Anyone's Daughter

Album Overview

"In Blau" is the fourth studio album by the German progressive rock band Anyone's Daughter, released in 1982. This LP, catalog number Spiegelei INT 145.639, marks a continuing evolution in the band's sound and lyrical approach. The album was recorded at Tonstudio Zuckerfabrik in Stuttgart and mixed at Conny Plank's studio in Wolperath, a notable location for many influential German rock recordings.

Lineup Changes

This album features a lineup change with Peter Schmidt taking over drumming duties from Kono Konopik. This shift in personnel accompanies the band's transition towards poetic lyrics sung in German, following their previous success with "Piktors Verwandlungen." The core lineup includes Harald Bareth on lead vocals and bass guitar, Uwe Karpa on guitars, and Matthias Ulmer on keyboards and vocals.

Musical Composition

The album is divided into two sides, each presenting a different facet of the band's style. Side A leans towards melodic and accessible symphonic rock. Tracks such as "Sonnenzeichen - Feuerzeichen" and "Für Ein Kleines Mädchen" exemplify this approach with their engaging melodies. In contrast, Side B delves into more complex and ambitious compositions, featuring the 15-minute suite "Tanz Und Tod." This suite is subdivided into three parts and draws inspiration from the shamanistic writings of Carlos Castaneda.

Production Details

Produced by Petrus Wippel, "In Blau" benefits from a polished sound characteristic of the era. The mixing at Conny Plank's studio, known for its innovative techniques, adds a rich texture to the recordings. The album's cover design was created by Eva Miller, while photography was handled by Helmut Ehrmann, contributing to the visual identity of the release.

Recording Context

"In Blau" was recorded in December 1981 and mixed in January 1982. This timeframe situates the album within a vibrant period for Krautrock and progressive rock in Germany, as bands explored new sonic landscapes and lyrical themes.