and go. Mellotron before 2 minutes as we get this haunting mood taking over.Guitar before 3 minutes then organ. Vocals are back late.

I still prefer the debut but this has really grown on me. A solid 4 stars regardless, and Krautrock fans would do well to pick up either one of these classics or both if possible.

 2 by EULENSPYGEL album cover Studio Album, 1971
3.63 | 49 ratings

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2
Eulenspygel Krautrock

Review by Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer

4 stars 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.

 Ausschuss by EULENSPYGEL album cover Studio Album, 1972
3.84 | 48 ratings

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Ausschuss
Eulenspygel Krautrock

Review by loserboy
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Eulenspygel deserve their own chapter in the "Best Of Krautrock" handbook! After the success of their first album (titled 2), the recording for their follow up Ausschuss (Trash) would take place inside Abbey Road Studios in London. If you are a fan of Krautrock then you need to own this album! Imagine opening up with a 22 mins epic progressive rock track which ebbs and flows with some of the finest prog I have heard in a long long time. The instrumentation on this album are vast as well with some sitar, lots of mellotron, violin, flute and hand percussison. According to the liner notes during this recording they borrowed Rod Argents keyboards (who was in Abbey Road Studios at the same time)....also explains the heavy and wonderful keyboard work on this album. This is clever ever-changing 70's vintage krautrock which I guarantee will make you smile! This might be just simply one of the best Krautrock albums I have ever heard.
 Eulenspygel by EULENSPYGEL album cover Studio Album, 1979
1.37 | 11 ratings

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Eulenspygel
Eulenspygel Krautrock

Review by philippe
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

1 stars This Eulenspygel's effort is in the vein of 70's hard rock that I don't like much, featuring heavy riffs, solid bass rhythms, technical e- guitar solos, catchy, effective melodies. The album also includes heavy pop ballads with mellow bluesy grooves. Lyrics are in German, alternating melodic lines to aggressive, unclear voices. The result is rather basic, conventional and suffering of a certain conformism. If you are looking for spaced out, fuzzy guitars, instrumental epics or kraut-experimentations, this is the album to avoid. The proggy elements are almost absent, non consistent because the music is focused on melodies and direct riffs, forgetting all sense of complexity and arrengements in the musical process of writting. A mainstream, commercial heavy rock album with pop leanings. No eccentricity, no deeply gorgeous sounds and a really bad intuition!
 Ausschuss by EULENSPYGEL album cover Studio Album, 1972
3.84 | 48 ratings

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Ausschuss
Eulenspygel Krautrock

Review by Discographia

4 stars Excellent addition to any prog music collection. The Mellotron is very beautiful and All Vocals sung in German is great. This is a masterpiece of The Krautrock album. A structured Songs very rock and a profundis music.
 2 by EULENSPYGEL album cover Studio Album, 1971
3.63 | 49 ratings

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2
Eulenspygel Krautrock

Review by loserboy
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Here is an absolutely killer 70's German underground recording you must hear...wow how come this album is so darn hard to hunt down? Eulenspygel were a wild bunch of music freaks who recorded a fantastic couple of albums with their second in review here. Eulenspygel carried that certain underground German 70's vibe with homemade organ grinds, heavy bass and guitar overlays with heavier vocals, but wow is this album superb. With careful mix of jazz, fusion, prog and rock this album were pretty cleverly arranged and mixed with great imagination, color and tempo shifts. All vocals are sung in German and are done so with great conviction and I understand they are singing about anti-war themes. Fans of Krautrock will need to have this album in their collection..
Thanks to ProgLucky for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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