VALENTINE WHEELS, LIVE IN LONDON

Recorded live in London in 1997, "Valentine wheels" has the feel of being just another Tangerine Dream album. There's nothing of particular value or note here, just a collection of live versions of 10 familiar and less familiar works.

The now established father and son duo are certainly captured excellently in terms of the sound quality (the suspicious among us might say a little too well), and the renditions are spirited and often captivating. The tracks tend to segue from one to the next giving the impression of one continuous suite, with familiar pieces such as "Warsaw in the sun" sitting well next to "Stratosfear '95".

While Zlatko Perica is credited with playing guitars on the album, his contribution is somewhat limited, being only really apparent on the closing "Beach theme". Much of the rest of the music is pretty one dimensional from a sound point of view, with the ubiquitous dueting synthesiser rarely varying their tones.

"Valentine wheels" is one of those albums which is in the main enjoyable, but which is notably unexciting. If you've heard half a dozen Tangerine Dream albums, especially those of the soundtrack variety, then there's nothing here you won't have heard before.

One unusual aspect for a Tangs live album is the way the audience reaction to familiar pieces has been captured during the performances. To hear the audience at any time other than between pieces is most unusual.

The audience is quite receptive I should say (bearing in mind the type of music played). It is only a pity that some excellent tracks are too much shortened to my taste ("Poland"). Still, these eight minutes are rather convincing: upbeat for six of them and heavenly melodic during the closing two. A highlight for sure.

The same sort of structure (and characteristics) applies to "Silver Scale" which also can be considered as one of the best parts from this live offering. Now, I won't say that I am enchanted by the "remix" of the excellent original "Stratosfear". This version is quite accelerated to be honest, and I can't explain why the band decided to make it such a rocking song from it.

The old TD fan must of course have grown with the years to appreciate this set, but the move is quite easy. The whole being enjoyable enough to justify the three stars rating. A good album by all means.