RUBYCON

Even if Phaedra was the breakthrough album that everyone enjoyed and started more revolutionary music, Rubycon is obviously the better album. Far more interesting compositional technique, high virtuosity and intense musical soundscapes fill all of the title track (which is the whole album, by the way). Tangerine Dream fans know it, everyone else needs to catch up on this wonderful album.

1.Rubycon Part 1 - The best section off the whole album, and easily the more beautiful out of the two parts (even if both can be called similar in structure). The song may seem to put off some with the analog generated noises and audio generator sound effects, it seems to go into one of the most euphoric of all musical journeys of all time. The song seems to lazily go into this beautiful section, as the computer noises, choral arrangments and electronic seagulls give way to Edgar Froese's amazing mellotron and Christoph Frankes beautiful synth movements. Peter Baumann's incredible sound effects of the gulls give the song a pastrol feeling, inventive all the way through is their playing. The song turns into a more 'Phaedra" landscape with the entering of electronic noises, as the sequencer gives way to interesting rhythms, church organs and interesting synth effects. All in all, one of my favourite pieces of art from the band. (10/10)

2.Rubycon Part 2 - This section seems to go by a bit faster than the first, yet it's just a hair longer. The song is much scarier in nature, and seems to be a bit more experimental in the opening. Odd, almost train, effects soar through the first few minutes. It soon gives way to some odd notes of Baumann's synth voice, minimoog flourishes and synth notes. The song soon enters another galaxie as the sequencer enters. The song seems to roll for a while with interesting passages and new themes that come up and melt away into another theme. The final part of the track is arguable more intimidating the capture, but it's worth it as it's very interesting. (9.5/10)

Though some odd sections in the the second part of the work, Tangerine Dream gave birth to one of the most interesting peices of music yet. I have to give this album 5 stars for it's amazing gem-like qualities, and ultimatly being superior in every way to Phaedra, as the album just can't compare. You have to get this album, it's amazing.