The Sound of the Machine

My Life in Kraftwerk and Beyond

By: Karl Bartos

Narrated by: Jim Boeven

Whether in Kraftwerk or as an acclaimed solo artist, Karl Bartos has had an extraordinary impact on electronic music. In The Sound of the Machine, Bartos’ recollections include his childhood in postwar Germany, the early musical encounters that led him to Kraftwerk, and fascinating insights from his time with the group, such as the genesis of monumental songs like "The Robots," "The Model," and "Tour de France," and candid accounts of his relationships with the other bandmembers.

©2022 Omnibus Press. English language translation © 2020 by Katy Derbyshire (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

An intimate portriat of one of music's pioneers

Forever linked to Kraftwerk, Karl Bartos takes us behind the scenes of life as a key member of the band and his achievements since leaving Ralf and Florian.
The narrator, Jim Boeven is not a native English speaker. His cadence is different from traditional narrators like Simon Vance and others. For the first couple of minutes, my brain needed to adapt to his tempo, expressions, and pronunciations. Once that happened, it was a delight made more authentic given Bartos' German roots.
The story is easy to follow and gives keen insight into the often enigmatic yet pivotal band Kraftwerk. From his early days loving the Beatles to his introduction to Ralf and Florian. The story details his rising influence from contract percussionist on the Autobahn Tour to leading influence in The Man Machine, Computer World, and Tour de France.
As Ralf and Florian became more focused on emerging and bleeding-age technology, the magic of melodies and clever songwriting further eluded them.
As Ralf and Florian became obsessed with non-musical pursuits, Wolfgang and Karl became disillusioned with the band's future.
Finally, having had enough of being constantly treated as 'the help' and an annoyance during much of the mid to late 80s, Karl quit KW to go solo. Often working with fellow KW alumni like Wolfgang and Emil, Karl, now free from the constraints of KW, released incredible music. It shows just how much he contributed to many of KW's best albums.
Filled with many funny stories and circumstances, I felt transported to a time and place that no longer exists as it was. Still, its influence and significance can't be understated.
Never once is Karl mean-spirited or derogatory to any past or current member of Kraftwerk.
The Sound of the Machine is a worthy listen to anyone who loves Music, Germany, KW, or how a great band can go from pioneers and innovators to pastiche and greatest hits shows.