The Jukebox Rebel

Once again they record as a duo, and the suitably titled “Ralf und Florian” was issued in October '73 featuring: Ralf Hütter (27, vocals, keyboards, organ, electronics, bass guitar, guitar, zither, drums, percussion) and Florian Schneider (26, vocals, keyboards, electronics, flute, violin, guitar, percussion). I note that all six tracks are tagged as electronica according to my sensibilities; it's clear that they're now embracing synthesizer technology, although Florian is hanging in there with his beloved flute, and both men continue to pick up guitars here and there. Kudos for the ongoing experimentation - it's certainly more enjoyable than last year's “Kraftwerk 2” - but nothing hooks me in or strikes me as being overly special. Closing track “Ananas Symphonie” (“Pineapple Symphony”) shows some humour by flirting with Hawaiin Hula music and features rolling waves as a sound effect. The piece also introduces a machine-like voice; it's almost as if they're hinting that a new futuristic musical vision may lie ahead…

The Jukebox Rebel
04–May–2014

A1	[04:20] Kraftwerk - Elektrisches Roulette (Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider-Esleben) Electronica
A2	[02:50] Kraftwerk - Tongebirge (Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider-Esleben) Electronica
A3	[06:20] Kraftwerk - Kristallo (Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider-Esleben) Electronica
A4	[03:45] Kraftwerk - Heimatklänge (Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider-Esleben) Electronica
B1	[06:35] Kraftwerk - Tanzmusik (Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider-Esleben) Electronica
B2	[13:55] Kraftwerk - Ananas Symphonie (Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider-Esleben) Electronica

ratings by TJR