LA VIE ELECTRONIQUE 6

Episode VI in the Schulze retrospective 'La Vie Electronique' is the fourth boxset with material from the sprawling 75-77 period. It is the last set from this era, the next release jumps forward 2 years to the 'Dune' tour, a much less interesting period imo. But no complaints about this set, which contains a very strong mix of live and studio material ranging from 75 to 77.

CD1 starts with 'The Other Oberhausen Tape' and as such it connects seamlessly with the previous boxset that ended with another track from this 'tape'. It is a variation on the Brussels 76 piece 'Nostalgic Echo' that could be found on the previous set. The version here is more concise and comes recommended. The real deal on this CD is 'Schwanensee', a two part studio out-take that other electronic artists could only dream of making. Hard to believe this wasn't released before. It is at least as good ? if not better ? then 'Moondawn'.

CD2 is a October 1977 concert from Brussels and takes us to the 'Body Love' era, which can clearly be heard in the integration of the drums and certainly in the 3rd part 'Time' which is a live version of 'Stardancer'. 'Inside the Harlequin' is another extract from this concert, offering a totally different and very dreamy mood.

CD3 casts us back to 1975 and this comes with a surprising difference in sound, again proving that even if Schulze may appear to sound always the same, he never really does. 'La Vie Secrete' is a very moody and downcast concert, with slow pulses from the sequencer and eerie abstract sounds. Mysterious music this is.

If you'd ask me for a LVE recommendation I would pick this set right away. As usual there are the moments of brilliance, but this set also has the advantage of being of consistent quality. On top, it covers 3 years and offers a wider scope of Schulze then the other sets. So do yourself a favor and get this one.