Krautrock Album Database

Albums

Blitzkrieg 1971
Mother Universe 1972
Cosmic Century 1973
Stories, Songs & Symphonies 1975
No More Love 1977
Charline 1978
Blue Eyed Boys 1979
Fräulein 1980
Sss Top 1981

Blitzkrieg (Pilz 1972)

Album Legnth: 43:20

Recorded: Sept/Dec 1971 Dieter Dierks Studio

Genre: Symphonic/Progressive Rock

Best Song: 'The Theme'

Release Info: 1999 CD Reissue OHR 70034-2

Tracks:

1. Lunetic 11.55
2. The Theme 9.47
3. Manhattan Project 13.54
4. Audiences 7.40

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Overview:

First off I need to start by asking why some people dub Wallenstein 'space rock' and draw musical comparisons to Pink Floyd? I have a tremendous ear when it comes to picking up on Floyd influences and this album contains maybe a guitar lick or two and that is it! As for dubbing Wallenstein's sound 'space rock', this couldn't be farther from the truth. Sure, 'Lunetic' contains Dieter Dierks' patented phasing effects and some slightly cosmic electric piano, but that is about it. As a whole their sound is a blend of symphonic and progressive rock which in this instance I feel comes off quite enjoyable.

The album begins with the track 'Lunetic', a hard rockin' prog-rock track with classical influences which might turn some listeners off with its cheesy early-electric piano sound. However, I dig the track, partly due to the intense assault which it puts on the ears, so fasten your headphones and get ready to Prog Rock! The next track, 'The Theme', begins with a light and rather pretty piano-ditty which gives way to a soaring rock guitar solo. This track features plenty of atmospheric mellotron, roaring guitar solos and great piano making it a great early symphonic rock effort. 'Manhattan Project' follows along the symphonic path of the previous track while 'Audiences' tends to be a bit more on the mellow side.

The musicianship on this album is top-notch when compared to other German groups. Wallenstein benefits even more due to great Dieter Dierks production values and also the fact that these guys can pump it up a notch and play at break-neck speed. Ignore the space rock talk and Floyd comparisons, sit back and enjoy this early masterpiece of symphonic prog rock.[5/5 Doug]

Musicians:

Jurgen Dollase - Piano, Electric Piano, Mellotron, Keyboard
Bill Barone - Guitar
Jerry Berkers - Bass, Vocals
Harald Groskopf - Drums

Charline (RCA 1978)

Album Legnth: 38:30

Recorded: Summer 1978 Dieter Dierks Studio, Cologne

Genre: Modern Rock

Best Song: 'All Good Children II'

Release Info: 1978 LP Release RCA PL 30045

Tracks:

1. Charline 4.04
2. Fire In The Rain 3.33
3. Life Is True In London Town 4.06
4. Red Wine For The Judge 4.35
5. All Good Children - Part 1 (Parent's Talk) 3.10
6. Midnight Blue 3.14
7. Sally Don't Mind 4.51
8. All Good Children - Part II (Children's Reply) 3.15
9. Stong And Steady 4.06
10. Oldtime Cafe 2.36

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Overview:

...at least it has a decent cover... that was the thought that went through my mind when I traded for a vinyl copy of "Charline". One listen and most folks will realize why this will almost never see the light of day on an official CD reissue. This newly overhauled Wallenstein, the second completely new lineup in as many years was a far cry from Jurgen Dollase's original concept. "Charline" contains 10 tracks ranging from absurdly cheesy to mildly interesting all the while wreaking of piano-driven commercial FM radio rock. The standout track is "All Good Children - Part II", for it breaks from the lame light adult rock which dominates the rest of the album. "Children" is a punky rocker complete with Johnny Thunders-esque slop-rock/blues riffing. "Strong And Steady" also manages to stand out due to its funky beat and decent lead guitar. This one is for Wallenstein completeists as well as those krautrock collectors who have to have it all. You know who you are.[1/5 Doug]

Musicians:

Jurgen Dollase - Keyboard, Vocals
Kim Merz - Vocals
Terry Park - Bass
Charlie Terstappen - Drums
Pete Brough - Guitar, Vocals
Michael Dommers - Guitar, Vocals

Blue Eyed Boys (RCA 1979)

Album Legnth: 39:54

Recorded: Summer 1979 Dieter Dierks Studio, Cologne

Genre: Modern Rock

Best Song: '1917'

Release Info: 1979 LP Release RCA 31089-6

Tracks:

1. I Wanna Live 4.50
2. When The Night Crows 4.12
3. Vote For The Blue Eyed Boys 2.36
4. If 3.50
5. Rock 'N' Roll Is All I Love 3.53
6. Come Back 4.08
7. 1917 4.15
8. Don't Let It Be 3.44
9. Little Boy 4.55
10. Will You 3.31

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Overview:

Although it is a little better than it's predecessor, I still feel that "Blued Eyed Boys" is going to be for completeists only. On this album, the group altered the formula from piano-driven rock to the more accessible guitar-based radio rock with a slight hint of reggae. One can hear elements of Toto, Queen, The Cars, and Rumors-era Fleetwood Mac throughout the album. The best and most varied track, "1917", contains a reggae beat, solid bass lines and a good saxophone solo. The title track is a pointless cabaret which will leave most of you scratching your head and asking "huh". To my knowledge "Blue Eyed Boys" has not seen an official, or bootleg CD release. Despite this, one can fairly easily track down a vinyl copy online. [1/5 Doug]

Musicians:

Jurgen Dollase - Keyboard, Vocals
Kim Merz - Vocals
Terry Park - Bass
Charlie Terstappen - Drums
Pete Brough - Guitar, Vocals
Michael Dommers - Guitar, Vocals