Can
Can was a German avantgarde/progressive/experimental rock band, active between 1968 and 1978 (with a reunion in 1989). They blended elements of classical music, rock, jazz and world music together in epic, sometimes dark, strange and tribal, often atmospheric and frequently groovy improvisations. Out of all the German rock bands that were part of the so-called krautrock movement in the 1970s, Can was easily the most experimental and adventurous. Their most groundbreaking albums were Tago Mago (1970), Ege Bamyasi (1972) and Future Days (1972), while their most popular singles are Mother Sky, Mushroom, Halleluwah, One More Night and Vitamin C.
Can had an enormous influence on many alternative rock bands, but also countless electronica acts.
Can's guitarist Michael Karoli (1948-2001) was a fan of The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone, James Brown, The Velvet Underground and Frank Zappa. While he studied music, he introduced these groups to his music teacher Holger Czukay. It inspired Czukay and Karoli to create Can.
Can's keyboardist Irmin Schmidt has also cited Zappa as an important influence. [1][2]
