When they were creating and releasing their most influential albums in the mid to late 1970s, Kraftwerk were far from the musical mainstream - and yet it is impossible now to imagine the history of popular music without them. Today, Kraftwerk are considered to be an essential part of pop's DNA, alongside artists like the Beatles, the Velvet Underground, and Little Richard. Kraftwerk's immediate influence might have been on a generation of synth-based bands (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, the Human League, Depeche Mode, Yello, et al), but their influence on the emerging dance culture in urban America has proved longer lasting and more decisive. This collection of original essays looks at Kraftwerk - their legacy and influence - from a variety of angles, and demonstrates persuasively and coherently that however you choose to define their art, it's impossible to underestimate the ways in which it predicted and shaped the future.

    Other Releases by Kraftwerk

    KraftwerkAutobahn (Limited Coloured Vinyl Edition)Parlophone
    Reissue of the band's classic fourth album from 1974. Their first, fully electronic album, inspired by the German motorway system!
      • New 2×LP (Coloured Vinyl) 0190295272432£30.99
        Limited, translucent blue vinyl edition
        In stockAdd to Bag
      KraftwerkComputer World (Limited Coloured Vinyl Edition)Parlophone
      Reissue of this essential Kraftwerk album from 1981, featuring the proto-techno classics 'Numbers' and 'Pocket Calculator'!
        • New LP (Coloured Vinyl) 0190295272302£35.00
          Limited, translucent neon yellow vinyl edition
          In stockAdd to Bag
        KraftwerkThe Mix (Limited Coloured Vinyl Edition)Parlophone
        Reissue of Kraftwerk's "remix" album from 1991 featuring e-arranged versions of a selection of songs which had originally appeared on the albums Autobahn...
          KraftwerkTechno Pop (1986)Kling Klang
          Previously known as Electric Cafe. Remastered and re-released under its original working title, Techno Pop. The album is sort of a follow up to Computer...
            KraftwerkThe MixMute / Kling Klang
            "The Mix" : a virtual greatest hits that represented a lavish representation of the bands favourite and better known work, re-recorded, remixed  and...
              KraftwerkAutobahn (1974)Parlophone
              Seminal, driving, Deutsche Elektronische Musik for the motorway, er, autobahn
                KraftwerkComputer World (1981)EMI
                Following on from 'Trans-Europe Express' and 'Man Machine', the trio of essential Kraftwerk recordings was completed by 1981's 'Computer World'. Includes...
                • – Computer world
                • – Pocket calculator
                • – Numbers
                • – Computer love
                • – Home computer
                KraftwerkThe Man Machine (1978)EMI
                C-L-A-S-S-I-C Kraftwerk album featuring The Model! Motorik electronic krautrock that's like proto-techno music! Repackaged and remastered edition
                • – The robots
                KraftwerkRadio-Activity (1975)Capitol
                Kraftwerk's first real concept album - an ironic celebration of atomic power! Re-packaged with expanded artwork and remastered at Kling Klang. Vinyl...
                • – Radioactivity
                KraftwerkTrans Europe Express (1977)EMI
                Classic Kraftwerk album featuring, well, everything. Endless beauty. Repackaged and remastered edition.