I've been a fan of Kraftwerk since their hit single "Autobahn" in 1974. In fact, I was living in Germany at the time of it's release. My father was an Air Force man and we were stationed in west Germany for several years during the 70s. Though I thought it was just a simple and musically-unsophisticated song, it was that simplicity and crudeness that drew me in. At that time, I was also experimenting with different musical tastes. I was a Motown and soul kid but some classmates turned me onto Pink Floyd and David Bowie who were at or fast approaching the height of their musical careers. Later by hanging out with some of the locals, I would discover what "krautrock" (German psychedelic and progressive rock) was about.
"Kraftwerk and the Electronic Revolution" gives an intelligent insight into the psychology of German pop music and how German musicians of The Beatles' generation forged their own identity rather than just trying to copy early British pop or American rhythm & blues and rock & roll and went on to influence those cultures as well.
In true German fashion, KER is a very thorough documentary about the legendary German unit and leading figures of the 60s Kraut Rock movement and their rise to the pop charts. KER gives a complete history of German pop from the effects of Beatlemania, the genesis of Krautrock and on to 80s synth-pop and it's influence on modern music. Also well- represented and acknowledged are '50s experimental pioneers Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Schaeffer, psychedelic krautrock bands Can and Amon Duul and space ambient music artists Tangerine Dream, Klaus Schultze and Kluster/Cluster among others important to the movement.
Noticeably absent are the leaders of Kraftwerk, Ralf Hutter and Florian Schneider. Known for being media-inaccessible, it would have been nice to hear their personal insights of their music. Other ex members of the group fill in the blanks best as possible especially former drummer/electronic musician Karl Bartos who is quite candid. Good talking head commentary by music historians and authors as well as musicians Klaus Schultze, Hans Rodelius & Dieter Mobius from Kluster
