The Sanctuary Records compilation "An Introduction to Tangerine Dream" is yet another CD in a long list of compilation albums of the band. Once again, Tangerine Dream's early years (aka 'The Pink Years') and the post-Virgin Records period in the mid-80s ('The Blue Years') are the basis of this compilation.
While the music itself is timeless and innovative, there is nothing new here. In fact, all of the tracks included on this CD have appeared on the dozens of other compilations which cover these same periods.
"An Introduction to Tangerine Dream" serves only as a collectors item for those who must have everything that bears the bands name. To hear this music in its proper context, check out Tangerine Dream's first five albums: Electronic Meditation, Alpha Centauri, Zeit, Atem and Green Desert - as well as 1984's live opus "Poland", 1985's "Le Parc" and the 1986 classic "Underwater Sunlight". "An Introduction.." provides one track each from these albums but doesn't do the music from the full discs justice. On the bright side, this CD is a good travel disc for the car and it does contain some great music. There is also a complete discography in the CD booklet listing every TD release from 1970 to now. The downside is the fact that this music has received the compilation treatment before more than once.
Caveat Emptor!!