Tangerine Dream Bootlegs: No Longer Solely the Province of Stoner Geeks

(mp3s below the fold)

One of the great things about WFMU is that despite its inherent hipsterism, the majority of the staff have an ear for quality that supersedes notions of what's "cool" or "underground"—good music is good music, and most of us know it when we hear it (though subtleties of opinion will naturally vary from person to person.)  This is not to say that Tangerine Dream gets played on the air very often; not at least since Richard Ginsburg's Synthetic Pleasure program had its last broadcast.

The passage of time is a great quantifier in the arts, and music that may have seemed to be the exclusive province of geeky stoners in its original historical context (Jethro Tull, let's say), now rings true and timeless, and may be imbued with an unexpected vitality that makes it sound even better, or more relevant, than when first heard (or ignored.)

I find this to be especially true in the case of Tangerine Dream, whose work, at least from the time of their formation in 1967 through the latter 70s, may have a lot to offer the jaded, post-modern music fan, especially those who feel (as I do) that electronic music is currently in a terrible rut, chasing its tail through PowerBook blip city.  When in doubt, return to the roots.

To consider Tangerine Dream, one must first view their early albums, those preceding 1974's Phaedra.  That album was a turning point in the band's sound, whereupon analog sequencers became the dominant compositional hardware in the band, and ultimately this was the sound that would define Tangerine Dream, through their globally successful albums, tours and film soundtracks.  An enthusiastic, fans-ear-view account of the first 4 albums (Electronic Meditation, Alpha Centauri, Zeit and Atem) can be found in Julian Cope's Krautrocksampler, which I'm also indebted to for sparking my rediscovery of TD upon its publication in 1995, when I was already more than 10 years into my fascination with so-called Krautrock.

The first 4 Tangerine Dream albums (especially the latter 3) are masterpieces of amorphous rock improvisation, with only occasional jolts of hypnotic rhythm, dominated by mellotron, simple electric guitar and analog synths.  Yes, many rock bands were improvising in the post-psychedelic era, but not like this.  The music on these albums fills the room like no other, the power of these pieces being their elusive, vaporous quality—there's next to nothing to grab onto, the "patterns" slip away as quickly as they emerge—nonetheless you're engulfed. You may also find, as I have, that different aspects of the music will emerge with each subsequent listen.

The more I listened to these albums, the more interested I became in Tangerine Dream's later work, where the pulsating sequencers that made the band famous still float on a sea of ambient gloom from their first era.  No doubt a lot of pot was cleaned in the gatefold sleeves of Phaedra, Rubycon and Stratosfear, enough to fill an auditorium, but you needn't be stoned to appreciate the journey these albums take you on.  (Sadly, too few full-length records nowadays actually take you on a journey anywhere, being merely collections of songs.)  A personal favorite from this period is the live album Ricochet (1975), basically one long piece comprised of several movements, and guaranteed to be the surprise hit of your next jam-band raver party.

The Cyclone album, from 1978, is in my opinion the last great TD album, though Force Majeure (1979), the Thief soundtrack (1981) and Green Desert (1986, rec. 1973) all have some wonderful segments.  Edgar Froese's first 3 solo LPs, Aqua (1974), Epsilon in Malaysian Pale (1975) and Macula Transfer (1976) are all monumental works, as enveloping as anything mentioned above.  Peter Baumann's solo work is also worth a listen, especially the Baumann/Koek album from 1978 and Trans Harmonic Nights (1979).

Tangerine Dream has been extensively bootlegged; it's maddening, as there are literally hundreds of live gig recordings, as well as a few collections of unreleased studio material.  As with the proper albums, I've focused my collecting on the prime years, roughly 1968-1978.  I've assembled a few of my favorites below for your enjoyment (as downloadable mp3s.)

Ultima Thule - This was TD's first single, released by Ohr in 1972, and never officially reissued, though a nicely done "grey area" edition appeared in the late 90s.  [Ultima Thule Teil I mp3] [Ultima Thule Teil II mp3]

Grugahalle, Essen - Song-Tage Festival 1968 - This very experimental set likely includes some early recruits whose names have been lost.  Edgar Froese and Conrad Schnitzler (whose cello can be heard) are definitely present; Klaus Schulze may also have been there, though his presence (as the band's drummer) is not evident.  The trio of Froese, Schnitzler and Schulze would go on to record the Electronic Meditation LP, then promptly disband.  [Song-Tage I mp3] [Song-Tage II mp3]

Frankfurt Universitat 6.19.1971 - Features the lineup of Froese, Chris Franke and Steve Shroyder, also responsible for the Alpha Centauri album.  Shroyder would not stay long, and ultimately Peter Baumann would round out the trio.  [Frankfurt II mp3] [Frankfurt III mp3]

Cologne 11.25.1972 - WDR-FM recording.  [Cologne Part 1 mp3]

Reims Cathedral, France 12.13.1974 - The first of their cathedral concerts; playing in churches and cathedrals (with their enhanced acoustics and gothic ambience) would become a regular practice for the band.  [Reims Cathedral II mp3]

Festival Hall, Adelaide, Australia 3.25.1975 - Perhaps my favorite TD live recording, as sections of it wonderfully bridge the styles of the early and later periods.  [Adelaide Part 1 mp3]

Comments

[Cyrille]

yes. I like it a lot. I remember they did the fantastic (;-) music of the TV show "Streethawk". Ta, ta ta ta ta, ta ta ta ta, ta, ta ta, ta, ta, ta ta, ta ta... something like that.

[Fatherflot]

Thanks for the post. When I first discovered WFMU as a high school student way back in '81 or so, the show that first hooked me played a ton of Tangerine Dream. At one point I had 4 or 5 of their albums, but these were lost during great prog-rock purge of my record collection of '83. For years I've wondered what that show was and now I'm pretty sure you've provided the answer. Can anyone supply more information on Richard Ginsburg and Synthetic Pressure?

[Krys O.]

Fatherflot, the show was called Synthetic Pleasure. Richard would have live performances and there's the Yanni Syndrome. Richard played Yanni, a lot of Yanni, and even had him at the station as a guest at least once. Some say that didn't happen but I recall the pride that Richard had in having him down there. Who knew the guy would be huge? The show was on Monday evenings. Not sure what Richard is doing now.

[snoopy]

Please tell me! Whatever happened to Richard and Synthetic Pleasure?
He must have god knows how many recordings from independent artists, live performances, etc. from 20-25 years ago. A google search turns up nearly nothing. I pine for those days and those broadcasts.

[WmMBerger]

Sorry, I wish I had more info to offer on the Synthetic Pleasure show. Richard went off the air long ago, and as snoopy noted, a Google search (and for that matter a search of wfmu's own site) bears no fruit. Perhaps someone who's still in contact with Rich will see this post and forward it to him.

I must also add that though the show's enduring reputation may for some conjure up thoughts of Yanni and Kitaro, and other such overly sedate offerings, Richard and I hung out during his show from time to time, and he was the first person play a lot of great artists for me, in addition to making me cassette copies from his vast collection. Richard was a huge Tangerine Dream fan; he also played David Borden/Mother Mallard, Asmus Tietchens, Klaus Schulze, Cluster, Eno, Laurie Spiegel, MEV and AMM. Richard knew electronic music front to back, a true enthusiast of the genre. He also smoked incredibly strong weed.

[ortsed]

Strangely enough, TD did the soundtrack to Risky Business, except for the underwear dancing scene.

[bob]

This reads like the guy you are reminiscing about:

http://www.spoiledink.com/ricky

If this link is ligit, somebody who remembers him should contact him and see if he has any old recordings/tapes/albums he would be willing to donate. BTW, Google found him.

[WmMBerger]

Bob, thanks so much for finding that link! I just wrote to Rich and sent him a link to the post.
Hopefully, he'll pass on something for the online archives....

[Chris J]

Been listening to these MP3s all afternoon -- great stuff, 'n' thanks, William. I've got a lot of vinyl of TD, Froese, Schulze, and Baumann, and yet I think TD and Froese went on to put out a lot more still, after I stopped buying in the mid 1980s. My path of getting into this music was probably something like Yes (72-74) -> Rick Wakeman (73,74) -> Tonto's Expanding Headband (74,75) -> Synergy (75) -> TD (75). Can't remember if I found "Ricochet" (75) before or after beginning college in 76, but that LP got a lot of turntable play back then (wore it out, "Phaedra" too). Even got an unassisted high when I saw TD play Chicago (81? 82?).

Back in Jersey ... in May 1984 I went to an FMU benefit concert in West Orange ... "Live Synthetic Pleasure featuring Jesse Clark, Nightcrawlers, Don Slepian, and Lauri Paisley." Program sheet notes: The Synthetic Pleasure radio program was "from 50% to 100% mixing -- 2 or more sounds being broadcast at the same time" and was "totally improvised."

[Listener #111821]

Thanks for the great MP3s of TD. I've suffered many years of snobish distain from hipster music friends for my dedication to early TD. You forgot to mention Rubicon ('75), possibly my fave, very dark in tone.... Thanks again to WFMU for keeping ears alive. Everyone pledge during the marathon!!!

[Roger]

For some reason I remember Pat Duncan playing a good deal of TD back in the early 80's. Unless Synthetic Pleasure was the show before his? This was back when Pat was on at 6PM. To get off subject I still remember the first time Pat played Cookie Puss and his comment was along the lines of "is this a joke?"

[Krys O.]

Pat's theme is and has always been Tangerine Dream's Stratosfear 95 from Valentine Wheels.

http://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/18090

[Roger]

That's what I remember. I haven't listed to Pat's show in long time since he has been on later at night when I don't usually have the opportunity to tune in.

[Krys O.]

Roger, you can always check out the archives of Pat's show. N-Joy!

[TJK]

A band I realy liked was Pomegranate Planet.
I thought they were very under rated.
They were featured on the sound track to an infomercial that was selling a garage door opener once back in the early 80's.
They only went on one tour .The lead singer Doug Sandanstavitator was afaid to fly in an airplane and so they decided to sail across the Atlantic to go Europe.
Sadly all three members of P.P. died of scurvey and were found eaten by sea lions off the coast of Greenland in 1986.
I really liked their song "Friend to the plant eaters"
where they expressed their love for fruit and non-carnivorousness.
On the second Pomegranate Planet album "Burst of Red sky" They explored alot with objects that make no sound at all such as wet yarn, goldfish and thyme on their song "Clouds on a Clear Day"
They sang " Juicey Juicey , Cousin Lucy, Up in a Tree swinging on her swing , breezey breezey wings , flying by".
P.P. has been largely ignored by WFMU and vertualy all other radio stations in this country.That's probably because the were only together for two weeks, actualy 12 and 1/2 days, that's when the ice berg hit, or rather they hit the ice berg.
They will always have a place in my heart.

[Redcon]

1. Baumann/Koek is nothing whatsoever to do with Peter Baumann.

2. There are no mellotrons on the first three TD albums.

3. Much of Green Desert as released 1986 was recorded in 1985.

Still, good blog, and it's always good to hear from a fan of the early stuff ;0)

[James Russell]

"Ultima Thule" part one actually did get reissued as a bonus track on a CD reissue of Alpha Centauri. I don't know if part two's ever been reissued, though (nor indeed why they didn't include it on that CD with part one).

[Tropylium]

FYI: there's a major fan project going on which has made basically all commercial TD bootlegs depreciated. Over 150 concerts served so far!
http://www.blackaxis.co.uk/tdtree/

Don't be overwhelmed - we'll be glad to give hints and pointers at the Yahoo group.

[WmMBerger]

That's it, I'm turning this post around and taking all you kids home. How dare I make any statements about Tangerine Dream except for the fact that I love (some of) their music? Clearly you all have greater ownership of "the facts" than I do in this case; God bless you all and your tremendous amounts of free time.

I thought, in the back of my mind, that "Ultima Thule" may have appeared on a more recent CD reissue at one time or another. Still, the early albums have been reissued so many times, by so many different labels, that I stopped paying attention long ago.

If I'm confused about the Baumann/Koek LP (it appears you may be right, Redcon), at least I've got lots of company, about 99% of the internet.

No mellotrons were credited on a TD album until Atem, so technically right again, Redcon. This is not to say that some other keyboard-driven tape instruments, producing mellotron-like sounds, were not used in these sessions. This is also assuming that equipment lists for Alpha Centauri and Zeit were absolutely comprehensive, leaving nothing out whatsoever; I knew there were no mellotrons on Electronic Meditation—flog me for not using specifically qualifying language.

I own Green Desert, and have read the liner notes. Yes, a lot of it was remixed, refurbished prior its release in 1986. Still, work on the recordings began in 1973, so my statement "(1986, rec. 1973)," though again not specific and qualified to the letter is still technically correct.

Since all these TD bootlegs have been depreciated, maybe I'll just take the whole post down. What was I thinking? Can't hardly wait for my "hints and pointers" from the Yahoo group!

I am, in general, something more than a mere enthusiast, something less than a fact-obsessed expert (I simply don't have time.) Please forgive me these horrible transgressions. I love/hate the blogosphere!

Sorry for everything I've said above, no dramatic discourse is encouraged or desired.
The flu has made me quite irritable.

Regards, -Wm.

[Anna B Nanna]

Back in the 70s I was devoted to Pomegranate Planet! I remember opening up the gatefold on their album at a garage sale and inhaling a cloud of pot dust left by the previous owner.

I had their poster up on my bedroom wall near the door...the fuel for many masturbatory fantasies.

Was Kniffer's body ever found?

WWW.Pomegranateplanetforever.ORG

[Richard Ginsburg]

Richard moved to Florida in 1998 and retired Richard forever. I am now Ricky and I still smoke some very strong weed. Thanks for remembering. Since I am somewhat of a packrat I have never weeded a single album out of my collection and still have all the Tangerine Dream as well as all of the other artists you folks mention. It's good to know that memories are strong and hopefully will last forever. My thanks to all of you for keeping mine alive.

[snoopy]

So, Richard, uhh, Ricky, you are alive and well. That's good to know.
So the question is, what if anything do you plan to do with your collection? Can you digitize it and make it available on the web?

Wait, I know, that's like asking if you can give us world peace or clean up the environment (can you do that too?). Without a doubt, it would be a herculean task, not to mention potential copyright issues.

But I don't think you realize how valuable it is to some, at least to me. Some or most of it may never see the light of day again. Some of it may have been amateurish, or a bit antiquated, but I remember a lot of it being quite good. One suggestion I can think of is donating it to archive.org or something. I particularly remember live-in-studio sessions with Don Slepian. He was fantastic! That's just one example.
Do you have any thoughts?
Thank you very much.

[Kenzo (lastever.org / kenzodb.com)]

Speaking of Tangerine Dream's contribution to Risky Business, here's Tangerine Dream, Hal Hartley, and Steve Reich, all remixed together live:
MP3's: Ken's Last Ever Radio Extravaganza - Can I Help Someone? (Marimbas, regret and love on a real train.)

[Darius Fly]

Hows about Michael Hoenig's (ex Agitation Free) "Departure from the Northern Wasteland". It's Never been Solely the Province of Stoner Geeks and will blow your mind with Mega Tangerine-D moodiness. Astounding Berlin School freakout! It's been re-released on disc through Kuckuck with (I think) the back of the original LP on the cover of the cd instead (where's the hot air ballons?).

[WmMBerger]

Darius, great thought; that's a wonderful album, along similar lines to TD. I also really like the Hoenig/Manuel Göttsching Early Water disc from 1976 (available on Spalax CD.)

While I'm at it, Eberhard Schoener's Meditation (1973) is great too.