Rob Price
Gutbrain Records
rob + gutbrain.com = email


2026 April 27 • Monday

For the 906th Soundtrack of the Week, krautrock fans will be pleased to encounter Soundtracks by Can.

The first number, "Deadlock", is from a spaghetti western movie of the same name. It's got kind of weighty feel to it, with constant distorted guitars wailing and deliberate, unhurried bass and drum rhythms. There are some vocals in there too but it's mostly about the guitars and keyboard.

"Tango Whiskyman" is also from Deadlock, but is an airy, almost sunny number, with brisk drumming and a buoyant feel from the other instruments, with understated vocals. The main title for Deadlock, the next track, uses the same chords but with distorted guitars and a heavier feel.

Next is "Don't Turn the Light On, Leave Me Alone" from a movie called Cream – Schwabing Report. It's a swaying, intriguing piece, groovy and mellow with a cool feel. It more or less stays in the same space, adding a layer or two as it goes, but it doesn't build to something really big like you might expect.

The vocal part for the next track, "Soul Desert" from the movie The Brutes, is pushed to the limit and sounds hoarse and intense. Again the band is staying in one groove, this one a little more straightahead, but it's got a good pulse to it.

Then there's a total freak out for Deep End's "Mother Sky", a fourteen and a half minute number with wailing guitars and an insistent, unchanging drum beat.

Finally there's "She Brings the Rain" from A Big Grey-Blue Bird, a sort of jazzy, swinging number, a bit similar to Donovan's "Bert's Blues" in some ways.

It's a nice record and made me want to hear more from Can.