Edler, Hans “Elektron Kukeso” [Boy Wonder Records]

Hans Edler arguably pioneered Sweden’s, if not the world’s, first entirely computer programmed and commercially released electronic experimental pop album, Elektron Kukeso, in 1971. For two painstaking years, Edler (who fronted 60′s Swedish sensation, the Ghostriders) recorded his original music at the Electronic Music Studio in Stockholm. The computers took up entire rooms and Edler was required to study mathematics and programming before creating compositions. The machines could only process and archive music data milliseconds at a time! The result? Fascinatingly peculiar drone arrangements and harmonic electro hum patterns. An innovatively rhythmic, yet beat vacant presentation. Interstellar pulsations and flowing tonality exist throughout. Edler’s astounding melodious vibrations and playful lyrics are awe inspiring. Way ahead of his time and exceptionally cool! Respectful comparisons to Kraftwerk or Raymond Scott simply don’t acknowledge Edler’s ingenuity. He wasn’t simply utilizing minimal electronic instruments, despite equivalent low-fi sounds. He used the most advanced computerized technology to generate sounds and eventually entire songs! No one else had really done that and he didn’t rely on drum machines or mainstream pop appeal to carry his music.