Faust IV

When this Krautrock masterpiece (the 12-minute piece that coined the term is featured here) came out in 1973, there were those at Virgin who thought they might have a hit on their hands, what with Tubular Bells blowing up and Can's "I Want More" right around the corner. Not bloody likely, as it was too experimental for the masses, and not wanky enough for the Camel/ELP crew. The off-center reggae-ish rhythms that would become prevalent in experi-pop are in high supply here (although Faust was always less funky than Can), as well as an affecting minimalist acoustic piece, "Giggy Smile," which would become their trademark. Marginally more commercial than their other releases, here is where the Terry Riley/Lee Perry horse that so many post-Stereolab bands ride came in from. --D. Strauss