STARRING ROSI

3.5 stars

When did Manuel Göttsching sleep? "Starring Rosi" is ASH RA TEMPEL's third studio release during the year 1973! This record is an exception in the band's discography, as it does not feature long tracks or improvisations, as the previous records, but is composed of short-medium songs, the longest one lasting 9 minutes. Although the music can still be linked to space and krautrock, it incorporates elements from different musical styles such as folk, pop and even funk.

Why this evolution and this album title? Simply because Manuel Göttsching is the original member left now and does what he wants. Klaus Schulze continues his solo career, whereas Harmut Enke decided to definitely quit the music business! Therefore Göttsching asked for help from some friends: WALLENSTEIN's drummer, future Schulze's and ASHRA collaborator Harald Grosskopf, well-known producer Dieter Dierks and especially his wife Rosi Müller.

Wait a minute... Short songs, less improvisations, pop, funk, a conventional cover art... is this still ASH RA TEMPEL?

The opening track is surprisingly one of the weakest. "Laughter Loving". Beginning with an odd laughter, it mainly consists in a soft pop with slight country accents. Basic, boring and too lengthy. On the contrary, the floating "Day Dream" is an oneiric and beautiful folk piece. There is some future ELOY spirit here. The superposition of Rosi and Manual's vocals enhances the dreamy ambiance. Then comes the instrumental "Schizo", a spacey rock a bit mystical. It's no easy task to describe "Cosmic Tango", this nice funky-space-blues that can vaguely remind GONG.

The other weak passage of the disc is "Interplay Of Forces". The first half is mainly ambient and average , nothing really happens, whereas the second half, in the same vein as "Laughter Loving", is not really remarkable either. Fortunately, "The Fairy Dance" is an instrumental faithful to its title. A magical and aerial breathe, light and beautiful, with harp and mellotron. My favorite track of the record. The closer "Bring Me Up" shows glimpses of Manuel Göttsching's future musical direction in the late 70's with ASHRA. Original, this kind of dynamic floating funk resembles SANTANA at times.

Apart in ASH RA TEMPEL's discography, "Starring Rosi" remains the most accessible and varied offering of Göttsching and co. However, the music still remains pretty good and innovative in its own way too. Although not as cosmic and trippy as the previous albums, the compositions are more lively and colorful. Therefore you have no valuable reason not to give this record a try.

Don't expect deep immersive spacey soundscapes here, just enjoy this charming album and relax...

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