Brain Records
Hamburg-based 1970s Krautrock label founded by former Ohr A&R men.
Founded in Hamburg in mid-1971, Brain Records became a key label for Krautrock during the 1970s, releasing landmark albums by Neu!, Cluster, and Guru Guru. The label was started by Bruno Wendel and Günter Körber after they left Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser's Ohr label, taking Guru Guru with them and quickly signing Cluster, who had previously released one LP on Philips. Their first Cluster album was *Cluster* (1971), often referred to as *Cluster 71* or *Cluster I*; *Cluster II* followed in 1972.
Brain found rapid success across West Germany and much of Western Europe, though it had little impact in the United States. Over the 1970s and into the 1980s, its roster grew to include Neu!, Cluster, Harmonia, Klaus Schulze, Edgar Froese, Guru Guru, Grobschnitt, Novalis, Jane, Birth Control, Embryo, Popol Vuh, Curly Curve, Scorpions, Electric Sun, Accept, and many others.
A later reissue series, *Rock On Brain*, brought out many early Brain recordings, often with completely different sleeves and even album titles. Brain also reissued material from its parent company Metronome, such as Amon Düül's debut *Psychedelic Underground* (originally released on Metronome's own label), with many appearing on the closely linked M2001 label. For the West German market, Brain licensed and released several British albums, usually keeping the original sleeves—examples include Greenslade, Caravan, If, Spirogyra, Atomic Rooster, Alexis Korner, Gryphon, and Steamhammer. Exceptions included Atomic Rooster's *Nice n Greasy*, which got a different sleeve, and If's *Double Diamond*, which never had a UK release at all.
Some Brain releases proved highly influential: Brain 1004 was Cluster's debut *Cluster* (1971), and Brain 1062 was *Neu! 75*, a record that helped shape the sound of punk rock. Körber left in 1976 to start Sky Records, which released much Cluster-related music, Michael Rother's early solo work, and bands like Streetmark. After his departure, the label on Brain LPs changed from green to orange. Many of Brain's most notable records are now being reissued on CD by Repertoire Records.
- born
- 1971
- field
- Record label
- nationality
- West German
- known_for
- Krautrock releases by Neu!, Cluster, Guru Guru, and others
- founders
- Bruno Wendel and Günter Körber
- headquarters
- Hamburg
- parent_company
- Metronome
Lore & Background
In the middle of 1971, Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser's management style at Ohr caused two of his A&R men, Bruno Wendel and Günter Körber, to leave Ohr and set up their own record company, which they called Brain. Wendel & Körber brought Guru Guru with them from Ohr, and immediately signed Cluster, who had recorded one LP for Philips; they soon recorded and released *Cluster* (1971), often called *Cluster 71* or *Cluster I*. Brain was rapidly a success throughout West Germany and much of western Europe, although had little presence in the US. Signings throughout the seventies and into the eighties included Neu!, Cluster, Harmonia, Klaus Schulze, Edgar Froese, Guru Guru, Grobschnitt, Novalis, Jane, Birth Control, Embryo, Popol Vuh, Curly Curve, Scorpions, Electric Sun, Accept and many more.
Reader's Guide
Brain Records played a central role in documenting and disseminating the Krautrock movement of the 1970s. Its catalog includes foundational albums by Neu!, Cluster, and Harmonia, as well as releases by Klaus Schulze, Edgar Froese, and Scorpions. The label's influence extended beyond its era: Brain 1004 (Neu!'s debut) and Brain 1062 (Neu! 75) are cited as contributing to the sound of punk rock. A later reissue series called Rock On Brain saw many early Brain recordings reissued, often with entirely different sleeves and album titles. Brain also licensed and issued British releases for the West German market, including Greenslade, Caravan, and Atomic Rooster, sometimes with different sleeves. Körber left in 1976 to start Sky Records, after which Brain LP labels changed from green to orange. The label's legacy endures through reissues by Repertoire Records and its influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
Did You Know?
- Brain was founded in mid-1971 by Bruno Wendel and Günter Körber after they left Ohr due to Rolf-Ulrich Kaiser's management style.
- Brain 1004 was Cluster's debut *Cluster* (1971), not Neu!; Brain 1062 was *Neu! 75*, which contributed to the sound of punk rock.
- Körber left Brain in 1976 to start Sky Records, after which Brain LP labels changed from green to orange.
- Brain reissued Amon Düül's debut *Psychedelic Underground*, but it was originally released on Metronome's own label, not Brain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who started Brain Records and where?
Bruno Wendel and Günter Körber launched the label in Hamburg around the middle of 1971. Both had previously worked in A&R at Rolf-Uilrich Kaiser's Ohr imprint before striking out on their own.
What genre is Brain Records most associated with?
The label is widely regarded as one of the central homes of Krautrock during the 1970s. Its catalog helped define the experimental, rhythm-driven sound that became synonymous with that movement.
Which artists released albums on Brain Records?
The roster included Neu!, Cluster, and Guru Guru, among others. Cluster's early LPs—*Cluster* (1971) and *Cluster II* (1972)—were particularly influential within the genre.
How did Brain Records come about?
Wendel and Körber departed Ohr and brought the band Guru Guru along with them. They then quickly signed Cluster, who had only put out a single LP on Philips before joining the new Hamburg-based imprint.
How far did Brain Records' reach extend?
The label enjoyed strong sales across West Germany and a broad portion of Western Europe throughout the 1970s. Its influence, however, remained largely confined to that region and did not achieve the same level of recognition in other markets.
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