Here we have a CD classic of experimental sound manipulation from a far too little known German ensemble, STRAFE FUR REBELLION: Vogel, released in 1989 by the ever-provocative Touch label, now ages out of print. We are fairly cetain this was Touch's first-ever title to appear in the CD format. Strafe Fur Rebellion builds its music from sounds taken from hither and yon (many of them non-musical), accompanied by the occasional real instrument. One particular track is constructed from the following sounds: various engines screeching on steel, screaming donkeys, cork plates rubbed against glass, battery-operated screwdriver, female voice. The whole CD features such offbeat audio sources, yet it all somehow sounds musical. We are mostly put in mind of Coil, Einsturzende Neubauten, and especially SPK's 1986 masterpiece Zamia Lehmanni (Songs Of Byzantine Flowers), which also utilized offbeat sounds to dazzling effect. Compiled from super-rare earlier recordings and adding several previously released pieces, this is one amazing album that will spin your head like a small wheel on a long road. Our only imaginable complaint is that the beautiful CD insert is so big (a 19"x 14" foldout) that it's difficult to remove or return to the jewel case. Vogel has been out of print for at least twenty years, with no reissue in sight. The CD shows very slight wear, but looks fine and plays flawlessly.