We're functioning automatic and we are dancing mechanic. This double vinyl set serves as a ‘best of’ edition of the Kraftwerk 3-D 9LP boxset, collecting standout tracks and medleys from the Kraftwerk 3-D world tour recorded in some of the world’s foremost art and concert institutions, including New York’s MoMA, London’s Tate Modern, Akasaka Blitz in Tokyo and the Sydney Opera House, performing material from 8 of their best albums: Autobahn, Radio-Activity, Trans Europe Express, The Man-Machine, Computer World, Techno Pop (originally entitled Electric Cafe), The Mix and Tour De France Soundtracks. The material is extremely faithful to the original recordings; nearly all the synthesizer and drum machine parts are played identically as they are on the originals, with the most noticeable difference being the vocals. The live mix is optimized for a concert setting, so the arrangements are much more loud and lush than the original recordings with subtle differences in cadence that bring out parts you may have never noticed before. In some cases, they add new parts to double down on the sublimity of the originals. 8 tracks spread across two 180g vinyl LPs with code for free digital download. Crucial for Kraftwerk completists, a refreshing listen for Kraftwerk heads (us), and a decent substitute for anyone who didn’t get to go to the Kraftwerk 3-D world tour (also us). Recommended.

• 180g double vinyl pressing
• deluxe gatefold sleeve
• printed inner sleeves
• digital download included
• NOTE: the download card contains a typo: ‘.com’ must be entered in the url instead of ‘.net’
• music label: Kling Klang 2017

reviewed by peanut dust 08/2017