Krautrock Album Database

Albums

Mammut 1971

Mammut (Mouse Trick Track 1971)

Album Legnth: 39:02

Genre: Psych

Best Song: 'Bird Mammut'

Release Info: 2003 CD Reissue Expertise Records EXCD-9918 FF

Tracks:

1. Bird Mammut 4.07
2. Classic Mammut 1.20
3. Mammut Ecstasy 4.30
4. Footmachine Mammut 3.08
5. Short Mammut 1.49
6. Schizoid Mammut 3.24
7. Nagarn Mammut 7.01
8. Mammut Opera 13.39
9. Da Du Da 4.51*
10. King Bill 3.32*

*=Bonus Track

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Overview:

Recorded and released privately in 1971, 'Mammut' is the only album I now of which opens with the sound of a squeaking mouse. Those first few seconds offer the listener a glimpse of the musical creativity inherent within. As a whole, the album combines classical, blues and acid elements resulting in a very unique psychedelic recording. The first track, 'Bird Mammut' is what the original Amon Duul should have sounded like: a cacophony of multi-layered rhythmic percussion which provides the foundation for a repetitive bass line, swirling organ, and erratic flute solos. 'Bird Mammut' segues into the short piano interlude aptly titled 'Classic Mammut'. Following this are the heavy acid-blues tracks 'Mammut Ecstasy' and 'Footmachine Mammut'. Showcasing a heavy dose of John Lord (Deep Purple) influenced hammond organ, 'Mammut Ecstasy' is a groovy number containing heavy guitar breaks. 'Footmachine Mammut' is the more laid back of the two and it has a brooding organ sound more akin to Richard Wright's (Pink Floyd) work. Both tracks are notable for their easy going acid-drenched vocals which are at times reminiscent of Damo Suzuki from Can. 'Schizoid Mammut' again returns the band to the Duul-ish primal tendencies showcased on the first track. 'Schizoid' is a fairly straightforward acid blues jam with demented vocals performed simultaneously by multiple vocalists singing in different keys! The album closes with the thirteen-minute opus 'Mammut Opera'. This track begins with a rather gloomy jazzy-piano and vocals section before turning into a progressive jam culminating with guitar and flute solos. Those of you aware of the mid-70's Cleveland piano-based proto-punk band The Styrenes will note the similarity in sound. This CD reissue contains two bonus tracks from 1971 that were originally released on another rare Mouse Trick Track Music release titled 'Under Party Ground Compilation'. [3/5 Doug]

Musicians:

Klaus Schnur - Guitar, Vocals
Peter Schnur - Guitar, Vocals
Rainer Hoffman - Piano, Organ
Tilo Herrmann - Bass, Flute, Vocals
Gunter Seier - Drums, Percussion