Zeuhl

Thanks, I mentioned it an earlier post as one that got me into Zeuhl, but didn't automatically recommend it just in case the "operatic" vocals may be a turn-off.  The vocals are what made it special for me.  Like a lot of music before, I initially discovered the music thanks to the streaming track at PA which blew me away, without checking I think that one's "Attente", and so got the album quite quickly -- definitely well worth a  listen. That and Weidorje's are usually albums I recommend quickly to Zeuhl newbies.

However, I still think for someone with Fusion in the name, Magma's first two along with the Zao recommendations might be good places to start too (though Kobaia wouldn't be an easy one for many -- I think more would find 1001 Degrees more accessible).


Edited by Logan - December 29 2009 at 14:16

Hi, Zeuhl virgin here........

OK, I like that Eros album by Dun. I believe I gave it 3 stars. I also like one of the two singles I got with Magma. See my review. But if you recommend Eskaton as my first real ticket to mayhem..... ehh, Zeuhl, I will go with that. I will order tonight.

I got the Magma albums, but I am not sure if they are the right ticket for a virgin. 

 

^I'd say check out some early magma, in particular MDK and Kobaia. Hope you enjoy E-Re as much as I do, brilliant disc.

Logan wrote: If you like Kansas (I'm thinking of Robbie Steinhardt on violin) then you might appreciate Didier Lockwood's violin work: Zao (as I suggested earlier) has him on Kawana (and on Zao -Live, but I don't have it), but good violin work by others such as Jean-Yves Rigaud on the first three albums.  And consider getting the great live album by Magma, Live/Hhai which also features Lockwood, and he's also on the great Retropsekttw I-2 which has my favourite version of Magma's MDK.

I am reviewing Zao's latest album, Ethnic 3 Live, which is excellent, but more on the free-jazz side of things than Zeuhl. Highly recommended anyway, even if not exactly easy listening. Through my reviewing activity I've also come across an Italian Zeuhl band (at least they are listed here under Zeuhl), Runaway Totem. I don't know their previous albums, but their latest, Manu Menes, is really something.

Syzygy wrote: It's a bit early to give a definite opinion, but I think Emmenteht-Re is a definite 5* album and a strong contender for album of the decade (although I may be slightly biased).

I'm not sure if it's the best Magma album of the decade.    But the jury seems split among the Magma fans here.  For me it's virtually a dead heat after spinning E-Re a few times.

Syzygy wrote: It's a bit early to give a definite opinion, but I think Emmenteht-Re is a definite 5* album and a strong contender for album of the decade (although I may be slightly biased).   Lots of good recommendations so far - if you're thinking of dipping a toe into japanese Zeuhl, Koenjihyakkei is a goos place to start. All of the albums are worth owning, but I'd probably start with Nivrayam and work forward and back from there. Ruins Symphonica is also a real treat for Zeuhl fans, while the rest of Ruins work is something you will either love or hate, although if Symphonica tickles your fancy you'll probably enjoy their other albums as well.

 

 Lovin' the weirdness of Magma on the PA mp3 stream right now. Hated the Japanese Zeuhl though, it's way too chaotic even for me. However, I think I'm getting a wee soft spot for the Potemkine, Dun and Eskaton on the tracks provided here. Does anybody know if I can hear more from this lot on Last fm?

 Aww, cheer up man. Just think of Monty Python... "always look on the bright side of life...(whistles) "

FusionKing wrote:  Lovin' the weirdness of Magma on the PA mp3 stream right now. Hated the Japanese Zeuhl though, it's way too chaotic even for me. However, I think I'm getting a wee soft spot for the Potemkine, Dun and Eskaton on the tracks provided here. Does anybody know if I can hear more from this lot on Last fm?

The best I can think of is typing Zeuhl into the recommendation radio.You may find more stuff to your taste that people haven't mentioned.

^Worked for me