Techno Pop

Electric Café is the ninth studio album by the German electronic band Kraftwerk, released on 10 November 1986 and later renamed “Techno Pop” in 2009. The album was issued in English and German versions, as well as a limited Edición Española featuring Spanish lyrics for “Techno Pop” and “Sex Object”. It was the first Kraftwerk LP to be produced predominantly with digital instruments, though it was recorded onto analogue master tapes.

The album’s development began in early 1982 under the working titles Technicolor and later Techno Pop. The project experienced delays when Ralf Hütter suffered a cycling accident in May or June 1982. EMI Records had initially announced a release date for Techno Pop, with promotional advertisements and catalog numbers prepared. However, the album was eventually released as Electric Café, with the title change occurring during the production phase.

All material from the Technicolor and Techno Pop periods was integrated into the final Electric Café album, as confirmed by the band members in interviews. Hütter emphasised that Kraftwerk only releases completed work and does not retain unreleased versions.

The album’s first side features a suite of three tracks with recurring elements, such as a melody from “Musique Non-Stop” appearing in “Techno Pop”. The side is primarily instrumental, with track titles and phrases spoken rather than sung. “Techno Pop” and “Sex Object” include some Spanish-language lyrics. The second side comprises three tracks in a more conventional pop format.

“The Telephone Call” (German version: “Der Telefon-Anruf”) is notable as the only Kraftwerk song featuring Karl Bartos on lead vocals. The album concludes with the title track “Electric Café”, which includes French and partially Italian lyrics. This track was used as the theme song for the German television spoof “Sprockets” on Saturday Night Live, slightly sped up.