Os Mundi

Label: Brain
Country: Germany
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Os Mundi's 43 Minuten: A Deep Dive

Released in 1972, "43 Minuten" is the second studio album by the German progressive rock group Os Mundi. The album arrived on the Brain Records label, a fledgling imprint that aimed to capture the innovative spirit of the era. This record follows the band's debut, which was steeped in religious themes, steering instead towards intricate social commentary.

Production and Design

The album was produced and engineered by the influential Conny Plank, known for his work with various avant-garde artists. Plank is credited as Konrad Plank on this release and recorded the album at Windrose Studios in Hamburg. The cover design was created by band member Erik Spiekermann, who is also recognized as a graphic designer and typographer. Spiekermann contributed acoustic guitar on the track "It's All There," blending his artistic talents with the music.

Musical Composition

Os Mundi's sound on "43 Minuten" presents a sophisticated mix of styles. The album incorporates elements of Canterbury-style progressive rock and brassy jazz-rock. Complex time signatures are employed throughout, exemplified in the track "Isn't It Beautiful 7/8," which features a unique 7/8 time signature that adds to the album's rhythmic complexity. The lyrics include contributions from Austrian author Erich Fried, particularly on the song "Erstickübungen," showcasing the band's commitment to politically conscious themes.

Lineup and Instrumentation

The lineup for this album is diverse. Udo Arndt handles guitars, organ, piano, steel guitar, and lead vocals. Christoph Busse plays drums, acoustic guitar, and provides vocals. Dietrich Markgraf adds saxophones and flute, while Andreas Villain plays bass and fuzz bass. Buddy Mandler contributes bongos, congas, and percussion, along with vocals. Mikro Rilling plays cello, percussion, and vocals, rounding out the ensemble. Conny Plank also plays electric guitar on the brief closing track, "Fortsetzung Folgt."

Track Highlights

The album consists of nine tracks that explore various themes. "A Question Of Decision" opens with a reflective tone, while "Missile" delves into more urgent topics. "Children's Games" offers a contrasting perspective, and "But Reality Will Show" brings a sense of realism to the forefront. Each track contributes to a cohesive narrative that reflects the band's artistic evolution.

Os Mundi's "43 Minuten" was released on Brain Records as Brain 1015 in 1972.

Tracklist

A1	A Question Of Decision Written-By – J.-Chr. Busse*Written-By – Udo Arndt	7:26
A2	Triple Written-By – J.-Chr. Busse*Written-By – Udo Arndt	4:58
A3	Missile Written-By – Udo Arndt	3:04
A4	It's All There Acoustic Guitar – ErikWritten-By – J.-Chr. BusseWritten-By – Udo Arndt	4:08
A5	Isn't It Beautiful 7/8 Written-By – J.-Chr. Busse*Written-By – Udo Arndt	2:18
B1	But Reality Will Show Written-By – J.-Chr. Busse*Written-By – Udo Arndt	6:26
B2	Children's Games Written-By – J.-Chr. Busse*Written-By – Udo Arndt	7:52
B3	Erstickübungen Sounds [Telephone] – RenateWritten-By – Erich FriedWritten-By – Udo Arndt	6:13
B4	Fortsetzung Folgt Guitar – ConnyWritten-By – Konrad Planck	1:12