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FlowerJewel77:


The Legendary FlowerJewel


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    01 April 2007

    Tangerine Dream - "Pergamon: Live At The 'Palast Der Republik' aka Quichotte" [1980]

    This album by Tangerine Dream was originally released as 'Quichotte' in 1980, then rerelaased later in 1986 as 'Pergamon'.  It was recorded live at the Palast Der Republik, and is the album which introduces Johannes Schmoelling as a member of this famed electronic trio from Germany.

    This album by Tangerine Dream was originally released as "Quichotte" in 1980, then rerelaased later in 1986 as "Pergamon". It was recorded live at the Palast Der Republik, and is the album which introduces Johannes Schmoelling as a member of this famed electronic trio from Germany. It was originally released as 2 tracks (one per side) on LP, and on later CD relases it is one single long track. The version I present here is the 2-track version, originally in lossless format, then converted over to its 320 bitrate you will find here.

    All I can say is "WOW!!!!" Just when I thought I'd heard some of TD's best material from what I consider their glory days era (1975-1986) I came upon THIS beauty. Someone approached me asking about a Tangerine Dream album which featured an orange with an audio cable stuck in it, and was wondering if I could supply them with a title. I never did locate it, but my 'other half' did. I had not heard the music contained on this before, but judging from the reviews I read AND the time frame of its release, this was one I simply had to get and listen to. Boy, was I thrilled to get ahold of it. I rank this among my Top 5 favorites from TD, a high honor indeed.

    A live soundboard recording, (the audio quality here is STELLAR) this album is a shocase for the storied talents of Edgar Froese, Christopher Franke, and (the debut of) Johannes Schmoelling. Froese is particularly prevalent in the guitar laden second half of this masterpiece. These guys aim to please with their trademark analogue synths and sequencers in top form.

    Part One opens with a gorgeous piano rendering of some extrapolations from the album "Tangram". Lush and atmospheric, the piano leads into some lovely pad sounds that set the stage for what is to come. Laers of synth sound elements, with that 'trademark' Berlin-school sound invite the listener on a journey into an intricately woven environment of both sound and emotion. Contrary to what one may think, synth-based music is NOT as cold and sterile as you may be led to believe.

    A little past the 11-minute mark of Part One things get intense. In come the throbbing sequencers that grab ahold of your senses and relentlessly keep a frenzied pace and won't let go. More layered and repetitive synth sounds power the piece forward to a crescendo of bliss that manage to delight more than just the sense of sound.

    It is easy to see where later bands such as Wavestar and VoLt go their sounds while hearing this music. It is textbook Berlin-school, by the guys who WROTE the book. Absolutely quintessential!!!!

    On to Part Two...I cannot repeat what my reaction was to this epic piece, except to say that it began with the word "Holy" and ended with an expletive not printable here. It begins with dark and ominous atmospheres, almost otherworldly, and draws you in. Vaguely reminiscent of some of Vangelis' darker passages, and laded with effect, don't let yourself be too lulled by how minimally this starts off. Sinister and mangled voices and testures lead quickly enough to sequenced tones that pick up the pace and give way tosome of the most explosive attributes this album has to offer. You'll see what I mean around 7:50 into the track. Edgar Froese's trademark raw guitar stylings take center stage and rise to a feverish pace and pitch that quite literally make you go stock-still in awe and amazement, while your heart threatens to palpitate out of your chest from the sheer exhilaration and intensity of it all.

    It doesn't stop, it's relentless, almost orgasmic. It's sheer electricity that only TD can generate. "Holy ****!!!!" indeed!

    Makes you think "Who says TD is New Age or Ambient Music?" This is guitar that would be at home on any rock stage, and shows the mastery of the instrument that Froese truly has.

    And as the piece slows a bit, going back to some more synth-based magic, it still has you spellbound. Kind-of an "afterglow" sensation hits you with those rich and celestial tones that give you time to catch your breath and bring the album to its close.

    And a good time was had by ALL!!!!

    ----Review by FlowerJewel

    5 stars out of 5


    Tracklisting:
    1. Quichotte - Part One (23:33)
    2. Quichotte - Part Two (22:38)

    Total Time: 46:11

    Line-Up:
    - Edgar Froese / synthesizers and guitar
    - Christopher Franke / synthesizers
    - Johannes Schmoelling / synthesizers

    Stay Tuned For More!!!!

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    Travellers Passed This Cosmic Checkpoint
    Travellers Passed This Cosmic Checkpoint