Amon Düül II

Label: United Artists Records
Country: Germany
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Overview of Wolf City

Released in November 1972 by United Artists Records, Wolf City is the fifth studio album by the German band Amon Duul II. This album was recorded in July of the same year at Bavaria Studios. It features a blend of electronic, rock, krautrock, and psychedelic rock elements, showcasing the band's evolution in sound.

Musical Direction

With Wolf City, Amon Duul II moved towards shorter and more structured songs, a notable shift from their earlier works, which often featured extended improvisations. This change coincided with the band's increasing commercial success in both Germany and the UK. The album consists of seven tracks, each with its own distinct character. "Surrounded By The Stars," written by Chris Karrer and Falk U. Rogner, opens the album with a duration of 7:46. Other tracks like "Green Bubble Raincoated Man" and "Jail-House Frog," both penned by John Weinzierl, further illustrate the band's diverse musical palette.

Collaboration and Production

The album features a variety of musicians contributing to its rich sound. Main performers include Chris Karrer, D. Secundus Fichelscher, Falk U. Rogner, John Weinzierl, Lothar Meid, and Renate Knaup-Krotenschwanz. Guest musicians such as Jimmy Jackson and Indian instrument players Al Sri Al Gromer and Pandit Shankar Lal add layers to the album's texture. Wolf City was produced by Amon Duul II in collaboration with Olaf Kubler, while engineering was handled by Peter Kramper. The album cover was designed by Falk U. Rogner.

Track Highlights

Among the tracks, "Sleepwalker's Timeless Bridge" is particularly noteworthy. Written and largely performed by drummer D. Secundus Fichelscher, this piece showcases his talent at a time when he was not yet an official member of the band. The inclusion of guest instruments like the sitar and tabla in "Wie Der Wind Am Ende Einer Strasse" further enhances the album's eclectic sound.

Release Details

Wolf City was released on vinyl as an LP and continues to be a significant entry in Amon Duul II's discography. It reflects the band's experimentation and adaptation during a dynamic period in rock music history. The album was recorded in July 1972.

Tracklist

A1	Surrounded By The Stars Bass, Synthesizer – LotharDrums – D. SecundusElectric Guitar – JohnGuitar [6-String], Twelve-String Guitar, Violin – ChrisOrgan [Choir], Piano – JimmyOrgan, Claviola [Clavioline], Synthesizer – FalkVocals – RenateWritten-By – C. KarrerWritten-By – F. U. Rogner*	7:46
A2	Green Bubble Raincoated Man Bass – LotharDrums – D. SecundusElectric Guitar – ChrisElectric Guitar – JohnOrgan [Choir] – JimmySynthesizer – PeterVocals – RenateWritten-By – J. Weinzierl	5:04
A3	Jail-House Frog Bass, Vocals – LotharClaviola [Clavioline], Noises [Raven] – FalkDrums – D. SecundusElectric Guitar, Vocals – JohnOrgan [Choir], Piano – JimmySoprano Saxophone – ChrisVocals – OlafVocals – RenateVocals – RalphVocals, Synthesizer – PeterWritten-By – J. Weinzierl*	4:54
B1	Wolf City Backing Vocals – RenateBass, Vocals – LotharDrums, Backing Vocals – D. SecundusElectric Guitar – ChrisElectric Guitar, Backing Vocals – JohnOrgan – FalkWritten-By – C. KarrerWritten-By – S. FichelscherWritten-By – F. U. RognerWritten-By – J. WeinzierlWritten-By – L. Meid*	3:20
B2	Wie Der Wind Am Ende Einer Strasse Bass – LotharDrums – D. SecundusElectric Guitar – JohnOrgan, Synthesizer – FalkSitar – Al Sri AlSoprano Saxophone – OlafTabla – Pandit ShankarTambura – LizTimpani [Pauken] – Peter LeoViolin – ChrisViolin – PaulWritten-By – C. KarrerWritten-By – S. FichelscherWritten-By – F. U. RognerWritten-By – J. WeinzierlWritten-By – L. Meid	5:42
B3	Deutsch Nepal Bass – LotharDrums – D. SecundusElectric Guitar – JohnOrgan [Choir], Piano – JimmyVocals – RolfWritten-By – L. MeidWritten-By – O. Kübler*	3:00
B4	Sleepwalker's Timeless Bridge Bass – LotharElectric Guitar – JohnElectric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Drums – D. SecundusElectric Guitar, Violin – ChrisOrgan – FalkWritten-By – S. FichelscherWritten-By – F. U. Rogner*	4:55