BALLERMANN

Grobschnitt's second album leaves people very divided but the band's Oeuvre in general does too. As I wrote my review of their debut, some new reviews came in to counter mine and the reviewer shot at this album also. Unfortunately, those reviews are negative and obviously based on too few listening of the record and lacking the second degree Grobschnitt sense of humour. Beside of almost lacking respect for the artists concerned.

The only thing I can agree with that reviewer is that this second album is not as good as the debut (this may not be the opinion of the majority, though) but still well worth the 4 stars. Yes, Sahara is strange but represent a facet of Germanic culture as this is clearly a wink at Cabaret songs, Marlene Dietrich-way, that Liza Minelli took to fame also. Amon Duul II also devoted an album to this. Drivel!?!?.....that afore-mentined review is drivel.

As for the rest of the tracks they typical prog tracks but I find that they are slightly less inspired than the debut mostly to the second drummer Harlos leaving and changing of KB player. Grobschnitt had almost disbanded after those departures. If Nickel-odeon, Drummer's Dream, Morning Song and Magic Train are not all that great (something is lacking, my Guess is enthusiasm), they are still good tracks but sounding more Genesis than their fusion- laced debut.

And then comes the studio version of the main Grobschnitt theme Solar Music. Many have tendency to overlook this version because of the many live version (and they are partly Right) because it is too subdued due to the studio environment. I personally think that this is a peak in Grobschnitt's career.

Much worth a spin!!