Kraftwerk's Unrecognized Masterpiece | Video Essay

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Synopsis
01:56 - Album History
03:29 - Reception
04:18 - Boing Boom Tschak
05:30 - Techno Pop
08:31 - Musique Non-Stop
10:53 - The Telephone Call
13:15 - Sex Object
15:53 - Electric Café
18:11 - Demos
19:38 - Technological Advances
22:21 - The Art
23:04 - Band Member Experiences (Interviews)
27:05 - Conclusion & Opinions
My Computer World Review here: • The Album That Predict...
Make sure to check out Rebecca Allen's website showcasing her work! She created the innovating animations and the artwork used on Electric Café!
rebeccaallen.com/projects/mus...
Interview with Wolfgang Flür - • Unedited interview wit...
Made by Malik Bendjelloul in 2001 for Swedish Television. Malik Bendjelloul is a huge Kraftwerk fan and is now well known for his film ¨Searching for Sugarman¨
Interview with Karl Bartos - • Karl Bartos Speaking A...
From the documentary film "Kraftwerk and the Electronic Revolution".
Kraftwerk equipment list I referenced: kraftwerkfaq.hu/equipment.html
Kraftwerk's Techno Pop Album KZbin playlist: • Boing Boom Tschak (200...
Kraftwerk's Website:
www.kraftwerk.com/
Where you can buy the album and anything else:
www.klingklang.com/
Royalty Free Imagery & Videos used as B-Roll provided by Pexels.com
All Kraftwerk live performances, music, and imagery belong to Kraftwerk and the Respective Owners. This video is for entertainment purposes only as criticism and commentary.
#kraftwerk #videoessay #review

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Please read this before commenting for clarification on specific points! My newest Video Essay here! kzbin.info/aero/PLrTWlMf3497XmJZafZFUrQW4-HdrcctJo At 20 : 37 it isn't Kraftwerk's studio, it was a different studio (a mistake from when I collected reference photos). It was the EMS Putney Studio. 01 : 48 There's a typo of "Deustch" instead of "Deutsch" lol, missed that in the editing phase. I already understand Kraftwerk translates to Powerplant/Power station, the disambiguation screen was more so to clarify the pronunciation for English compared to Deutsch, not a translation of the name. As I claimed in the video "the instruments many people *suspect but aren't certain of* ". So with the Instruments portion of the video is what others have guessed, I did not state it as a certainty. So yes, the Synclavier was acquired after the album lol. I misquoted the interview with Wolfgang Flür with the incorrect title, an error during editing: Malik Bendjelloul made a film called "Searching for Sugarman" that I misquoted. Malik made the interview in 2001 though. When working on these videos they are done in my free time, and they are for entertainment purposes. Mistakes happen to everyone, especially when it's one person editing and reviewing a 30 minute long video lol. This was my first time making a video of this caliber: Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Synopsis 01:56 - Album History 03:29 - Reception 04:18 - Boing Boom Tschak 05:30 - Techno Pop 08:31 - Musique Non-Stop 10:53 - The Telephone Call 13:15 - Sex Object 15:53 - Electric Café 18:11 - Demos 19:38 - Technological Advances 22:21 - The Art 23:04 - Band Member Experiences (Interviews) 27:05 - Conclusion & Opinions

[@AndrewTSq]

Thanks for this video :D I grow up with Kraftwerk, it was so new refreshing to the normal music I listened to at the time. It even got me into making music myself, and just loving Electric Cafe. For me it still sounds futuristic!. And I still hear some samples in other music from this album or very inspired from this album. (and Electric Cafe 2 for me is Electric Musiks esperanto!) My favourite tracks is Musiqe Non Stop... it almost gives me goosebumps everytime i hear it. And Electric Cafe with it "watery" sound in the song. :D

[@smguy7]

The Telephone Call reminds me of The Model and Computer Love.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

@@AndrewTSq I'm glad you liked the video! 😀🤙

[@davidoran123]

Kraftwerk were new noises to our ears with Autobahn. They were genius with their Electric Cafe

[@johngarritzcx6733]

Yeeaahh kraftwerk. I like TheMix album that came out early 90.s a more Dance/EDM style of their tracks/songs i l8ke it all but some like it a bit more Autobahn Compute rlove The Robots faschinating greeetzz from NL

[@mobius273]

Calling a kraftwerk album too cold and sterile is like saying salt is too salty

[@willrichardson519]

Hmmm, not sure about how wet and watery the water is?

[@S4V0LAEN3N]

​@@willrichardson519 Well, that's deeeeeep topic! There actually is differences in water... even if it's pure. Although I've have tried to understand 'water' for a while, I still don't get it. Like how it acts when frozen, all the shapes of the snowflakes and all that jazz. And what are the reasons that they are constructed so similarly, yet all unique? Does it follow rules of so called _sacred geometry_ or what? How about 'programmed' water? Water memory?!

[@hallamhal]

I dunno, there are so many moments, particularly on Autobahn, that just sound so warm and fuzzy (mostly the parts with flute and guitar but still)

[@rovingenglishman]

‘Cold and sterile’ my arse. They had a way to distill the purity of electronic sound and give the sounds the time and space to manifest. So many tones, textures and temperatures in their sound. Whoever said this just doesn’t get it. But that’s ok, some things will never change

[@djambush360]

Even the early works sound like well mastered Audio pieces: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noi4mn-Ao6qMgKs

[@horrifyinggelatinousblob]

I find it really hard not to fall in love with every Kraftwerk song. absolute legends.

[@w0884]

In my world, Tour De France was the single most important piece of music in the breakdancing scene in 83-84. That song defined the popping and locking style of movement, and practically served as the theme song for stutter liquid and robot popping style dance.

[@hymefly]

And Jam on it

[@alexmag5735]

In 1984 I was 14yrs old. My personal opinion - this is the best Kraftwerk album. I was really surprised that it was unrecognized. Anyway I think I know why. I always had very good stereo system with very good base. Most people didn't. So they lost 50% of this music. It is not cold or sterile. It is soft, full of power and life. Computer life.

[@miguimau]

Absolutely. Compare Electric Cafe to any cheesy Trevor Hor-like production from those years. So crisp and wistful at the same time.

[@oyemimelaza]

Yep. By then the zeitgeist had shifted, and KW were all too conveniently dismissed as being passé. Thus the mass consumer base gravitated more toward the tacky, commercially-oriented sound that got pushed by the pop consensus as "the future" or new trend of the era.

[@electroniccaveman3493]

I have been an electronic nerd ever since I listened to Kraftwerk's "Radioactivity" as a teenager in the 70s. I rarely found the music cold, but rather meditative and hypnotically relaxing, I was a dancing electron in a fantastic future world. Thank you Kraftwerk.

[@bobdobalina838]

Interesting story: growing up in the US in the 1980s, Kraftwerk and their music was one of the great influences of mine that drew me to Europe to follow my European dream, where I ended up in Germany spending the greatest days of my life raving non-stop throughout the 90s. thank you Germany and Kraftwerk for the great times and rest in peace Flo.

[@tubbiele2]

Glad to hear you were not disappointed! 😃

[@elissitdesign]

Rave on! I was in LA warehouse scene in the 90s.

[@periurban]

I've seen Kraftwerk live 3 times, and every time they had absolutely the best live sound I've ever heard.

[@moottori_paa]

So true!

[@robertdraper5782]

Totally agree about the sound, I saw them a few times through the 80's. One gig was at the Royal Court in Liverpool, they were sat in the down stairs bar having a drink before the gig so I had a chance for a quick chat, in spite of their cold robotic stage persona they were really a nice bunch of blokes.

[@periurban]

@@robertdraper5782 After Florian left the group I saw a video of him smiling. In 30 years I never saw such a phenomenon!

[@aliensporebomb]

It was like a super high quality hi-fi system but amplified to concert level. It was astonishing.

[@periurban]

@@aliensporebomb I thought that too! But the way they had the thing tuned to sound awesome in every hall they played was some kind of German magic.

[@gregm7976]

Being from Detroit, MI, the album Electric Cafe was a huge hit. Kraftwerk was always in rotation from our local legend radio DJ Mojo and the Detroit dance show, The Scene/New Dance Show. I personally own their entire discography.

[@DragonGrafx-16]

I would definitely call this an electro album...

[@salemdesigns65]

Yesssss!! Mojo loved him some Kraftwerk. Prince too. 😉

[@124Musick]

People sleep on the influence that Detroit had on what is now known as “EDM”

[@zubileegluckgluck]

People don't know that "Numbers" "Tour de France" and "Trans Europe Express" were huge black radio hits that were in heavy rotation, but somehow have been forgotten in "old school 80s funk/r&b" playlists. Much like Art of Noise's "Moments in Love" and "Beatbox". I discovered Kraftwerk on WDMT radio station in Cleveland, which was what would be called an "urban" station today. There was an entire world of music on black radio in the 80s that never made a dent on the pop charts that are the foundations of much of today's music.

[@shenanigans3710]

I watch videos of that show all damn day

[@thesynthfloyd]

Strangely, in Brazil, this was Kraftwerk's best-selling album, it was a very big success, I listened to this album so much that I got to memorize it and get sick of it. Strange to say it was a flop elsewhere. Best album of their carreer, best recorded, rich in details, impossible to beat...seminal.

[@ScottGLloyd]

I listened to the album once in the ‘90s and quickly forgot about it. I have much more appreciation now.

[@marcelosantos8484]

Indeed. A friend of mine introduced me to Kraftwerk in the mid 1980's, recording a cassette tape with some songs from previous albums and, guess what, Boing Boom Tschak: Love on first sight. Electric Café was my first album I bought. Then, I crossed all Rio de Janeiro in order to find and buy the entire discography: Tour de France is the only I couldn't find. I would say Kraftwerk in not a band, but a concept. Perhaps, the genre itself. 👍

[@beetheimmortal]

I'm a diehard fan of Tour de France (the album from 2003), but I agree that Kraftwerk has never made a bad album. Every album of theirs is really good.

[@WiltonSilveira]

​@@marcelosantos8484e viva a internet! Ouço KW desde 1980, pelo menos, mesmo sem entender direito na época. E não consegui todos os discos. Mas com Internet pude aprender todo o contexto e ouvir todas as músicas. Saudações cariocas rubro-negras!

[@benkeys2702]

As a musician, programmer, engineer and writer, I think Kraftwerk is one of the most unsung influencers of multiple genres of music. I became a fan in 1981 and own their complete discography. I had the pleasure of seeing them live in Detroit MI, where I grew up. I could give at least three hours of positive commentary but I'll just say this: If you aren't fully in the know, take the time and educate yourself pleasurably by a deep study of this band! You won't regret it! Love Their work, especially the 80's albums.

[@WiltonSilveira]

Eu sempre gostei do KW desde pelo menos 1980, mas só com a Internet pude conhecer bem todas as histórias deles. Aqui no Brasil as informações sobre eles eram muito esparsas.

[@vicksy1481]

They are not the kings of Electro....but the GOAT Electro....I still feel their contribution to music hasn`t received the due recognition it should have!

[@callactm14]

No album in electronic music will come close to this. This is a masterpiece in not only concept but synthesis and engineering production. Im not even talking about composition.

[@DavidMorley]

Probably the most influential album of theirs to a whole generation of young electronic music producers. Inspired me when I started in the mid 80's. I actually bought their mixing console from Kling Klang studio that was used on Tour de France and Electric Cafe etc. Still my prized possession.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Without a doubt it did influence future generations of electronic musicians! But thats too cool! Lucky!😀🤙

[@DavidMorley]

@@Musik_Arbeiter very! I saw it advertised for sale and didn’t think twice. Btw, great video 👍

[@Sool101]

@@DavidMorley that is amazing! What console are we talking about? Is it a Neumann?

[@Sool101]

On a side note, I'm still so curious about who bought Boris Blanks Fairlight. And that epic library that came with it. Anybody?

[@enochroot9438]

what a cool treasure to own. How much did it cost? probably worth a fortune now because of its origin, not that anyone would sell it

[@dundergod]

Kraftwerk´s discography are all masterpieces! Magnificent audio vibrations!

[@LightningSpritesJetsWizard]

The sonic coldness of the album must have been exactly their point. It wasn't their job to make pop songs. They leaned into the idea that synths can create every part of music and combined it with sexual coldness, unanswered phone calls/love, and robots/computers that have taken over from humans. In the end it was really worth the complete sound redesign, layering and rhythmic complexity which those earlier recorded versions didn't have. It has given it an air of ultimate timelessness. Love this album!

[@ajs41]

I agree. They were heading in the direction of techno music.

[@andrewhoward7200]

I was lucky enough to see them in London in the 80s. It was an extraordinary evening I shall never forget. Durch dieser erlebnis bin ich so inspieriert worden das ich deutsch gelernt habe; gebrochen, aber versteht Mann. Danke an Power station.

[@adamgorelick3714]

Not even a fleeting reference to Radioactivity? A great album It has a really beautiful, hypnotic, retro-timeless sound, I'd say. Their best work created a peculiar tension between seeming polarities - retro/future, melodic/mechanized, emotive/glacial.

[@ArturdeSousaRocha]

This and Jean-Michel Jarre's "Zoolook" are two underappreciated but really interesting departures from respective artist's previous styles. Less flow-with-it and more food-for-thought kind of thing.

[@amojak]

JMJ suffered the same issue as KW though as mentioned on this video. technology advanced and made it easier, creativity suffered as a result. a lot of JMJ's later stuff uses synth presets.

[@roddroid]

Absolutely ! Both albums (Zoolook from JMJ & Electric Café from Kraftwerk) were simply too far ahead for theirs times, by the will of experimenting the new digital capabilities, and marking a radical change in their general "mood", adopting another vision of the future, a darker one : the future, seen from the early 80's... They couldn't be fairly understood at that time. Both are masterpieces today. The only difference, and I only learned it from that fantastic video (thanks !), is that Electric Café was apparently a pain to produce. JMJ actually enjoyed making Zoolook, a lot. Despite the poor public reception, Zoolook stands to this day the unique album he's openly okay to admit that he wouldn't change nothing in it, the unique one that he would confidently say that he's even proud.

[@MarioVAmaya]

Now that you brought it up, the clever use of sampled voices as rhythm elements in both Zoolook and Techo Pop is something that makes them similar.

[@TheLincolnrailsplitt]

Jarre is a brilliant musician.

[@ganiniii]

Man I get often laughed about for liking Jean Michel Jarre. I was a kid when Oxygene came out, that track always stuck in me. Many of my acquaintances find him corny but I really appreciate his work overall.

[@frankzelazko]

The impact of Kraftwerk's music on pop, techno, ambient, electro or hiphop is still underrated

[@followtheboat]

I disagree. Most people who are familiar with the genres you mention appreciate the importance of Kraftwerk's influence. Some of us were around before these genres emerged and, when they did, we were like "hey, this is Kraftwerk revisited!". I was big into 80s electro and pretty much every track had Kraftwerk written all over them. Their influence was fully understood and appreciated.

[@peka__]

I think the are correctly-rated. At least by anyone I've ever read or heard talking about electronic music.

[@FrenchToasted1995]

stratovarius and spule 4 and some of my favourites from their early years wish they played some of their early stuff

[@Christof_Classen]

*Gods cant be "underrated" ;)*

[@ozybrks]

It is, dunno what are you talking about

[@terrapinsounds9352]

I never disliked this album, but it was one of my least-listened of their discography. I started getting into it within the last year, and this video helped me get a better appreciation of this album. As an electronic musician, Kraftwerk is my biggest inspiration. Great video

[@pdquick]

I never disliked this album either. I'm guessing that his assertion is that it was less commercially successful, or that it wasn't critically well received. Back in the day, I thought they could do no wrong. I still feel that way.

[@lotterytechinc.5059]

This Album was AHEAD of its time and I consider it a CLASSIC and one of their BEST Recordings

[@tangerine825]

Kraftwerk,Jarre,Tangerine Dream,Schulze,Vangelis,Oldfield...Masters Electronic Music ! Greets From Poland ;-)

[@jameshare1848]

My favourite kraftwerk album. This needs to be played at extreme volume to be appreciated

[@shaunm1030]

EC is a sonic masterpiece. The A side is "digital" at its finest. The head room and production allows you to play it at "11" and immerse yourself in the crystal clear frequencies & repetition. The B side, particularly "Telephone Call" & "Sex Object" is a wonderful return to that German kitsch they were renowned for. "Electric Cafe" contains all of the wonderment of cosmopolitan 70s Europe that they gave us with Autobahn/TEE/Europe Endless/Neon Lights. It is quite clear the dynamic that was the four of them was lost when Karl & Wolfgang left, very much like the end of that golden era of Tangerine Dream with Chris Franke and Johannes Schmoelling departing. KWerk was an evolution and it is pointless judging one album against the others. They and we were all at different levels of perception and state of mind at every release. I am grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to be able to remember and re-live my own history.👍

[@NTRSN-Archive]

This is well said.

[@shaunm1030]

@@NTRSN-Archive Thankyou 😉

[@dirkbag22]

I still LOVE Boing Boom Tschak. The recording of this album is precise and gorgeous.

[@fernsjukebox]

Electric Cafe is quite literally my favorite album ever since my dad introduced it to me when I was about 7

[@mrglitch0]

The reason it was not as well received in 1986 was that it was too far ahead of it's time for music critics to understand it. 30 odd years on, even though it still sounds from the future it can now be understood and comprended.

[@alicaramba7680]

Nope, it had already outdated sound back then. Also, it lacked those few melodies from previous albums and they didn't put anything new music technologies wise.

[@mrglitch0]

@@alicaramba7680 im not sure if you're listening to the same album. To my ears, nothing else in the 80s sounded quite like it and it set a template for detroit techno that came soon after.

[@alicaramba7680]

@@mrglitch0 Songs such as Blue Monday by New Order and Rockit by Herbie Hancok came out much earlier and were widely known. Electric Cafe on the other hand doesn't contain a single track even remotely close.

[@stellaVista]

@@alicaramba7680 I agree. With Computerwelt they had created something of a black hole: It was the kisckstart for everything that followed (in electronic and popular music) from the eighties til today. At the same time they had spent themeselves by creating their own epitaph. Everything they did on that album was definitve and perfect. They predicted and surpassed the future and they had nowhere left to go. In 1981 NOTHING sounded like them. In 1986 EVERYTHING sounded like them! (Especially the drums and strings. The compositions and production details are still amazing though).

[@d.j.vandermeer3832]

@@alicaramba7680 agreed, at this time in history a whole new movement (sure based on work of Kraftwerk) started. The use of TR-909, TR-808 and TB-303 changed dancemusic forever.

[@pedrozoteschannel7834]

Electric Cafe was the first Kraftwerk album I ever heard, it had absolutely blown my mind, it felt like something I've never heard before and it was my introduction to electronic music. This was back in 2015 while I was in highschool, my friends found so weird what I was listening to, even to this day they don't get it, but their music opened a door for me in the world of synthesizers and I immediately started to learn more about it and shortly after I discovered Emerson Lake and Palmer, that made me go even further in music. But Electric Cafe is an album that will always be one of my favorites and for a long time I thought it was considered their masterpiece, after reading online I found that it was considered one of their weakest or the weakest album of their discography, which made me so confused because it is such a groundbreaking album. That being said, I really liked your analysis and it is pretty much how I feel about it, the so called coldness is one of the reasons I liked it. Also the music video is a masterpiece, I think that for being so weird, it hasn't aged at all and it is so aesthetic, it feels like it came out of Tron, a digital world, which fits perfectly with the rest of the album.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and review! I personally always connected with this album in a different way from the rest of their discography. It's funny, I first listened to Electric Café back in 2016 while I was in college: before listening I looked at the album art and immediately was interested as it stood out compared to other 80s album covers. When I put it on, it sounded so different from their previous albums, I was used to analog synthesis rather than sampling and FM Synthesis! The ways they presented the new styles of electronic music using the instruments they acquired sounded so otherworldly to me, it couldn't be replicated. There's other 80s albums that are similar but none of them touch the unique eclectic nature of this album. This album plus others opened the door to other Electronic bands and artists me as well! 😀🤙

[@johnfitzsimons3198]

What he said☝️👏 and also loved your analysis and the video! 100% my favourite Kraftwerk album…I cycled to and from work 86-89 listening to this tape on my aiwa auto-reverse triple equaliser bass boom walkman as a teenager😆you’ve tranported me back 30+ years! 💚☘️

[@elen5871]

I'm really glad KZbin suggested this to me, good to see this one get some justice. "Telephone Call" is prolly my favorite Kraftwerk track, especially that 4 minute cut like you said. It's practically a perfect pop song ☺️

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you!! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 😄🤙

[@syrophenikan]

That song touches my musical soul. Pure gold.

[@bgood8299]

It always brings me joy to encounter someone who recognizes the greatness of "The Telephone Call."

[@IvanCrystalColor]

My parents had this album and I put it on the record player for the first time when I was five. I'm now 30 and this is still a regular listen.

[@LadetJahonen]

I have always seen this album as the most amazing and extraordinary electronic music made in the history of electronic music. It is definitely a groundbreaking piece of music. It is my favourite Kraftwerk album.

[@traecy43]

Electric Cafe is one of my favorite Kraftwerk albums.

[@borleyboo5613]

I love all Kraftwerk’s music, but TransEurope Express remains my absolute favourite album. Even my mum liked it and played it often.

[@13StJimmy]

I wasn’t really familiar with their post Computer Love work but I was lucky enough to see them in 2017 and when they played the Tour de France and Electric Cafe tracks I was blown away. They really don’t have any bad releases, just different ones

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

I feel the same! Their catalogue has remained consistent.

[@csilt]

I was starting to think that I was the only one who loved this album. I think it is their best album and a masterpiece. Not only does it still sound great today I think it sounds better than most modern albums, especially on a good vinyl hi-fi setup. It to me has the best of both the analog and digital worlds. It still sounds rich and analog but also embraced the creativity enabled by sampling and sculpting sounds that way. Such an underrated gem of an album. Great job on the video!

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😁🤙

[@martinheath5947]

I thought the whole point of Kraftwerk was that they actually played the parts (in as much of a robotic manner as possible) and created all the sounds themselves, analogue. In other words they did a form of "sequencing and sampling" without using either sequencers or samples.

[@heydj6857]

this album was and is still a masterpiece.

[@007SS40]

This crew was phenomenal and before thier time. THESE GUYS ARE ELECTRONIC/SYNTH LEGENDS!! I am 53 years old and I have(& STILL listen to), all of these albums. This groups music was a great inspiration to my inner self as all those years ago I considered myself a LONER. I never wanted to live my life as everyone else did. I remember so many times I was referred to as wierd/different when all alone, just as this group-I was UNIQUE. The discovery/enjoyment of this group's music will live forever...

[@mobiusII]

I was introduced to Kraftwerk, and this album, in the late 80's through the car audio community. The sounds are so clear throughout all of the frequency ranges that it makes a a great showcase for a high-end audio system. Over time I fell in love with the actual songs and have since explored all of their catalog. Ich liebe Kraftwerk!

[@cdpetee]

I was 19 when this album was released. Bought the "Musique Non-Stop" single beforehand and played it on repeat for hours. This was the first Kraftwerk album I had purchased new, as I hadn't started getting into them until around 1982 through a Swedish penpal I had. We would exchange cassettes of our favorite records and she opened up a whole new world to me. By the time 'Electric Cafe' had been released I had thoroughly caught up with all their previous albums. Electronic music had progressed SO MUCH from 1981 to 1986, I'm sure it was nearly impossible for them to try and keep ahead of the curve. The advancements in technology, although primitive by today's standards, were so groundbreaking back then. I'd never heard electronic voices like those on 'Electric Cafe' before, never heard synth snaps and programmed rhythms from samples of telephones before. When I got my first CD player in 1990, this was one of the very first discs I bought. This album is best heard through headphones.

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

Musique Non-Stop is one of greatest EDM tracks I’ve ever heard, period!!! The funny thing I was in Germany when this track came out and it absolutely a classic.

[@klaskatt]

It's not EDM ffs. It's electronic music, not dance music, in Europe we call it synth music.

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

@@klaskatt Yes it is. It’s part of it.

[@klaskatt]

@@DJWOLFLIVE no it's not

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

@@klaskatt potato patato the E in EDM stands for ELECTRONIC

[@benji.B-side]

If it not for Kraftwerk music, I would not have become a Break Dancer. I have so much respect for their counter-culture music and I agree, this album is a masterpiece! Peace and love!

[@conflictmagazine]

I have always liked this album, and we used to call their sound music for robots to dance to so we had embraced their style as it evolved. Kraftwerk was the band that started me off on electronic music when I was very young and influenced my own work.They are essential to Modern music and their value is incalculable (no pun intended).

[@jamestyler3449]

I bought Man Machine on a whim, fell in love… bought Computer World and played it all the time. Then I bought Autobahn, then TEE. This was the soundtrack of my youth. I had to wait a cold long hard year before I heard in NME that Kraftwerk would soon release their latest album I can remember the joy of queueing on Monday morning to be the first to buy this masterpiece. Others hated it…. That made me feel special, personal and close to my heroes of heroes. I’m off to see my heroes in Barcelona next Saturday. So glad to be alive.

[@zzzaaayyynnn]

I remember rushing to the record store to buy this record ... and playing it on my killer sound system. Seemed to be a pure distillation of Kraftwerk's aesthetic. They entered the uncanny valley here. Somber sound manifesto. Scared people off. And with no follow-up album, they never left. Fitting final album in many ways.

[@byAndreasEkberg]

Bought this album on a school trip to stockholm... it was sooo new and I was 13? and got home in middle of the night... and it took me 2 songs to see I was playing at 45 speed... instead of 33... :)

[@cesardpd6099]

I love "Electric cafe". It was one of the albums I bought when I was a child, listened again and again in a strong competition VS Jarre and Vangelis. Thx for the video.

[@bobaxx1274]

Don't forget "Radioactivity" between Autobahn and Trans Europe Express !! It's a masterpiece with synths they have built on their own.

[@mansionman6162]

I told him the same thing before I read your comment!🤣

[@TheLincolnrailsplitt]

Radioactivity is stupendous. 👏👏

[@onyourjackjones]

The trouble with big gaps between records is people have their nostalgia for the music but forget the time frame of it, and forget the different production aesthetics of the time. So when the bands (gnr for example) emerge with new material, it’s like “this is weird” “it’s not good like their old stuff” etc. it’s because bands that go off for long periods to make work lose touch with the wider music scene and production aesthetics that are contemporary, they might overhaul their production but it doesn’t end up sounding current. Updating sound whilst remaining current is incredibly hard, only a few acts have done it. Michael Jackson with Dangerous, Metallica with the Black album etc.

[@RundFyrkant]

In the klingklang rack at the livetour in 1991 they had atari 1040ste, atleast two akai s1000, Studio Electronics MidiMini, Roland Octapad and a Eventide H3000 harmonizer. Evidence to back it up? i have none, but as a gearhead these are what i could see and remember from the upstair balconyview.

[@unadomandaperte]

Fun Fact: Rebecca Allen, also provides vocal works on the 'Musique non stop' track. 😀👍

[@aceyage]

I often read this, but that is wrong. This the DECTalk Betty voice. Huge Harry is on the track Techno Pop.

[@rmfigue]

"La música ideas portará, y siempre continuará". Music ideas will bring, and will always continue...

[@kirkstate]

Whoever did the Mastering mix on this was a certified genius. It pushes any sound system I’ve owned from the to current to the maximum

[@ogami1972]

I was 14 in '86 and bought this album from a tiny record shop in Houston. was my first experience with kraftwerk. blew my mind open. I sampled it extensively as a dj and later as an "artist". absolute classic.

[@j.gregmorrison1953]

I absolutely love this album and I don’t understand the dislike for this album. Thank you so much for making this. You did an amazing job in this!!!

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you like the video! 😄🤙

[@Just.A.T-Rex]

Man, the subversion of expectation’s they pushed with this album was so far into the future, we are just now truly “getting it.” Those in the electronic underground around this time knew they had achieved something special that would take decades to unwrap. And they were right.

[@Vurt72]

Absolutely loved this album as a teenager, it became my favorite together with Computer World. I think it got fairly big here in Sweden, it was sampled a TON by DJ's, unlike the previous albums.

[@skyblueo]

This album was a hit in the dance clubs of New York City at the time. DJs loved it. I remember dancing to it many times.

[@neilingram4047]

I must confess that I loved the album Electric Cafe. And thank you for explaining exactly why there was that 5-year gap between albums because at the time, I don't recall reading anything that explained what you have done so wholesomely in this video. Finally, I've been a great fan of Kraftwerk since I was a 13-year boy. Now 61, I have to say "Thank you" for creating this 'documentary'. It's been one of the most informative and educational pieces about the group I have ever seen. I learned a lot from you today and I look forward to watching more of your work. Thanks again! 🙏

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you!! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I tried to condense down the information as best as I could into a short documentary/video essay. I really appreciate the overwhelmingly positive responses from wonderful viewers like you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video Neil! 😄🙌

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

Please use the word wholesome correctly.

[@mobius273]

@@DisgruntledPigumon he did. He explained it in its whole.

[@neilingram4047]

@@mobius273 Thank you mobius. Kudos to you for your 'no strings' kindness. 🙏

[@Gyrbae]

In recent years I've reached the conclusion that Electric Cafe was to Kraftwerk what Human After All was to Daft Punk. While the public seem to consider both albums as deviations from the bands respective "classic" styles, they still greatly reflected the creative state of both bands at the time. Instead of continuing replicating the so called winning formula of their time, they did what all great artists do: Something unpredictable and unexpected. Kraftwerk ditched the analog synths and went full digital, and Daft Punk made a record with mostly guitars and pedals. Whether these albums were worth the approx. 5 year long wait both albums took is debatable, but both have in later years been "re-evaluated" as important parts of music history despite it not seeming like it at the time of their releases. Much like all other Kraftwerk records, Electric Cafe has been sampled countless times and due to it's repetitive nature was a great addition to any dancefloor dj's arsenal. Human After All launched a new wave of grittier sound of electronic music, and it's influence on bands like Justice and Carpenter Brut is very noticeable.

[@ryanhennessy]

For some reason, I never really got this album until this year when I finally saw them live, and they finished with the medley of the first three tracks here. I love when they each solo on "Musique Non Stop."

[@ingorichter649]

For me this album is seamless as fascinating as all albums before since I heard it directly after releasing. Loved it, love it and will love it forever in my life. In the meantime I also understand more and more, why Kraftwerk did and currently do not release a complete new album up to now: They may simply think about , that they claimed the music output to the max with "Electric Cafe" I think so. But they are still give fascinating concerts all over the world. Their gigs in Berlin 2015 in the Nationalgalerie ... unforgotten. Respectful and highly suitable review of this musical gem, thanks. 🎹🙏

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thanks!! 😄👍

[@tarcisorocon3595]

I was first introduced to this album in 87 in Brazil as young kid and it is still my favorite album.

[@MrChildren87]

“Boing Boom Tchak” gets stuck in my head all the time. I love it so much. It’s amazing that a lot of it was done in old school drum machines using really basic circuits and fairly simple sequencers. Brilliant stuff.

[@undergroundwarrior70]

'Electric Cafe' by Kraftwerk (I have never pronounced the band's name "Kraft-work" since I got into them at the age of 15 in 1971 when I first heard their music on our local university underground FM station which started out in 1962), which is not a bad album, worth listening to, but not quite their best. I think Kraftwerks' best albums are Kraftwerk Vol. 1(1970), Kraftwerk Vol. 2 (1972, which later on Vol. 1 & 2 were released as a double album set), Kraftwerk: Ralf und Florian (1973), Kraftwerk: Autobahn (1974). I do wish they stayed with that type of electronic music, but evolving to a bit further like Tangerine Dream. Do not get me wrong, I do enjoy listening to their other albums: 'Radio Activity' (1975), 'Trans Europe Express' (1977), Man-Machine (1978), which I did have those LP's when they were released those years. I also enjoy listening to their album 'Computer World', but I never bought that LP. For me to this very day the best lineup of Kraftwerk were: Ralf Hutter, Florian Schneider, Karl Bartos and Wolfgang Flur. Wolfgang Flur left Kraftwerk in 1987, Karl Bartos left in 1991, and Florian Schneider left in late 2008. May he Rest In Peace.

[@spectre.garden]

Absolutely a fantastic essay and tribute to a truly important band. I was struck by how well you transitioned segments and the quality writing. Thank you. Much of the music I love can be traced back to influence or inspiration by Kraftwerk. But because I was a teenager when this album was released, I feel that the reason it wasn't held in higher regard at that time was that it just didn't make a splash compared to other music in 1986(since it was a December 1985 release). EBM, Electro, Freestyle, early Hip Hop, early House, Post-Punk, Belgian Big Beat, Gothic Rock... not to mention popular radio offerings. In that context, Kraftwerk were dour and quiet, even if clever and refined. My take is that they were simply too subtle for good reviews in the late 80's.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I tried my best! 😄👍 I didn't see a lot of positive reviews online even from other KZbinrs. I always loved the album and wanted to make a video about why the album is a good album in my opinion. It was a loveletter to what I felt was an unappreciated album. Thankfully I was wrong because so many fans have commented and shared their love for the album! 😄

[@nowavecharles]

This is an awesome video essay! Really cool departure from your normal content, while being just as well-done. I never really listened to the Electric Cafe album by Kraftwerk much. However I always adored the song, "Techno Pop," and you did a nice analysis of its many moving parts. Might have to give that LP a listen! Nice work Music Arbeiter!

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thanks Charles!! I felt the same haha it's much easier to do a voiceover with some editing! I can understand that, it's been glazed over a lot in comparison to Kraftwerk's other great albums. I wanted to review the album for quite some time after I reviewed Computer World! I suppose it turned from a quick review into almost a short Documentary 😂 Thank you! 🤙

[@macwyll]

Tour De France was very popular in the 80s partially because it was used in the movie, "Breakin" It was amazing and I went out right away to buy it!

[@joonas1400]

Fantastic video, love your editing and pacing. Super happy to hear people diving into this album. The stretch of the first three tracks is among my favorite Kraftwerk pieces of all time. These guys are my childhood heroes, and when I finally got to see them live, the Musique Non Stop ending jam was one of the highlights of the show for me. Still trying to figure out how to make my snare hits sound even half as cool.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I tried my best to make it like a short documentary/an extended video essay! I wanted to show some appreciation for an album I felt deserved a bit more credit or praise that I wasn't seeing. Their soundscaping on the album is really cool imo, and still cuts through the mix to this day! 😄🤙

[@omegaman2767]

Musiqe Non Stop is one of the GREATEST songs ever made!! I bought that tape in 1986 when I was a freshman in college, and still have it till this day! Even though I I have it digitally too!! Reminds me of a funky James Brown beat!! LOVE the entire side 1 of Electric Cafe, all songs belong together in 1 play!! I went to my first Kraftwerk concert 2 months ago! What an AMAZING experience!! I was a young kid in 1978 when my Brother brought home "Man Machine" album, and I was hooked!!

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

My brother also introduced me to Kraftwerk! That's awesome! I hope you enjoyed the concert! 🤙

[@NeilAFawcett]

Ummmm... No...

[@omegaman2767]

@@Musik_Arbeiter Thanks!! It was GREAT!! Can't wait to see them again! Wish I had went to the 1981 concert as a teen....😀

[@samprock]

Now I love album even more! (not comparing myself to Kraftwerk of course, but I feel going thru the "things" in music they go thru in the album)

[@billhickok21]

As 73 born "Electric Cafe" was 86 in heavy rotation in my mobil tape player, love it

[@janetcraft]

Thank you for taking the time to create this documentary :) I learned something new about Kraftwerk's music and a look at the behind the scenes. The first time I heard of Kraftwerk was their hit tune, "Autobahn" playing on the AM radio and I just had to go buy the album and find out who these guys were. I was not disappointed. I plan to see them this June (2022) when they come to Toronto, Canada :)

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! And I hope you enjoy seeing them live in June! 😄🤙

[@kerzwhile]

100% agree! The melding of FM synthesis with sampling is brilliant. The modular randomness at times is awesome! A welcome departure using newer technology for the time, IMO. Excellent vid!

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you! I feel the same, I'm glad you liked the video! 🤙

[@chinossynthesizer705]

Fm synthesis can produce a large variety of sounds people don't understand that.

[@Kizunaut]

Electric Cafe is maybe my favorite Kraftwerk album. The production is immaculate and even if they didn't perhaps innovate as much as they did in the 70s they still honed their style and used certain stylistic choices that weren't really in common use yet back then. I can see why the reception was what it was, and I especialy understand why some people would be disapointed with the album having no strong unifying theme, but I think on a musical level it's just fantastic. I also like how despite the album "failing" Kraftwerk has kept on playing Music Non Stop as the gig closer ever since the album released. I think it's a powerful statement.

[@m.t.t.m5714]

In den 80ern, ging ich mit Freunden zu einem Konzert von Kraftwerk in Zürich im Volkshaus. Ein grandioses Konzert. Und noch grandioser waren die Jungs Selbst. Wir warteten am Hinterausgang vom Volkshaus und redeten über ihre Arbeit, Vorgehen und hatten viel Spass. Zuletzt hätten wir noch zu Ihnen ins Hotel gehen können um einen zu trinken. Aber wir hatten damals kein Auto, so mussten wir auf den Zug. Immer wenn ich sie höre sehe ich die sehr MENSCHLICHEN JUNGS VON DAMALS....DANKE für dieses ELEBNIS und für diese tolle Doku!!!

[@ENSEMBLEHARIRA]

I remember very well listening to a late night radio program one evening, when Musique Non-Stop was premiered to Canadian listeners. Mesmerizing... I have no doubt that the electronic music revolution of the late 80s / early 90s exploded with the premier of this song / album. Still amazing today... Boing Boom Tschak indeed!

[@leopas]

Thank you for make this video! I know that “historically” this is the less important album in Kraftwerk discography, but I love every minute of it. Because I was introduced to their music with this album, it have a special place in my heart ❤

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 😄🙌

[@pascalplenge1882]

Great Video! Could you also talk about the Album Computer World as well? I'd love to see a series of this topic!!!

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

I already did! 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o57Hh4eAfZWHbMk

[@SynaMax]

I have two copies of this album on vinyl. The use of reverb on those vocal samples in Musique Non Stop is just so awesome.

[@stephenhunt6673]

Thanks for sharing. Electric Cafe was my introduction to Kraftwerk. I danced to Boing Boom Tschak at a club in Perth back in 1986 and I still have the LP. It sounded so futuristic back then and still holds its own even today. I was fortunate enough to see them live on two occasions.

[@TheBusterMan]

Never heard the TR 808 snare sound so good as it is used on Musique Non Stop. It's crisp and clean with great effects used. The pitched and effected drums on Techno Pop and The telephone Call always sound so fresh.

[@tylerreiske7810]

I have been a huge kraftwerk fan for 10 years and I have loved this record very deeply throughout that time (especially the telephone call). Your essay has opened my eyes quite a bit as to what this album was truly trying to accomplish and expanded my feelings towards it. I always had the sense that this album was very futuristic but never quite understood how. Thank you for your extensive research and thought into such an amazing album.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you Tyler! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! That's all I was trying to do was to present this album in a positive light articulating why I feel it is a masterpiece 😄👍

[@lotrbreath]

Ah, I remember so well listening to Electric Cafe on cassette tape in my white '88 Integra all those years ago. I don't have the car anymore, but I still have that tape. And it still works!

[@MrDamon1972]

This Album was so underrated…. I play this album everyday…. Kraftwerk are GENIUSES!!!! Their music will never get old to me…. I’ve had cassettes, albums, and CD’s…. I couldn’t wait till I purchased the album on iTunes….

[@scottlarson1548]

The biggest shock for me when I first heard is that they were now using conventional drum machine sounds. Kraftwerk's unique sound up to that point had strange electronic sounds (clicks, sine wave sweeps, etc.) as percussive elements. Now those were mixed in with the drum sounds we heard in songs on the radio.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

That's a good point, I think they wanted to try making music with new musical instruments that were becoming popular almost like it was their take on it. I can agree though I think that's a factor that throws people off in terms of cohesiveness of their discography.

[@scottlarson1548]

@@Musik_Arbeiter Listen to Ralf Hütter's more recent (2009 I think) remixes of songs from Computer World. Songs like "Pocket Calculator" also have more conventional drum sounds and could almost fit on Electric Cafe. It feels to me like Hütter went from trying to maintain Kraftwerk's strange distinctive sound to trying to catch up with the new electronic sounds that everyone else was hitting the charts with. And from what I've read, Hütter was the only one dictating Kraftwerk's direction at this point.

[@gregoryallen0001]

i think they were engaging with hip hop the way hip hop engaged with them.. they were clearly trying to make globalist post-everything music ♥️

[@TroyDate]

Thanks for the video. I remember listening to Electric Café in my friends VW Rabbit when it 1st came out on repeat. We were completely blown away.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

You're welcome! Glad you liked it 🤙

[@alexcarter8807]

I got it when it came out and used to listen to it while working on my BMW motorcycle. This was back in the day of the air-cooled flat twins.

[@1_Papa]

Very good video and review. You did not mention that "Tour De France" was covered by a band called "10 Speed," for the movie "Breakin'" because Ralf Hutter did not want Kraftwerk's version on the soundtrack, however. Still, I loved that you included the half-hour long, original 1973 version of "Autobahn" during the interviews. I was 9 when that came out, and it remains one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. And people are always going to complain about something. I loved "Electric Cafe." I was 23 and in the Army back then and "The Telephone Call" is my favorite of that album. Again, great video and review! 🤖! 🐰

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you! Yeah the song was used for that movie! I knew that beforehand but I tried to fit as much information in here as I could without making the video too long when I typed out the script! There's so much information behind this album, I think I only touched the tip of the iceburg haha 😄 And it's awesome to hear you love the album! Some commenters have been aggressive or frustrated just out of the basis of me saying "I like this album and here's why" lol it never made much sense to me 😂 Thank you for your service! I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 😁🤙

[@n8spectacular]

My first Kraftwerk album. I was strict my hip-hop and sometime around 1986, a buddy recommended this, so I could branch out a bit.

[@livedandexperienced]

What an excellent analasys of this album. Your research and putting it all together into a very well edited and informative video is just stellar!!! Thanks.

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you! I tried my best! 😄👍

[@eximusic]

This is my favorite Kraftwerk album. And I was a fan from the beginning. And as others have pointed out, this album was a huge influence to an entire generation of electronic musicians.

[@achtungmark]

Thanks enormously for putting both the time and the energy into this fantastic video. I enjoyed it from start to finish. I can say for myself that I'll definitely revisit this album as a result of your video. Good work!

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so glad you liked the video! 😁🤙

[@dj0ignacio]

Electric Cafe is my favorite album ironically enough. It was my first introduction to them by my dad. Had the album on repeat on my old school cd player.

[@maxide9978]

Great video! Electric Cafe was the first Kraftwerk album I ever heard, and ever since hearing it, I've been a Kraftwerk fan. Electric Cafe certainly was a turning point for Kraftwerk; their albums after it had a different style. Electric Cafe truly is a masterpiece and was extremely ahead of its time. Also, I love that you used one of the unrealeased songs (called Lichthof) at 22:25!

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you! And I felt the song was fitting haha! 😀🤙

[@curly_wyn]

I love this video! Electric Café is definitely one of the most misunderstood albums ever, very well done, from one Kraftwerk fan to another! 🖤

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

Thank you very much! 😀🤙

[@curly_wyn]

@@Musik_Arbeiter also, what was the song you used when discussing the art of Kraftwerk’s album cover and head busts?

[@verhvouvim1518]

@@curly_wyn Sounds like Tour de France (Etape 1 or 2)

[@Muesli711]

@2:41 Computer World (1981) was recorded completely in analogue - I think I read somewhere that one of the reasons why Kraftwerk were unhappy with Technopop and delayed the album release was to re-record it digitally.

[@cosmicsodared]

I remember buying this in 86 I'd just left school and had began working. I bought the album on vinyl and tape but it was the beginning of the digital age so I also bought it on CD but it was months before I could save to buy a quality CD player.... When I did I was like wow! the sound and production was so so clear I thought it was incredible. This album brings back so many memories it was around this time I also bought my first car so I distinctly link this album to driving around the UK in my brown 1978 Triumph Dolomite 1500hl with this album (on cassette) playing..... NON STOP lol

[@Musik_Arbeiter]

It's funny my Dad had a 1972 Triumph TR6, I'm not sure if it was his first car but I assume it was! Honestly listening to this album for the first time in my room late at night sounded big. It has a presence and a vibe that listeners are or aren't with, and I was with it haha 😄👍

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Yes, "Der Telefon Anruf" is also my favorite track of the Electric Cafe album because it again showed the sweet romantic melodic side of Kraftwerk. Something they really embraced and showed a lot in the early 70s albums. It almost feels like a part 2 of "Computer Liebe". When the electronic love transitioned from BTX chats to a phone call. Kinda like Karl Bartos' song "without a trace of Emotion" feels like a "Neonlicht" Part II.

[@robinpierre4167]

Same for me ! My favorite albums are Radioactivity and Trans Europe Express (not neglecting most parts of The Man Machine and Computer World albums) because of the melodic power and the european flavour of these songs. And, it's plain to see that The Telephone Call (music and video) stands in the same inspiration. I will always prefer Europ Endless to some Boom-Tchak exercice (even if it's funny)...

[@ricoholcombe1439]

I remember buying this tape about four times because someone would take it. Take it from me its one of my favorite albums.

[@ronniewall492]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGmwgWONa5idf7s

[@therealcaldini]

If you were telling people “Take it from me. It’s one of my favourite albums” then they were probably taking your instruction a little too literally. However, karma appreciates your generosity.

[@Jake-Balibari]

In a humorous interview, Wolfganf Flür talks about this slump during the making of “Electric café”. He recounts this not entirely concerted purchase of a Synclavier (expensive and complex machine) supposed to revive inspiration. At that moment, he puts his hand over his eyes and smiles. We don't actually hear a single sound coming out of a Synclavier in this album. However, when you know the price of this monster! On the other hand, we clearly recognize the Yamaha DX (or TX) dedicated to strings with a very synthetic sound perfectly suited to the Kraftwerk style. On "Sex object", I also thought I recognized a Yamaha, perhaps a TX816, rather than sampling. I think I also recognize the clap of the Sequential Drumtraks drum machine during the first songs. Maybe am I wrong... This album is indeed quite unknown if we compare it to the previous ones, but in my humble opinion it is a real success.