Computer-World
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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| + | '''''Computer-World''''' is the eighth studio album created by [[Kraftwerk]] and released in [[1981]]. It was released in German as '''''Computerwelt'''''. The album deals with the themes of the rise of computers within society. Critics see this album as a peak in the career of Kraftwerk, along with ''[[Autobahn (album)|Autobahn]]''{{Citation needed|date=March 2008}} and ''[[Trans-Europe Express (album)|Trans-Europe Express]]''. | ||
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| + | The compositions are credited to [[Ralf Hütter]], [[Florian Schneider]], and [[Karl Bartos]]. The sound of the album is more reliant on purely electronics and vocals. For the first time since 1970's "Vom Himmel Hoch" from the group's [[Kraftwerk (album)|first album]], the band displayed shades of [[funk music]] - tracks such as "Numbers" went on to influence early elements of [[hip hop music]] in the [[United States|US]].<ref>Pascal Bussy - author of the book, ''Kraftwerk: Man, Machine and Music'' - Bartos relates that prior to this, Hütter & Schneider were disturbed by him playing off-beats in rhythms.</ref> | ||
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| + | In keeping with the album’s concept, Kraftwerk showcased their music on an ambitious world tour and issued several versions of the single, "Pocket Calculator". The song is also sung in [[German language|German]]—"Taschenrechner", [[French language|French]]—"Mini Calculateur", and Japanese—"Dentaku" (電卓). While not major, it should also be noted that there are a few noticeable differences in the album mixes used on the English- and German-language releases. | ||
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| + | As was the case with the two previous albums, ''Computer World'' was released both as German and English language editions. Instead of translating everything verse by verse, some lyrics were omitted. Most notably the opening title track, "Computer world", lacks approximately half of the original lyrics. The English lyrics misses the reference to the collection of peoples' personal data (''Finanzamt und das [[Federal Criminal Police Office|BKA]] - Haben unsere Daten da'') by agencies such as the tax authorities and the police. Similarly the refrain ''Computerwelt - Denn Zeit ist Geld'' is simplified. The title of the final track is in English in all releases, as it is a pun based on the slogan "''It's more fun to compete!''" that could be seen on old pinball machines. | ||
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| + | "Computer Love" was released as a [[7-inch single]] single in the UK, in July 1981, backed with "[[The Model]]", from the group's previous album ''[[The Man-Machine]]''. The single reached number 36 in the charts. In December 1981 the two songs were reissued as a [[A-side and B-side#Double A-side|double A-side]] [[12-inch single]], and reached number one on the UK pop charts in February 1982, although "The Model" received the most airplay. | ||
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| + | "Computerwelt" was subsequently remixed as a punchier-sounding dance version, with additional bass and percussion and was released in January 1982 as a twelve-inch vinyl single only in Germany. | ||
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| + | In the same year, the song "Computer World" was nominated for a [[Grammy award]] in the category of Best Rock Instrumental Performance. | ||
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| + | A newly [[remastering|remastered]] and expanded edition of the album, was released by [[EMI]] and [[Mute Records]] (in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]) on CD and digital download in October 2009, with a heavyweight vinyl edition set for release in November 2009. Due to licensing restrictions, the release will only be made available in the [[United States|US]] by [[Astralwerks Records]] as part of '''''[[The Catalogue]]''''' [[box set]]. | ||
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Revision as of 11:32, 24 October 2009
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Computer-World is the eighth studio album created by Kraftwerk and released in 1981. It was released in German as Computerwelt. The album deals with the themes of the rise of computers within society. Critics see this album as a peak in the career of Kraftwerk, along with AutobahnTemplate:Citation needed and Trans-Europe Express.
The compositions are credited to Ralf Hütter, Florian Schneider, and Karl Bartos. The sound of the album is more reliant on purely electronics and vocals. For the first time since 1970's "Vom Himmel Hoch" from the group's first album, the band displayed shades of funk music - tracks such as "Numbers" went on to influence early elements of hip hop music in the US.<ref>Pascal Bussy - author of the book, Kraftwerk: Man, Machine and Music - Bartos relates that prior to this, Hütter & Schneider were disturbed by him playing off-beats in rhythms.</ref>
In keeping with the album’s concept, Kraftwerk showcased their music on an ambitious world tour and issued several versions of the single, "Pocket Calculator". The song is also sung in German—"Taschenrechner", French—"Mini Calculateur", and Japanese—"Dentaku" (電卓). While not major, it should also be noted that there are a few noticeable differences in the album mixes used on the English- and German-language releases.
As was the case with the two previous albums, Computer World was released both as German and English language editions. Instead of translating everything verse by verse, some lyrics were omitted. Most notably the opening title track, "Computer world", lacks approximately half of the original lyrics. The English lyrics misses the reference to the collection of peoples' personal data (Finanzamt und das BKA - Haben unsere Daten da) by agencies such as the tax authorities and the police. Similarly the refrain Computerwelt - Denn Zeit ist Geld is simplified. The title of the final track is in English in all releases, as it is a pun based on the slogan "It's more fun to compete!" that could be seen on old pinball machines.
"Computer Love" was released as a 7-inch single single in the UK, in July 1981, backed with "The Model", from the group's previous album The Man-Machine. The single reached number 36 in the charts. In December 1981 the two songs were reissued as a double A-side 12-inch single, and reached number one on the UK pop charts in February 1982, although "The Model" received the most airplay.
"Computerwelt" was subsequently remixed as a punchier-sounding dance version, with additional bass and percussion and was released in January 1982 as a twelve-inch vinyl single only in Germany.
In the same year, the song "Computer World" was nominated for a Grammy award in the category of Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
A newly remastered and expanded edition of the album, was released by EMI and Mute Records (in the UK) on CD and digital download in October 2009, with a heavyweight vinyl edition set for release in November 2009. Due to licensing restrictions, the release will only be made available in the US by Astralwerks Records as part of The Catalogue box set.
