Krautrock Album Database

Albums

Karthago 1971
Second Step 1973
Rock and Roll Testament 1974
Live At The Roxy 1976
Love Is A Cake 1977

Karthago (BASF 1971)

Album Legnth: 35:12

Recorded: October 1971 at Audio Tonstudio - Berlin

Genre: Blues Rock/Fusion

Best Song: 'String Rambler'

Release Info: 1997 Repertoire CD Release PMS 7059-WP

Tracks:

1. String Rambler 5.18
2. I Don't Live Tomorrow 2.44
3. But I Know 5.32
4. Morning Surprise 2.27
5. I Give You Everything You Want 3.18
6. I Know You Can Do My Babe 4.11
7. Why Don't You Stop Buggin' Me 5.00
8. Black Fire 4.43
9. Nos Vamos 1.40

Rate This Album Online

Average Rating based on 6 votes: 2.7

Overview:

Some of you might recognize the cover from the Freeman brothers now-famous book 'Crack In The Cosmic Egg'. In a way, I find it kinda odd that they chose this cover mainly due to the fact that Karthago's sound is not very representational of the genre as far as cosmic is concerned. However, their ability to spontaneously fuse together elements from rock, blues, jazz, funk, soul and Latin music was very much in the Krautrock vein. The album kicks off with the strong cut 'String Rambler' which features some heavy-guitar solos, gutsy soul-ish vocals, jazzy organ, and Latin rythms. Other tracks in this style are 'I Don't Live Tomorrow', 'Why Don't You Stop Buggin Me', and 'I Give You Everything You Want'. 'But I Know' starts off with an ambient bed of bird chirps, a somewhat psychedelic guitar and organ before breaking into an intense chorus section. This track is far more subdued when compared to the funky nature of the previously named tracks. 'Black Fire' begins in 'Paradieswarts Dull' fashion utilizing folk guitar and percussion. The track then switches tempo and builds into a romantic chorus and middle section. 'Karthago' was originally released with a six-part fold-out cover containing colorful psychedelic artwork. The album might not appeal to those of you who lean towards the cosmic nature of the genre, but some of you might like it for its gutsy fusion of styles. Even if you are not fond of the material, I am sure you will agree that the guitarist, Joey Albrecht, is amongst the best of Kraut axe-weilders! "Take a little trip. Smoke a little shit" (Why Don't You Stop Buggin Me) [2.5/5 Doug]
Musicians:

Joey Albrecht - Guitar, Vocals
Ingo Bischof - Organ, Vocals
Gerald Hartwig - Bass, Vocals, Percussion
Wolfgang Brock - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Tommy Goldschmidt - Drums, Percussion, Vocals