Trans-Europe Express, originally released in 1977, is a good starting point for any serious b-boy (Afrika Bambaataa sampled the title track for Planet Rock), and if you're into electronic music at all, eventually you'll have to get into these guys. It's been nearly 50 years since Kraftwerk started dropping German science, but DJs and producers are constantly going back to them, stealing samples, learning about song structure and generally jocking their steez. Check out the heavy rhythm-induced paranoia of "Metal on Metal" to hear the origins of intricate drum programming. Meanwhile, tracks like "Europe Endless" or "Franz Schubert" lay the groundwork for future genres of music; everything from electro and techno to new wave, ambient, you name it. These guys were so ahead of their time they must have had a flux capacitor implanted in their groins. 1.21 GIGAWATTS! 7 tracks total on deluxe clear vinyl with printed inner sleeve featuring the original cover and full color photo booklet. Recommended.

• clear colored vinyl
  
• indie exclusive
• includes full color printed inner sleeve w/ original album art + deluxe photo booklet
  
• remastered sound
• music label: Kling Klang 2020
• also available: Autobahn | Radio-Activity | The Man Machine | Computer World | Techno Pop | The Mix | Tour De France Soundtracks

reviewed by the Woodman 10/2005