Unidentified musician, seen strumming guitar and looking uneasy, was once among Krautrock pioneers Can during their fleeting stint as British pop stars
Can, the renowned German experimental rock band, made waves in 1976 with their unexpected hit single "I Want More". This catchy, groove-driven track, a departure from their usual avant-garde work, became their only single to chart successfully, reaching number 36 in the UK.
The song originated from the band's album Flow Motion, and it stands out as a notable exception in Can's discography. The inspiration for "I Want More" came from jamming out a musical idea, and the lyrics were penned by Peter Gilmour, Can's live sound engineer.
One of the few occasions when all members of Can are featured on vocals, "I Want More" showcases Holger Czukay's relaxed, spoken delivery over the music. The song's more pop-oriented, groove-driven style helped it gain broader commercial success, attracting an audience outside of Can's usual fanbase.
Despite the song's unexpected success, Can did not set out to write a single or a hit one. They continued to maintain their autonomy, and their fans accepted everything they did, giving them the freedom to create music that resonated with a wider audience.
The band's appearance on the British television show Top of the Pops was a last-minute request, causing some members, including Michael Karoli, to return from holidays. A stand-in guitarist had to perform on the show in place of Karoli, but the identity of this mystery musician remains unknown.
Can had an illustrious career from 1968 to 1979, and "I Want More" was their 11th single. It was their only charting single in Britain, and it sold a lot of copies. However, the label was aware that trying to pressure them for more hits was a waste of time, as Can continued to do what they wanted, creating music that defied categorization.
In Germany, Can had successful singles prior to "I Want More", but it was in the UK where "I Want More" made its mark, becoming a testament to Can's ability to blend experimental sounds with more accessible rhythms and create music that resonated with a wider audience.
- Can's 11th single, "I Want More," originating from their album Flow Motion, was their only charting single in Britain, reaching number 36, marking a departure from their usual avant-garde work.
- Holger Czukay, a member of Can, showcased his relaxed, spoken delivery on vocals in "I Want More," a song that stands out as a notable exception in their discography.
- The song's groove-driven, more pop-oriented style helped it gain broader commercial success, attracting an audience outside of Can's usual fanbase and making it a testament to their ability to blend experimental sounds with accessible rhythms.
- Some members of Can, including Michael Karoli, had to return from holidays for a last-minute appearance on the British television show Top of the Pops, causing a stand-in guitarist to perform on the show in his place.
- Despite the song's unexpected success, Can continued to maintain their autonomy, creating music that defied categorization and resonated with a wider audience as they did not set out to write a single or a hit one.
