TIMESQUARE - DREAM MIXES 2

3.5 stars

Least worthy of its name, this "Dream Mixes" release is nevertheless one of the most interesting of the series. Contrarily to the first double compilation, this second volume features only two 1997 remixes from TD's recent albums, "Turn of the Tides" and "Goblins Club". All the other tracks are new compositions, 4 by Jerome Froese, and only 1 by Edgar.

After ten years of mediocre studio material where the band was searching for renewal, "Dream Mixes 2 - Timesquare" arrives as the long awaited disc, the one that can bring hope to the fans. At last, Froese and son are finally taking confidence on the 90's by (progressively) giving up the new-age orientation taken since the end of the 80's and adapting their music to the big-beat / techno / jungle drums and sonorities, while making the TANGERINE DREAM style evolving. Everything is not perfect yet, but this almost-studio opus do come as a welcomed surprise.

"Mobocaster" is a rearranged version of "Twilight Brigade" from "Turn of the Tides". An average track, relaxing but cheesy at times, which is not very surprising considering the source album. The spacey ambient "Jungle Jacula" contains a middle-eastern-ish ambiance and female vocalizations. A pleasant composition that can remind early FUTURE SOUND OF LONDON works. "Towards the Evening Star (Blue Gravity Mix)" is of course a remix of "Towards The Evening Star", the best track from TD's last album back then, "Goblins Club". Its big-beat drums and additional variations render the title even more cosmic. Overall a pretty cool remix. Concerning "Digital Sister", its jungle and trance atmospheres make it rather enjoyable.

However, the best novelty here is undoubtedly "Pixel Pirates". A lively and dreamy voyage aboard a spaceship between the planets! Considering the release period, this title foreshadows TANGERINE DREAM's next studio album, the good "Mars Polaris", and - with some imagination and more upbeat drums - could have been featured on the PlayStation WipeOut soundtracks. The rest of the record is more a mixed bag. Longest track of the record, "Culpa Levis" is also the only new composition by Edgar Froese here. Using female vocalizations again, these 10 minutes aren't bad but not really remarkable either, whereas the title track alternates nice and soapy passages.

For sure, "Dream Mixes 2" still contains some boring moments, but much fewer than on the previous releases. The middle of the album is the main interest. At last, TD's ten years dry inspiration period (since 1987) is coming to an end, Froese and son begin to takes the right direction.

One of their best nineties' releases, and, if I can say so, studio album, with "Mars Polaris" of course. Recommended if you enjoy, or want to discover worthwhile post-classic TANGERINE DREAM.