"For one group to lay claim to being one of the pioneers of experimental music, and then to gain a No. 1 UK hit single, as well as exerting a tremendous influence on numerous other artists for more than thirty years is rem... more »arkable. Kraftwerk occupy a unique position in popular music." --Record Collector From David Bowie to Daft Punk, Depeche Mode to Radiohead, Dr. Dre to LCD Soundsystem, and even to the likes of the Sex Pistols, The Cars, Nine Inch Nails and almost everyone in between, the influence of Kraftwerk is remarkable. Electro Pioneers, living legends and globally revered masters of electronic sound, Kraftwerk now celebrate the 35th anniversary of their landmark 1974 hit "Autobahn" by releasing newly remastered editions of their 8 classic albums in a deluxe box set. The first ever complete remastering of Kraftwerk's 8 classic studio albums, covering all their releases on the Capitol, Warner Brothers and Astralwerks labels: Autobahn, Radio-Activity, Trans Europe Express, The Man Machine, Computer World, Techno Pop, The Mix, Tour De France. In 2009 Kraftwerk have upgraded their Kling Klang masters with the latest studio technology and these eight magnificent recordings still sound like nothing else in the history of music. Kraftwerk are unique, pristine, profound and beautiful. Decades may pass, but their streamlined synthetic symphonies stand outside time, as fresh as tomorrow, transcendent and sublime. The 12" x 12" x 1 1/2" box features all 8 albums, exclusively created just for this box set in mini-LP style album packaging complete with inner sleeves. Restored and newly expanded artwork is presented in the form of 8 large format 12 to 20 page booklets, housed inside a rigid board slipcase portfolio. Manufactured in Germany.« less
"For one group to lay claim to being one of the pioneers of experimental music, and then to gain a No. 1 UK hit single, as well as exerting a tremendous influence on numerous other artists for more than thirty years is remarkable. Kraftwerk occupy a unique position in popular music." --Record Collector From David Bowie to Daft Punk, Depeche Mode to Radiohead, Dr. Dre to LCD Soundsystem, and even to the likes of the Sex Pistols, The Cars, Nine Inch Nails and almost everyone in between, the influence of Kraftwerk is remarkable. Electro Pioneers, living legends and globally revered masters of electronic sound, Kraftwerk now celebrate the 35th anniversary of their landmark 1974 hit "Autobahn" by releasing newly remastered editions of their 8 classic albums in a deluxe box set. The first ever complete remastering of Kraftwerk's 8 classic studio albums, covering all their releases on the Capitol, Warner Brothers and Astralwerks labels: Autobahn, Radio-Activity, Trans Europe Express, The Man Machine, Computer World, Techno Pop, The Mix, Tour De France. In 2009 Kraftwerk have upgraded their Kling Klang masters with the latest studio technology and these eight magnificent recordings still sound like nothing else in the history of music. Kraftwerk are unique, pristine, profound and beautiful. Decades may pass, but their streamlined synthetic symphonies stand outside time, as fresh as tomorrow, transcendent and sublime. The 12" x 12" x 1 1/2" box features all 8 albums, exclusively created just for this box set in mini-LP style album packaging complete with inner sleeves. Restored and newly expanded artwork is presented in the form of 8 large format 12 to 20 page booklets, housed inside a rigid board slipcase portfolio. Manufactured in Germany.
CD Reviews
The (almost) ultimate for Kraftwerk fans
Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 11/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After many years of rumors about a definitive remastered collection of the Kraftwerk catalogue, now finally comes "The Catalogue", a stylish box set of 8 of the 11 Kraftwerk studio albums (more on the 3 missing albums later).
"The Catalogue" (8 CDs; 351 min.) brings albums 4 through 11 of the Kraftwerk catalogue, starting with 1974's "Autobahn" all the way through 2003's "Tour De France Soundtracks". As a lifelong Kraftwerk fan, I nevertheless did not have a couple of the early albums on CD (I had them on vinyl as a kid), and to now rehear "Autobahn" and "Radio Activity" in all of its remastered glory was quite the fantastic listening experience. The remastered sound on all of the albums are remarkable, albeit less noticable on the last release "Tour de France Soundtracks", as that one was released in quite good audio quality already in 2003. Listening to many of these tracks, it reminds you of the astonishing catalogue of songs from Kraftwerk, and it makes me wish the band would open the playbook a bit more in their concerts, not always playing pretty much the same 'greatest hits'. (I've seen Kraftwerk a couple of times in recent years, most recently opening for Radiohead in March in Sao Paolo).
As to the box set and packaging, it is quite the visual experience. Style has always been a HUGE point for the Kraftwerk experience. The box set is in the format of the old vinyl release, and besides the 8 CDs, there are 8 visual booklets for each of the albums, all in the format of the old vinyl, each being 16 or 20 pages, with pictures and most of the lyrics. It was as though you were back in the 1970s enjoying the vinyl experience, except that you now have the remastered CD pristine listening to go along with it.
The November issue of MOJO Magazine had a fascinating interview with Ralf Hutter, in which he mentions that the first 3 Kraftwerk albums (Kraftwerk; Kraftwerk 2; Ralf + Florian) will get an updated remastered release at some point as well, and that a new Kraftwerk album will be out "quite soon", which of course in the Kraftwerk universe could be next year, or in five, who knows. All that aside, "The Catalogue" is the ultimate for Kraftwerk fans, but for those missing first 3 albums."
Superb collection
Edward Casper | Seattle, WA USA | 11/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First off, I'm biased. I've liked this group since I was a kid. The music is great. I don't love it all, but it's very good and much of it is classic. These guys have been extremely influential and they helped change the face of popular music. I don't know if it's possible to overstate their contribution to music.
Having said that, if you are on the fence about splurging for the box set, maybe this will help. Three of the CDs are available only in the box set. All three of them are excellent, but one is classic: Computer World. It's been sampled a ton and it's one of the progenitors of hip hop. The beats, the sounds, the humor. These guys were silly and serious at the same time. Not an album to be missed. The others are fun -- The Mix is an amped-up Reader's Digest version of their biggest songs, and Techno Pop contains some great music as well.
An added bonus, the box set has real quality. It's made of thick, sturdy card board. The booklets are well made and have wonderful artwork, and the CD covers and slipcases are superb. Also, the CD labels themselves are excellent. From a graphic design point of view, this collection is a real winner."
Mixed Thoughts
Harry Housley | Tennessee, USA | 12/01/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Like many who have posted reviews on this deluxe box set, I've been a Kraftwerk fan since "Autobahn" and have purchased all their LPs and CDs to date. After reading the glowing reviews of this box set I took the plunge and ordered it, even though the price jumped from $105 to $130 (in the last week!) It arrived today and I've listened to each of the eight CDs.
First, the packaging is truly awesome, especially the included LP-sized booklets, which I might add are printed on quality thick paper that you won't leave fingerprints on!
The CD packaging is nice too with the slip cases, and the overall box is well made, (unlike the Mike Oldfield "Tubular Bells 2009 Ultimate Edition" that was plagued with problems!)
More importantly, to me, is the sound quality of the actual CDs, and here are my honest thoughts:
Autobahn - Very nice improvement over previous CD releases. The sound is solid, without the hiss - even though I feel some of the ultra high frequencies are missing. No "pumping" that I could hear, thankfully.
Radio-Activity - I have to say this remastered album disappointed me. The four white noise sweeps starting "Radio-Activity" have been noticeably cleaned up but at the expense of the beautiful "choir" in the background. You can hear the choir get louder after each sweep, evidence of processing. It's not terrible but noticeable, IMHO. "Antenna" also sounds a bit subdued and not as crisp as the original version. This is my favorite KW album and perhaps I'm being too critical?
Trans Europe Express - FINALLY!!! A quite nice release of this album on CD. Other than the import "Trans Europa Express" CD release, all others sounded as if they were mastered from vinyl LPs, including ticks and pops here and there.
Man Machine - Nicely cleaned up without noticeably affecting the overall sound quality. The increased volume is a welcome plus in my opinion.
Computer World - Also nicely cleaned up though I feel a bit of the high end is missing in a few tracks. "Numbers" is absolutely breathtaking!
Techno Pop (Electric Cafe) - I was anxious to hear this album because of the additional track "House Phone", a remix of "The Telephone Call." First, the ending of "The Telephone Call" contains material different from the U.S. Warner Brothers CD release, just so you know. The "House Phone" part is okay but didn't excite me too much. The overall sound quality of this CD is awesome, especially in the bass response.
The Mix - The original U.S. release of this CD sounded incredible and the remaster does no harm. I couldn't find any difference except the slightly boosted volume level.
Tour De France - Also released originally in great sound quality so this one didn't need any improvements but sounds great.
Overall I have to say I recommend this Box set only to die-hard Kraftwerk fans who have to have everything, as the previous CD releases are truly adequate as they are with the exception of the U.S. "Trans Europe Express." I agree with forum members here who have commented the price tag is too high. This would be an excellent addition to any Kraftwerk collection had it been in the $80 - $90 price range but $130 is too much, IMHO. The lack of bonus tracks, rarities (like Dentaku), or the first three Kraftwerk albums takes away from what could have been an Ultimate Kraftwerk fan's dream set. The Catalog isn't bad but if you already own all their CDs, I'd think twice about forking out the money for this one."
Amazing box set of amazing electronic music
Christofer Thoren | 12/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No one has had more influence on electronic music than Kraftwerk. They are the pioneers of the genre. When listening through these CD's one can hear many similarities with many of today's artists, not just in the world of electronic music, but music in general.
As for this superb collection, don't be put off by the price; once it sells out, you can only expect this box set to rise incredibly in price. I recommend getting it now, while it's still under say 500 dollars.
The packaging is...well...Kraftwerk. Very clean and immaculate. The remastering of their catalogue is great, giving it even more of a feeling of having been recorded very recently, which is true of Kraftwerk's music in general: Being way ahead of their time.
This collection will only get more expensive than it already is...get it now!"
An impressive package
Richard J. Maggio | NJ | 12/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is how box sets should be done. The box itself is the size of an lp jacket and is the sturdiest box like this that I've seen. The discs are in a liner, which is then slid into a jacket. Each disc is accompanied by an lp sized booklet featuring pictures relavent to the album, adding a visual dimension to the experience.
The remastering is incredible. Autobahn, Radioactivity, and Trans Europe Express sound like they were recorded in the last 10 years. I don't know how they pulled off this remastering job! The sound is just amazing, it really is.
Like many others here, I balked at the price initially. However, once I received the set, I understand why a bit of a premium price has been put on this set. You get your money's worth with the high quality packaging!
If you don't care about the extras like the box or the lp sized booklets, you should just look at purchasing the discs individually. Otherwise, don't be put off by the price too much because it is an impressive product.
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1