VIVE LA TRANCE

While AMON DUUL II are my favourite Krautrock band I must admit i've avoided this album like the plague and pretty much all the other albums that followed this one. The reason being that of their first five studio albums "Wolf City" is my least favourite simply because they became more conventional with the song structures. I still love that album but had heard over and over again that "Vive La Trance" was a poor man's "Wolf City". Well I finally took the plunge and while there is lots on here I quite enjoy, the fact is that for my tastes this is an album that seems watered down. Even the pictures of the band in the liner notes look like they are taking orders on how to be mainstream with all the smiles and preppy clothes (I have the "Revisited" release with bonus tracks from 2007). So yes this is a little tough to swallow since it was originally released in 1973. Like I said though there is lots to like.

"A Morning Excuse" is certainly one of those songs i enjoy with the relaxed intro that is joined by almost spoken male vocals. It turns more intense with violin then settles back as themes are repeated.

"Fly United" is also laid back as the vocals join in. Piano and sax after 1 1/2 minutes during this instrumental section. Guitar comes in as it picks up. Nice. "Jalousie" simply doesn't work for me on any level and especially Renate's high pitch vocals. "Im Krater Buhn..." is laid back with guitar along with background organ and some depth.It's spacey late.

"Mozambique" is a political track and a good one at that. A catchy rhythm with organ leads the way until it changes 1 1/2 minutes in and the vocals join in. Great sound. Renate sings with passion. "Apocalptic Bore" is spacey with spoken words. A light beat with male vocals takes over. Raw guitar before 2 1/2 minutes. Back to that relaxed sound then it slowly builds. Nice guitar solo before 6 minutes as well. "DR." sounds good when Renate comes in with that raw guitar before a minute. "Trap" has a really good intro then Renate comes in followed by organ and guitar. A good uptempo track. "Pig Man" was released as a single apparently. Not a fan at all. "Manana" is a nice vocal tune. "Ladies Mimikry" is good too.Violin 2 minutes in and sax later.

3.5 stars but if I could remove a couple of tunes i'd bump that up. I'll stick with "Live In London" and the first five studio albums thankyou !