Eulenspygel-2 (1971)

This is one of the most intense recordings of krautrock and German underground hard rock from the 1970s. Released in 1971, its title "2" refers to the fact that this band, then called Royal Servents, had already released a previous album. Eulenspygel consisted of Detlev Nottrodt (electric guitar and vocals), Matthias James Thurow (electric guitar, violin, mellotron, and sitar), Ronald Libal (electric bass), Mulo Maulbetsch (vocals), Günter Klinger (drums), Cornelius Hauptmann (flute and saxophone), and Karl-Heinz Großhans (Hammond organ). With a style that blends jazz, rock, and avant-garde elements, their compositions are ingeniously arranged, all driven by vibrant guitars and a frenetic organ. Tracks like "Das Lied Vom Ende", "Konsumgewasche", "Strub Auf Deinem Haar", "Son My", and "Till" are imbued with a heavy rock sound and insightful instrumentation. Eulenspygel was also one of the most politically charged bands of the era, with lyrics that were critical and ironic, targeting Western society, environmental degradation, capitalism, and the Vietnam War.