AUTOBAHN

Kratftwerk launched in to the stratosphere with "Autobahn" after a mediocre start of some very forgettable music that nobody understood except the underground crowd and fans of Krautrock. The title track features a very lengthy excursion onto the freeway where cars leap into unbelievable speeds to get from point A to B. The acceleration of motors and cars that fly by is mimicked with incredible precision by the music particularly in the middle instrumental section that is accompanied by a low drone and Mini Moog. The honking sounds and Doppler effect of cars swooshing by are unforgettable. The heartbeat rhythms and driving timelessness are indicators of one of the most innovative German groups.

They didn't just break down barriers they demolished them with a ferocity that is unequalled in music of the era. The title track was a side long masterpiece and worth the purchase of the album alone. But it took on a whole new vibe when radio stations picked it up, butchered it to a mere 3 minutes or so and played it in the 70s to an unsuspecting audience.

Of course Kraftwerk became household names in Germany and indeed enjoyed worldwide success with 'Autobahn'. I believe listeners would have received a shock though as the rest of the album simply defies description and is nowhere as accessible as the tuneful melodies of the title track.

The weird high strangeness of side 2's tracks are peculiar and way off centre , and I remember as a child being absolutely petrified of 'Mitternacht' in particular with is scary effects. The other side 2 tracks are repetitious and dull. However it is what it is and 'Autobahn' was the beginning of greatness for these most influential progenitors of techno pop and progressive electronic.

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