ENCORE (LIVE 1977)

"Encore" was originally released as a double album consisting of four tracks (one per side) from their spring tour of the USA back in 1977. At the time this was only their second live recording, the first being "Ricochet". What makes this one so valuable is that the songs are all original, so it's like getting a lost studio album with the classic lineup on it. This was actually the last record that Peter Baumann played on for TANGERINE DREAM before going solo. In the liner notes it says that these improvised tracks were based on themes from "Stratosfear".

"Cherokee Lane" opens with an introduction of each band member then a roar from the audience. An impressive wall of sound follows. It then settles and organ runs follow with synths. An electronic beat arrives before 4 minutes, then the crowd cheers as a sequencer comes in before 7 minutes. The crowd again roars it's approval as the song winds down during the final minute. "Monolight" is the longest and my least favourite. Piano to open before we get these loud electronic sounds crashing in and out starting around 3 minutes. A beat comes in lightly then an electronic pulse with other synths. Back to the crashing sounds 7 1/2 minutes in then moog comes in. A change 17 minutes in as the beat stops and the piano returns.

"Coldwater Canyon" is the only track without mellotron in it. It builds quickly as the guitar joins in. Froese just lights it up here with his Gibson guitar. In the liner notes it says that this is his longest recorded guitar solo. Amazing ! "Desert Dream" is dark and haunting with mellotron choirs. This all sounds so eerie. We start to get a beat 5 minutes in. It stops before 9 minutes as that haunting soundscape returns. Relaxed piano after 12 minutes in this mellow section It's eerie again 15 minutes in. Sequencers come in a minute later to end it.

I had this playing in the store the other day and this guy comes in and says "Tangerine Dream !", then he listens and says "Rubycon ?...no i'm not sure which album that is". I told him he had a good ear for music and that it was a live cd, then we talked music for a while. This is a must have for TD fans.