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![]() [Larger view] | Kraftwerk - Computer World
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Average user rating: ![]() | |
About as close to perfect as one could hope for | |
| Simply stated, "Computer World" is Kraftwerk's musical and conceptual masterpiece. Prophetically portraying a future where human society would be pervaded by and dependant on computers, it is one of the smartest and most cohesive albums ever made. Released in 1981, it foresaw the advent of the internet age, along with the economic and cultural byproducts that would come because of it. Kraftwerk were always fascinated by the fusion of man and machine, both in modern life and in the making of music. "Computer World", for all it's technological obsession, ends up being a very human record amidst all the machinery. Unlike modern electronica, which, for the most part, is merely an aural backdrop to the rave culture, Kraftwerk's music is warm and human, despite being wholly produced with electronic instruments. The song "Computer Love", which I read to be a sort of precursor to online dating, is permeated with human sadness and loneliness, even as the relentless mechanical beat pulses hypnotically amidst computerized bleeps and squiggles. The title track, "Computer World", envisions as future where business and entertainment would be made all the more easy and accessible due to computer networking. "Pocket Calculator" showcases Kraftwerk's humorous side, as well as their almost child-like joy at tinkering with electronics. The production quality of this album is amazing- sharp and clear, yet retaining the warmth of their analog synths and recording equipment. Quite simply, "Computer World" is the perfect musical marriage of man and machine. | |
The band known for making good music well before their time | |
| Of the entire electronic music genre, there isn't a band I admire more than Kraftwerk. This is easily one of my favorite CD's, out of a collection of about 200. When this album came out in 1982, there were probably many people who didn't understand the concept of this band. Maybe even a little frightened by the possibilities of a computer-driven world, which is exactly the subject the whole album touches on. 'Pocket Calculator' is a such a fun song, but 'Numbers' is so cool, I still have never heard a song quite like it. Completely electronic, but still manages to touch the warm, emotional side of us (fans of Kraftwerk) .I love the fact that their music isn't overly 'aggressive,' like a lot of modern techno music seems to be. I have heard their songs sampled so many times, which could be a bad thing, but is not. Those people understand, as I do, that this is one of those bands that is just timeless. | |
Fantastic! | |
| It's rediculous how good this album is. I was at a record store and picked it up on tape (a brand new tape in 2004?). They had the CD but for some reason I thought the tape would be a better buy. A nod to nostalgia. Anyhoo, I bought it and was blown away. It's not dated (at least to me). When I listened to it with my little brother he was like "Woah, who is this," and I've been preaching the Kraftwerk gospel ever since. Don't let my rambling talk and bad spelling turn you away from this album. It's a keeper! |