AUTOBAHN

As I have said in an earlier ''Kraftwerk'' review, I first discovered ''Radio Activity'' and then dug backwards into their catalogue; but not further than ''Autobahn'' in those remote days (1975).

The music that is featured here is much more accessible than on their previous recordings (but this was not difficult). Their style is very much set in place, and the band is now ready for world recognition.

IMO, it is also their best album so far. Electronic music at its best, this album develops some fine melodies and it sounds much more organized that their first two albums which were quite an experimental affair. The repetitive side of their music is brought to its extreme during the side long (on the vinyl) title track, but the synth work does bring some variety in here (yes!). I obviously think that it is more fun than great but I have liked this track pretty much back then.

I wouldn't speak of gem, marvel or jewel but this album is quite a decent one. Even if you aren't a deep lover of this sort of minimalist work (which is my case in general), one has to admit that ''Kraftwerk'' put some good stuff together in this album.

To some extent, I would say that this work is quite important in terms of influence for such an album as ''Low'' from Bowie (which will see the light three years later - I'm talking about ''Low'' of course). This feeling is fully palpable during both of ''Kometenmelodie''. This is an obvious source of inspiration of the great B-side from ''Low''. Part two is probably the finest music available on ''Autobahn''. A real good melody with some more ''warmth'' than usual.

Some dark and scary mood for ''Mitternacht'' (midnight) is a fine break. Only some repetitive keys note which provide a gloomy atmosphere. Not joyful music of course, but I quite appreciate this short number (which is not the case of the closing ''Morgenspazierga'').

In all, ''Autobahn'' is a good album. I would probably have rated with seven out of ten if it was possible (but this option doesn't seem to be available on PA, which is a PITA). Since I can't really raise this effort to four stars, three is the final score.