Staff Reviews

Karl Bartos - Off the Record

Review by Jon Falcone

Karl Bartos has excited generations and steered culture. Now he cannot do that, now his music falls flat.»

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Karl bartos is well-known as one-quarter of the 'classic' kraftwerk line-up. many of their most influential rhythms and memorable melodies were actually conceived in his home studio. they would later be used on an unstoppable succession of hits from the dusseldorf band as they ascended to the lofty heights of popular music culture. as a major contributor to 'the man-machine' (1978) and 'computer world' (1981) bartos has had a decisive influence on kraftwerk's music. bartos' new album is an audio-visual sensation! lost for many years, some of his early music has been reconceived and re-contextualised in a thrilling modern setting. here's the story: during kraftwerk's heyday karl bartos wrote - 'off the record' - a secret acoustic diary. based on his musical jottings - rhythms, riffs, hooks, sounds, chords and melodies - this is what he has come up with today: twelve brand new, exciting, timeless songs.
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