La Vie Electronique 2 [Digipak]

Performer: Klaus Schulze
Distributor: Ryko Distribution

Notes: As a member of seminal "kosmische" groups Ash Ra Tempel and Tangerine Dream, and throughout his long and distinguished solo career, Klaus Schulze has emerged as one of the pioneers of modern electronica. Schulze's `70s work, characterized by pulsing analog sequencer rhythms and proto-ambient synth drones, presaged developments in techno and trance by nearly two decades. The three-disc set, LA VIE ELECTRONIQUE 2, is the second in a comprehensive reissue program focused on rare tracks from the long out-of-print and highly limited ULTIMATE EDITIONS, a compilation series originally released in the `90s and containing previously unreleased material from Schulze's classic early `70s albums. Volume Two (three CDs) in this series reissuing all the material found on the long out of print Ultimate Edition box sets (for more background on the series as a whole, see La Vie Electronique 1) is much more interesting than volume one, and the pick of the first six volumes. The music comes from 1972-1975 (but mostly 1972-1973), a rich period of experimentation, as Schulze was gradually forging what would be known as his "classic" sound, nearly palpable by "Blaue Stunde," the 38-minute piece from 1975 concluding the set. This second installment contains more finished works than the drafts-and-jams-packed volume one. "Das gro�e Identifikationsspiel" (42 minutes) is a very good suite of rather experimental music written for a science fiction radio drama by Alfred Behrens. The 27-minute "Titanensee" was done with a ballet in mind, never to be produced; again, it is a strong work in Schulze's experimental vein. However, the undisputed highlight of volume two is a whole album's worth of collaborations with Hans-J�rg Stahlschmidt, a project that had been brought to completion, only to gather dust on a record company's shelves. On this set of tracks, Schulze steps outside of his usual style, his partner's acoustic guitar and vocals (Schulze also plays some acoustic backing) drawing the music close to Popol Vuh territory. For fans curious about Schulze's artistic development, this volume is the one to get, as you can see him trying out ideas and working on collaborations with other artists, and even other art forms. ~ Fran�ois Couture

Klaus Schulze is the living essence of electronic music, having both practically invented it in the 1970s, and embodying many of its signifiers: Teutonic, intellectual, and highly experimental. A founding member of the influential electronic group Tangerine Dream, Schulz left after one album to pursue other avenues of expression, first with Kraut-rockers Ash Ra Tempel and then as a prolific and enduring solo artist. His explorations in synthesizer rock have yielded several classic albums and have influenced the New Age and Trance genres.

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