Search - Tangerine Dream: 35th Phaedra Anniversary Concert on DVD

For the dedicated fan, a good look at their musical heritage

Purple Head | Australia | 10/09/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It took me a while to get into this DVD, until I realised that the guys were essentially showcasing various tracks from different parts of the TD heritage with a stage presence that matched. For example, whilst playing earlier TD such as Phaedra and Rubycon, the three keyboard players had their backs to the audience with a backdrop resembling the old stage setup from the '70s and the screens appearing as if they were the original sythezisers from that period. The lighting was subdued as well.
Later the more recent tracks of the '90s brought on a much brighter light show, and Iris the percussionist joined them. She is great and was thoroughly enjoying herself, giving new dimensions to the electronic percussion of old.
Eventually Linda Spa and Zlatco Perica joined the others for a very solid session through more recent music. These two musicians have great talent and a real presence and help create some fabulous atmosphere with the traditional TD electronic sounds.
Overall, some of the camera work was a bit disappointing, you weren't always sure what they were trying to show you. The recreation of the 60' and 70s swirly filming did not do much for me. Sound quality was good without being exceptional.
The song selection was good, with a look through many years. Some new interpretations sounded good, excellent musicianship and an appreciative audience. I really enjoyed the show."

Utter disappointment

miqsk8 | visa | 02/20/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"What a bunch of tripe. It is painfully obvious that so much of this "performance" is nothing more than miming. Anyone who is even remotely familiar with the original material can realize that the "historical" material is absolutely note for note. A recording. Milli Vanilli. I'm angry. I have spent so much money on albums and shows in the past, to be promised a "concert" when well over half of it is obviously a recording is an insult. Ashley fricking Simpson! Look at the tune where Edgar is playing guitar alone. Not even close. What a joke!"

Not their best but still GREAT!

Music fan | California United States | 11/15/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was shocked after reading some of the reviews for this DVD. 1 star? By no means is this their best DVD release, but it certainly does what it set out to do. I thought the way they played the beginning of the concert with their backs to the audience was a nice tribute to the early TD concerts. As far as the "miming" referenced in another review, I'm not sure how to address that. A good deal of TD music is 'programmed' and has been that way for decades. If anything, I find they are playing now for real more than ever. Especially with the addition of Linda Spa's saxophone and Iris Camaa's outstanding percussion. As far as playing Phaedra without Peter and Chris, are they never supposed to play that song again live? They at least played the re-recorded version. Some of the players on this DVD have been with the band since the early 90's (the entire 3-Phase lineup is here). This is hardly Edgar and a bunch of session musicians.

While the song selection on this DVD is not one I would choose, it is different than past tours and for that alone deserves points. At least they don't just play the same songs over and over - the advantages of not having hits I suppose. Also, just because they are not my favorites does not mean others won't like the song selection. There are many good tracks.

There are 2 things I don't like about this release.
1) Stop doing covers. This is not the first time they have done this and while they are good versions, they certainly have enough material of their own to choose from.
2) It is painfully obvious that Edgar does not want Jerome there and equally obvious that Jerome does not want to be there. It was painful watching Edgar introduce the band with such enthusiasm only to barely acknowledge his own son. This is made evident by the fact that Jerome left the group shortly after this concert."