Holger Czukay – “On The Way To The Peak Of Normal”{Germany}[1982] (Post-Kraut Psyched-out Quasi Ambiental Insanity)

Between 1963 and 1966 Holger Czuaky studied composition and electronic music under the guidance of the famous composer Karlheinz Stockhausen. In 1968 he founded the influential krautrock band Can, possibly the quintaessential psychdelic band, a vehicle that he and his co-workers used to explore the inner and hidden musical collective consciousness. In 1969 Czukay and Rolf Dammers, recorded “Canaxis” a bold experiment with magnetic tapes and ethnic filed recordings that was decades ahead of its time and that became the seed of what later was called Ethnic Experimental Music.

During the Czukay became the motor of the Can, or at least what was shown as the band leader, although with Can it wasn’t exactly like that. Anyway, we need to give credit to all the members because somehow all of them created a unique style that has spreaded Can influence well into the 2000’s.

In 1979, after the demise of Can (they resurrect the band later for a short period), he edited “Movies” an album in which he left the bass behind to explore the possibilities of other instruments, in this case several kinds of keyboards.

In 1981, he joined Can ex drummer, the virtuoso Jaki Liebezeit and extraordinary producer Conny Plank to make the album “On the Way to the Peak of Normal”, a piece work in which we feel that Czukay was already planning his future days without Can.

With this album he polished his skills as editor, producer and multi-instrumentalist. With the exception of the drums, he shows his abilities on almost every instrument: bass, guitar, French horn, keyboards and one of his favorites “proto musical objects”: a short wave radio.

Czukay is a man in love with noise. But he likes quieter, nocturnal, thoughtful and refined noise. He likes organized, delicate and organic noise. If you hear carefully the opening track, that incredible mid-tempo trip titled “Ode to Perfume”, you will understand why he is considered the Forefather of Ambient.

The third track, “Witchès Multiplication Table”, shows a direction that Can could have taken. The French horn sounds really wacky there.

Another high point of this album is the delicious “Two Bass Shuffle”, and interplay with one of Czukay’s most advantaged pupils: Mr. Jah Wobble.

I think this album was not well understood in its time. I have never got tired of listening to it.

I truly recommend it for those with twisted tastes and half baked brains.

Get on this trip and…

Keep Listening…!!!

Holger Czukay - Hiss 'n' Listen...