In the background, a man is strumming a guitar with an awkward demeanor, and unfortunately, his identity is unknown. The legendary Krautrock group, Can, briefly ventured into the realm of British pop stardom.
In 1976, the German Krautrock band Can made a significant shift in their musical approach with the release of "I Want More". This catchy, danceable track marked a departure from their experimental, improvisational style, and it was a move that paid off, earning them their only UK chart success.
The inspiration for "I Want More" was born out of the band's desire to create a more accessible and rhythmic song, blending repetitive, hypnotic rhythms with pop sensibilities. This approach, influenced by their exploration of funk and disco elements, aimed to make the music more appealing to a broader audience while maintaining their avant-garde edge.
The track, featuring a repetitive bass line and a simple, catchy chorus, was an unusual departure for Can, known for their long, improvised pieces. One of the few occasions when all members of Can were featured on vocals, the lyrics for "I Want More" were penned by Peter Gilmour, a live sound engineer for the band. Holger Czukay, a co-founder of Can, explained that Gilmour's contribution was seen as an opportunity for a humorous take on the song.
Despite the success of "I Want More", Can remained true to their creative vision. They did not view having a hit as a blessing or a curse, and the success did not alter their musical approach. The band, which had already enjoyed success in Germany with previous singles, found that the success of "I Want More" attracted an audience outside of their usual fan base.
For their appearance on the British television show Top of the Pops, a stand-in guitarist had to perform due to Michael Karoli's absence, as he was in Kenya and could not be reached. The band had to return from holidays for a last-minute request to perform on the show.
Can's fans accepted all types of music from the band, including "I Want More", which gave them the creative freedom to continue exploring new musical territories. Keyboardist Irmin Schmidt discussed the band's experience with "I Want More" in an interview with Prog in 2022.
The UK success of "I Want More" is a testament to Can's ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their experimental roots. It remains a significant milestone in the band's career and a favourite among fans of Krautrock music.
The fusion of danceable rhythms, pop sensibilities, and funk and disco elements in "I Want More" was a deliberate attempt by Can to create a more accessible song. Peter Gilmour, a live sound engineer for the band, penned the lyrics for "I Want More", with a humorous approach. When Can performed on Top of the Pops, a stand-in guitarist filled in for Michael Karoli, who was in Kenya at the time. Can found that the success of "I Want More" attracted a diverse audience, expanding their fan base. The UK success of "I Want More" is a proof of Can's versatility in evolving their sound while staying true to their experimental roots.
