STRATOSFEAR

Where I grew up, "Stratosfear" was the only TANGERINE DREAM album to receive significant radio airplay, reflecting their move towards more melodic and accessible electronica and the oncoming onslaught of more aggressive mainstream music. The title cut was a staple, and remains a blueprint for so much of what was to follow both by this group and other artists.

Curiously, the aspect of the TD sound that remains freshest is the largely synthesized percussion, which simulates world rhythms and grounds what would otherwise be a robotic affair. Of course, acoustic and electric guitars are placed here and there for added granola appeal, and sometimes the electronic instrumentation does a fair impersonation of same. Therein lies the other strength of this disk - in bridging the real and artificial (the fake flutes are another example), it allows us to feel safe with both and to recognize that, in the end, all that matters is our enjoyment aplenty. It might take the form of the mid east meets mid west of "3am At The Border Of The Marsh From Okefenokee" or the PROCOL HARUM-like "piano" that closes out "Invisible Limits". Not to mention oodles of the mellotronic.

Nothing to fear in this dreamy brew from the masters of the genre.