MIRAGE

Klaus Schulze released no less than 3 albums in 1977, Body Love Vol. 1, Mirage, and Body Love Vol. 2. Since the other two were soundtracks, Mirage was the only non-album soundtrack album he did that year. This one emphasizes the more calm and sedate side of him, with rather low key use of sequencers when they are utilized. It would be very difficult to deny this album has a huge impact on an obscure French musician named Serge Lefosse, who recorded as Serge Ramses, and released an album in 1978 called Secret on RCA. That album has a similar feel and vibe but was quite a bit shorter. Anyways back to Mirage, "Velvet Voyage"is completely sequencer free, concentrating on synth soundscapes. It's not too terribly different from the more calm and sedate moments of the Body Love albums or even Timewind. "Crystal Lake" features low key use of sequencers but the middle part is free of sequencers. Whatever the case this is without a doubt a high point in the career of Schulze, and I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. This album is simple required in your collection.