FLOH DE COLOGNE - ROCKOPER PROFITGEIER Live
  £   32
  $   42

 


£ 32 Sold For
Dec 29, 2009 Sold Date
Dec 19, 2009 Start Date
£   25 Start price
2   Number Of Bids
  Great Britain Country Of Seller
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Description

FLOH DE COLOGNE

ROCKOPER PROFITGEIER Live

 

Starting as an agitprop theater group FLOH DE COLOGNE appeared on the Essener Songtage 1968 which was one of the initial events for the development of krautrock. Obviously they were impressed by other participating rock bands like Zappa's MOTHERS OF INVENTION for example and the emphasis changed to make political rock music afterwards. And therefore in January 1971 FLOH DE COLOGNE put the first german rock opera 'Profitgeier' on the stage.

This album is full of harsh left-wing criticism at the situation in Germany and reflects the social background with the student protests at the end of the 60s and a spirit of optimism which also had an effect on many workers. Unlike other german bands with a political approach like EULENSPYGEL the FLOH DE COLOGNE members didn't make any compromises. 'Profitgeier' is another german description for 'exploiter'. The album back cover for example is provided with invitations to join marxist organisations which especially were oriented at the USSR politics.

Nowadays it's quite astonishing that the band found a financially strong label which released such an album (besides some others). But at that time OHR as a sub-label of Metronome was especially charged to explore bands and artists which were reflecting the rebellious times - headed by Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser who supported a lot of new experimental bands and therefore became a key figure for the krautrock genre.

The songs are fading into each other which can be expected for a live presented rock 'opera' whereas this title can only be considered in the widest sense because of a very generic concept. Some applause is to detect here and there which demonstrates the live character. Musically the songs are dominated by rock n' roll, heavy rock and blues - technically good but not very ambitious - even not prog-related though. Maybe one could say pre-kraut with some reasons. Textually interesting parts are alternating with slogans which are way too simple or provocative, often presented as sprechgesang or recitative.

The political lessons are starting with He, hallo Stift whereas 'Stift' is colloquially ment for an apprentice and the song especially deals with the situation of young factory workers. 'Who owns the world?' and other fundamental questions are asked during the following songs. Auf dem Arbeitsmarkt is played in a heavy psych rock mood and musically an outstanding track with excellent guitar work. The last song Wir werden immer mehr, literally translated to 'We are always getting more', expresses a big ambition which finally could not be realized until today.

Recommended to collectors of obscure german rock output who are able to get into the very special german lyrics.

 

 

Track Listing

Side 1

1. He, Hallo Stift ( 1:22)
2. Die Einen Kommen Erster Klasse Zur Welt (2:32)
3. Wir Stehen Am Rande (4:53)
4. Bekenntnis Der Unpolitischen Väter (1:35)
5. Auf Dem Arbeitsmarkt (5:28)
6. Der Kapitalismus Stinkt (3:13)

Side 2

1. Wir Brauchen Keine Millionare (7:38)
2. Die Luft Gehört Denen Die Sie Atmen (1:45)
3. Profitgeier (7:03)
4. Wir Werden Immer Mehr (2:27)

Total Time: 37:56

 

Line-up

- Hansi Frank / drums, vocals
- Dieter Klemm / pecussion, vocals
- Markus Schmidt / guitar, organ, harmonica, vocals
- Dick Städtler / bass, guitar, vocals
- Gerd Wollschon / percussions, vocals

Release information

LP Ohr OMM 556.010 (1971 Germany)

The LP is pressed on red/pink vinyl and is in mint condition - I've played it once from buying it new in 1974.

The sleeve is in very good condition, being nearly 40 years old, having very slight creases around it's edge and still bears the gimmicky 'giblets pullout'. A lyric sheet in mint condition is also included.

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