Starring Rosi is Ash Ra Tempel's 5th album, and a departure from the intensity of the previous 3 studio albums, as well as the drugged out live Seven Up outing. Gottsching recruited Dieter Dierks (Scorpions, a million others) not only for his usual superb production ability, but also for bass guitar duty. As well, Kosmische Kourier / Wallenstein standby drummer Harald Grosskopf makes his presence felt (and would later join Manuel in his Ashra trio format of the late 70s and early 80s). As stated in the premise, the album's contents are completely different from the emotional workouts of their previous studio offerings. The mood is light and carefree. And it appears as if Manuel and Rosi are just having a fun date here (she does glow radiantly on the album cover, one must admit). The guitar style shown on the latter half of Join Inn's 'Freak N' Roll' makes its presence on 'Interplay of Forces' and 'Laughter Loving'. 'Schizo' recalls the intensity of the earlier albums, but is sadly all too short. Through it all we have Rosi's lovely spoken voice (in English verse the German of Join Inn) and a bit of ill-advised singing from Manuel (something he fortunately gave up quickly). Overall a very pleasant and unique album. If the proper expectations are set, you will likely be rewarded here.
Ownership: LP: 1973 Kosmische Musik. Single sleeve. Online acquisition (2000).
CD: 2010 Belle Antique (Japan). Papersleeve edition.
My story is similar to many of the Ash Ra Tempel albums I first purchased, and bought a new Pop Import copy at The Record Gallery in Dallas (summer 1985).
1985; 2/9/01 (Gnosis); 12/29/11; 3/8/15 (new entry)
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