Can Delay (1968) (Colored Vinyl LP) * * *

Can was founded in 1968 by Irmin Schmidt, Holger Czukay, Michael Karoli and Jaki Liebezeit who formed a group which would utilize and transcend all boundaries of ethnic, electronic experimental and modern classical music. Throughout the changing eras of the band, they enlisted the talents of different powerful singers like Malcom Mooney and Damo Suzuki and collaborators such as Reebob Kwaku and Rosko Gee.

Can’s wide-reaching influence has never diminished, and their indelible mark is apparent in subsequent acts who freely acknowledge their importance – from Portishead, James Murphy, New Order, Factory Floor, Public Image Ltd, Mogwai, Kanye West and Radiohead to John Lydon, The Fall, Ariel Pink, Fuck Buttons, Sonic Youth, Factory Floor and Queens Of The Stone Age.

Although the material on the appropriately titled Delay 1968 was originally recorded in the late '60s and intended for Can's debut, the songs wouldn't see a commercial release until 1981 due to a lack of label support. Culled from archival tapes by bassist and co-founder Holger Czukay, the 7-song set features some of the band's formative offerings with singer Malcolm Mooney including "Thief" which would be famously covered by Radiohead and the violently churning "Uphill."