Pinguin - Der Grosse Rote Vogel 1972

Original release 1972 and recorded Löwe-Studio, Köln (Sept-Nov 1971).Originally released by Zebra records and the sound is strongly keyboard-dominated (organist Volker Plitz composed all the tracks), but there are enough furious guitar leads to satisfy the psych-lover. Similar to other Germans prog outfits like Frumpy, Subject Esq. - Freak EmporiumPinguin's only release, though they had previously made a record under the name of Talix. This is organ-based prog, though with enough guitar leads and saxophone jamming and flute breaks to keep everybody happy. The vocals are in German. All in all this is a very appealing album, highly recommended, an unheralded Krautrock classic! However, Pinguin's sole album for some odd reason avoided the reissue (even non-legit), and it seems unfair, since many far less talented bands (like Grave or Arktis to name but a few) has been already re-released on CD in beautiful packages with archival bonus-tracks etc.The band began in early 1970s as Talix and released one album under this logo, entitled Spuren. With switching from Vogue to the just founded label Zebra (actually a "progressive" sub-label of Polydor), the band changed their name to Pinguin to record the album Der Grosse Rote Vogel in 1972.It was the first LP released by Zebra. Pinguin's sound is strongly keyboard-dominated (organist Volker Plitz composed all the tracks), but there are enough furious guitar leads to satisfy the psych-lover. The music is basically pretty far from typical German kraut-rock, instead it reminds of more "international-sounding" German bands like Frumpy, Subject Esq. and maybe even Faithful Breath. Vocals are pretty strong and though I've been told by my German friend. Mellow lyrical organ-driven parts alternate with heavy guitar outbursts and beautiful flute passages. "Der Blaue Wind" is a pleasant melodic ballad, while "Die Angst" is filled with irresistible rocking energy. Overall, this is a wonderful LP with all the right moves. 

Line-up / Musicians

Klaus Gebauer/vocals
Markus Schaub/guitar,percussion,vocals
Joe Voggenthaler/guitar,percussion
Tom Wohlert/bass,bongo
K.D Blahak/drums
Volker Plitz/organ,percussion
Elmar Kast/saxophone,flute,percussion

Discography(Album) 

Der Grosse Rote Vogel 1972

1.Der grosse rote Vogel 
2.Die Angst 
3.Der Frosch in der Kehle 
4.Der blaue Wind 
5.Die Nachtmusik 
6.Der Traum


Listen or download Pinguin Der Frosch In Der Kehle for free on Pleer

Listen or download Pinguin Die Angst for free on Pleer