Tangerine Dream Dream Mixes 3

Reviewing DM3 after T.D.'s disappointing gig at Shepherds Bush is a pleasant surprise. The 'Dream Mixes' dominated the concert, a rare and hopefully one off tactical mistake, the distorted keyboards, distracting at best irritating at worst percussion, and tasteful but ultimately disposable guitar heroics are all thankfully absent from the album which is quite simply the best of the collection so far. In fact turn up the volume, close your eyes, and there are moments during the ten minute opening cut 'Prime Time' that are vintage Arcane - sorry, Tangerine Dream. Classic sequencing and spine tingling melodies of the very best vintage but, of course, being the 'Dream Mixes' these moments of blissful isolation are carefully rationed before the rhythms kick in. For example, at the 4.48 mark or even better at 8.16, crank up the volume to a spinal tapmungous 11 and it's sequencers ahoy but you just know the drums, Arnie style, will be back. However, it's the sequencers which form the essential spine of the music and it works convincingly.

'Astrophobia (Red Supernova Mix)' begins promisingly enough with ominous textures, dramatic gestures and a hypnotic sequence but quickly descends into drum 'n bass hell just before the two minute mark and never really recovers fully despite some grandiose themes which unfortunately are spoiled by over elaborate percussion and boomy drums. Probably my least favourite track on offer here. 'Stereolight' is more of the same, only better. Referring to expansive themes from 'Mars Polaris' set against more controlled rhythms and sequencers, with more subtle deployment of light and shade, it changes pace and manages to hold your interest before a frenetic work out at the post 5 minute mark and the blend of sequencers, rhythms and anthems works much better here than on its predecessor and even concludes with a nostalgic snippet of mellotron, aaahhh! 'Diamonds and Dust' is where the 'Dream Mixes' come of age. Starting with a simple but stirring anthem, the drum 'n bass kick in accompanied by the sound of a thousand gnawing gerbils. And then centre stage the sequencers, with trademark T.D. power chords and then "Dad can I bring in the thumping backbeat now ?", "OK son, after this quiet bit." Now it's play the ace time. Sequences from 'Thief's' 'Dr. Destructo', more power chords, the theme returns, the backbeat pounds in, but this time with the sequencers in harmony and it's a heady mixture to not only raise the dead but make them dance and was one of the highlights of the London gig.

'Blue Spears' reinforces the fact that T.D. can still deliver memorable sequences and melodies with the percussion reduced to a minor supporting role could be inserted into the 'Canyon Dreams' set list. 'Meng Tian (Smart Machine Remix)' continues the agenda without breaking a beat and 'Girl on the Stairs' is another version of the T.D. classic 'White Eagle', slowed down to appreciate it in its full sequencer driven glory - but it's the 24 carat melody that steals the show here and the supplemental percussion is suitably restrained to retain the inherent dignity of the original. The extra motifs make it sound as contemporary as ever. 'The Spirit of the Czar' successfully mines the opening sequence of the Jive mid-80's classic 'Poland' and gives it the full 'Dream Mixes' makeover but more than retains the integrity of the original adding warmer textures to make this one of the outstanding cuts on offer. Finally, the Froeses play their final trump card in the form of sublime early sequences from the brilliant 'Logos' and give it the full DM blitzkrieg. I am too familiar and biased towards the original to give an impartial judgement here but the added melodic elements and rhythms make it a very interesting addition to the 'Dream Mixes' canon and bring the set to a very satisfying conclusion.