Electronic Music

Kraftwerk

Music and Image

The music and image of Kraftwerk came about from an influence of American pop and rock music at that time period. Kraftwerk wanted to make music like that, but they wanted to put their own German style to the music that was there. Kraftwerk wanted to embrace Germany’s past by using humor and knowledge to reinvent the way people looked at Germany and also Electronic music. The new generation at the time was looking for new ways to feel towards personal liberty.

Kraftwerk Albums

The first album Kraftwerk that was released in 1974 was the 20-minute song autobahn. Due to the albums mainstream success over in the United States, this allowed the band to tour in the US. The performances were also often described as awkward.

The second album Kraftwerk released was in 1975 and was called Radio Activity. This album came about because of the band’s commercial radio success, hence the title of the album, Radio Activity.

Following Radio Activity, in 1977, Kraftwerk released Trans-Europe Express, which was about European trains, and most of the rhythm from that album was inspired from trains.

In 1978, Kraftwerk released the album The Man Machine. Kraftwerk did not go on tour again until after the Computer World album.

The Computer World Album was released in 1981 and was inspired by computers.

Two Characteristics

One of the main characteristics of Kraftwerk’s first hit is their song Autobahn. It was inspired from the German Autobahn, and the entire album had a road theme to it. You could also say that this fact itself was inspired from the beach boys. Every album from Kraftwerk had a theme to it, and this was known as a concept album.

Impressions

Kraftwerk was very cool to me. I liked the fact that they were able to step out of their comfort zones and help pave the way for other electronic music.

References
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqlx_8MtoSk