CAN ALBUMS RANKED 1968 - 1975 PLUS THE BEACH BOYS & NÖEL 

*CHECK OUT MY CAN SPOTIFY PLAYLIST WITH 12 OF MY FAVORITE SONGS (SO FAR):* open.spotify.com/playlist/45PvmskptH7nMYMvwZjaZs?si=d4dc3f83f09d463b *CAN BIOGRAPHY* Formed in Cologne, Germany in 1968 - Disbanded in 1979 - Reunited on several occasions (1986, 1991 & 1999) CAN is one of a few internationally known "Krautrock" groups; they are famous for their repetitive and hallucinatory sound. CAN was founded in 1968 by Jaki LIEBEZEIT, Irmin SCHMIDT and Holger CZUKAY, and in their early days they also included American singer Malcolm MOONEY or Japanese vocalist Damo SUZUKI. They transformed progressive-rock into a science. By bridging classical music, jazz music and rock music of their times, CAN accomplished the first organic study on rhythm and texture. Their hypnotic and glacial instrumental jams straddled the line between free-jazz, acid-rock and chamber music. CAN's music can be difficult to appreciate, yet their albums offer some of the best experimental rock ever recorded. Then there are always the myths, the legends and the fascination. CAN's legacy still resounds clearly across the landscape of contemporary music. As Julian Cope concludes, "CAN will be remembered as one of the great 20th century bands. I've listened to their music for over 23 years, and I still freak out at their staying power... Every one of CAN's members is a hero, and a true star." *NÖEL - IS THERE MORE TO LIFE THAN DANCING?* If ABBA had created No. 1 In Heaven... Then Voulez-Vouz would be what we're talking about. However, this still has that definitive 70s pop sound attached to it that Sparks were obviously very fluent in, but its sense of playing it straight makes this feel purely like trying to tap into the disco craze that would thrive and die within this very year. Dancing is Dangerous, and Is There More to Life Than Dancing? have their Ron Mael writing moments, but they feel like cameo appearances among what are safe dancing tracks to ignore the lyrics to. Perhaps that's why I find Au revoir to be my favorite song here, as it feels entirely like a Sparks song, save for the sexy lil' saxophone. However, you may think this means I'm not as much of a fan, but the Maels are still master craftsmen at melody and hook, and this album is full of AMAZING, dare I say FANTASTIC melodies, all of which get me pumped to listen to even the nine-minute tracks because great moments are always only seconds away from giving me a disco dopamine rush in the same way only comparable to, well, No. 1 in Heaven. Even a song as simple as I Want a Man is euphoric due to Noel's delivery, which should not go uncredited here. She delivers very Russell-esque vocals whilst still making it her own thing and having a strong vocal style that is less similar to disco contemporaries, but shines because of it. It just entirely feels like people who don't know how to make dance music making dance music, and nailing it anyway. Perhaps you could argue the lack of Moroder means lesser production, but damn if Russell and Ron don't try their best to deliver something just as strong and unlike anything in their own discography, save for the obvious one. Instead of feeling like a copy job of their prior album, or a poor attempt at later releases, it just feels like the hidden companion piece, similar to Halfnelson and Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing or Kimono My House and Propaganda. It is a shame that this was mostly hidden away from the world for near decades, because it really shines through as something great, and is worth diving into for any Sparks fan. If you've not listened yet, you're missing out on a vital part of Sparks history, and while the time has probably passed, I really hope Sparks get to have a proper protégé at some point, because between this and then Christi Haydon EP, they assuredly know what they're doing. So happy to have finally listened!

Nice man i’ve been really getting into the beach boys lately

Hey my real name is in that Can Paris 1973, I sent spoon records around 30 Concerts, and i got my copies signed (both LP and CD, they even threw in some extra stuff !!!!!!)

Great ranking of the Can albums, and love the Smiley Smile unboxing! Glad I could hook you up with the stereo CD before it becomes too much of a rarity- I think the other Beach Boy fans here can agree it's an essential album. Cheers!

I only discovered Can about 6 years ago, and they rapidly became one of my all time favourite groups. Where were they all my life?

It's really cool how you've discovered Can and have become such a big fan. I'm thinking you'll end up going down the Krautrock rabbit hole. Of course, most Krautrock is the beginning of metronomic beats and electronic, but there is an evolution to it. You'll discover so many great artists like A.R. & Machines, Neu!, Amon Düül II, Cluster, Harmonia, Ash Ra Tempel and of course Kraftwerk, along with countless other great German bands.

I really don't know them Larry,I'll have to give them a listen. Bob

You must keep listening to Surf’s Up Larry! It’s my favorite after Pet Sounds, wonderful album with very strong melodies as always. Also, the lyrics are fantastic and thought-provoking.

Hey, Larry; nice Can list! You'd probably enjoy the "Can: DVD," if you haven't seen it already. Some pretty cool footage, including a documentary, solo stuff, and a live show circa Ege Bamyasi. A feast!

Nice ranking Larry. I’ve not yet managed to get past future days yet as although enjoyable they are quite heavy going. That said I’m not giving up and love how you have gone on them so much so quickly. Probably try tago mago as my next album. Anyways I digress. Super video yet again. All the best. Dave✅✅

Smiley Smile is definitely in my top 5 Beach Boys albums, it's a beautiful album!. I must check out Can too! 👍xxx.

larry , when you listen to saw Delight, the song animal waves is relaxing and spacey . Also Inner space , out of reach , the song Sodom is a spooky sound. Both of these instrumental songs are worth investigating.

*Flow Motion (And you need Unlimited Edition, Can, The Lost Tapes, and Maybe Out of Reach + Rite Time)

Will be interesting to see where Saw Delight will end up in your Can albums ranking. The first track was also included on The Singles CD. Eurythmics In the Garden from 1981 could also be an addition to the Can collection since Holger & Jaki are on several tracks and the whole album have a Can-album feeling to it. I checked out the Noel album and it's basically a Sparks album. A Sparks album in disguise. Absolutely a part of the Sparks discography. Fun when you think you got everything and something like this appears. The song Cool In The Pool by Holger Czukay sounds like a hit song by Can. But overall if you want more Can then Holger has lots more to add to the Can collection. Peking O from Tago Mago reminds me of Monthy Python.

I hope to get that Noel album next month! Very kind of Nicholas to send a stereo version of Smiley Smile, not easy to find! I love Heroes and Villains, Wind Chimes and Wonderful. As an album, I do prefer Wild Honey, 20/20 and Friends. Monster Movie has arrived. Looking forward to playing it soon!

Hi Larry. Great you're digging Can. Don't give up with Delay 68, it's a great album ( probably the first one I got into). Check out the lost tapes box set (lots of Damo and Mooney) too. And don't give up on that live Paris one it's easily the best of the live series so far. And btw it was recorded illicitly by a fan in th audience. Maybe smoke a bowl first, then put it on full blast. Enjoy.

Have you listened to the Smiley Smile album yet?

What you think about Beachboys Surfs Up album?

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