From a collection perspective, I see 2021 as the year that I loaded up on jazz funk LPs and CDs. It seemed everywhere I went, I ran into cool early to mid 70s American albums that specialized in this genre. But what of my older European prog collection that was secretly hiding similar type music - would it hold up in court? Kraan's 5th album would put that theory to test. I knew when this one came up in the random search that it belonged to Kraut Fusion, but my memory had it that it was more funky than I usually cared for. That is to say, it wasn't going to scratch that Embryo and Missus Beastly itch. It's been close to 20 years since I heard it, so let's see what we have here.
'Just One Way' opens the album and all my fears came straight to the front. It's rather dreadful "uptight white guy" funk with terrible vocals and stiff rhythms. Well, so much for that I said to myself. Ah, but wait. Next up is 'Vollgas Ahoi' and all is right again with its fiery fusion. This is followed by 'Silky Way' which provides the perfect soundtrack while viewing the islands from your fantasy yacht. Like all of our favorite albums, it gets better as it goes, and the final 2 tracks provide the highlights. Something to look forward to as you immerse yourself into Wiederhören's magic world. Even the other vocal cut 'Let's Take a Ride' isn't so egregious, bringing about a fine funk fusion number. Basically start with track 2 and never look back. This listen was close to a +2, much better than I had anticipated it would be.
Ownership: CD: 2000 FünfUndVierzig. Standard jewel case release with no extras. Album cover is boring, so getting this on vinyl is no priority either. If I find one out in the wilds cheap, I'll likely replace this CD, but I have no intention of seeking this one out online otherwise.
7/30/22 (new entry)
Kraan always kill's
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