Former Teardrop Explodes leader and all-round space cadet Cope is our intrepid guide to the world of the influential German kosmische musik of the ‘70s. Although the book suffers from a few glaring omissions, with only a passing mention of Agitation Free, minor coverage of such important figures as Klaus Schulze and none at all of Michael Hoening, such lapses are easily forgiven as this is a very personal “trip” through one fan’s record collection, stopping along the way to admire the early work of Kluster, Ash Ra Temple, Amon Düül, Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk, Can, Neu!, and the Cosmic Jokers. Cope’s enthusiasm is both captivating and contagious. While we’ll have to wait for the long-delayed Freeman brothers book for the definitive history, this impassioned tome is more than adequate in the meantime. BW

Publisher: Cosmic Field Guide
Paperback: 144 pages
Illustrated