Zuckerzeit is likely one of, if not, my favorite electronic record of all time. For those who aren`t familliar with it, it is the third LP from German experimental duo Cluster, who`s two prior albums (1971`s Cluster, and 1972`s Cluster II), were mainly exercises in dark, swathy, minimalist, synthesizer-driven ambient music, very comparable to the first two Kraftwerk records.

With Zuckerzeit, released in 1974, Cluster clearly have crafted a far more rhythm oriented record, making it very much an electronic expression of a motorik sentiment a la Neu! (founding Neu! member Michael Rother co-produced the record, alongside Cluster themselves). The record is, in spots, dancable, and far more accessible than their first two efforts. But that isn`t to suggest it`s any less forward-thinking or experimental. Cluster`s newfound interest in rhythm and percussion (even if electronic) lets it`s makers foster far greater ideas about the texture of their sound, than ever could have been possible on Cluster I or II. What`s even more impressive, is that despite all the different ideas presented on the LP, Zuckerzeit feels undeniably like a cohesive and singular musical expression. The whole record maintains a deliciously removed, chillingly nervous, almost narcotic feel to it (I can`t help but think of – and smell – melting rubber or burning plastic when I hear the track Caramel).

The record – as well as the artists who made it – become even more impressive in hindsight, considering the album that followed this, 1976`s blissful, stargazing Sowiesoso, which evokes the greatest – and most stoned – cabin weekend ever. Even in the age of such interesting, forward-thinking electronic artists like Flying Lotus and Four Tet, Cluster`s Zuckerzeit retains a weird timelessness and timeless weird.