:.. Krautrock: Cosmic Rock and Its Legacy (Black Dog) (Edited By Nikolaos Kotsopoulos)

Nikolaos Kotsopoulos (Edited By)

Krautrock: Cosmic Rock and Its Legacy

Published by Black Dog

Apr 22, 2010 Web Exclusive By Hays Davis

Depending on how quickly neurons begin firing when one hears the term "Krautrock," the genre of experimental music that germinated and gestated in Germany from the late '60s through the '70s may mean little other than a reference to Kraftwerk and Can.

The format and presentation of Krautrock: Cosmic Rock and Its Legacy are perfect for drawing in casual readers, and aficionados will find themselves quickly hooked. Various writers present individual profiles on a wide array of musicians, from higher-profile acts such as Tangerine Dream and Neu! (as well as Kraftwerk and Can), to notable names such as Popol Vuh, Cluster, and Guru Guru.

Several interesting and useful essays set the stage, and there are plenty of band photos to add to further personalize even the most obscure inclusions. With a useful 1967-75 timeline pointing out significant events and a section presenting album covers from labels that played key roles in getting this music out, Krautrock is a useful guide to a genre that continues to reverberate and to what lends its mystique. Ever wondered what separated Amon Duul from Amon Duul II? Look no further. (www.blackdogonline.com)

Author rating: 7/10

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Average reader rating: 8/10