Popol Vuh - Affenstunde

kherrington

Review by Kevin Herrington

Affenstunde by Popol Vuh: A Sonic Jungle of Dreams and Echoes Alright, buckle up—this one’s wild. Affenstunde (which roughly translates to "Monkey Hour," because why not?) is a trip through soundscapes that feel like they were brewed in some ancient cosmic cauldron. Released in 2012 but born from the minds of Florian Fricke and co back in the Krautrock heyday, this album is an oddball masterpiece that straddles genres like Experimental, Ambient, Drone, and even Ethnic Fusion with the grace of… well, monkeys swinging through trees. It's got layers upon layers, kinda like your favorite patched-up quilt, except this quilt hums with synthesizers and whispers secrets of time travel. Now, let me zoom in on two tracks that’ll stick to your brain like gum under a chair. First off, there’s “Ich Mache Einen Spiegel (Dream Part 4).” The title alone sounds like something outta a surrealist poetry slam. This track starts off all slow-burn, like watching dawn break over a misty forest. Then comes the percussion—it's minimal, yeah, but it hits just right, like someone tapping their fingers on a wooden table while deep in thought. And oh man, those synths? They’re not so much played as conjured. You can practically see them shimmering in the air, ghostly tendrils reaching for your soul. What sticks with me about this tune isn’t just its hypnotic vibe; it’s how it feels unfinished yet complete, like catching fragments of a dream you don’t wanna wake up from. Then there’s “Affenstunde,” the titular beast itself. If “Ich Mache Einen Spiegel” is the quiet introvert staring at stars, this one’s the chaotic extrovert throwing glitter bombs at a party. From the get-go, it throws you into a swirling vortex of tribal drums and droning synths. Holger Trülzsch’s percussion work here deserves a shout-out—it doesn’t just keep time; it dances around it, teasing and taunting like a mischievous spirit. There are moments where the track seems to dissolve into pure noise, but somehow it pulls itself back together before spiraling off again. It’s messy, sure, but gloriously so, like scribbling outside the lines because who cares about rules anyway? What makes Affenstunde unforgettable isn’t just its experimental guts or genre-hopping antics—it’s the way it refuses to explain itself. Listening to it feels like wandering through a museum where every exhibit speaks in riddles. You won’t always understand what’s going on, but damn if you won’t walk away feeling changed. And here’s the kicker: after hours of diving into these dense sonic jungles, I realized something kinda funny. For all its high-concept vibes and avant-garde swagger, Affenstunde reminds me most of sitting quietly in my backyard at night, staring at the sky and wondering if aliens are out there judging us. Maybe that’s the magic of Popol Vuh—they make music that feels both alien and achingly human, like a mirror reflecting infinity. So yeah, give this album a spin if you’re ready to lose yourself in sound. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing whispers in your dreams.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: popol-vuh-affenstunde.zip
  • MP3 size: 108.1 mb
  • FLAC size: 793.5 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel - Dream Part 497:43
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel: Dream Part 48:40
Dream Part 48:40
Ich mache einen Spiegel - Dream Part 497:34
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel: Dream Part 497:35
Train Through Time10:30
Dream, Pt. 504:41
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel: Dream Part 54:50
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel (Dream Part 49)7:42
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel (Dream Part 4)8:51
In Den Gärten Pharaos17:26
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel - Dream Part 48:44
Dream, Pt. 405:12
Dream Part 54:50
Ich mache einen Spiegel - Dream Part 54:41
Bettina (Bonus Track)5:05
Affenstunde18:35
Ich mache einen Spiegel - Dream Part 48:44
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel (Dream Part 5)4:36
Dream Part 497:35
Ich Mache Einen Spiegel - Dream Part 54:41
Dream, Pt. 4907:43

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • LBS 83 460 I
  • IC 58 159
  • ARC-7182
  • SPV 085-70102 CD
  • 538392272
  • KICP 2804
  • BLR 84 706
  • MJJ347
  • MJJ347LP
  • 14205, CD 14205
  • LPS116
  • 121997

Labels

  • Liberty
  • Hunter Records
  • Innovative Communication
  • Arcàngelo
  • SPV Recordings
  • BMG
  • Nexus
  • Bell Records
  • Klimt Records
  • Spalax
  • Wah Wah Records
  • Belle Antique

Listen online

  • ascolta in linea
  • lyssna på nätet
  • écouter en ligne
  • lytte på nettet
  • ouvir online
  • escuchar en línea
  • online luisteren
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • online anhören

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Album
  • 5 × File
  • MP3
  • Reissue
  • Stereo
  • VBR
  • CD
  • Remastered
  • Papersleeve
  • Repress
  • Digipak
  • Limited Edition
  • Transparent Blue
  • Misprint
  • SHM-CD

Companies

RoleCompany
Record CompanyLiberty/UA GmbH
Pressed BySonopress
Printed ByCarl v. d. Linnepe
Published ByPhoenix Musikverlag
Recorded AtBavaria Musikstudios
Phonographic Copyright (p)United Artists
Copyright (c)WEA Musik GmbH
Mastered AtStrawberry Mastering
Manufactured ByMarquee Inc.
Licensed FromSPV GmbH
Licensed ToSPV Recordings
Distributed BySPV GmbH
Glass Mastered AtSonopress
Designed AtStudio 23
Marketed BySpalax Music
Made ByWEA Musik GmbH

Credits

RoleCredit
Composed ByPopol Vuh
Arranged ByPopol Vuh
DesignHeiner H. Hoier, Heinz Lukasz
Mixed ByFrank Fiedler
PercussionHolger Trülzsch
ProducerBettina Fricke, Gerhard Augustin
SynthesizerFlorian Fricke
Liner NotesKlaus Schulze
Mixed By [SynthesizerMixdown]
Design ConceptBettina v. Waldhausen, Gero Herrde
Photography ByFrank Fiedler
Photography By [Booklet FrontBettina von Waldthausen
Back Cover]Bettina von Waldthausen
Written-ByPopol Vuh (tracks: 1 to 4)
Music ByPopol Vuh
Remastered ByFrank Fiedler, Guido Hieronymus
Mastered ByTACET Musikproduktion
CoverBettina, Steffen

Notes

  • Released in a laminated gatefold cover. Some copies have one or two advertising stickers on front.
  • First issue with "Liberty / UA GmbH, München" printed in label rim text.
  • Later issues have "United Artists Records GmbH München" printed in label rim text.
  • [Cover]
  • Published by Phoenix
  • Recorded at Bavaria Music Studio in Munich
  • Liberty/UA GmbH, 8 München 22, Postfach 201 • Printed in Germany by C.v.d. Linnepe,Lüdenscheid
  • [Label]
  • Published by Phoenix Musik Verlag
  • Liberty / UA GmbH, München
  • Track 5 is a bonus track.
  • This repress was mastered at Strawberry Mastering and pressed at Record Service GmbH.
  • There is also a different version mastered at Tonstudio Pfanz, distinguishable by the runout etchings.
  • Originally released in 1971.
  • Comes in a CD sized papersleeve album replica (gatefold), with Obi-strip and two inserts of notes.
  • Tracks 1 to 4 published by Phoenix Musikverlag.
  • Track 5 published by Edition Popol Vuh.
  • Recorded at Bavaria Music Studio in Munich, 1970.
  • ℗ 2004 SPV Recordings
  • © 2004 SPV Recordings, a division of SPV GmbH.
  • Photo booklet front and back cover © Bettina Von Waldhausen
  • Photo booklet back © Frank Fiedler
  • Made in Germany.
  • Digipak with a 16-page booklet with many pictures, a biography and a discography of Florian Fricke, a list of his music videos, "In Memoriam Florian Fricke" by Werner Herzog, and personal notes on Florian Fricke by Klaus Schülze, in English and German.
  • Track 5 is a previously unreleased bonus track.
  • Released in a laminated gatefold cover, identical to the first issue.
  • Some copies have one or two advertising stickers on front.
  • This issue has "United Artists Records GmbH München" printed in label rim text.
  • According to the Discogs label profile, 'United Artists Records GmbH' did not exist before 1973, which indicates a release date of 1973 or later for this issue.
  • The first issue has "Liberty / UA GmbH, München" printed in label rim text.
  • United Artists Records GmbH München
  • Standalone CD release derived from Popol Vuh - The Essential Album Collection Vol.1
  • Housed in 4-panel Digipak with 20-page illustrated booklet.
  • Recorded at Bavaria Music Studio in Munich, 1970
  • 1 to 4, V: Phoenix Musik Verlag
  • 5, V: Manuskript
  • Licensed by Gerhard Augustin to Bell Records
  • Printed in West Germany
  • Made in West Germany
  • Track 5 taken from Popol Vuh - In Den Gärten Pharaos
  • Released in a gatefold cover.
  • Limited pressing of 500 numbered copies.
  • Recorded at Bavaria Music Studio in Munich.
  • Something went wrong with the colours (as pictured)
  • Recorded at Bavaria Music Studio in München [1970]
  • On cover: Rerelease ℗ et © 1992 TEMPEL, MARKETED BY SPALAX MUSIC, PARIS, FRANCE.
  • On disc: Réédition ℗+© 1994 SPALAX MUSIC, PARIS, FRANCE
  • Catalogue number variations are: 14205 on cover art, CD 14205 on disc.
  • Packaged in a standard jewel case with 4-page booklet.
  • Originally released in 1970
  • Recorded at Bavaria Music Studio in München
  • Deluxe reissue limited to 500 copies.
  • Reissued from the master tapes in quality vinyl pressing, full glory laminated gatefold cover plus an insert with liners and photos + a color poster.
  • Liner notes by Popol Vuh expert Dolf Mulder, Klaus Schulze and Werner Herzog. Also include in the liner notes an album discography and the list of musicians heard on the Popol Vuh recordings.
  • Comes with two stickers on the front sleeve.
  • Recorded at Bavaria Music Studio, Munich 1970.
  • Published by Phoenix Musikverlag, except "Train Through Time" published by Edition Popol Vuh.
  • © 2004 SPV Recordings, a division of SPV Gmbh
  • Made in Germany
  • Manufactured By Arvato Digital Services indicates that this was manufactured during the 2008-2011 period.
  • Comes in a CD sized papersleeve album replica (gatefold), with Obi-strip and note insert.
  • Comes with WEA company inner sleeve.
  • Ⓟⓒ 1970 United Artists
  • Made in Germany by WEA Musik GmbH
  • This repress was mastered at Tonstudio Pfanz.
  • There is also a different version mastered at Strawberry Mastering, distinguishable by the runout etchings.
  • On disc: Réédition ℗+© 1992 SPALAX MUSIC, PARIS, FRANCE

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Side A, label): LBS 83 460 A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B, label): LBS 83 460 B
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout stamped): C 83460 A-2 Made in Germany
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout stamped): C 83460 B-1 Made in Germany
  • Rights Society: GEMA
  • ASIN: B00T1D5S22
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A, stamped): R/S Alsdorf 58159 A3 STRAWBERRY (G)
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B, stamped): R/S Alsdorf 58159 B2 STRAWBERRY (G)
  • Label Code: LC 6459
  • Barcode: 4988044371828
  • Rights Society: JASRAC
  • Matrix / Runout: ARC-7182 5-3218
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI LT46
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 9C09
  • Barcode: 693723701028
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 1): [Sonopress logo] 51091280/70102 22
  • Mastering SID Code (Variant 1): IFPI LB 45
  • Mould SID Code (Variant 1): IFPI 0731
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 2): [Sonopress logo] 51091280/70102 22
  • Mastering SID Code (Variant 2): IFPI LB 45
  • Mould SID Code (Variant 2): IFPI 0741
  • Matrix / Runout (Variant 3): [Sonopress logo] 51091280/70102 22
  • Mastering SID Code (Variant 3): IFPI LB 45
  • Mould SID Code (Variant 3): IFPI 0794
  • Label Code: LC 08100
  • Barcode (printed): 4 050538 392272
  • Barcode (Scanned): 4050538392272
  • Label Code: LC 19813
  • Matrix / Runout: [Arvato logo] 57189437/539392272 21
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI LP 73
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 075Y
  • Barcode (Text): 4 988003 173074
  • Barcode (Scanned): 4988003173074
  • Matrix / Runout (Mirrored): <KICP2804>GF513A SA
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI L461
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 7826
  • Barcode: 4011809847068
  • Matrix / Runout: CDT-BERLIN BLR84706 01
  • Label Code: LC 6724
  • ASIN: B0000926BW
  • SPARS Code: ADD
  • Barcode (Text): 3 429020 142052
  • Barcode (Scanned): 3429020142052
  • Rights Society: SUISA
  • Matrix / Runout (Mirrored): 14205 11 A2 [DADC Austria logo]
  • Barcode: 3 429020 142052
  • Matrix / Runout: DISCTRONICS S 14205 01
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI 8713
  • Barcode: 4040824083229
  • Matrix / Runout: [Arvato Digital Services logo] 51091280/70102 24
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI LP73
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 0797
  • Barcode: 4527516600457
  • Matrix / Runout: BELLE121997
  • Mastering SID Code: IFPI L244
  • Mould SID Code: IFPI 4011
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A, label): 80/522-A
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B, label): 80/522-B
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A, runout etched): WEA-58159-A² PF
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B, runout etched): 80/522-WEA-58158-B PF
  • Other (Distribution code, Germany): Ⓤ
  • Other (Distribution code, France): WE 341
  • Barcode: none

About Popol Vuh

Pioneers of German "krautrock" music, Popol Vuh was the creature of Florian Fricke (1944-2001). The first album "Affenstunde" (1970) is an early jaunt into electronic music with its massive use of the Moog synthesizer as well as added percussion. "In Den Gärten Pharaos" (1971) experimented with a fusion between electronic and organ sounds, creating an intense, almost religious ambient music. From "Hosianna Mantra" (1972) on, Popol Vuh abandoned the electronic medium to develop a personal avant-garde progressive rock music. Florian Fricke died in 2001 in his sleep.

Real Name

    • Florian Fricke

Name Vars

  • Popohl Vuh
  • Popol V.
  • Popol Vuh FF
  • Popul Vuh
  • Populi Vuh
  • Pupol Vuh

Members

  • Al Gromer Khan
  • Florian Fricke
  • Klaus Wiese
  • Conny Veit
  • Ted De Jong
  • Daniel Fichelscher
  • Susan Goetting
  • Djong Yun
  • Renate Knaup
  • Holger Trülzsch
  • Frank Fiedler
  • Guido Hieronymus
  • Robert Eliscu
  • Mathias von Tippelskirch
  • Maya Rose

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s an interesting fact about *Affenstunde* by Popol Vuh: Despite being released in 2012, this album feels like a time capsule from another era. It blends genres like Ambient, Krautrock, and Ethnic Fusion with experimental electronics, creating a sound that’s both ancient and futuristic. What’s wild is how the tracks feature recurring themes like "Ich Mache Einen Spiegel" (I Make a Mirror), almost like musical reflections of dreams. Florian Fricke's use of synthesizers alongside Holger Trülzsch's percussion gives it an otherworldly vibe. Oh, and fun detail—the cover art was designed by multiple artists, including Bettina von Waldthausen, who also contributed photography. With its roots spanning Germany to Japan, *Affenstunde* truly feels like a global journey through sound.

Comments

waskitotourtravel
2025-03-16
Historically, "Monkey Hour" is the first german album to use the Moog synthesizer, and it had a huge impact on Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze, who both will soon turn 100% electronic.As a piece of music, the album is very promising although not fully realized yet. The LP's first side (tracks 1 to 3) is more an exposition of raw ingredients not cooked already, but "Affenstunde" the track itself cooked them and works wonderfully. Hmm ... each listening of this track makes me love it more. Try it with headphones, lying in the dark. Magical.And it was only a preparation for "In Den Garten Pharaos", the sublime album that was coming next...