MONSTER MOVIE

I really enjoy Can, and this album proves to be no exception. When I first heard of them on PA, they didn't really sound like my cup of tea. And the description of them having repetitive rhythms certainly didn't make me optimistic either. But having heard their discography from here to Landed now, I'd have to say my expectations were completely wrong. Can does have repetitive rhythms, but they're really good at building around them as a song goes on. Usually I have to be in the right mood to enjoy their material, but when I am it's absolutely wonderful stuff.

This album, Can's second release (since their first album Delay wasn't released until 1981) is a really interesting mix of experimental and acid rock. Many others have said that there is a punk flavor in Malcolm Mooney's voice and I would happen to agree with them. The opening song Father Cannot Yell is a great piece and really sets the tone for the rest of the album. However, there are a few things that bring this album down for me. The first is that I don't think the rhythm section of Holgar Czukay and Jaki Liebezeit is quite up to par in comparison to some of Can's later releases. It's not quite the same energy and I just don't enjoy it as much, which is bothersome as these two guys make up half the backbone of Can for me. While Mooney is a talented singer, I prefer the sound of Damo Suzuki's voice. It's simply a matter of taste for me. The third and final aspect of the album I find weak is on the 20 minute epic You Doo Right. Some of the parts of the song seem to go on a little longer than I would prefer. I also don't think it's as well polished as some of the later large improvised pieces they would later create.

All in all though, I used to think this album was no better than 2 stars. But I finally appreciate the sound of Mooney's voice enough that I can bump this up to 3, but barely. I'd advise starting with some of Can's later albums, especially the classic Damo ones.