I was in my final year of boarding school in England, aged 18, when one of my friends mentioned to me that he had been reading about this new album called "Man Machine" in that week's New Musical Express, and he thought I might be interested. He handed me the article, a huge piece about Kraftwerk, and I devoured it. I was a serious classical musician at the time, though I also listened to a lot of jazz and some rock, but I was very into avant-garde stuff like Stockhausen (especially his electronic work, Kontakte, Gesang der Junglinge etc.), Penderecki, Henze, Varese. After reading the article I walked into town as soon as I could and bought the album. It was a revelation. And that original UK pressing still sounds incredible. Over the years I naturally bought all the others in various editions (my especial favorite is an original German pressing of Trans-Europe Express which is like sinking into a gorgeous soft bed of analogue goodness!!). I introduced my daughter at a ridiculously young age and she has loved them ever since. I will never forget at her 7th birthday she insisted on only playing Kraftwerk and all her friends were like: "What IS this stuff?" We finally got to see them live at Disney Concert Hall here in Los Angeles about 6 or 7 years ago which was incredible. The hall has one of the best acoustics in the world, and I have never heard live pop music sound so good. Have you seen them live? Michael, I discovered your channel about a month ago and I love it -- but naturally this video is something special to me. I am planning to investigate your earlier videos on electronic music. I have some of these Kraftwerk reissues and they are indeed gorgeous. Different from the originals, but just as valid. I have been collecting vinyl since I was 10, with a heavy emphasis on classical, and I still have all my records. Discovering the VC videos, especially those of you and your Four Corners colleagues has been a blast, and I am thinking of starting my own channel. We'll see...... Meantime, keep up the good work, Maybe one day I will visit Dusseldorf and get to hear Kraftwerk on your killer system. Vielen Dank für alles!
Hey 45 RPM audiophile, All of the objects that are on the shelves above your left shoulder. They look to be thin books. The thick black boxes look to be box sets of certain albums. What are those collections???
My list, note that I consider 1-7 to be timeless masterpieces that everyone should own. This band means a lot to me. 8: The Mix 7. Electric Cafe / Techno Pop 6. Tour De France 5. Radio-Activity 4. Autobahn 3. Trans-Europe Express 2. The Man Machine 1. Computer World
For me, I put TEE no.1, Computerwelt no.2, TMM no.3 and Autobahn and Radioactivity kinda go either way for me, but otherwise completely agree with your ranking.
I recently found an original German pressing of Radio-Aktivitat at a local record store here in Australia. Was my first time listening to them and is an incredible album. You have now inspired me to seek out the rest of the catalogue, those represses look fantastic.
Me the same!! Being the same age as you, it took me years to find out who it actually was thou! I think I first heard it at a birthday party or disco or possibly even a roller-disco. I then heard it blaring out of a car sitting at traffic lights in the late 80’s. I was so excited that I briskly walked up to the driver before the lights changed and asked him who it was - he was like “I dunno, it’s the radio” I was gutted!! Then just a few years later, a friend and I was walking past a pub where there was a stripper with her own little ghetto-blaster pumping out “The Model” I said to my mate I absolutely love this track and need to find out who it is” to my amazement he said “this is Kraftwerk!!” 😍🥰 Bought the album shortly after 👌🏼👍🏼
You are a bad bad man!!! :-) I kid. I had a greatest hits CD for many year but didn't have any of their works on vinyl. Until about 5 min ago. I just ordered all of them!!! Thank you! Merry Christmas!
@@Michael45RPM Much to my surprise most of the LPs arrived within 24hr. They sound great and many of the LPs have versions I've not heard before. Thx again for the little nudge.
Love to see album rankings! I wasn't even familiar with Kraftwerk before this but still found it interesting. Definitely hope to see more lists and album rankings from you! Especially if you include your favorite pressing of each album you rank. Keep up the great videos!
Why isn't 1, 2 or Ralph und Florian mentioned? On Ralph und Florian, they're starting to sound what we know them to become. The track Kristallo is totally mindblowing, way ahead of it's time in rythm and composistion. Even Tanzmusik has it's synthetic and accoustic elements that has inspired lots of artists out there. I really think this album should have it's own review somewhere...
There’s also the two compilation albums, Exceller-8 and Elektro Kinetic, I think they’re both official releases. I did read somewhere that Kraftwerk have effectively disregarded Kraftwerk 1 & 2 and Ralph und Florian, so they were never rereleased like their other albums were. This is a quote from Wikipedia about Ralph und Florian: “No material from this album has been performed in the band's live set since 1976. Though the electronic sound of Ralf und Florian is more stylistically similar to Autobahn than it is to Kraftwerk's first two albums, the band is seemingly reluctant to consider the album a part of its canon - Schneider in later interviews referred to the first three Kraftwerk albums as "archaeology".” Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralf_und_Florian
They arent considered as official albums sadly. Even on the official website, the only albums listed are their 12345678 series, Kw1, RuF and Kw2 are not mentioned anywhere. I really wish they start printing them again, they deserve to be recognized...
I had a friend who was stationed in Germany in the 70's, he sent me Autobahn before it was released stateside. To say I was blown away is an understatement. At that point, the only place to go was the back catalog which was non-existent in the states. He also brought me back the first 2, which had been released as a double compilation album. I finally got the USA release of Ralph and Florian in 1975, which is still one of my absolute favorites of theirs. Yes, it's a transitional album, but I really like the mix of traditional with synths. I'm not sure if they just consider their custom-made all-synth albums to be the only canon or not. But a lot of us consider the first 3 to be very important, don't we?
Outstanding video, and really enjoyed listening to your thoughts, its great to hear you come from the original Stadt Dusseldorf. My Kraftwerk collection is not complete, but I do own the Der Catalogue boxset released in 2009, that seems to contain the same beautiful artwork booklets relased again with the Color vinyl re-issues? Then In 2017, I met Ralf Hutter and the current line up, Hennig Schmidt in Dublin before their 3D Tour show, during the sound technician check set it in the afternoon. Ralf Hutter looked like a very cool star, wearing all black and dark Ray Ban sun glasses. He was more than happy to give us 5 minutes of his time signing the inner booklets (from Der Catalogue) in black or gold pens. Ralf even knew and spotted I had one bootleg record, which he laughed friendly and said it is not possible to sign this one! "A young man stepped into the hall of mirrors Where he discovered a reflection of himself!" Even the Greatest Stars. Best Regards from Dublin
The most prized possession in my vinyl collection - emotionally rather than financially - is the first pressing of Computerwelt which I bought still sealed (!) 4 months ago. And yes, Kraftwerk ought to be enjoyed in German! Now I'm working on getting the original pressing of Die Mensch-Maschine...
This episode was pure joy my Dusseldorf friend! I'm just beginning to read David Buckley's Kraftwerk: Publikation: A Biography AND simultaneously discovered Kraftwerk is touring the USA in June 2022. FYI: In the States Computer World was the monster hit album. Numbers and Pocket Calculator were played constantly in the early 80s new wave clubs. I was hoping Autobahn would be #1 but I'll take second place! Keep up the excellent reviews!
Great summary of their discography. I've been revisiting Kraftwerk recently and I have to say Trans Europa Express stands out as my favourite although I also think Ralf & Florian is a very underrated record and I'd love to see it get a reissue.
Thanks for the video. Enjoying your channel. I first heard of Kraftwerk via a few early hip hop records (where they where heavily sampled.) Amazing "band".
For electronic music, they are extremely musical sounding. Always thought they were great David Bowie recorded in Düsseldorf, simply for his love Kraftwerk When I began tuning into your channel, I mentioned you reminded me of a Kraftwerk member. I just got the vibe, but I realize it is your accent which obviously originates from the Düsseldorf region. Thanks for the great reviews Michael Keep them coming Florian Schneider has passed, not Ralf Radio Aktivitat is my favorite too
Well, as for reasons why David Bowie was in Germany at the time, you can read a lot about it in the Tangerine Dream biography "Force Majeure". Almost two chapters are devoted to the period when David Bowie was there and why, how they met and the nature of their association. One of the reasons is that he was at a musical dry-spell and needed som new input and influence , and that he was trying to avoid his wife he was separated from at the time, how he hid in the appartment of Edgar Froese and so forth. In David's entourage was of course Iggy Pop (almost stoned all of the time), and the history goes that Edgar Froese made their studio available for David Bowie, and even helped him with some musical bits for Heroes.
I own the '75 pressing of Radio - Aktivitat (1C 062-82 087) and I love it. But I also absolutly love The Mix, I really do. Good job with your videos. Keep up the good work! 👍
Very cool, RIP Florian... As a 15 year old kid in America ('74ish?) listening to FM radio hearing "Autobahn" blew my mind... I went out the next day and copped the disc... Fantastisch!
Thank you. I enjoyed this video. Congratulations on your excellent English. I’m not sure if it has been mentioned but there are other differences between the German and English versions other than the language. The mixes are also slightly different. Certainly, Computer World is. Cheers
I purchased Autobahn a few years ago because it was on sale for only 22 dollars Canadian. I was not at all familiar with Kraftwerk's music. I defiantly heard the name but that's it. I played the album as soon as I got home and was blown away. Not knowing anything about them I was simply amazed at how simple yet complex their sound was. The album came with a picture book, I began to realize the pictures were directly connected to the music and it was a sonic journey down the highway. Such a great concept and a real audiophile gem. However my copy is black vinyl not blue.
Radioactivity! I heard that album first back in the mid 70s! It is MY top Kraftwerk album as well. Nothing else like it by anyone else, nothing else like it by Kraftwerk either! Such a game changer in my opinion.
Thanks for reminding us about the German lyrics! I had absolutely forgotten my "original" Man Machine from 1978, before I moved to the US, I listened to both the German and English version last night, now I'm looking for the German version of the Trans Europe!
Thanks for this. I agree with your number 1 and 2. I saw them in Waterloo Ontario Canada in 1974 at 20 years old, with a mind-blowing performance the likes I have not seen before or since. I knew then when I walked out of the building that it was a very ''important'' event and that Kraftwerk would have a big hand in influencing the way music went. I positively loved the 80's alternative new wave type music that followed, thanks again, Kraftwerk for that!
An incredible contribution to humanity. Their music is timeless and undoubtedly influenced all electronic music following them. Not to mention how prophetic is the computer world album?
Thank you for this video. You have a great collection of Kraftwerk albums. My personal rankings are different from yours, naturally. I agree with you that German versions have different atmosphere. They are "colder" (if a German piece of machinery could be any colder than Japanese or French piece of machinery :0) - funny). In this case it is a "plus" because we are talking about "robot music", music made by human machines. Kraftwerk are and will always remain amazing in every respect.
I as a swede loved ABBA in the 70's, still do, but they were really not such a cultural revolution as Kraftwerk was. You can have your preferences with the albums but I think they should be seen in the context of the whole. German youth developing a new German culture, helping me to understand Germany and German mentality better, I believe. Their work was very much something in progress, much like the Berliner Tangerine Dream. Beginning with experimentation and then becoming increasingly more refined, a more well polished product of their hard work at the end, maybe at the end of the 80's? Kraftwerk will forever be in my heart. I appreciate enormously them opening my eyes to a world and reality so much larger than it was when I was young, a child. Music can be anything and even sound great!
Danke , Radioaktivität und Autobahn sind meine Lieblingsscherben und ich werde sie sicher bestellen . Meine Nr. 3 wäre dann Tour de France .Devo ist der beste Beweis dafür , dass die Combo auch in den USA Spuren hinterlassen hat . Kanal abonniert - Gruss aus Bern
Have loved Kraftwerk for years but found this overview and ranking fresh and enjoyable. Thank you for it. My personal rankings would be similar, though I might overweight TEE and underweight Computerworld. That said, I've not listened to German versions in their entirety and I am sure they would influence my rankings. The music is timeless and seems destined in fact to live perpetually in the future.
These dudes are serious business,I grew up listening to their music and just like then its still amazing today. They have ah style all of their own,very unique, timeless, universal everyone could feel this music....It was my favorite music to breakdance to. Man, machine album #1 .love you kraftwerk,thank you sir for video..Merry Christmas. .
Can someone help me? A lo-o-o-o-o-ng time ago I borrowed a cassette (of all things) from my local library by the title of Die Klassik Werks. Attempts to find this album ever since have failed, although I do have the blue version of The Mix. Are they the same thing?
When I was 12 around the mid 90's HMV opened on the Isle of Wight, this coincided with the very first album I ever bought. This was Radio-Aktivitat, a C.D with the original cover. I grew up with my Dad playing his old disco tracks one of the was the 1982 12inch of The Model/Computer Love. Apart from that those to tracks I had no idea of any of their music and despite the cover I was immensely to Radio-Aktivitat. I was instantly blown, I decided that I wanted to be an electronic musician and held this album as a bench mark on how I wanted to sound. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere and the sounds of this work even the imperfections of the tape hiss and the crackles of Orchestron is why I hold this with such esteem in my collection. Really is in a special place for me.
When I was 12 in the midseventies I borrowed a cassette-copy of Radioaktivität in a public library, thinking it would be a lecture about atomic energy. That´s how I got to know Kraftwerk.
I had the original German version of Radio Activity and with the original cover. I loved it, but sadly I no longer have it. What a loss. I also had ‘The Mix’ on cassette which I bought in 1991 when The Robots was re-released. I’ve loved Kraftwerk and their music for over 40 years and remember first hearing ‘Autobahn’ in ‘75 and wondering what on Earth I was listening to. But I loved it. Sadly, I only just read about Florian dying. Such a shock and so sad. And I agree with your choice of #1 album followed by TEE.
Thanks for showing these versions and talking about this incredible, influential band. I was introduced to Kraftwerk through The Mix, so I have a special affection for that record. These days my favorite is Trans Europe Express. I realize I've never given a fair listen to Trans Europe Express because I was more into the musical descendants of Kraftwerk at the time it was released. I'm giving it a listen now and am very impressed!
My brother and I were aged 11 and 13 when we first heard Kraftwerk's Autobahn on our local radio station in New Zealand...the year was 1974. We became instant fans and of course are still to this day. I actually got to see them perform live for the first time last week in Brisbane and am still buzzing from the experience.
I discovered Kraftwerk the year that Autobahn originally came out, since then I listened and like all their albums, I would have a hard time making a list of the « best to perfect », though I would say that there is a tie between four of them as perfect; Autobahn, Radioactivity, TEE & The Man Machine.
I bought my first Kraftwerk album early 70's. In Germany, so the German version of Trans Europa Express. Been a huge fan ever since. I now have nearly all their albums on vinyl and all on CD and I have the German as well as the English versions (when available) and also a couple of vinyl singles. . I agree that the German version are more authentic - thanks to Parlophone there are a number of good quality re-issue vinyl releases in German. I love them. . I also have the original vinyl "Ralf und Florian" (US import). Totally different, what's your opinion of this album?
@@Michael45RPM In that case I like pure Krautrock. Did I mention I have couple of vinyl albums of Klaus Schulze as well? ;-) BTW: lots of stuff from Vangelis and Jean Michel Jarre as well........and some Kitaro. BTW II: subbed.
I finally got to see Kraftwerk live in 2017. Although I loved the albums I did not really know what to expect in a live setting (apart from RUclips clips). As it turned out it was one of the best "concerts" I have ever been to.
45rpm.audio, Thanx so much for ur ranking film. Great!! Is true the word kraftwerk is Deutche for powerplant? If so, the guyz picked best name! Been fan since mid 70's. Never got see them live; but do love the live audio/ video release, when was that,2014? Got the cd.collection big box in 09'believe- outstanding!! Now,can start collecting und enjoying the new lp.s,yeah. Did u say recommend the German version'Man Machine' ?? Think wud b best. Still have most original vynal records& got some unique cd.collections in 90's. Thanx again- proud my device scrolled up ur channel.Take care, M .
I have been a Kraftwerk fan since the 1970s. I have started acquiring these, they are fantastic! Great sound quality and beautiful presentation. Love the booklets
Fully agree, about the German versions. The most "German" band ever, should be listened to in German. Perfection. Thank you for your thoughts. The love you have for Kraftwerk, shows ...and is shared;)
Should be? Well, it"s up to everyone's personal preferences. I've been listening to them in ENG cause I'm used to it since "The Mix" came out and that's how I like it.
@jeshkam Well, I'm very sorry if my careless omisson of the precursor, "in my opinion," led you to believe I was declaring an empirical truth. I might add that a notable exception (in my view) is Europe Endless, where the English rhyme just "sits" better. This is in no way scientifically proven. It's just my personal preference... 🤦🏼♂️
Trans Europe Express is my favourite. It’s like a soundscape with wonderful melody and you really get the feel of travelling through the German countryside. I love them all but I go back to TEE the most.
Radioactivity is the first album I got from KW, and I became instantly hooked! For the record, it was printed in Brazil in the English version, using that black cover. Just amazing!
I've always found german pressings of the Kraftwerk records in Sweden growing up. And since i studied german in school it was fun listening to the german versions.
OH WOW! This is the exact way, I would rank their albums. But i will put Ralf&Florian somewhere in the middle as well. A very underrated album. Still hoping that Ralf will remember about it. As for Kraftwerk 1 and Kraftwerk 2, they are somewhere at the bottom, so no problem there. But again i am impressed by Mr. Audiophile' ranking
Imagine when in 1988, I was 12, looking in my father's "old" vinyls, I found two gems: The Dark Side of the Moon, and Radioaktivitat... They both "changed my life", I listen to them (Pink Floyd and EARLY Kraftwerk) since them relentlessly without being tired, and often "crying" because of such "genius" art, the more I listen to them, the more I realize how their "craft" went far beyond even their own consciousness...
A great review and interesting to hear your personal Kraftwerk top albums .Such a difficult choice but I agree with you that 'The Mix' and 'Techno Pop' are their worst , but they still have a lot to offer in many different ways.I actually prefer German bands eg Kraftwerk and Die Krupps etc to sing in their native language .The English language especially in Electronic and Industrial doesn't quite have that ' precision,menace and certainty ' to it in comparison.Reg Plasma.
I grew up inTexas and in 1976, there were two albums EVERYONE was talking about in my grade school; Night At The Opera and Autobahn. Those albums were very popular, in all places, tiny little Alvin, Texas outside of Houston.
First time I tested my phono preamp, I brought it to a friend along with an Autobahn digital remaster. He had an Fontana 1980 "reissue", so we compared. The difference was big, the analogue one smoked the digital remaster. Much much smoother and more clarity.
Damn, was really hoping the first 3 would’ve been apart of this list as well, Kraftwerk 1 might be my favorite, neck and neck with autobahn. Nonetheless great video!
Great list. I too would have 'Radioactivity' at number 1. It has a special place for me because as a young teenager I discovered it for myself. 'Autobahn' was my introduction to Kraftwerk but that album was recommended to me by older lads. But 'Radioactivity' felt like my own personal discovery.
hi michael another cool video. thanks for putting this out. in 2:53 you mentioned that you compared your og of computer world to the reissue but you weren't definite in your response on which sounded better. could you kindly elaborate. i'm curious. more power to your channel!
These are really excellent reissues. I prefer german versions, ordered some and they are fantastic. It would be good if you can post similar list for currently available krautrock reissues.
OK. You got me…. Kraftwerk is one of several artists (!) that I was aware of but never really listened to beyond hearing hits on the radio. I often wonder what is the best way to get into a new artist, is it to jump into their best work first or start from the beginning and go through chronologically
The English and German versions are very interesting. If you compare each song one by one you can hear the mix & mastering is completely different, it's not just the lyrics.
Please do a video of all the Kraftwerk places of interest in Düsseldorf, with for example Mintrop Strasse and Berger Allee of course! Where did they record the sounds from the Autobahn album and Trans Europa Express and where did they take photographs and videos for their albums. That would be awesome! By the way, Computerwelt is their best album :) ps. Abba Waterloo was in 1974
We have the same #1 ! The rest is slightly different , but we all have our personal taste. I have all the english versions. The past years I have started to get the german versions aswell. So far I’ve got Die mensche machine , Computerwelt and Radioaktivität. They are a little hard to find in good condition and cost a little much.
Radio Aktivitat is a giant of an album -- Kraftwerk manage to translate their version of electronic music into a wonderful emotionally album -- I have the original cover version -- it s perfect album IMHO
I found the original cover album in the second hand department of my local record store. Worn sleeve, label on de vinyl album discolored. It love second hand that has been used and looks the part.
@@ErwinBlonk i am with you - we’d all prefer NM first pressings but I have plenty of records that have been well lived in and still play and sound good
Hi, it would be nice If you could give a little more backround why the shown record are so important, impactfull, authentic etc. But maybe the purpose of the video is only to show how this edition look like? Greetings!
Please do not forget Trans-Europa-Express, abbreviated TEE. Often incorrectly referred to as Trans-Europa-Express, was a type of train in the international long-distance passenger rail service that ran between the states of the European Economic Community (EEC) and Austria and Switzerland from 1957 to 1988. The album "Trans Europa Express" (Trans-Europe Express) was released in 1977 and is one of Kraftwerk's most famous albums. It marks a turning point in the band's music, where they further refined their sound, creating a unique blend of electronic rhythms, synthesizers and melodies. "Trans Europa Express" is conceptual and thematic, with the lyrics and music embodying the idea of European integration and intercontinental travel through the Trans Europa Express train. The music on the album is powerful and hypnotic, with a mechanical and futuristic feel that mimics the sound of a train. The album has influenced not only the electronic music scene, but also artists in genres such as hip-hop. The title track was sampled by Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force for their influential song "Planet Rock." "Trans Europa Express" remains a milestone in music history and an example of Kraftwerk's ability to create innovative sounds that endure far beyond their time.
Thanks for the great video. On the back of this I have ordered six Kraftwerk albums (all German versions) as recommended.
Many thanks.
I was in my final year of boarding school in England, aged 18, when one of my friends mentioned to me that he had been reading about this new album called "Man Machine" in that week's New Musical Express, and he thought I might be interested. He handed me the article, a huge piece about Kraftwerk, and I devoured it. I was a serious classical musician at the time, though I also listened to a lot of jazz and some rock, but I was very into avant-garde stuff like Stockhausen (especially his electronic work, Kontakte, Gesang der Junglinge etc.), Penderecki, Henze, Varese. After reading the article I walked into town as soon as I could and bought the album. It was a revelation. And that original UK pressing still sounds incredible. Over the years I naturally bought all the others in various editions (my especial favorite is an original German pressing of Trans-Europe Express which is like sinking into a gorgeous soft bed of analogue goodness!!). I introduced my daughter at a ridiculously young age and she has loved them ever since. I will never forget at her 7th birthday she insisted on only playing Kraftwerk and all her friends were like: "What IS this stuff?" We finally got to see them live at Disney Concert Hall here in Los Angeles about 6 or 7 years ago which was incredible. The hall has one of the best acoustics in the world, and I have never heard live pop music sound so good. Have you seen them live? Michael, I discovered your channel about a month ago and I love it -- but naturally this video is something special to me. I am planning to investigate your earlier videos on electronic music. I have some of these Kraftwerk reissues and they are indeed gorgeous. Different from the originals, but just as valid. I have been collecting vinyl since I was 10, with a heavy emphasis on classical, and I still have all my records. Discovering the VC videos, especially those of you and your Four Corners colleagues has been a blast, and I am thinking of starting my own channel. We'll see...... Meantime, keep up the good work, Maybe one day I will visit Dusseldorf and get to hear Kraftwerk on your killer system. Vielen Dank für alles!
Hello Mark thank you for this Comment highly apriciated!! It think it would be great if you start also a Channel keep me/us updated
Hey 45 RPM audiophile,
All of the objects that are on the shelves above your left shoulder. They look to be thin books. The thick black boxes look to be box sets of certain albums.
What are those collections???
I got ribbed rotten for liking Kraftwerk at boarding school. Nobody else got Radioactivity!
My list, note that I consider 1-7 to be timeless masterpieces that everyone should own. This band means a lot to me.
8: The Mix
7. Electric Cafe / Techno Pop
6. Tour De France
5. Radio-Activity
4. Autobahn
3. Trans-Europe Express
2. The Man Machine
1. Computer World
For me, I put TEE no.1, Computerwelt no.2, TMM no.3 and Autobahn and Radioactivity kinda go either way for me, but otherwise completely agree with your ranking.
Have now listened to the entire discography about 3 times since I saw your video, it's a revelation - just ordered the complete German set
Kraftwerk is one of best bands ever
I recently found an original German pressing of Radio-Aktivitat at a local record store here in Australia. Was my first time listening to them and is an incredible album. You have now inspired me to seek out the rest of the catalogue, those represses look fantastic.
When I first heard "the model" in the late 1970's as a 7 or 8 year old kid. For me the sounds of that song blew me away.
Me the same!! Being the same age as you, it took me years to find out who it actually was thou! I think I first heard it at a birthday party or disco or possibly even a roller-disco. I then heard it blaring out of a car sitting at traffic lights in the late 80’s. I was so excited that I briskly walked up to the driver before the lights changed and asked him who it was - he was like “I dunno, it’s the radio” I was gutted!! Then just a few years later, a friend and I was walking past a pub where there was a stripper with her own little ghetto-blaster pumping out “The Model” I said to my mate I absolutely love this track and need to find out who it is” to my amazement he said “this is Kraftwerk!!” 😍🥰 Bought the album shortly after 👌🏼👍🏼
You are a bad bad man!!! :-) I kid. I had a greatest hits CD for many year but didn't have any of their works on vinyl. Until about 5 min ago. I just ordered all of them!!! Thank you! Merry Christmas!
You did it right :-) Great decision :-)
@@Michael45RPM Much to my surprise most of the LPs arrived within 24hr. They sound great and many of the LPs have versions I've not heard before. Thx again for the little nudge.
Love to see album rankings! I wasn't even familiar with Kraftwerk before this but still found it interesting. Definitely hope to see more lists and album rankings from you! Especially if you include your favorite pressing of each album you rank. Keep up the great videos!
Kraftwerk were a massive band in the U.K. in the early 80’s. It was the age of synthesisers and this group were the soundtrack of my youth.
I´m 21 years old but I love Kraftwerk, they are splendid in all their musical works. Great review! Greetings from Argentina
Why isn't 1, 2 or Ralph und Florian mentioned? On Ralph und Florian, they're starting to sound what we know them to become. The track Kristallo is totally mindblowing, way ahead of it's time in rythm and composistion. Even Tanzmusik has it's synthetic and accoustic elements that has inspired lots of artists out there. I really think this album should have it's own review somewhere...
There’s also the two compilation albums, Exceller-8 and Elektro Kinetic, I think they’re both official releases.
I did read somewhere that Kraftwerk have effectively disregarded Kraftwerk 1 & 2 and Ralph und Florian, so they were never rereleased like their other albums were. This is a quote from Wikipedia about Ralph und Florian:
“No material from this album has been performed in the band's live set since 1976. Though the electronic sound of Ralf und Florian is more stylistically similar to Autobahn than it is to Kraftwerk's first two albums, the band is seemingly reluctant to consider the album a part of its canon - Schneider in later interviews referred to the first three Kraftwerk albums as "archaeology".”
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralf_und_Florian
Kraftwerk 1 & 2 and Ralph und Florian .... my favourite albums. Like Kraftwerk until the 1981 release Computerwelt. Have only the grman versions ....
They arent considered as official albums sadly. Even on the official website, the only albums listed are their 12345678 series, Kw1, RuF and Kw2 are not mentioned anywhere.
I really wish they start printing them again, they deserve to be recognized...
Strange, he didn't explained it the video, didn't give a reason of why he didn't mentioned those first 3 albums.
I had a friend who was stationed in Germany in the 70's, he sent me Autobahn before it was released stateside. To say I was blown away is an understatement. At that point, the only place to go was the back catalog which was non-existent in the states. He also brought me back the first 2, which had been released as a double compilation album. I finally got the USA release of Ralph and Florian in 1975, which is still one of my absolute favorites of theirs. Yes, it's a transitional album, but I really like the mix of traditional with synths. I'm not sure if they just consider their custom-made all-synth albums to be the only canon or not. But a lot of us consider the first 3 to be very important, don't we?
Outstanding video, and really enjoyed listening to your thoughts, its great to hear you come from the original Stadt Dusseldorf. My Kraftwerk collection is not complete, but I do own the Der Catalogue boxset released in 2009, that seems to contain the same beautiful artwork booklets relased again with the Color vinyl re-issues? Then In 2017, I met Ralf Hutter and the current line up, Hennig Schmidt in Dublin before their 3D Tour show, during the sound technician check set it in the afternoon. Ralf Hutter looked like a very cool star, wearing all black and dark Ray Ban sun glasses. He was more than happy to give us 5 minutes of his time signing the inner booklets (from Der Catalogue) in black or gold pens. Ralf even knew and spotted I had one bootleg record, which he laughed friendly and said it is not possible to sign this one! "A young man stepped into the hall of mirrors
Where he discovered a reflection of himself!" Even the Greatest Stars. Best Regards from Dublin
Just wanted to point out that Ralph is still alive in december 2020 but Florian Schneider passed away in April this year.
The most prized possession in my vinyl collection - emotionally rather than financially - is the first pressing of Computerwelt which I bought still sealed (!) 4 months ago. And yes, Kraftwerk ought to be enjoyed in German! Now I'm working on getting the original pressing of Die Mensch-Maschine...
Great video! Love Kraftwerk and was in some Düsseldorf record shops a few months ago
Keep up the great work!
I prefer the English versions. For me the strong German accent is part of the magic.
Michael you and your channel are my powerhouse/Kraftwerk.
A treat for the senses.
From which I draw my strength.
❤️Heike
This episode was pure joy my Dusseldorf friend! I'm just beginning to read David Buckley's Kraftwerk: Publikation: A Biography AND simultaneously discovered Kraftwerk is touring the USA in June 2022. FYI: In the States Computer World was the monster hit album. Numbers and Pocket Calculator were played constantly in the early 80s new wave clubs. I was hoping Autobahn would be #1 but I'll take second place! Keep up the excellent reviews!
Great summary of their discography. I've been revisiting Kraftwerk recently and I have to say Trans Europa Express stands out as my favourite although I also think Ralf & Florian is a very underrated record and I'd love to see it get a reissue.
I know nothing of Kraftwerk. Thank you for the great introduction to them. I really enjoy your channel. Thank you.
One of my favorite band , the first and second album, Ralf and Florian, Autobahn and the Organisation "tone float" album.
Thanks for the video. Enjoying your channel.
I first heard of Kraftwerk via a few early hip hop records (where they where heavily sampled.)
Amazing "band".
Always great to see a true fan talking about stuff he loves. Great vid.
For electronic music, they are extremely musical sounding.
Always thought they were great
David Bowie recorded in Düsseldorf, simply for his love Kraftwerk
When I began tuning into your channel, I mentioned you reminded me of a Kraftwerk member.
I just got the vibe, but I realize it is your accent which obviously originates from the Düsseldorf region.
Thanks for the great reviews Michael
Keep them coming
Florian Schneider has passed, not Ralf
Radio Aktivitat is my favorite too
V2Schneider was Bowie's tribute track to Kraftwerk and Florian. Great track too.
Well, as for reasons why David Bowie was in Germany at the time, you can read a lot about it in the Tangerine Dream biography "Force Majeure". Almost two chapters are devoted to the period when David Bowie was there and why, how they met and the nature of their association. One of the reasons is that he was at a musical dry-spell and needed som new input and influence , and that he was trying to avoid his wife he was separated from at the time, how he hid in the appartment of Edgar Froese and so forth. In David's entourage was of course Iggy Pop (almost stoned all of the time), and the history goes that Edgar Froese made their studio available for David Bowie, and even helped him with some musical bits for Heroes.
I own the '75 pressing of Radio - Aktivitat (1C 062-82 087) and I love it. But I also absolutly love The Mix, I really do. Good job with your videos. Keep up the good work! 👍
Very cool,
RIP Florian...
As a 15 year old kid in America ('74ish?)
listening to FM radio
hearing "Autobahn"
blew my mind...
I went out the next day
and copped the disc...
Fantastisch!
Thank you. I enjoyed this video.
Congratulations on your excellent English.
I’m not sure if it has been mentioned but there are other differences between the German and English versions other than the language. The mixes are also slightly different. Certainly, Computer World is.
Cheers
I purchased Autobahn a few years ago because it was on sale for only 22 dollars Canadian. I was not at all familiar with Kraftwerk's music. I defiantly heard the name but that's it. I played the album as soon as I got home and was blown away. Not knowing anything about them I was simply amazed at how simple yet complex their sound was. The album came with a picture book, I began to realize the pictures were directly connected to the music and it was a sonic journey down the highway. Such a great concept and a real audiophile gem. However my copy is black vinyl not blue.
Radioactivity! I heard that album first back in the mid 70s! It is MY top Kraftwerk album as well. Nothing else like it by anyone else, nothing else like it by Kraftwerk either! Such a game changer in my opinion.
Thank you Michael for this recommendation. A truly fantastic group!!! New to me.. Your the best!!
Glad to see the singer of metallica is into kraftwerk
Bowie too ! Iggy Popp went shopping for asparagus with Florian Schneider. Google it , pretty cool.
I know what you mean but I wouldn't use the term worst when referring to Kraftwerk !
I agree with that.
It made you click....
Absolutley Brilliant Ranking, Thx Mate ;-)
I just ordered the German Versions of the records , keep coming back to this video , please do individual reviews of this collection Michael 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks for reminding us about the German lyrics! I had absolutely forgotten my "original" Man Machine from 1978, before I moved to the US, I listened to both the German and English version last night, now I'm looking for the German version of the Trans Europe!
Thanks for this. I agree with your number 1 and 2. I saw them in Waterloo Ontario Canada in 1974 at 20 years old, with a mind-blowing performance the likes I have not seen before or since. I knew then when I walked out of the building that it was a very ''important'' event and that Kraftwerk would have a big hand in influencing the way music went. I positively loved the 80's alternative new wave type music that followed, thanks again, Kraftwerk for that!
Glad to see your #1 is the same as mine. Some of the others might be changed in position if I made such a list, but RADIOACTIVITY is the best.
An incredible contribution to humanity. Their music is timeless and undoubtedly influenced all electronic music following them. Not to mention how prophetic is the computer world album?
Driving on the autobahn without 'tempo' limits. I love it! 'Autobahn' is one of the best road songs ever. Thanks for this review.
Great video....loved it....you have a new follower! Joyeux Noël from France!
Thx and welcome to the Channel Frederic
Perfect ranking. Thanks for the great videos.
Thank you for this video. You have a great collection of Kraftwerk albums. My personal rankings are different from yours, naturally. I agree with you that German versions have different atmosphere. They are "colder" (if a German piece of machinery could be any colder than Japanese or French piece of machinery :0) - funny). In this case it is a "plus" because we are talking about "robot music", music made by human machines. Kraftwerk are and will always remain amazing in every respect.
I as a swede loved ABBA in the 70's, still do, but they were really not such a cultural revolution as Kraftwerk was. You can have your preferences with the albums but I think they should be seen in the context of the whole. German youth developing a new German culture, helping me to understand Germany and German mentality better, I believe.
Their work was very much something in progress, much like the Berliner Tangerine Dream. Beginning with experimentation and then becoming increasingly more refined, a more well polished product of their hard work at the end, maybe at the end of the 80's?
Kraftwerk will forever be in my heart. I appreciate enormously them opening my eyes to a world and reality so much larger than it was when I was young, a child. Music can be anything and even sound great!
Danke , Radioaktivität und Autobahn sind meine Lieblingsscherben und ich werde sie sicher bestellen . Meine Nr. 3 wäre dann Tour de France .Devo ist der beste Beweis dafür , dass die Combo auch in den USA Spuren hinterlassen hat . Kanal abonniert - Gruss aus Bern
hallo Stefan herzlich willkommen
Have loved Kraftwerk for years but found this overview and ranking fresh and enjoyable. Thank you for it. My personal rankings would be similar, though I might overweight TEE and underweight Computerworld. That said, I've not listened to German versions in their entirety and I am sure they would influence my rankings. The music is timeless and seems destined in fact to live perpetually in the future.
Fairly new subscriber; really enjoying your videos. Excellent stuff.
As always, really enjoyed ur video, Danke, my good friend
These dudes are serious business,I grew up listening to their music and just like then its still amazing today. They have ah style all of their own,very unique, timeless, universal everyone could feel this music....It was my favorite music to breakdance to. Man, machine album #1 .love you kraftwerk,thank you sir for video..Merry Christmas. .
Can someone help me? A lo-o-o-o-o-ng time ago I borrowed a cassette (of all things) from my local library by the title of Die Klassik Werks.
Attempts to find this album ever since have failed, although I do have the blue version of The Mix.
Are they the same thing?
When I was 12 around the mid 90's HMV opened on the Isle of Wight, this coincided with the very first album I ever bought. This was Radio-Aktivitat, a C.D with the original cover. I grew up with my Dad playing his old disco tracks one of the was the 1982 12inch of The Model/Computer Love. Apart from that those to tracks I had no idea of any of their music and despite the cover I was immensely to Radio-Aktivitat. I was instantly blown, I decided that I wanted to be an electronic musician and held this album as a bench mark on how I wanted to sound. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere and the sounds of this work even the imperfections of the tape hiss and the crackles of Orchestron is why I hold this with such esteem in my collection. Really is in a special place for me.
When I was 12 in the midseventies I borrowed a cassette-copy of Radioaktivität in a public library, thinking it would be a lecture about atomic energy. That´s how I got to know Kraftwerk.
I had the original German version of Radio Activity and with the original cover. I loved it, but sadly I no longer have it. What a loss. I also had ‘The Mix’ on cassette which I bought in 1991 when The Robots was re-released.
I’ve loved Kraftwerk and their music for over 40 years and remember first hearing ‘Autobahn’ in ‘75 and wondering what on Earth I was listening to. But I loved it. Sadly, I only just read about Florian dying. Such a shock and so sad.
And I agree with your choice of #1 album followed by TEE.
Thanks for showing these versions and talking about this incredible, influential band. I was introduced to Kraftwerk through The Mix, so I have a special affection for that record. These days my favorite is Trans Europe Express. I realize I've never given a fair listen to Trans Europe Express because I was more into the musical descendants of Kraftwerk at the time it was released. I'm giving it a listen now and am very impressed!
Aa
My brother and I were aged 11 and 13 when we first heard Kraftwerk's Autobahn on our local radio station in New Zealand...the year was 1974. We became instant fans and of course are still to this day. I actually got to see them perform live for the first time last week in Brisbane and am still buzzing from the experience.
I discovered Kraftwerk the year that Autobahn originally came out, since then I listened and like all their albums, I would have a hard time making a list of the « best to perfect », though I would say that there is a tie between four of them as perfect; Autobahn, Radioactivity, TEE & The Man Machine.
My Top 5:
1. Trans-Europe Express
2. Computer World
3. Radio-Activity
4. Autobahn
5. Man Machine
Great video!! Computer World one of the GREATEST & influential albums of all time!! I also like the Electric Cafe/Techno Pop album!!
I bought my first Kraftwerk album early 70's.
In Germany, so the German version of Trans Europa Express.
Been a huge fan ever since. I now have nearly all their albums on vinyl and all on CD and I have the German as well as the English versions (when available) and also a couple of vinyl singles.
.
I agree that the German version are more authentic - thanks to Parlophone there are a number of good quality re-issue vinyl releases in German. I love them.
.
I also have the original vinyl "Ralf und Florian" (US import). Totally different, what's your opinion of this album?
thats pur Krautrock
@@Michael45RPM In that case I like pure Krautrock.
Did I mention I have couple of vinyl albums of Klaus Schulze as well? ;-)
BTW: lots of stuff from Vangelis and Jean Michel Jarre as well........and some Kitaro.
BTW II: subbed.
Keep up the great work with these videos.
I finally got to see Kraftwerk live in 2017. Although I loved the albums I did not really know what to expect in a live setting (apart from RUclips clips). As it turned out it was one of the best "concerts" I have ever been to.
Amazing video and incredible band !! Agree with your top 3
45rpm.audio,
Thanx so much for ur ranking film. Great!! Is true the word kraftwerk is Deutche for powerplant? If so, the guyz picked best name!
Been fan since mid 70's. Never got see them live; but do love the live audio/ video release, when was that,2014? Got the cd.collection big box in 09'believe- outstanding!! Now,can start collecting und enjoying the new lp.s,yeah. Did u say recommend the German version'Man Machine' ?? Think wud b best. Still have most original vynal records& got some unique cd.collections in 90's. Thanx again- proud my device scrolled up ur channel.Take care, M .
I have been a Kraftwerk fan since the 1970s. I have started acquiring these, they are fantastic! Great sound quality and beautiful presentation. Love the booklets
Trans-Europe Express is such a great and influential album.
totally agree - the german versions are SO much better!
Fully agree, about the German versions. The most "German" band ever, should be listened to in German. Perfection. Thank you for your thoughts. The love you have for Kraftwerk, shows ...and is shared;)
Should be? Well, it"s up to everyone's personal preferences. I've been listening to them in ENG cause I'm used to it since "The Mix" came out and that's how I like it.
@jeshkam Well, I'm very sorry if my careless omisson of the precursor, "in my opinion," led you to believe I was declaring an empirical truth. I might add that a notable exception (in my view) is Europe Endless, where the English rhyme just "sits" better. This is in no way scientifically proven. It's just my personal preference... 🤦🏼♂️
@@jatsajatsa What made you elaborate on this tiny little innocent remark? Why do people get so easily triggered these days?
@@jeshkam No more "triggered", than you were in the first place...and no less innocent.
Trans Europe Express is my favourite. It’s like a soundscape with wonderful melody and you really get the feel of travelling through the German countryside. I love them all but I go back to TEE the most.
Our concert in Nimes was cancelled due to Covid. 2021 will be a special year.
Very nice!!! You should make a video about “NEU!” too, great stuff from dusseldorf!
NEU is another Gem out of Düsseldorf you are right
Well Ralf was intent on that whole ‘musikarbeiter’, the others hated it. And it was Florian who recently died, not Ralf.
damn it i mixed it up thanks for the correction
I was scared when he said ralf hütter died
1. Computer World
2. Man Machine
3. Trans Europe Express
4. Autobhan
5. Radioactivity
6. Tour De France
7. Electric Cafe
Radioactivity is the first album I got from KW, and I became instantly hooked! For the record, it was printed in Brazil in the English version, using that black cover. Just amazing!
I've always found german pressings of the Kraftwerk records in Sweden growing up. And since i studied german in school it was fun listening to the german versions.
OH WOW! This is the exact way, I would rank their albums. But i will put Ralf&Florian somewhere in the middle as well. A very underrated album. Still hoping that Ralf will remember about it. As for Kraftwerk 1 and Kraftwerk 2, they are somewhere at the bottom, so no problem there. But again i am impressed by Mr. Audiophile' ranking
Imagine when in 1988, I was 12, looking in my father's "old" vinyls, I found two gems: The Dark Side of the Moon, and Radioaktivitat... They both "changed my life", I listen to them (Pink Floyd and EARLY Kraftwerk) since them relentlessly without being tired, and often "crying" because of such "genius" art, the more I listen to them, the more I realize how their "craft" went far beyond even their own consciousness...
Lucky you :-)
A great review and interesting to hear your personal Kraftwerk top albums .Such a difficult choice but I agree with you that 'The Mix' and 'Techno Pop' are their worst , but they still have a lot to offer in many different ways.I actually prefer German bands eg Kraftwerk and Die Krupps etc to sing in their native language .The English language especially in Electronic and Industrial doesn't quite have that ' precision,menace and certainty ' to it in comparison.Reg Plasma.
I grew up inTexas and in 1976, there were two albums EVERYONE was talking about in my grade school; Night At The Opera and Autobahn. Those albums were very popular, in all places, tiny little Alvin, Texas outside of Houston.
THX for sharing this Drimble
Hard to argue with your assessment. Really like all of Radio Aktivitat, but my favourite is Ohm Sweet Ohm
Mine too. To me that song turns from melancoly to joy and happiness.
First time I tested my phono preamp, I brought it to a friend along with an Autobahn digital remaster. He had an Fontana 1980 "reissue", so we compared. The difference was big, the analogue one smoked the digital remaster. Much much smoother and more clarity.
Kraftwerk albums are very good quality you are good man I will continue watching your videos they are very good
These are the same booklets that came with the 'The Catalogue' CD box set of a few years ago.
Damn, was really hoping the first 3 would’ve been apart of this list as well, Kraftwerk 1 might be my favorite, neck and neck with autobahn. Nonetheless great video!
Strange, he didn't give a reason of why he didn't mentioned those first 3 albums.
Hello great video.. and great channel
Thanks for info Labour audiophile press
Thank u...wonderful breakdown
I will stream the albums tomorrow. Always had a liking for the more popular material. Time now for a deep dive.
I could only get hold of one of there LP's in the uk & it is called 12345678 3-D, its a best of, another great video👍
Great list. I too would have 'Radioactivity' at number 1. It has a special place for me because as a young teenager I discovered it for myself. 'Autobahn' was my introduction to Kraftwerk but that album was recommended to me by older lads. But 'Radioactivity' felt like my own personal discovery.
hi michael another cool video. thanks for putting this out. in 2:53 you mentioned that you compared your og of computer world to the reissue but you weren't definite in your response on which sounded better. could you kindly elaborate. i'm curious. more power to your channel!
Thanks for giving Kraftwerk the love they deserve. Essential music!
These are really excellent reissues. I prefer german versions, ordered some and they are fantastic. It would be good if you can post similar list for currently available krautrock reissues.
OK. You got me…. Kraftwerk is one of several artists (!) that I was aware of but never really listened to beyond hearing hits on the radio. I often wonder what is the best way to get into a new artist, is it to jump into their best work first or start from the beginning and go through chronologically
Great video as always, I only have Autoban. I think its a fantastic lp.
I bought my first Moog in the 70’s because of Kraftwerk and Tomita.
The English and German versions are very interesting. If you compare each song one by one you can hear the mix & mastering is completely different, it's not just the lyrics.
Please do a video of all the Kraftwerk places of interest in Düsseldorf, with for example Mintrop Strasse and Berger Allee of course! Where did they record the sounds from the Autobahn album and Trans Europa Express and where did they take photographs and videos for their albums.
That would be awesome!
By the way, Computerwelt is their best album :)
ps. Abba Waterloo was in 1974
We have the same #1 ! The rest is slightly different , but we all have our personal taste. I have all the english versions. The past years I have started to get the german versions aswell. So far I’ve got Die mensche machine , Computerwelt and Radioaktivität. They are a little hard to find in good condition and cost a little much.
Radio Aktivitat is a giant of an album -- Kraftwerk manage to translate their version of electronic music into a wonderful emotionally album -- I have the original cover version -- it s perfect album IMHO
I found the original cover album in the second hand department of my local record store. Worn sleeve, label on de vinyl album discolored. It love second hand that has been used and looks the part.
@@ErwinBlonk i am with you - we’d all prefer NM first pressings but I have plenty of records that have been well lived in and still play and sound good
Hi, it would be nice If you could give a little more backround why the shown record are so important, impactfull, authentic etc. But maybe the purpose of the video is only to show how this edition look like? Greetings!
Just watch my other video with Mazzy: Beatles vs Kraftwerk:ruclips.net/video/B863_nRjj3Q/видео.html
Please do not forget Trans-Europa-Express, abbreviated TEE. Often incorrectly referred to as Trans-Europa-Express, was a type of train in the international long-distance passenger rail service that ran between the states of the European Economic Community (EEC) and Austria and Switzerland from 1957 to 1988.
The album "Trans Europa Express" (Trans-Europe Express) was released in 1977 and is one of Kraftwerk's most famous albums. It marks a turning point in the band's music, where they further refined their sound, creating a unique blend of electronic rhythms, synthesizers and melodies.
"Trans Europa Express" is conceptual and thematic, with the lyrics and music embodying the idea of European integration and intercontinental travel through the Trans Europa Express train. The music on the album is powerful and hypnotic, with a mechanical and futuristic feel that mimics the sound of a train.
The album has influenced not only the electronic music scene, but also artists in genres such as hip-hop. The title track was sampled by Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force for their influential song "Planet Rock."
"Trans Europa Express" remains a milestone in music history and an example of Kraftwerk's ability to create innovative sounds that endure far beyond their time.
Great video and the represses look beautiful - although I would personally rank Trans-Europe Express a lot higher, perhaps at No 1.