MOSHI MOSHI

One of the best Guru Guru albums ever. While it may not appeal to the traditional prog fan per say, there is something on this adventurous work for fans of one or another aspect of progressive rock music and would even go as far as to rcommend it as a starting point for the curious. The album draws from many eras of the band`s many incarnations since 1970 from the spaced out early era progressing through fusion experiments of the mid seventies to the more rythmical/jazzier late seventies and eighties. No two tracks on the album are alike but share a rythmical approach even on the more ambient " Skylab" and 1978 13 minute+ updated live version of the Guru Guru classic " Der Elektrolurch" (not indicated on the track list here but to be found as a bonus track on the 2004 CD version which was remastered by former Grobschnitt drummer EROC).

The diversity of this remarkable album can be exemplified by the contrast between the opening track "Moshi Moshi" which has a rather heavy edge on it which approaches heavy metal proportions with power rythm guitar riffing with heavy funky bass to "Don`t Worry About the Koto" which incorporates traditional Japanese themes. Of course Mani Nuemeier`s ubiquitous sense of humour is present on many tracks particularily Moishi Moishi, Jet Lag, the totally wacked out Jonny Filter and Bonusdrek. Those familiar with Dagobert Duck`s 100th Birthday from the Dance of the Flames album from 1974 pay close attention to Bonusdrek. If only it could have a longer running time .

A groovy, yet complex and interesting work. If I were writing this exclusively for the established Guru Guru fan Moshi Moshi would get 5 stars no problem . However, to remain within the progarchives guidelines it gets 3½ stars.