Search - Tangerine Dream :: Dream Mixes 3

Probably the best of the "Dream Mixes" series so far

cprog1 | Kenner, La. United States | 05/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally conceived as a one off, for fun project, "The Dream Mixes" has expanded to 3 titles so far. While the 1st contained mostly re-mixes of titles from their previous 3 albums, the 2nd volume signalled a new direction for Tangerine Dream, with only 1 song being noted as a re-mix, the others being so thoroughly de-constructed they were given new titles. On "The Past Hundred Moons" 2 songs are noted. Also here TD did something which was previously unthinkable - as source music they went to pieces composed before the Froese/Froese era began! Edgar Froese has long been criticized for adding new sounds to old tracks on compilations (in his defense he says that since all the music was previously released, he may as well do something different with it so fans aren't paying money for the same thing twice - you be the judge), but here it gets the "Dream Mixes" treatment. Tracks fron "Poland" and "Logos" are prominent, and Jerome (aka TDJ Rome) turns "Astrophobia" into a drum n' bass romp. The sequences, even when (seemingly) new, harken back to the old days as well, and those simple little melodies that TD has produced of late are prominent (especially on "Meng Tian"). The biggest cringe I get is reading the liner notes, where they "extend some extra loud shouts", presumably to their homeys. Since it is customary to note which era of TD you follow closest, I should say that I like the Scmoelling era (especially 1980-84) and The Millenium Years (1995-present) the best, which probably explains why I'm so enthusiastic about this album."

The Next Hundred Moons

chris m barlow | huddersfield, west yorkshire United Kingdom | 05/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Theirs nothing better than listening to Tangerine Dream with head phones on finding yourself rocking to the infectious beat. That might be a line from a advertisment, but its not. Any diehard fan of this group would find themself in the same position. The album in question is the Dream Mixes Three - The Past Hundred Moons. Earlier on in the week I found myself logging on line to the Real streaming download of the London concert performed on May 12th this year, listening and viewing of a well anticipated sound. Then a few days later the CD arrives, after the final release date had stopped moving back. What I got was a slightly different cover than whats shown on the web site of dreammixes with the '3' and 'titles' all embossed and it didn't come in the usual plastic CD case. This one is a two-way open flip glossed cover with the CD in the middle, I suspect its from the promotion of the concert. This is a mighty lengthly CD totaling some 76mins. with each track full of beats that you would expect from a mixes album. My own background from being a TD fan goes back to 1977 Sorcerer film soundtrack - the virgin years, Thief '81 & Underwater Sunlight '86. The Pink years didn't start for me - proberbly too young (9) until the Melrose years arrived. With this in mind this album in some ways reflects this period in TD's compositions for this fine album. As you listen you can just about associate each track with their original releases, noting, that it does not sound like either of its 2 predecessors. The album has a much more technical setup from the way the compositions are done - each track perfectly mixed, crisp and modern. As usual each track merrits several listening sessions until the full impact of the sound sinks in, then you really start to enjoy it. I'm not going to diesect each track as other reviewers would, you can, when you listen to it. If your anything like me you've already pre-ordered this album and cannot wait to listen to it - if you haven't, then you will - recommended!"

Spot the Remix

Penner | Brattleboro, VT USA | 03/08/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Another fine production from the mixmasters at TD labs. Dream Mixes are fun for long-time TD fans, because they rename the tracks after they remix them. Thus, you have to listen carefully for clues -- licks, hooks, certain familiar sound effects -- to figure out which track it is that's being remixed. On this collection Froese & Co. cover almost their entire history, from "Great Wall of China" all the way back to "Poland," "Logos" and even "Thief." Won't break any new ground, but it's solid danceable electronica with a little more going on harmonically and a nice addition to your collection."