The Man-Machine [Die Mensch-Maschine] - Bartos, Karl
Arranged primarily on lo-bit microchip computers, handheld gaming devices and consoles, a new generation of musicians inspired by early video games has turned these systems into new musical instruments. Now the same sou... more »nds heard in classic video games have been re-tooled to perform highly innovative, sound-stretching, mind-bending, heart-thumping versions of legendary Kraftwerk songs.« less
Arranged primarily on lo-bit microchip computers, handheld gaming devices and consoles, a new generation of musicians inspired by early video games has turned these systems into new musical instruments. Now the same sounds heard in classic video games have been re-tooled to perform highly innovative, sound-stretching, mind-bending, heart-thumping versions of legendary Kraftwerk songs.
"What do you get when you mix old videogame music with even older Kraut-rock? You get an AWESOME CD. 8-Bit Operators - An 8-Bit Tribute to Kraftwerk is as it says, a tribute to the German band Kraftwerk using mostly old consoles (although some synths like Roland Junos are used) and performed by the chip scene's leading musicians, like Nullsleep.
Each artist chose one Kraftwerk song to cover in their individual style of chip music, and the selection is great, although unfortunately "Autobahn" and "Numbers" were not covered on this CD. All arrangments, at least in my opinon, are phenomonal, and certainly do justice to the original tracks. Nullsleep's cover of "The Model" must be heard to be believed!
The sound is top notch and the sound quality is like listening to the actual consoles/synths themselves. Most of the vocals on this CD are taken from the English translations of Kraftwerk's songs, although some are the original German lyrics. Some sites have complained that the vocals (vocals, not lyrics) are weak, but I find this to be opposite, and since Kraftwerk's vocal talent wasn't all that great to begin with, I have to question whether those people are just hating on this CD.
Overall, this is an interesting and fantastic album, that sucessfully pays justice to Kraftwerk, and proves that Gameboys, NES's, Commodore 64's and what-have-you aren't just bleeps and bloops, they can make actual music, which is what Kraftwerk's music did for synthesizers, so this really is the PERFECT tribute.
If you are a Kraftwerk fan, or a chiptune fan, or both, BUY THIS CD. If not, or you're just gtting into it, buy this CD anyway. It will convert you into Karaftwerk fans and chiptune fans, and it's a great intro to both scenes.
Overall: 5/5
-Zack M. - Chiptune/Kraftwerk fan
"
Fabulous!
Mark Twain | 02/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great CD. Not only is it a fitting tribute to the music of Kraftwerk, but it is also a unique compilation of songs that truly take on their own voices apart from the originals. Whether you are a Krafwerk or a chiptunes fan, or even if you are just curious, you should love this CD."
An Amazing Concept That Works
Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 11/30/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fifteen artists each tackling a legendary number by Kraftwerk, with a re-tooled twist. They are using old-school 8-bit video game systems and lo-bit microchip computers to bring a new generation of sound & vision to the music.
This phenominal CD finds the songs merging into one fascinating presentation of cutting-edge performance art. Oliver Wittchow and Herbert Weixelbaum capture classic club beats, respectively, in Kristallo & Tanzmusik, while Covox brings even more desperation/sadness to the lyrics of Computer Love.
The most ambitious number is gwEm and Counter Reset's interpretation of The Man-Machine (Die Mensch-Maschine), which is the fitting final piece to this innovative project.
You do not have to be a fan of Kraftwerk to appreciate the new versions of these songs. This is as much a tribute to stretching the boundaries of art as it is to one of the most influential bands ever.
"
All the Awesome of Kraftwerk, Re-Awesomed!
Brennan Van Alderwerelt | Davis, CA | 05/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Kraftwerk: sweet. 8-bit: awesome. 8-bit operators: amazingly awesome sweet! Cool, nostalgic, original remakes of the kraftwerk songs we all love, some even better in my opinion (spacelab, antennae)! A few lack in awesomeness but are funny instead (man machine), i would call this a great album for any fans of kraftwerk, chiptunes, astralwerks, proto-techno, or electro in general!"
Damn, but this takes me back to my youth
Brian Miller | anywhere they send me | 02/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My father had a C64 back in "the day" when I was but a wee lad. Not only did this machine introduce me to PC gaming, but it also (via a cartridge) introduced me to the weird sounds that you could make a computer puke out. My father also introduced me to kraftwerk in the early 80's. When this became available for pre-order, I crapped out my money instantly.
I can honestly say that my hard earned, tax-payer provided money was well spent. This was the first time since downloading midi files that I've heard minimalist computer produced perfection. I own a few other kraftwerk cover albums, such as the trance-werk express series, and none of them even come close to what I'd say an actual worthy tribute.
Not only are all 15 tracks the nearest thing to perfection that I've ever seen, but most, if not all, capture what I'd call the essence of "machine music" that kraftwerk have been striving for since 68. This album has also opened me up to a new genre of electronic music that I was not aware of, so now I'll attempt to find other artists that make 8-bit stuff."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1
