What makes Tanz der Lemminge by Amon Düül II notable?

Tanz der Lemminge received significant acclaim upon release, marking a high point for the progressive rock scene in Germany. The album's experimental nature influenced numerous subsequent artists in the Krautrock genre and beyond, underscoring its importance in shaping avant-garde rock music during the early 1970s. Released in March 1971, Tanz der Lemminge was Amon Düül II's second studio album, following their debut Yeti. At this point, the band had begun to solidify their reputation within the Krautrock movement, pushing boundaries of musical composition and improvisation. The record showcased their artistic evolution and growing experimental approach.

Who is Tanz der Lemminge for?

Tanz der Lemminge works well if you're into sprawling cosmic soundscapes to explore, surreal narratives that provoke thought and patient builds with unexpected shifts.

How many songs are on Tanz der Lemminge?

Tanz der Lemminge has 6 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Tanz der Lemminge

Amon Düül II · 1971

68 min · 6 tracks · progressive rock

A sprawling, psychedelic journey blending cosmic rock with avant-garde elements and surreal lyrics that challenge perception and reality.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Syntelman’s March of the Roaring Seventies: In the Glassgarden / Pull Down Your Mask / Prayer to the Silence / Telephonecomplex — This opening track encapsulates the album’s ambitious structure, seamlessly transitioning through various sections that blend intricate melodies with chaotic improvisations, establishing a tone of unpredictability.
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Restless Skylight-Transistor-Child: Landing in a Ditch / Dehypnotized Toothpaste / A Short Stop at the Transylvanian Brain Surgery / Race From Here to Your Ears / Paralized Paradise / H.G. Well's Take-Off — The lengthy composition showcases the band's mastery of extended forms, featuring shifting rhythms and eclectic instrumentation that reflect the broader themes of disorientation and exploration inherent in Krautrock.
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The Marilyn Monroe-Memorial-Church (Impr) — This improvisational piece highlights Amon Düül II's experimental roots, creating an atmospheric soundscape that evokes a sense of mystery and contemplation, characteristic of their progressive ethos.
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Chewing Gum Telegram — At just over two minutes long, this brief track provides a jarring contrast to the album's longer pieces, employing playful yet surreal lyrics that capture the band's whimsical side.
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Stumbling Over Melted Moonlight — This track combines haunting vocals with rich instrumental textures, illustrating Amon Düül II's ability to weave lyrical depth into their sonic experimentation while maintaining an ethereal quality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Amon Düül II's second album showcases complex compositions and a unique sound that stands out in the progressive rock genre.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature abrupt transitions and unconventional song structures, often moving from melodic passages to chaotic instrumental segments.
The lyrics are surreal and abstract, often challenging the listener's perception of reality and meaning.
The album closes with a track that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of ambiguity.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

sprawling cosmic soundscapes to explore
surreal narratives that provoke thought
patient builds with unexpected shifts
quirky interludes that surprise
immersive journeys through vivid imagination

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise, straightforward songs
want instant gratification from tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in March 1971, Tanz der Lemminge was Amon Düül II's second studio album, following their debut Yeti. At this point, the band had begun to solidify their reputation within the Krautrock movement, pushing boundaries of musical composition and improvisation. The record showcased their artistic evolution and growing experimental approach.
Stylistic neighbors: Can· Faust· Kraftwerk

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

1 Syntelman’s March of the Roaring Seventies: In the Glassgarden / Pull Down Your Mask / Prayer to the Silence / Telephonecomplex 15:51
2 Restless Skylight-Transistor-Child: Landing in a Ditch / Dehypnotized Toothpaste / A Short Stop at the Transylvanian Brain Surgery / Race From Here to Your Ears / Paralized Paradise / H.G. Well's Take-Off 19:33

Disc 2

1 The Marilyn Monroe-Memorial-Church (Impr) 18:05
2 Chewing Gum Telegram 2:41
3 Stumbling Over Melted Moonlight 4:33
4 Toxicological Whispering 7:45

What to play next

Listen next

Carnival in Babylon

1972

Go back to

Yeti

1970

Full Amon Düül II discography Artists like Amon Düül II

Krautrock progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata