Krautrock Rarities: How to Spot Sought-After Original Pressings

In short: Krautrock rarities are mainly original pressings from around 1969 to 1975 – released on labels such as Ohr, Pilz, Brain, Liberty/United Artists or Polydor and often pressed in small runs. You can recognise them by the label design, the catalogue number, elaborate original sleeves and the matrix number in the run-out groove. Because many albums were later reissued several times – some unofficially – it pays to look closely.

What is krautrock?

Krautrock is the umbrella term for the experimental rock music that emerged in Germany in the late 60s and early 70s. Bands such as Can, Neu!, Faust, Amon Düül II, Popol Vuh, Ash Ra Tempel, Tangerine Dream and Cluster deliberately broke away from Anglo-American rock: long, hypnotic pieces, electronic sounds and lots of improvisation. The term originally came from the British music press – today it stands worldwide for one of the most influential styles of music. Demand for the original records is correspondingly high.

The key labels – and how to spot originals

• Ohr: Founded in Berlin in 1970 by Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser and Peter Meisel. Early albums by Tangerine Dream, Ash Ra Tempel, Klaus Schulze, Guru Guru and Embryo were released here. Ohr originals are among the most sought-after krautrock records of all.
• Pilz and Die Kosmischen Kuriere: Further labels from Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser's circle, including Popol Vuh (Hosianna Mantra) and Witthüser & Westrupp. Runs were small, so copies in good condition are rare.
• Brain: Launched by Metronome in 1972, with Neu!, Cluster, Guru Guru and Grobschnitt. Early Brain pressings have a green label, later runs an orange one.
• Liberty / United Artists: Home of Can, Amon Düül II and Popol Vuh (Affenstunde, 1970). Look out for the original label variants and first editions of the gatefold sleeves.
• Philips and Polydor: Kraftwerk's first two albums (Philips) were never officially reissued by the band – German originals are highly sought after. Faust's debut (Polydor, 1971) came on clear vinyl in a transparent sleeve printed with an X-ray fist.

Krautrock from our shop: Popol Vuh – Affenstunde, Ash Ra Tempel – Rosi, Can – Ege Bamyasi, Amon Düül II – Carnival In Babylon

Original or reissue? How to check

1. Check the label: Compare colour, logo and typeface with the first edition – Discogs shows photos of each pressing.
2. Read the matrix number: The numbers etched into the run-out groove reveal the exact pressing.
3. Look closely at the sleeve: Many originals have elaborate gatefold sleeves, inserts or textured paper. Reissues are often simpler or carry a barcode.
4. Beware of unofficial editions: Especially for sought-after krautrock titles, unlicensed reissues appeared later. If an “original” is suspiciously cheap, take a second look.
5. Grade the condition: As with all rarities, condition determines value. We grade according to the Goldmine standard.

Foreign pressings are in demand too

It's not only German originals that are interesting: many krautrock albums were released at the same time in France, the UK or Italy – often with their own sleeve or label. French pressings of Can or Amon Düül II in particular are popular with collectors.

From our experience

My two favourite krautrock LPs are Niagara – “Niagara” (1971) and Can – “Ege Bamyasi” (1972). The drums on both albums are simply killer – on Niagara around drummer Klaus Weiss, on Can with Jaki Liebezeit’s hypnotic grooves. If you like Niagara, give Niagara – “Afire” (1973) a spin as well.

Dirk’s favourites: Niagara – Niagara (1971) and Can – Ege Bamyasi (1972)

Frequently asked questions

Which krautrock records are especially valuable?
Above all German original pressings from the early 70s on labels such as Ohr, Pilz or Brain (green label) in good condition – as well as records that were never officially reissued, such as the first Kraftwerk albums.

How do I recognise a Brain first pressing?
Early Brain pressings have a green label, later runs an orange one. The catalogue number and matrix number help too.

Are krautrock reissues worthless?
No. Good official reissues often sound excellent and are much cheaper – ideal for listening. Collectors, however, usually look for the original pressing.

Do you buy krautrock records?
Yes, gladly – from single rarities to whole collections. More on our record buying page.

Browse our krautrock selection and our rare vinyl records. For the basics, read our guide How to spot valuable vinyl records.