Amon Düül II

Introduction to Tanz Der Lemminge

Amon Duul II's third studio album, Tanz Der Lemminge, was released in March 1971 by Liberty Records. This double LP features a total running time of 68 minutes and 28 seconds. It is characterized by its exploration of various genres, including krautrock, progressive rock, psychedelic folk, and space rock.

Album Structure

The album is structured around four extended suites. The first suite, "Syntelman's March Of The Roaring Seventies," is divided into four parts. It opens with "In The Glassgarden," followed by "Pull Down Your Mask," which features vocals by Chris Karrer. The suite continues with "Prayer To The Silence" and concludes with "Telephonecomplex."

On the second side, listeners will find "Restless Skylight-Transistor-Child," a seven-part suite. This suite includes tracks such as "A Short Stop At The Transylvanian Brain-Surgery," which features vocals by Lothar Meid, and "Riding On A Cloud," showcasing vocals by both Henriette Kroetenschwanz and Lothar Meid. Another track, "Paralized Paradise," has vocals by John Weinzierl, while "H.G. Well's Take-Off" features Rolf Zacher on vocals.

Musical Composition and Personnel

The third and fourth sides consist of the "Chamsin Soundtrack" suite. This suite includes an 18-minute improvisation titled "The Marilyn Monroe-Memorial-Church" along with three additional parts. The album's music is a collaborative effort from band members Chris Karrer, Falk Rogner, John Weinzierl, and Lothar Meid.

The personnel on this album includes Karrer on electric and acoustic guitar and violin, Weinzierl on guitar and piano, Rogner handling organ and electronics, and Meid on bass and double bass. The rhythm section features Peter Leopold on drums and percussion, along with Jimy Jackson on organ and piano. Al Gromer contributes sitar to the mix. Engineering and electronics were managed by K.-H. "Kalle" Hausmann, while the album was produced by Amon Duul II and Olaf Kubler.

Release and Reception

Tanz Der Lemminge was released as a double LP and has been included in various lists celebrating cosmic rock albums. Notably, it was ranked number 36 on Mojo/Q magazine's list of "40 Cosmic Rock Albums," recognizing its influence within the genre.

This album features the track "The Marilyn Monroe-Memorial-Church," which is an 18-minute improvisation piece.