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Rating: The debut of this band was released in 1972 under the newly formed Brain Metronome label and is titled Neu! The group is composed of Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother, both former members of Kraftwerk, and their musical direction takes flight with effected guitars, percussive voices, and obsessive rhythms that transport us to science fiction cinematic environments. They confirm their innovative streak with Neu 2 the following year by manipulating tracks and playing them at 78 and 16 RPM for a final result with fantastic allure, creating a work that, being born stripped down and essential, becomes a pioneer looking towards the future. This Neu! 75 is their third album, which Bertoncelli rates at 3 stars, and I place it at least a notch higher. It's a pity it's their swan song recorded at Conny Plank's studio between the end of '74 and the beginning of the following year. Their differences are evident, one wanted a harder and rockier sound while the other wanted to continue towards ambient, and the compromise was found by dividing side A from side B. The final result is an album that marks a milestone for all kosmische musik and even the Thin White Duke will pay tribute during his Berlin period for his Heroes. A point of reference, an album to own or at least to listen to, and if Cope considers it the perfect album, at least give it an ear.
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By bogusman
The most uncompromising reflection on pure rhythm of the entire ’70s, the most credible death certificate of any psychedelic and romantic spirit that ever hovered over European rock before the Industrial catatonia.
Indeed, by listening to this record, alongside Kraftwerk, one can understand what sounds Bowie had assimilated before reworking them in his very personal homage to krautrock.
By Neu!_Cannas
It’s Punk two years before Punk. And Dinger is Rotten two years before Rotten.
This album is too fragmented compared to the first, and too between-the-lines compared to the second, but it is equally a masterpiece.
