Kin Ping Meh - Fairy Tales & Cryptic Chapters (Reissue) (1998)

KIN PING MEH are not your typical Kraut Rock band. Although they're quite frequently labelled as such, theor sound is more akin to Art Rock, or "hard Prog," like in the case of BIRTH CONTROL. KIN PING MEH, whose name was of Chinese origin, was founded in 1970 in Mannheim as a quintet featuring Joachim Schaffer, Werner Stephan, Torsten Herzog, Kalle Weber, and Joachim Schafer. In their early years, KIN PING MEH performed many covers by bands like BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS, DEEP PURPLE, THE STEVE WINWOOD GROUP, etc... Soon, they were discovered by Polydor records, who signed them immediately. Schaffer left before the first album was recorded, but was replaced by Willie Wagner, who wrote perhaps their most famous track, "Fairy Tales." It is definitely a highlight of their recording career. Achim Reichel, Frank Dostal, and the great Konrad Plank worked with KIN PING MEH, engineering and producing some of their work. After the first album, Wagner and Herzog left, and other members were added off and on throughout the rest of their career (including some members of 2066-AND THEN-e.g. Geoff Harrison). As with many Prog bands, KIN PING MEH became much more commercial (and even more British or American sounding) as each year went on, but they still retained their fan base, at least in Germany.

KIN PING MEH's strongest efforts were those of their early years. The first and second albums are of definite interest for any fan of BIRTH CONTROL, URIAH HEEP, DEEP PURPLE, SPOOKY TOOTH and the like. KIN PING MEH's blending of Prog and hard rock was very effective, and that definitely shows on their albums. They were also a stunning live act, so much of the live stuff is also worth investigating. I highly recommend this wonderful German band, they are certainly one of my favorites!