CYCLONE

There are two different types of Tangerine Dream fans. Those who despise this album and those who believe it is a masterpiece. I happen to fall very close to the latter of these two. This album is very underrated, but I do see where those who hate it are coming from. Certain tracks fall short, holding down the rest of the album from critical acclaim. Lets get to it, shall we?

The album begins with "Cold Bent Sidewalk", a 13 minute epic that introduced vocals into Tangerine Dream's sound. This track was actually my introduction into the band, so I might be biased here, but I think it's genius. Many people criticize the vocals for being uninspired and bland. I honestly don't understand where this is coming from. I always thought the track had riveting, inspired, beautiful vocals that blend with the song perfectly. The vocals on this track and the next are one of the main reasons this album divides TD fans so much. Although the vocals are endlessly criticized, there is no denying how epic and beautiful the instrumental part of this track is. Synthesizer and moog arpeggios intertwine with some almost Jethro Tull-like flute. Its simple, its genius, and most importantly, its Tangerine Dream.

The next track is "Rising Runner Missed by Endless Sender". This is the track that for me, holds this album back from 5 stars. The vocals are grating and repetitive, and so is the music. The keyboard arpeggios are back, but this time all they do is repeat, with a change in pitch every minute or so. Thank God this track is short, or I might have had to give this album a lower rating.

The final track is "Madrigal Meridian", a 20 minute epic closer. No more vocals. Happy? This track is your classic Tangerine Dream epic. Epic tracks like these, at least for me, are generally hard to dissect, so I wont even try. Let me just say that if you are a fan of the older TD sound found on Rubycon and most of Phaedra, you will love this track. Had it been on a more respected TD album, this track would get the much needed respect and love it deserves.