The Man-Machine
The Man-Machine (German: Die Mensch-Maschine) is the seventh studio album by German electronic music band Kraftwerk. It was released in May 1978 by Kling Klang in Germany and by Capitol Records elsewhere. A further refinement of their mechanical style, the album saw the group incorporate more danceable rhythms. The album has a satirical bent to it. It is thought to address a wide-range of themes from the Cold War, Germany's fascination with manufacturing, and humankind's increasingly symbiotic relationship with machines.[3] It includes the singles "The Model" and "The Robots".
The Man-Machine
Although the album was initially unsuccessful on the UK Albums Chart, it reached a new peak position of number nine in February 1982,[4] becoming the band's second highest-peaking album in the United Kingdom after Autobahn (1974).[5]
Artwork[edit]
The artwork for the cover was produced by Karl Klefisch,[6] based on the work of the Russian suprematist El Lissitzky – the words "Inspired by El Lissitzky" are noted on the cover.[7] The back cover image is an adaptation of a graphic from Lissitzky's book for children About Two Squares: A Suprematist Tale of Two Squares in Six Constructions.[8]
Release[edit]
The Man-Machine was released in May, 1978.[9] The Man-Machine was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) on 15 February 1982[10] In October 2009, a remastered edition of the album was released on CD, Vinyl and digital formats by Mute Records, and Astralwerks.[11][12]