Over the years I have been asked to
create a sampler tape / CD for various friends. (Actually if the truth be known
I probably forced it on them!) This is both fun to do and also quite difficult.
I like the prospect of being able to introduce Kraftwerk to people who have not
heard anything by them before, but at the same time struggle at deciding
exactly what tracks to put on.
A while back I made such a compilation which I am pleased with for
myself and at the thought that this gives a rounded 'overview' of what
Kraftwerk are all about. Hopefully enabling other people to become
'hooked'.
I gave myself a few rules
1
All tracks must fit within 2 CDs (74
minutes)
2
Only tracks from official LP's can be
used (so no, you can't use Tour De France nor EXPO 2000)
3
Only LP's from Autobahn onwards can be
used (I don't think trying to encourage someone to listen to Kraftwerk would be
persuaded by their earlier works)
4
You must include at least 1 track from
each LP
5
All tracks must be in chronological
order and in the order they appear on the LP. (So Computer World can not come
before Air Waves, and Comet melody 2 can not come before Autobahn.
6
No tracks can be repeated (That
includes The Mix. So you can't have both versions of The Robots)
7
You must stick to one language
throughout (where possible)
So here's my answer... what would you do? Please
communicate your answers to me
I will soon amend the rules so that you can use 2 80 min CD's and I'll update my selection to include
Tour De France Soundtracks
The track which gave Kraftwerk
world wide recognition. The single version becoming a top 10 in the USA. The
track tell the story of a journey on a motorway. Pick a comfortable chair, sit
back, push the volume up to max and enjoy.
The concept LP Radioactivity and
the later Electric Cafe are the 2 less played Kraftwerk LPs I have. The 3
tracks I've chosen from Radioactivity have a great rhythm and simplicity that I
like.
I think one of Kraftwerks greatest
tracks and alas has rarely been played live. Europe Endless appears simplicity
in itself but the more you listen the more complex it seems. A great tune
too.
You may have noticed that I've included 4 tracks
from The Man Machine. Well that's because it's so good. It's often rated as one
of the best Kraftwerk LP by Kraftwerk fans from around the world. This LP is
what Kraftwerk are all about, The amalgamation of Man with Machine to create
beauty.
The Model was initially released in 1978 but it
was not until 1981 that it made number 1 in the UK after being put on the B
side of Computer Love. A Classic that just has to be included.
The Mix (1991) is a bit strange. Kraftwerk
'disappeared' for years then released an LP of re-structured tracks from prior
LPs. (i.e. they went back in to the studio and started again) Pocket Calculator
- Dentaku (the Japanese version) was brilliant when 1st released as part of
Computer World but this version takes it ten steps forward.
Over the years I have been asked to
create a sampler tape / CD for various friends. (Actually if the truth be known
I probably forced it on them!) This is both fun to do and also quite difficult.
I like the prospect of being able to introduce Kraftwerk to people who have not
heard anything by them before, but at the same time struggle at deciding
exactly what tracks to put on.