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Kraftwerk "Ralf and Florian" released 1973 Kraftwerk's third album "Ralf und Florian" was released in November 1973 and it's title is almost synonymous with a nickname for the duo. The front cover is taken by Florian's then girlfriend Barbara Niemöller. The LP is a continuation of the ideas on the first two LPs, but the music has a much cleaner sound dominated by electric piano and soft electronic percussion. The first track "Elektrisches Roulette" (Electric roulette)is a rythmically repetitive piece and I think that you can trace the later Kraftwerk sound in this song. The track features electronics, violin,electric piano and drums. It is very much a pop song and maybe the best track on the album. Next comes "Tongebirge" (A Mountain Range Of Tones) and it has closer resemblance to earlier LPs. It has Florians typical flute arpeggios treated to a heavy dose of echo. "Kristallo" is also the name of a hotel close to the studio and the song featured clear repetitive keyboard arpeggios showing Ralf further developing the automation feel to his playing. The track ends like a catalogue of various recording tricks including backward tapes. "Heimatklange" (The Sounds Of Homeland) which closes side two demonstrates the duo's increasing grasp of dynamics. Side two opens with "Tanzmusik" (Dance Music) a strange song with very simple wooden and metallic noises. The rythm box is naturally present and actual hand claps appear towards the end of the song. The final track "Ananas Symphonie" features some slide guitar but most important is the emergence of a primitive vocoder through which the words "Ananas Symphonie" are discernable. The album cover has a photograph of Ralf and Florian, but the UK cover features an electrical circuit. "Ralf und Florian" (Philips 6305 197 D) "Ralf und Florian" UK Album Cover) Side One 1. Elektrisches Roulette 4:19 2. Tongebirge 2:50 3. Kristallo 6:18, download MP3 (2.9 MB) 4. Heimatklänge 3:45 Side Two 5. Tanzmusik 6:34, download MP3 (2.9 MB) 6. Ananas Symphonie 13:55, download MP3 (6.5 MB) Comments Initial copies contained free comic. Released in a different sleeve in the UK (Vertigo 6360 616). Released in the US (Vertigo VEL 2006). Recorded and mixed May-July 1973 at Kraftwerk Studio, Düsseldorf, Comet Studio and Rhenus Studio in Cologne and Studio 70 in Munich. Kraftwerk: Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, Vocals, Keyboards, String-& Windinstrumente, Drums, Electronics, Music, Production and Cover. All compositions and comic published by Kling-Klang-Verlag. Musicomix: Emil Shult, Ralf and Florian. Engineer: Conrad Plank Colour Photo: Barbara Niemöller. Back to homepage