Amon Duul II / Amon Duul ~ Germany

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.

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 (first acquired); 1996; 10/22/24 (review)

Carnival in Babylon (1972)

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.

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: 1972 United Artists UK (LP). Gatefold; 2007 Revisited / SPV (CD). Digipak. History and bonus tracks.

1986 (first acquired); 1996; 6/19/06; 5/16/07; 12/3/16 (review)

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...

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 got to get this!". Imagine the scene back home. ROFL.

Ownership: 1972 Sunset (LP); 2006 Revisited (CD). Digipak. Liner notes and modern bonus tracks.

1986 (first acquired); 1995; 6/14/16  (review)

Other Amon Duul II albums I own and still need to review: Yeti, Tanz der Lemminge, Wolf City

6/14/16 (new entry)