The two-part
Filmmusik series consists of previously unreleased
Conrad Schnitzler recordings originating from 1975, and intended to be used as soundtracks for motion pictures. Since the master tapes of these recordings were simply labeled Filmmusik 1975 A and Filmmusik 1980 B (the latter was mislabeled), there aren't proper titles for these pieces, just numeral ones ("03/1980," "10/1975," etc.). As it turns out, one of the pieces (here listed as "02/1980") was actually used in a film, and titled "Gute Fahrt" ("Nice Journey"). The pieces on this album are considerably more accessible than some of
Schnitzler's more challenging material; nearly all of them feature pulsating rhythms courtesy of primitive drum machines, and the synth tones are much richer and more expressive than his more barren, abstract explorations. This isn't to say it's cheerful music, as it's still quite chilling, but some of these tracks are among the most stargaze-friendly pieces he recorded. The tapes these recordings were found on could've been labeled with any date since the '70s, as they sound ahead of their time, even now. ~ Paul Simpson