Holger Czukay (krautrock legend / Can) Rome Remains Rome LP 1987 Jah Wobble NM

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Holger Czukay

Rome Remains Rome

Virgin Records V2408 1987 12" 33rpm (UK)

Rome Remains Rome' is ex-Can bassist's 5th solo recording, and features very quirky compositions, not as eccentric as his previous releases, but his trademark editing, sudden interjections of sounds and various instruments are still distinct features of this album, albeit well and truly in 80's fashion. Starring some of his Can colleagues - Jaki Liebezeit on drums/perc, piano and trumpet, and Michael Karoli on guitar (though I can only discern his playing style on 'Perfect World'), along with Jah Wobble on Bass and vocals, Sheldon Ancel - vocals and Ollie Marland on guitar and piano. Holger himself handles vox, guitar, organ, ABS-Bass (?), French Horn, synths and radio. The LP has 3 tracks per side, and I find each side is arranged in similar style, i.e. - first song on both sides are short 'pop' songs done Czukay style (Hey Baba Reebop, Hit Hit Flop Flop) and contain odd samples and childish singing - both are amusing and entertaining, though not what you'd expect from a renowned Krautrocker. The second tracks on each side (Blessed Easter, Perfect World) are lengthy groove-based pieces, Blessed Easter has a laid-back bluesy feel with some lovely organ touches, and Perfect World has a real swing to it. All the while, a lot of peculiar edits abound, with many 'foreign' recordings and 'radio' receptions strategically incorporated into the mix. The last songs on each side are what I like best ; 'Sudetenland' is the most Can-like, with Jaki's superb drumming, and great bass riffs throughout (most likely Wobble's playing) - excellent track, and 'Music in the Air' is a dark and brooding ambient piece, and quite a surprise. A worthwhile purchase.

Tracklist
A1  Hey Baba Reebop    Written-By – Czukay 3:53
A2  Blessed Easter    Written-By – Czukay, Wobble, Liebezeit, Marland 8:51
A3  Sudetenland    Lyrics By – Czukay, Wobble Music By – Czukay, obble, Liebezeit 7:22
B1  Hit Hit Flop Flop    Lyrics By – Czukay, Ancel Music By – Czukay 3:34
B2  Perfect World    Lyrics By – Czukay, Ancel Music By – Czukay 10:33
B3  Music In The Air    Written-By – Czukay 5:13

    Phonographic Copyright (p) – Virgin Records Ltd.
    Copyright (c) – Virgin Records Ltd.
    Published By – Copyright Control
    Recorded At – Can Studio

    Bass – Jah Wobble
    Chorus – Swinging Nuns (tracks: A2)
    Design [Cover] – Cecilia De Medeiros
    Drums, Trumpet, Piano, Percussion – Jaki Liebezeit
    Guitar – Michael Karoli
    Guitar, Organ, Bass [Abs-bass], French Horn, Synthesizer, Sounds [Radio] – Holger Czukay
    Guitar, Piano – Olli Marland
    Producer – Holger Czukay
    Recorded By – Holger, René Tinner
    Vocals – Holger Czukay, Jah Wobble, Sheldon (Kelly) Ancel
    Voice – His Holyness Popestar Wojtyla (tracks: A2)

Recorded at Can Studio.
Produced and processed by Holger in his Studio für Entartete Musik.
Made in England.

"We were blessed by the appearance of His Holyness Popestar Wojtyla and his Swinging Nuns during the Easter Ceremonies."

Condition:  LP is NEAR MINT in a paper inner sleeve in a picture sleeve in Fair condition (edge wear)