Re: Going round in circles
Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 10:35 am
An album that I did not expec t to like, but have been playing quite a lot (especially in the car) is:
Grobschnitt 'Kinder und Narren' (1984)
'Paradox' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0NeSYpXaNY
The title translates as 'Children and Fools' and this is a concept album that tells a story about a world where peaceful coexistence, feelings, tact and individual dignity have ceased to exist and the only ones allowed to show emotions are children and fools.
This is an 80's prog record that has the same spirit as Saga 'Generation 13' and Styx 'Kilroy Was Here'. Loads of synths, short songs and socially critical lyrics.
Grobschnitt had discovered the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer and, unfortunately, use a lot of similar settings as the Thompson Twins - which comes across rather oddly to my ears. However this record has a quality that appeals to me; it isn't the Grobschnitt of the 70's (long jams and psychedelic tomfoolery), the band was now led by guitarist Lupo and had dropped most of their anarchic humour in favour of slick professionality.
The fact that it is also all in German is difficult for an international audience and the 80's production - although crystal clear - is dated . Still, it is a work that exudes a certain integrity and I must give 'Kilroy Was Here' another go one of these days.
Styx 'Mr Roboto' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc6f_2nPSX8
Grobschnitt 'Kinder und Narren' (1984)
'Paradox' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0NeSYpXaNY
The title translates as 'Children and Fools' and this is a concept album that tells a story about a world where peaceful coexistence, feelings, tact and individual dignity have ceased to exist and the only ones allowed to show emotions are children and fools.
This is an 80's prog record that has the same spirit as Saga 'Generation 13' and Styx 'Kilroy Was Here'. Loads of synths, short songs and socially critical lyrics.
Grobschnitt had discovered the Yamaha DX7 synthesizer and, unfortunately, use a lot of similar settings as the Thompson Twins - which comes across rather oddly to my ears. However this record has a quality that appeals to me; it isn't the Grobschnitt of the 70's (long jams and psychedelic tomfoolery), the band was now led by guitarist Lupo and had dropped most of their anarchic humour in favour of slick professionality.
The fact that it is also all in German is difficult for an international audience and the 80's production - although crystal clear - is dated . Still, it is a work that exudes a certain integrity and I must give 'Kilroy Was Here' another go one of these days.
Styx 'Mr Roboto' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc6f_2nPSX8