Tangerine Dream - Ultima Thule: The Electronic Magic Of Tangerine Dream (2011)

This collection of odds and rarities cannot even begin to approach those proportions, but still its journey hits many of the high points that one would hope to find, as it traces band mainstay Edgar Froese at least into the early 1990s. The set opens with a pair of cuts recorded by Froese's pre-Tangs band the Ones in 1967, a couple of darkly atmospheric psych rockers that are far removed from anything he would go on to create. These are followed by brutal live takes on the two-part "Ultima Thule" that marked the Tangs' debut single, but which highlight the new band's personal direction by borrowing much from period Pink Floyd. From there on in, however, Electronic Magic perfectly matches its title, as a clutch of lengthy synth pieces sweeps through the speakers, echoing but rarely repeating the textures and melodies that hallmarked the band's studio output. This is especially true on the early to mid-'70s material, when Tangerine Dream were at their contemplative peak; but even after moving into the '80s, from whence the bulk of disc two is drawn, there is a strength and purpose here that confirms the group's continued importance and influence. ~ Dave Thompson

Tracklist:
1.01 - Tangerine Dream - Lady Greengrass (2:40)
1.02 - Tangerine Dream - Love Of Mine (3:02)
1.03 - Tangerine Dream - Ultima Thule Part 1 (3:20)
1.04 - Tangerine Dream - Ultima Thule Part 2 (4:09)
1.05 - Tangerine Dream - Sunsey In The Fifth System (6:37)
1.06 - Tangerine Dream - Asteroid Agenda (11:16)
1.07 - Tangerine Dream - Marouba Bay (7:23)
1.08 - Tangerine Dream - Borealis (4:45)
1.09 - Tangerine Dream - Mysterious Semblance At The Strand Of Nightmare (6:26)
1.10 - Tangerine Dream - Run To Vegas (10:11)
1.11 - Tangerine Dream - Exit Heaven (4:43)
1.12 - Tangerine Dream - Pink Ashes (4:08)
1.13 - Tangerine Dream - Landing On 51 (7:54)
1.14 - Tangerine Dream - The Seventh Folder (7:37)
1.15 - Tangerine Dream - The Burning Hole (3:35)
1.16 - Tangerine Dream - Rare Bird (3:39)
1.17 - Tangerine Dream - Silver Pendulum (4:53)
1.18 - Tangerine Dream - Shy Shila (5:21)
1.19 - Tangerine Dream - Huckebees Dream (10:49)