Villa Wunderbar: A Selection

As a founding member of legendary Krautrock group Can, Irmin Schmidt provided keyboards and synthesizers for some of the most influential experimental rock records of the '70s. Following his years in Can, Schmidt stayed active in music, but moved on to working primarily on soundtracks for films and television, as well as composing his own solo music. Villa Wunderbar is a massive compilation, collecting 31 of Schmidt's pieces recorded between the early '80s and 2009. The first 12 tracks are Schmidt's solo work, ranging from the demented cinematic romp of 1991's "Le Weekend" to the bubbling synth tones and avant ambience of "Rapido de Noir." Shades of Diamond Dogs-era Bowie come through in the distant shimmer of the accordion-heavy "Time the Dreamkiller." The final 19 pieces comprise various themes, songs, and incidental music from films commissioned by directors such as Wim Wenders and Herbert Wolfertz. ~ Fred Thomas