SUPER

After relatively low sales of NEU!'s eponymous debut album, which came out in 1972, the duo of Michael Rother and Klaus Dinger set out to record a single at Conny Plank's studio in Cologne. The disc named simply Super was released by the reluctant Brain records, who foresaw the lack of success for the release. Although it had very small direct impact on music charts in Germany, the single laid foundation for the experimentation that listeners are able to hear on side two of NEU!'s sophomore effort. The first track, "Super", is dripping with elements that make the band's sound so unique - twangy, jangly guitar tones, various studio effects, and most importantly the feeling of constant movement, achieved through a motorik beat. On the flipside, we get "Neuschnee." The piece is quite similar to "Super" in its overall atmosphere and pace.

Although it might not seem like it, NEU!'s 1972 single Super is a pivotal work in the band's history. Because the band members were low on budget while recording their upcoming second LP, they decided to fill their album with pieces from this release, slowed down and sped up, instead of paying to record new material. If not for this single - what kind of music would we encounter on NEU! 2?