Yeti (1970)
Yeti was yet another very important album in my musical development and appreciation of the European underground. Having acquired the Strand LP reissue in my last year of college, I played the heck out of it throughout the remainder of the 80s. Listens became more sporadic in the 90s and I have no modern line item of having heard it in the last 20+ years. I bought the CD not too long after its release, which tells me 2001 or 02 was my last full listen. Five star albums need more attention than that.
If I'm honest, I've never truly warmed up to the A side. It's Amon Duul II in song based mode, something they were to improve upon later (see my Carnival in Babylon review). Things get much more interesting on the rocking 'Archangels Thunderbird' and the Indian raga turns Krautrock jam of 'Cerberus'. Then the real party starts, as the drugs are kicking in nicely with 'Eye-Shaking King' and a couple of stoned interludes on each side. This all leads to the monstrous side long title track. This is one of those jams that defines Krautrock rather than imitates it. It's the apex jam you envision when you hear the term Cosmic Krautrock. And it delivers in absolutely beautiful fashion. When the first amplified guitar notes hit the speakers you know you're not coming back to this planet anytime soon. This just goes for it in the same way as early Ash Ra Tempel and Guru Guru do. The organ chill out closing is as haunting as the crystal forest you entered inadvertently but don't want to leave. No matter how many modern bands have tried to replicate this sound, there's an underlying atmosphere that just can't be reproduced regardless of how pure their intentions are. The final side continues all of the above, and the closing with Renate's feminine soaring wordless voice, hyperactive drumming, and phased guitar solos will leave you in a heap on the floor. And the floor is where you want to be anyway to enjoy the soothing Indian raga jam with some of the original Amon Duul commune boys including additional flute. Nighty-night.
Ownership:
1970 Liberty Germany (2xLP) Gatefold.
1970 Liberty UK (2xLP) Textured gatefold.
2001 Repertoire (CD) Digipak. Liner notes in German and English. Photos, recording details, and two bonus tracks taken from a 1970 single (great as well).
1987 (first acquired); 1996; 2001; 8/11/25 (review)
Paradieswärts Düül (1971)
For most of my record collecting life, I've felt like something of an apologist for this album. Amon Duul is the original commune group that was later to spawn the much more interesting Amon Duul II. Most of their entire music output comes from a late 60s drum jam that went on for days it seems. A whopping four albums were culled from these sessions, and all have proven to be difficult listens. They weren't intended for home listening in the first place, and their purpose was that of both artistic freedom and leftist politics. Similar activities were happening in New York City's Greenwich Village and Soho loft scenes during this time.
I have a friend on RYM that declares: "Sorry, but if you don't like this album, you're stupid". That got a belly laugh out of me. Now maybe I wouldn't have phrased it quite the same way, but nonetheless, there is something to be said for the premise. In effect, Carnival in Babylon sees Amon Duul II go from a stoned Krautrock long form jamming band into thoughtful progressive rock songwriters. Truth be told, the short songs on the first three opus' were mere afterthoughts, and seemed to get in the way of what they did best. There is still some evidence of their past that creeps up here and there, in particular 'Hawknose Harlequin', but otherwise this album is far more subtle in its brilliance. In fact when I first heard the LP in the mid 80s - after already owning those first trio - I was sorely disappointed. It wasn't until years later, that I took the time to understand they were no longer the same beast of the past. 30+ years on, and I'm now of the mindset that Carnival in Babylon is almost on the same level as Tanz der Lemminge, something I would have scoffed at years ago. Special mention should go to guitarists' Weinzierl and Karrer, who both put in exemplary performances for this session.
Phallus Dei (1969)
I'll let a four decade plus old newspaper article write my review for me today. Süddeutsche Zeitung said once, which happens to be the largest German national subscription daily newspaper according to Wikipedia: "Amon Düül II is a pop band that needn't shy away from comparisons with Pink Floyd or the Velvet Underground, but they are much better, more influential and more progressive than their English and American counterparts." OK then, my work is done here I think.
For most of my record collecting life, I've felt like something of an apologist for this album. Amon Duul is the original commune group that was later to spawn the much more interesting Amon Duul II. Most of their entire music output comes from a late 60s drum jam that went on for days it seems. A whopping four albums were culled from these sessions, and all have proven to be difficult listens. They weren't intended for home listening in the first place, and their purpose was that of both artistic freedom and leftist politics. Similar activities were happening in New York City's Greenwich Village and Soho loft scenes during this time.
The exception of course is Paradieswaerts Duul. This is a separate recording, much more pleasant, and in line with some of the folkier outfits of the day such as Emtidi, Broselmaschine, and Hoelderlin. Featuring guests from Amon Duul II and Xhol Caravan, the music sort of meanders along, never in a hurry, but oddly satisfying. Not sure an album like this, taken out of its historical context, would be worthy of so much attention. But it is just this time and place aspect that makes it endearing, and an important part of a complete Krautrock collection.
The CD adds their rare single, and I have that review over at The 45 Revolution.
Ownership:
1971 Ohr (LP)
1996 Spalax (CD). Triple fold out digi-pak that includes the above SP.
1987 (acquired); 1996; 10/22/24 (review)
Carnival in Babylon (1972)
The CD offers two lengthy bonus tracks, both modern, that are not attributed anywhere. I found these tracks far more interesting than what Amon Duul II has been releasing in modern times, and it shows the band could have continued in a relevant manner past the 70s.
Ownership:
Ownership:
1972 United Artists UK (LP). Gatefold
2007 Revisited / SPV (CD). Digipak. History and bonus tracks.
1986 (acquired); 1996; 6/19/06; 5/16/07; 12/3/16 (review)
1986 (acquired); 1996; 6/19/06; 5/16/07; 12/3/16 (review)
I'll let a four decade plus old newspaper article write my review for me today. Süddeutsche Zeitung said once, which happens to be the largest German national subscription daily newspaper according to Wikipedia: "Amon Düül II is a pop band that needn't shy away from comparisons with Pink Floyd or the Velvet Underground, but they are much better, more influential and more progressive than their English and American counterparts." OK then, my work is done here I think.
As noted below, I own the Sunset release. What's great about this version is the back cover, which is hilarious. Sunset was known for releasing adult pop music. What on Earth were they thinking when they put Amon Duul II on the label with the not-too-disguised title of Dick God? I always imagined some old codger with a pipe, getting excited at the strip-mall record store "Look Edna, a new album on Sunset! I gotta get this!". Imagine the scene back home.
Ownership:
Ownership:
1972 Sunset (LP)
2006 Revisited (CD). Digipak. Liner notes and modern bonus tracks.
1986 (acquired); 1995; 6/14/16 (review); 10/19/25
Other albums I own and need to review: Tanz der Lemminge; Wolf City
6/14/16 (new entry)
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