NEU!

Neu! may be considered as Gods by some music listeners, but I've been carrying their first and third albums around in my mind and on my computers for almost three years, and I'm still impressed with their content by only a few smidgens. If you asked me which one of these two albums I like better, I would have to say "The first one". Why?

The album starts with a ten-minute affair that took me quite a few listens to appreciate it. "Hallogallo" is largely constituted of mild grooves by Michael Rother and minimalist drumming by Klaus Dinger. I have no clue who exactly concocted those weird experimental guitar sounds, but they sure sound mild too. This is like a steady-paced boat- or car- trip, better yet a mid-tempo motion of windshield wipers, that gives you an opportunity to relax and take a break from all the hectic activities you might have gone through.

The second track is probably something that has never been done before, but I mean that without any implications of good quality whatsoever. It's an interesting track the details of which I refuse to disclose so that you would have the opportunity to shape your own perspective about it. Let's just say that "Sonderangebot" ("Special Offer") has a surprise that significantly improves the track's quality in general, defines its purpose more clearly, and has the potential of corrupting your prostate (if you have one) if you are listening to this through a pair of headphones or a surround system.

Frankly, I don't know what tracks 3, 4, and 6 do on the album. The duo seems to be pretty hung up on some ambient minimalism ideas so mediocre that I fail to see the point of the existence of these three tracks. The last one, especially, makes me want to do some crazy things to myself whenever I hear that weird vocal performance.

Now let's discuss "Negativland", my biggest favorite on the album. I remember that back in the day when I was in high school I was a bit frightened of the idea of enduring the lengthy noise torture present on this track. Some two-three years later I have perceived its mighty power and the possible purpose of that power. "Negativland" could serve as a great soundtrack for that segment of the footage on the Deutsch Avantgarde documentary "The Rebirth of Germany", where all these West-Berlinians had to flee the police force as fast as they could. I presume that it is Klaus Dinger who demonstrated his vision for punk since he is the punk of the duo. He shoots out some mean, just neurotic, guitar patterns as if he is about to rip his heart out. I think that I wouldn't be able to see that has it not been for the amazing guitar tone. I forgot to mention that the track is also very well structured, which is another plus for it. It's like as if Dinger is soloing with riffs. Quite an idea, huh? Also, the production on the track sublime.

Ratings/comments (if you have to ask):

1. 'Hallogallo' - *** ; 2. 'Sonderangebot' - *** ; 3. 'Weissensee' - ** ; 4. 'Im Gluck' - ** ; 5. 'Negativland' - ***** ; 6. 'Lieber Honig' - * ;

Stamp: "Try it yourself."