hello all,since my friend Zach first played me the music of Popol Vuh i've been kinda obsessed with it. as a cast of musicians that revolved around one Florian Fricke (pictured above) throughout the 1970's and early 1980's they made some of the most hauntingly beautiful music i've ever heard. if you've seen any of Werner Herzog's films you've probably already heard Popol Vuh. he composed the soundtracks for 'Aguirre, Wrath of God,' 'Fitzcarraldo,' and this track from 'Cobra Verde' amoungst many others. if you like this you should pick my two favorite Popol Vuh albums: Die Nacht Der Seele: Tantric Songs' and 'Letzte Tage - Letzte Nächte.' hopefully i'll see some of you out on the road in may...xoben
B42 says
Not familiar with the music of "Popul Vuh", off to check them out now. Rember to yag your posts, it makes it easier for readers to find the music!
Popol Vuh
Popol Vuh is a German experimental rock band founded by Florian Fricke in 1970. It began with an electronic approach as heard on first album Affenstunde. Other important members during the next two decades included Daniel Fichelscher and Bob Eliscu. The group evolved to include all kinds of instruments: wind, percussion and strings, electric and acoustic alike, combined to convey a mystical aura that made thir music spiritual and introspective. more...
Groon says
I recently got into Popol Vuh (before, the only Florian Fricke I was familiar with was his excellent work on the Tangerine Dream album Zeit), and have four albums now. A band that I just can't get enough of. Hauntingly beautiful, and the music just fills my mind with images constantly. My favorite is Seilispreisung (or however it's spelled, don't have it in front of me right now and don't feel like looking it up). I hope more people check them out from this post!
rearrangethefurntrasyousleep says
haunting yes, but this was also a quite peaceful piece. i love how there's just like, a hint of instruments in the background, but they're not overpowering.
Anonymous says
wow! I've never heard of Popol Vuh (like alot of music) but this is really good stuff.
I don't see the haunting part about it (it is hauntingly beautiful though), it's kind of got a happy sound instead. Nice post. :)
ciphermedia says
Great Post! Have always had an interest in German electronic music from that period, but didn't know of these guys. (Although I have seen just about all of Herzog's films).
MisterBo says
Never heard of them, just find it kinda weird that a german band would take the name of the great mayan book (which by the way is required reading in junior high school down here in Mexico). Seen Cobra Verde a bunch of times and do like the music, just never knew who composed it. See you in Mexico? (One can only dream, right?)
five-four says
It's been 5 minutes since I've played the song, and the melody still haunts my head. I can almost hear the crackling of the record and the soft sounds of the acoustic guitar.
moovyphreak says
I've always enjoyed the obscure and eclectic musicians you've been recommending.
Thanks for keeping us satiated with musical goodness.
lmnop805 says
I dont recall it being required reading in mexico but I read it last fall and I'm wondering if it was an influence for the music? It may even work as a soundtrack for the book? A Floyd Wizard of Oz type of relationship.
vincentvega2387 says
Thanks for the great music recommendations, look forward to listening to it.
And thanks for adding a second show at the Metro, see you there!
Treppenwitz says
Florian puts in a cameo as a piano playing idiot savant in Herzog's "Every Man for Himself and God Against All," his movie about Kaspar Hauser. One of my favorites by Herzog.
barefootedphilosopher says
It does sound like it's made for a soundtrack of a very dramatic documentary. Now I know why Werner Herzog looks so familiar... I watched Lessons of Darkness in film class and also had to write an essay about it on the final exam.
Jonh Ingham says
The opening of Aguirre is just about a perfect marriage of image and music, as - in one shot - an endless line of conquistadores and indians climb down one mountain side and up another, with a heavenly swell of sound courtesy of Popul Vuh. Nice post.
vickytoria11 says
Going to see you at the Fillmore May 18th with my friend Rackle who also posted comment. We think your music is amazing!
I can't wait!
You're awesome and I hope things go well for you during your tour.
See ya!
Ragamuffin says
Hello all, as I'm new to this mog malarkey, what is the best way to chase down these reccomends, short of going to record shops. Is everything web based now? Love this by the way, can I suggest 'Johann Johannsson - ibm 1401, a user's manual' as a similar if a little updated foray in to the ethereal?
raggedyandie says
wow. i loved that. it reminded me of something, i just can't put my finger on it. anyway, i am going to listen to more of Popol Vuh and i shall see you on may 17 in LA!! stoked about that! xoxo.
whyrcloudswhite says
You were incredible in chicago tonight. wonderful wonderful !
thanks for coming back on stage after you left! i was expecting one more song, but of course you outdid my expectations again
and thanks to you, popol vuh is creeping into my music player more and more !
DenRA says
Aloha Ben!I found it and wasn't looking for it...but the best things come announced as a surprise! Iam going to add you as a trusted mog solely on taste...not technical mathematics. Check out my new music ...been collaborating with Jim Morrison on some new stuff:"Space","Movin ON" and "Helena". Best Alohas,DenRA
IndieJones says
Wonderful sound! Yeah and hey, I will see you in like less than 2 days in Carroboro, NC! YAY! Can't wait. Until then... peace from the east.. coast.
post script: Did you know DCFC had some vinyls out? Yeah, got one the other day ... i'll show it to u at the concert. Much support and hope.
link5001 says
Hey Ben!
Just saw you at Cat's Cradle in NC. Thanks for coming, highlight of my month! The north specific version of "Carolina" was awesome. Hope the rest of the tour is a blast!
link5001 says
Oh yeah, and as a side note, I just studied Werner Hertzog this semester in as a part of the German New Wave in a film class I'm in. I guess I was probably hearing Popol Vuh without realizing it. I mostly remember Hertzog as the guy who ate his shoe when he lost that bet with Errol Morris.
BeingLolita says
Ben, I saw you play in Portland tonight. As always, you were absolutely stunning. I got all the way to the front this time! That was one hell of an encore. :)
Thank you for sharing your art, the world is a much more enjoyable place because of it. :)
Beautiful. This music is really inspiring! I think I'll go grab my guitar right now. Another more recent group that I've found that creates some hautingly good stuff is Sigur Ros out of Iceland.
'A Celebration of: Popol Vuh' on 25th feb in London - we will be playing popol vuh albums in candlelit Shoreditch Church in london to mark the 40th anniversary of the group's formation - albums 'Affenstunde' and 'In Den Garten Pharaos' will be played - more info here: http://acelebrationof.blogspot.com/
hello all,since my friend Zach first played me the music of Popol Vuh i've been kinda obsessed with it. as a cast of musicians that revolved around one Florian Fricke (pictured above) throughout the 1970's and early 1980's they made some of the most hauntingly beautiful music i've ever heard. if you've seen any of Werner Herzog's films you've probably already heard Popol Vuh. he composed the soundtracks for 'Aguirre, Wrath of God,' 'Fitzcarraldo,' and this track from 'Cobra Verde' amoungst many others. if you like this you should pick my two favorite Popol Vuh albums: Die Nacht Der Seele: Tantric Songs' and 'Letzte Tage - Letzte Nächte.' hopefully i'll see some of you out on the road in may...xoben
Locating MOG account...
Comments (45)
Popol Vuh
Popol Vuh is a German experimental rock band founded by Florian Fricke in 1970. It began with an electronic approach as heard on first album Affenstunde. Other important members during the next two decades included Daniel Fichelscher and Bob Eliscu. The group evolved to include all kinds of instruments: wind, percussion and strings, electric and acoustic alike, combined to convey a mystical aura that made thir music spiritual and introspective. more...
[via FoxyTunes / Popol Vuh]
Mog More!Awesome music - very dream-like!
Awesome music - very dream-like!
Beautiful. This music is really inspiring! I think I'll go grab my guitar right now. Another more recent group that I've found that creates some hautingly good stuff is Sigur Ros out of Iceland.
'A Celebration of: Popol Vuh' on 25th feb in London - we will be playing popol vuh albums in candlelit Shoreditch Church in london to mark the 40th anniversary of the group's formation - albums 'Affenstunde' and 'In Den Garten Pharaos' will be played - more info here: http://acelebrationof.blogspot.com/