Song of the Day: 'The Model' by Kraftwerk

I was just noting how Kraftwerk's "The Model" and Gary Numan's "Cars" were two of the first New Wave songs many of us ever heard, and now comes word that the German synth outfit's co-founder Florian Schneider has exited stage left.

In a statement, Kraftwerk co-founder Ralf Hütter confirms "the very sad news that his friend and companion over many decades Florian Schneider has passed away from a short cancer disease just a few days after his 73rd birthday."

Billboard writes that Schneider formed the influential group and multimedia project with Hütter in 1970. Kraftwerk -- with its use of electronic instruments that included homemade and custom-built devices -- has been widely credited with pioneering electronic music and influencing various genres across the musical spectrum, including hip-hop, synthpop and rock with their soundscapes, experimentation and technical innovations.

While his passing has stirred up a lot of gossip -- no, he did not quit Kraftwerk during a heated argument over a bicycle pump -- I think we can all agree that the band's influence will live on forever.

Previously: Song of the Day:' Tour de France' by Kraftwerk

Music Box: Synth Pop Heaven

A New Wave of Sweaters

Debbie, Devo and Kraftwerk too! See HERE.

New Wavers Highlight 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees

This year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees are Janet Jackson, N.W.A, Nine Inch Nails, Chicago, the Smiths, Cheap Trick, Chic, Deep Purple, Chaka Khan, Yes, The J.B.'s, Los Lobos, Steve Miller, The Spinners and The Cars. Especially rooting for The Smiths, Cheap Trick, The Cars and Chic, which has now been tapped 10 times without yet having been inducted.

Still waiting for Kraftwerk, the Marvelettes, Big Star, Squeeze, New York Dolls, Pat Benatar and the Go-Go's to get their due.

Song of the Day:' Tour de France' by Kraftwerk

Being in a car with Sirius-XM's 1st Wave on all weekend in Detroit reminded me of so many great songs from my childhood, including this Kraftwerk classic.

Music Box: Synth Pop Heaven

Three often-overlooked synth classics from the early '80s:

"Love Action (I Believe in Love)" by the Human League. The video for the band's smart followup to the No. 1 international smash "Don't You Want Me" is almost as hot as singer Phil Oakey's wedge haircut ...


"Fade to Grey" by Visage. Steve Strange was never more haunting ...


"Pocket Calculator" by Kraftwerk. Best remembered for "The Model," the band's 1981 single also added up nicely ...

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