TANZ DER LEMMINGE [AKA: DANCE OF THE LEMMINGS]

The magnum opus of a vast and great discography, and one of my most played records, "Tanz der Lemminge" edges out as the pinnacle of Amon Duul II's career, and as such is one of the thirteen greatest krautrock albums. The course of the album goes through two suites, a side long improv jam, and a few spare tracks, all excellent. "Syntelman's March of The Roaring Seventies" is the best side, with a wonderful mix of really rocking krautrock, acoustic interludes, electronic effects, surreal lyrics, and wild experimentation. It is the truly perfect and most widely liked part of the opus. "Restless-Skylight-Transistor-Child" is the strangest side, with the formula for the first side taken to particularly crazed and experimental heights, and the rock rocks harder. "The Marilyn Monroe Memorial Church" is the jam, a whole side of improv through electronics and light rock apparently made for an obscure film. It is relaxing, and enjoyable both as that and as a trip. The final side is three chaff tracks that are still excellent, a final hurrah of rock. Everything is well played, well thought out, deliciously complex and varied. This album is just wonderful and mind blowing in equal, massive measure. A must listen for all prog rock fans.