Kraftwerk: Trans Europe Express (180g) Vinyl LP

Trans-Europe Express, originally released in 1977, is a good starting point for any serious b-boy (Afrika Bambaataa sampled the title track for Planet Rock), and if you're into electronic music at all, eventually you'll have to get into these guys. It's been nearly 50 years since Kraftwerk started dropping German science, but DJs and producers are constantly going back to them, stealing samples, learning about song structure and generally jocking their steez. Check out the heavy rhythm-induced paranoia of "Metal on Metal" to hear the origins of intricate drum programming. Meanwhile, tracks like "Europe Endless" or "Franz Schubert" lay the groundwork for future genres of music; everything from electro and techno to new wave, ambient, you name it. These guys were so ahead of their time they must have had a flux capacitor implanted in their groins. 1.21 GIGAWATTS! 7 tracks total on deluxe 180 gram vinyl with printed inner sleeve featuring the original cover and full color photo booklet. Recommended.

• 180 gram import reissue
• printed inner sleeve features original album art
• full color photo booklet
• part of the 2009 Kraftwerk Digital Master reissue series 
• music label: Kling Klang 1977 / 2009

reviewed by the Woodman 10/2005