LILY ON THE BEACH

This album was my first exposure to TANGERINE DREAM. As at the time I didn't know if it was representative of the band, I was rather dubitative during the listen. Same impression for the title and the cover. "Lily on the Beach" clearly follows the new-age orientation taken in the late 80's. However, the music is more rock-oriented and a little more lifely than their recent previous releases. This somehow prefigures the direction the band will take in the next decade. It also marks the first appearance of Edgar Froese's son, Jerome, in a TD album.

The dynamic opener "Too Hot For My Chinchilla" is undoubtly the best track of the record. It features an energic spacey synth with a cool distorted guitar. Assumed but effective new-age. Although less remarkable, "Alaskan Summer" is also enjoyable. "Desert Drive" is good fun. With its typical 80's synth and energic rythm accelerations, it reminds me of CHRIS HUELSBECK's "Turrican 2" soundtrack.

And... that's it. The rest of the album presents navigates between flat and mediocre. The many electronic clichés of this period are present, but unfortunately without the necessary inspiration. One last interesting fact: the saxophone makes its first incursion in TD's music with "Long Island Sunset", an average soft closing track.

Not the best TANGERINE DREAM album of the Haslinger-era, not the worst either, "Lily on the beach" contains rare fun lovable moments. Not recommended for the 70's purists. However, if you enjoy old TV shows or Atari/Amiga video games soundtracks, you can give it a try if you want.