Better than Axiat
Music fan | California United States | 06/16/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Please refer to my review of Axiat for details of this release. However, I would rate this release much much higher than Axiat. I am reluctant to give it 5 stars but I would rate it 4.5 out of 5.
For starters, the song selection is better. Also, this one has songs that have been more obviously touched up or completely re-recorded. There are actually some completely new songs on this release (compared to Axist)
D.I.T.S and Crossed Fingers. To break it down,
1 from Turn of the Tides (2008 version of Firetongues)
3 from Goblins Club - Lamb With Radar Eyes, Towards the Evening Star and On Cranes Passage (2 of them are better,alternate versions; Lamb and Crane)
1 from Zoning soundtrack!! - The Conspiracy (this was a big surprise for me. I have the original but this is an alternate version)
2 from Inferno - Justice Of The Karma Law / As The Sun Moves Towards Heaven (Jerome's only 2 songs from Inferno combined into 1 song without vocals this time)
1 from Purgatorio - Sun Son's Seal (instrumental version from 2008, one of the better songs on this release)
1 from the Tempodrom EP - Quartermaster's Nightmare (not easily obtained so good to include)
1 from the Dream Mixes 4 EP - A Nautical Night (again, not easily obtained so a good inclusion)
2 new tracks - Crossed Fingers (UK 1990 Live dual with Edgar) and D.I.T.S. which Jerome says is what Dream Mixes 5 could have been. This is of course the song Dolls in the Shadow and like many mixes, is completely different and quite good.
For what is basically a companion to Axiat, this is a much better release as a) some of these songs are rare b) some are completely new c) some are alternate versions.
Overall, an excellent release. I hope there are more to come like this. Based on the list I have of the songs Jerome owns, this could be a good thing."
Selected Rarities, Re-recordings and Remixes. Jerome Froese
Eduardo Nava | Mexico City | 08/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
I usually don't buy compilations. I only buy outstanding compilations or special editions.
"Vintage Vanguard" is one of those outstanding compilations. This time it is a Jerome Froese compilation for Tangerine Dream (TD) (from moonpop).
The two highlights here (for me, of course) are the last 2 tracks:
10. Justice of the Karma law / As the sun moves towards heaven (instrumental).
This track is part of the two tracks (16 and 17) together from the 2002 "Inferno". I like both versions a lot; with voice and without voice.
11. D.I.T.S. (Jerome's Redux 2008).
This track is superb and I totally agree with Jerome: "A small hint what could have been 'DM5'".
I still remember the first time I listened to the DM1 (The Dream Mixes) back in 1995. It took me by surprise and I didn't expect that coming from TD. Even the cover (the yellow one) was something "out of place". Then DM2 (TimeSquare) came out and it was much much better than DM1. Then, DM3 came out and it was even better than DM2. And, then, DM4, wow! (you have to listen to "8. From Kiev with Love"!!). Of course DM4 has Jerome's signature, the best DM of all. Imagine what could have been DM5!.
Fortunately Jerome has released two top-of-the-class albums: "Neptunes" and "Shiver me Timbers".
Other good tracks from "Vintage Vanguard" are:
1. Firetongues (retouched 2008).
One of my best tracks from the "Turn of the Tides" album together with "5. Twilight Brigade". I really like this album from 1994. I don't know why most of the TD fans don't like it?.
4. The Conspiracy (alternative version),
5. Quartermaster's Nightmare,
9. A Nautical Night.
This track "A Nautical Night" was originally released on DM4 Bonus CD. That Bonus CD has only 2 tracks: "1. Frenetic", and "2. A Nautical Night". That bonus CD came together with the DM4 album. It also came with a picture of Jerome and Edgar sitting together in a black sofa with Jerome's black dog. Nice picture.
Overall, "Vintage Vanguard" is a very good selection of rarities, re-recordings and remixes of music composed, recorded and arranged by Jerome Froese between the years of 1990-2008.
Saludos from Mexico City.
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1