Kraftwerk

The electronic genre of music hasn’t really been around for that long.  Even though it's roots can be traced to the beginning of the 20th century,  one of it's pioneers were the creative work of the band Kraftwerk.  Ralf Hutter and Florian Schneider in Dusseldorf Germany formed the band around the year 1970.  They participated in the local scene of Germany developing, then entitled Krautrock.  They received international fame after their forth released album entitled, Autobahn.  This album, which was released in 1974, reached 25 on the US billboard and as high as 11 in the UK.  Only the title track actually had vocals on it.  The rest of the album, as well as their first three albums, were instrumental.  Kraftwerk’s follow up album, Radio-Activity, was released in 1975 and went more into experimental rhythms.  This album also featured lyrics in both German and English.  This was another concept album by the band.  I enjoy the themes of their albums like traveling through Europe, by car and train, and radiation.  This geeky complex fits well with the then new electronic genre.  I enjoy bands that take odd themes like this that don’t usually go with music.  These intellectual and nerdy topics seem to draw in a certain audience that would enjoy the genre.  This has also been shown in many of the famous acts they have influenced.  Over time they have influenced hundreds of bands, but there are a few more famous ones than others.  Some of these artists include David Bowie, Joy Division, Devo, and Depeche Mode.  As I listened I enjoyed their simple lyrics and catchy rhythms that didn’t ever really sound run of the mill for that time.  They have made ten studio albums in their career.  The last one coming after an almost 20 year break from the studio.  Their last album was released in 2003 and they have been touring since then.  In 2008, one of their founders, Schneider, left the band.