It is almost impossible to understate the musical impact of the legendary German group Kraftwerk.  Not only is electronic music in general indebted to their innovation, but their highly rhythmic influence extends also to disco, hip hop (think of Afrika Bambaataa's "Planet Rock"), and even aspects of pop-rock (Coldplay's "Talk," for example).  They were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year.

With that said, when most people think of Kraftwerk, they probably think of their 1970s heyday with songs like "Autobahn," or even the creative brilliance of "Computer World" from 1981.  Lost in the shuffle is the album Electric Cafe from 1986.  Though certainly not as groundbreaking as earlier Kraftwerk, there are some worthy songs on this short EP-like album.

"Boing Boom Tschak" is a short opener that transitions directly into "Techno Pop" after just under three minutes.  The mechanical, hair-splittingly precise drums, brief and shiny synthesizer melodies, and crisp production make for a mentally involved listen.  As with so many of Kraftwerk's songs, you can definitely dance to this, too.  The chopped-up and electronically altered robot voice brings to mind the popular hip hop technique of scratching.  "Techno Pop" utilizes more whirling synths and multi-layered rhythms, including what sounds analogous to the firing of a gun.  The song also goes back and forth between moodier, darker keyboards and more playful electronic segments without ever sounding disjointed.  I especially love the mix of sounds prior to the six minute mark; synesthesia really sets in, and I get visuals of ice crystals (it's always been neat and weird to me that I have trouble with 3D visualization in and of itself, but how certain musical tones and combinations produce that very effect in my brain).

The most dance-oriented track is probably "Musique Non Stop."  It's also the most synesthetic after the title track.  Exceptionally well-produced, there are electronic sounds here that remind me of multiple 3D objects rotating and intersecting with one another, along with flying discs bouncing off of walls.  The vocal echo effect is especially trippy.  Trying to reduce these right brain impressions to language is rather difficult!

The weak points of Electric Cafe are "The Telephone Call" and "Sex Object."  Kraftwerk just isn't as inspired when they tackle more human and relationship-oriented themes, I suppose.  Both tunes are too monotonous - the drums are far simpler and staler, lacking the variation and complexity of the previous three songs, and they both drag on too long.  The former overdoes phone dialing noises and operator voices while the latter has some really overdramatic synths.  There is one novel aspect, though: a man, instead of a woman, singing about being a sex object.  Or a robot that sounds like a man, I guess.

All is redeemed with the title track.  "Electric Cafe" is my favorite of the six songs, with haunting melodic, mystical, minor-key synths and other electronic effects that are like swirling liquids going through glass containers.  Who needs drugs when you can listen to Kraftwerk?

While this may not be a must-have purchase for fans of the band or electronic music, a few downloads are nonetheless highly recommended.  At the very least, try out "Musique Non Stop" and "Electric Cafe."  They hold up as well as Kraftwerk's other best, as far as I am concerned.

Recommended: Yes