Kraftwerk / Tokyo, Japan 09.08.1981 FM Broadcast Edition

This release captures the second night of their historic first tour of Japan—following the release of *Computer World*—at Tokyo’s Nakano Sunplaza on September 8, 1981. The recording runs for 75 minutes and is sourced from a stereo soundboard master derived from an FM radio broadcast. Notably, this is not a home recording (air-check) of the original broadcast but is taken from a 1982 rebroadcast; consequently, it includes “The Robots” and “It’s More Fun to Compute”—tracks that were missing from the initial airing. While still not a complete show, the opportunity to hear this precious debut tour performance in official-quality sound is a delight for fans. Although the setlist was identical to the previous night’s opening show at the same venue, the soundboard source captures the dynamic, sweeping stereo panning effects—such as those heard on “Autobahn”—with impressive impact. Furthermore, unlike today’s fully computer-controlled performances, the music here is actually played by the four members; the subtle human nuances in rhythm and melody evoke the analog feel of that era. It is a “must-listen” item for fans who remember the time, offering highlights from start to finish. Live at Nakano Sunplaza, Tokyo, Japan, September 8, 1981: Stereo Soundboard Recording. 1. Numbers 2. Computer World 3. Computer Love 4. Home Computer 5. Neon Lights 6. Autobahn 7. Showroom Dummies 8. Trans-Europe Express 9. The Robots 10. It’s More Fun To Compute 11. Outro. Ralf Hütter / Florian Schneider / Karl Bartos / Wolfgang Flür.