KARL BARTOS COMMUNICATION ALBUM HOME, SONY RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2003 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 20, 2003

It was meant to be, wasn't it? When most of us were more or less disappointed with Kraftwerk's rather uninspired comeback, along comes Bartos with his talking computers to save the day. The sound on "Communication" permeates playfulness and warm pop music as opposed to French house or lengthy pieces of tired electronica. It becomes painfully evident where much of the melodic puzzle piece of Kraftwerk was located. Rumour has it, that Ralf and Florian re-recorded the vocals for "Telephone Call" (originally sung by Bartos), because they wanted a more robotic, mechanic feel in the vocal approach. That, if anything, accentuates a palpable difference in approach.
The few times Karl's voice is not tampered with on "Communication" (those infernal vocoders! When will it end?), in songs like "15 Minutes of Fame" and the unresistingly catchy "Electronic Apeman", he actually sounds pretty solid.
"Communication" is, in essence, Kraftwerk, but it represents the pop oriented, melody laden side of the band. Think "The Model", "Europe Endless" and "Computerlove". What Bartos is excellent at, and what saves the album from being a retro trifle, is his stunning ability to squeeze out synthetic warmth from his machines. This is nothing but perfect, beautiful electronic pop music through the eyes of a true legend. And yes, I remember the horrible Elektric Music indiepop album a few years back, but I've repressed it. So should you after this album.

NIKLAS FORSBERG