Eloy [aka "Muelltonne" (dustbin)] (1971)

Eloy [aka 'Muelltonne']

Catalogue Numbers

  • LP WG Philips - 6305 089
  • LP WG Philips - 838 821-1
  • LP WG Second Battle Records - SB 004
  • CD WG Philips - 838 821-2
  • CD WG Philips - 838821-2/SB 010

Track Listing

  1. Today - 5'56
  2. Something Yellow - 8'15
  3. Eloy - 6'15
  4. Song of a Paranoid Soldier - 4'50
  5. Voice of Revolation (sic) - 3'07
  6. Isle of Sun - 6'03
  7. Dillus Roady - 6'32

Review  (zero stars)

Straight ahead, guitar-based rock and roll. Although formed by Frank Bornemann and Helmuth Draht, keyboardist Erich Schriever dominated the group and used the lyrics to express his social and political views. There was a lot of arguing between band members Bornemann, Draht and Schriever during this period. After this release, Draht was fired. Schriever left abruptly soon after, ostensibly due to a bad vocal cord, but later admitted he was simply sick of all the infighting. Frank Bornemann took over the live vocals to good effect and, as one of the two remaining composers in the band, was left firmly in control of Eloy (and remains so today).

This album is unlike anything the group has done since. Available on a re-issue from Philips, the CD is quite expensive and is probably of interest only to completists and collectors. I have heard that the original vinyl album in good condition can fetch well over $300 US among collectors.

A flyer included with the CD makes note: "With the years the sound which started as pure rock started to become more and more quiet and meditativ (sic). So we think Manfred Bornemann (sic) might not be very happy about this reissue. Anyway the rest of the ex-ELOY musicians was (sic) very happy about this and we thank them very much for their help." My guess is that "Manfred Bornemann" (which could refer to Frank Bornemann or Manfred Wieczorke) most likely refers to Frank, as Manfred went on for only three more albums, then dropped out to become a member of the rock group JANE.

Erich Shriever is credited with devising the legendary cover: a top-down view of a garbage can with ELOY stenciled on the lid. I understand the album is commonly refered to as "Muelltonne" (dustbin) for this reason. The gatefold cover was cut out in the appropriate shape and opened to reveal the contents of the garbage can (which appears to be a moldy hamburger and some cigarette butts). As you might suspect by now, the cover was more interesting than (and perhaps indicative of) the music within.

The Players

  • Frank Bornemann (Guitar, Harmonica, Percussion)
  • Erich Schriever (Lead Vocals, Keyboards) [Leaves after this album]
  • Manfred Wieczorke (Guitar, Bass, Vocals)
  • Helmuth Draht (Drums) [Leaves after this album]
  • Wolfgang Stocker (Bass)

Production Credits

  • Peter M. Freiherr Von Lepel (Producer)
  • Conny Plank (Recording Engineer)
  • Recorded April '71 at Star Musik Studios, Hamburg

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Portions Copyright © 2003 mikebo, All Rights Reserved.
Last Modified: Nov 16, 2003