SPRITE

COUPLA PROG like JUD'S GALLERY never released a studio album but both bands had the opportunity to record at the radio station SWF in Germany. Interesting that JUD'S GALLERY's recordings were the first to be released by the Long Hair label and this album is the second recording to be released in this series. COUPLA PROG were favourites of SWF editor and presenter Walther Krause who invited them to play an unprecidented four times. I must admit I do not find the music here that enjoyable. Sure it has it's moments but overall I could never give 4 stars for my lack of enjoyment alone.Tracks 1, 5 and 7 are from 1970 and my least favourite of the bunch while tracks 2-4, 6 are from 1971 and for me there is a marked improvement.

"Wanna be Free" sounds like a shot at a single. I just don't like it at all. "Goodbye, Guns, Be By Gones" might be the best track on here. An experimental intro gives way to a beat and some fuzzed out bass.The organ floats in the background. Angular guitar before 1 1/2 minutes then spoken words arrive but not in English like they usually use. Guitar comes to the fore after 3 minutes as the vocals join in. I like this. More fuzz bass after 6 minutes. Check out the guitar 9 1/2 minutes in as they jam to the end.

"The Queen Is Selling Out" opens with piano as drums crash in quickly then guitar. It settles right down and reserved vocals join in. Some abrasive moments on this are contrasted with the mellow sections. Interesting to hear piano after 5 minutes as it gets dissonant. "Die Wut Uber Den Verlorenen Groschen" is led by drums, piano and bass early as the organ joins in. "Ode To The Vanilla Fudge" is just that I suppose. Not exactly the best track on here but it's okay.

"Auf Dass Er Sich Im Grabe Umdrehe" opens with fuzz and organ then it calms right down with bass. Some outburts after 2 minutes. I find this section frustrating with that same minimalistic sound that goes on forever. Out of the blue we get sax with dissonant piano and odd drum patterns.Vocals and organ end it. "Dies Irae(De Mortus" sounds like they are copying the popular theme for "2001 A Space Odysey" over and over.Then a change for the better before 1 1/2 minutes.Some abrasive sounds before 3 minutes are annoying though.

An interesting document from a good but relatively unknown Krautrock band.