Sonnenrad [6:04] Blauer Regen [3:11] Stromlinien [8:12] Sterntaler [6:47] Fontana di Luna [6:39] Orchestrion [3:41] Bonus tracks from 1993 Lichter von Kairo [6:44] Patagonia Horizont [6:08] Südseewellen - Extended Dance Remix [5:08]

product info

Recorded September - November 1977 at Forst & Conny's Studio by Michael Rother & Conny Plank. All tracks composed by Michael Rother. Bonus Tracks produced by Michael Rother and recorded in 1993 at Random Studio Forst. Michael Rother - guitar, piano, bass, vibraphone, Hawaii-guitar, synthesizer, strings. Jaki Liebezeit - drums. Rolf T. Schulte - Fairlight programming on track 9.

review

Michael Rother's second solo album, follow-up to "Flammende Herzen", sounds like the second half of a double album. It's got the same ingredients, but it's also refined with some extra spices. I think there's much more power in the music than on his first album. Tracks like "Sonnenrad" develop into some sort of climax, then "Blauer Regen" concentrates on the more melodic side in the music. Another remarkable track is "Fontana di Luna", a wonderful piece that was reworked in 1991 with vocals as "Morning Sun". Once again the rerelease on CD offers some new tracks: Two new compositions and a dance remix of "Südseewellen", a track originally from the 1987 album "Traumreisen". F.B.

review

Of all the Rother's classic albums from the seventies this one is my favorite. It has all of Rother's trademark : melodic guitar lines, discreet electronics and repetitive rhythms (courtesy of Can's Jaki Liebezeit). Some critics have compared Rother's music of this period to early Oldfield music, but there are more differences in my opinion : there are no folk influences in sight (typical of classic Oldfield of the seventies)and the use of minimalist forms and electronica places Rother's style on the classic german school. But the harmony and typical flowing melodies of his music makes Rother one of the few german artists possible to be admired by people who generally don't listen to krautrock (i can imagine a Shadows fan smile at the first chords of Flammende Herzen) ! As for the album, it's a classic work from Rother, there are no titles to refer to, because it all flows together very easily . Rother's music is not so avant garde than say Neu or Cluster, but it is made with style avoiding the pigeon hole of easy listening (say New Age). 2003. Manuel Brum / Portugal

review

Michael Rother (who contributes to the contemplative and meditative side of the seminal NEU!)recorded here one of my favorite Ambiant/minimalist rock album. If you are familiar with the NEU!75 dreamy and melodic tunes as "Seeland" you will not be disappointed by this second M.R. solo album. This tranquil and floating release remains a little known classic album. (The three additional tracks recorded in 1993 are barely passable and do not fit with the rest of the album). 2003. Philippe / France