MOTHERFUCKERS LIVE

If you look at their discography on the site here you'll see that this band has been named SOUL CARAVAN, XHOL and XHOL CARAVAN. Same band but for different reasons they've changed their band name a couple of times. This group is important when it comes to the beginnings of Krautrock, being pioneers of this sub-genre. Their 1969 album "Electrip" especially needs a mention in this regard. And while that is my favourite recording by them, even that one I could take it or leave it.

What makes their music difficult is just how experimental they get. And very controversial, especially live. In my opinion the keys to this band are the two ultra-talented horn players named Tim Belbe and Hansi Fischer, the latter would later join EMBRYO. These two sax players drag the band into Free Jazz territory at times. This recording is the ultimate for XHOL fans, with three discs of music worth just over 2 hours. The first disc from 1968 is a compilation of live tunes, then we get a live event they did for a radio station from 1969 on disc two, then the bonus disc which features under 20 minutes of tribute music by other artists performing XHOL music. Included in this is NURSE WITH WOUND who created a collage of XHOL songs. CURRENT 93 and Chris Heemann also perform XHOL music on that final disc.

That first disc is called "Freedom Opera" which apparently was to be an unreleased studio album, but done here live at least. Including a cover of "Poems" originally done by VANILLA FUDGE. This disc is insane at times, really out there and experimental. A tough listen to say the least, especially the vocal stuff. Disc two contains their live bit at WDR Radio in 1969 as a four piece, and it's all instrumental as the singer has left. No Tim Belbe here either, and the music is much easier to swallow, in the "Electrip" style. The bonus disc is a throwaway in my opinion, but I get that these are legends in that style of music performing this. They are huge fans to say the least.

I unfortunately can't call myself a fan, but I have some respect for them for leading and not following in those early days of Krautrock.