Kraftwerk
"The Man-Machin"
© Capitol
November 12 - 18, 2023
Year of Release: 1978
Rating:
The Robots
Spacelab
Metropolis
The Model
Neon Lights
The Man-Machine
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Germany has been the home for many musical groups. WSVNRadio has featured German bands, such as Laibach, Rammsetein.
and KMFDM. The German band that started it all (from my knowledge) would be Kraftwerk. Finally, Kraftwerk has made their
debut here on WSVNRadio, with their seventh studio album, The Man-Machine (1978). Electronic music at its finest,
and in its own unique way, Kraftwerk's lineup for The Man-Machine were Raif Hutter, Florian Schneider, Karl Bartos,
and Wolfgang Flur. Another term to describe Kraftwerk's music - "Robot Pop." Where Laibach's vocals were rough and gruff,
Kraftwerk's vocals are of robotic, making the term of their music "electronic" providing a more energetic style, with their
robotic voices. Kraftwerk were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, in 2021.
"The Robots" leads off the album, and yes, there is the energy of both eletronica, and robotic vocalization.
With it's energy, the music is very catchy (as in many of their recorded songs.) Another part of electronic music, are the
synthesizers. "Spacelab" has this, and the intro is quite similar to another band who used synthesizers - the Steve
Miller Band's "Fly Like An Eagle." "Spacelab" kicks into another energetic journey in sound and it's own
magic. "Metropolis" is another great sythesized piece, and can be compared to the movie soundtrack Midnight
Express. The Model" has the sound that would be heard throughout the upcoming 1980s decade. The vocals are not
robotic, yet it fits this song, with its upbeat Pop style. "Neon Lights" is another futuristic sound for the upcoming
decade as well. And, like the previous song "The Model," it has "normal" vocals. A better musical genre to describe
these past two songs would be another fixture of the 1980s decade, New Wave. Dreamy. Ending the album is another great
journey into electronic music with robotic vocals, the title track of the album, "The Man-Machine."
The robotic vocals were most likely used by what was called a "vocoder." Some called it "mouth organ" (not the harmonica).
It was a device where you speak into it, it sounds like a robot voice. Music artists such as Peter Frampton, Stevie Wonder,
2Pac and many others have used it. It was also heavily used in the early years of R&B music, and early hip-hop.
Kraftwerk's The Man-Machine is a great adventure into electronic music. Robot Pop, Synth-Pop, it has incredible
uses of electronic music, with it's robotic textures. A unique sound indeed (as many German bands have provided.)
If you're looking into something "different," Kraftwerk's music is a great look and listening experience. As in "look,"
On The Man-Machine album cover - the bandmembers are in matching dress attire. Red. I can't help but to put those
red flowerpots on theirs heads and glasses, and another band comes to mind. Devo! No, Kraftwerk did not later develop into
Devo, yet Devo's music did venture into New Age, as Kraftwerk's music can be compared to that. I'm sure many DJs have used
Kraftwerk's music as background music for "radio bumpers" and other uses. I sure did.
11 studio albums, 1 live, compilations and box sets, Kraftwerk certainly deserved their induction into the Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame. Their music is unique and worth listening to. Become a fan, and experience the music of Kraftwerk. WSVNRadio
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