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: LP: 1971 Ohr. Single sleeve. Found at VVV Records in Dallas (1987).
CD: 1996 Spalax. Triple fold out digi-pak that includes the above SP. I keep it for that reason alone.
1987 (first listen); 1996; 10/22/24 (review / new entry)
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