Can is a German experimental rock band formed in Cologne in 1968. The band was influential in the development of the krautrock genre.
Can's original lineup consisted of Holger Czukay on bass, Michael Karoli on guitar, Jaki Liebezeit on drums, Irmin Schmidt on keyboards, and Malcolm Mooney on vocals.
Can's music is characterized by its experimental and improvisational approach, blending elements of rock, jazz, electronic, and world music. They were known for their use of unconventional recording techniques and sound manipulation.
The band's most famous album is "Tago Mago," released in 1971. The double LP is considered a landmark in experimental music and features the epic 18-minute track "Halleluhwah."
Can's music has been highly influential on a wide range of artists and genres, including post-punk, electronic, ambient, and experimental music. Bands like Sonic Youth, Radiohead, and Primal Scream have cited Can as a major influence.
Can's music often features repetitive, hypnotic grooves, complex rhythms, and a sense of spontaneity and exploration. Their sound is characterized by a unique blend of organic and electronic elements.
The band's lineup changed over the years, with various members coming and going. Vocalist Damo Suzuki replaced Malcolm Mooney in 1970 and remained with the band until 1973. Later vocalists included Michael Mooney and Rosko Gee.
Can continued to release albums throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including "Future Days" (1973), "Soon Over Babaluma" (1974), and "Landed" (1975). The band disbanded in 1979 but reunited in various forms over the years.
Can's music has been reissued and remastered multiple times, and the band's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike. In 2014, a comprehensive box set titled "Can - The Lost Tapes" was released, featuring previously unreleased material.
Despite their experimental and avant-garde approach, Can achieved commercial success in Europe and developed a dedicated cult following worldwide. Their influence on the music landscape is still felt today, and their legacy as innovators in the realm of experimental rock music remains strong.