The venerable pysch/kraut gnostic Julian Cope had very kind words for the Von Bingen lp in this week’s Drudion. I should say that this brings your humble host full circle. In the mid-90s, as indie rock petered out (emphasis on the peter), I began exploring the music of the past, in particular Krautrock, encouraged by Can and Kraftwerk. I bought my copy of the Krautrock Sampler from Wax & Facts in Atlanta’s lovely little Five Points, and it soon became my bible. I remember looking at the covers in the book and thinking this had to be the best music ever made, and most of it I could only imagine hearing. Back then, the only way to find Krautrock and Cosmiche music was either by bootleg cd, or expensive Captain Trip imports. Thanks to Cope’s heady stewardship, I devoured anything I could find by Neu!, Amon Dull I & II, Popol Vuh, Ash Ra Temple, Faust, and Tangerine Dream.

While I like to believe that the music of Von Bingen operates under the influence of many spirits, it would be foolish to deny the impact Krautrock has had on us, as well as any of the other projects I’ve been involved with over the years, from Dot Matrix, to Astral Blessing (Mr. Cope dug Astral Blessing as well!), Hildegard and beyond. So thanks, Mr. Cope for expanding my young mind, and thanks again, for the chance to share a spot on your shelf with so many other masters.

in pagan we trust,

F&S