The series of CD issues under the general title of "Tangerine Dream Classics Edition" rolls on with this release of TD-miscellany entitled "Antique Dreams". For once, no one can accuse TDI of being miserly - this disc contains very nearly 70 minutes-worth of material, nearly all of which has been previously unavailable officially (or at least, long out of print). The 12 generous tracks here have been culled from two main sources: the band's extensive work for German TV during the '80s; and previously unreleased concert extracts between 1981 and 1990. In addition, there is a previously unheard studio number by Edgar Froese from 1985 and two important items from the early '70s.

These last two open the disc and may even be enough to make the whole thing worth having for some fans! Both are legendary works: `Ultima Thule' was cut as a single, way back in 1971 and has been out of print for many years. It reveals just how close Tangerine Dream's formative roots are to early Pink Floyd, with strong suggestions of `Interstellar Overdrive' and other such classics. The Overture that Tangerine Dream produced for the 1974 Chichester Festival production of Sophocles' great tragedy, "Oedipus Tyrannus", is similarly suggestive of some of the more experimental Pink Floyd works, but it also carries some quite distinctive TD hallmarks. Although plagued by some quite severe hiss from the analogue tape (and analogue synths) in some parts, it is wonderful to have this great brooding masterpiece finally available for public delectation!

Of the familiar material, `Sorcerer and Thief' is a 6-minute segue of music from the two films of its title, performed by the band in concert at the San Francisco Mill Valley Film Festival, 1981 - mostly of the two title themes played fairly straight. `Phaedra of Nottingham', on the other hand, is a 5-minute reworking (by Edgar and Jerome) of the original "Phaedra" for their 1990 UK tour. It is pleasant enough, I suppose, but it does the original no favours at all and it has also been hacked rather ungraciously from its concert setting. And just as they're sliding rather nicely into the second section of "Live Miles - Albuquerque", too...

Although ostensibly previously unreleased, long-term fans of the band will probably recognise much of `Cool Breeze of Brighton'. This is a 10-minute chunk from the band's 1986 UK tour, made up of ideas from several other albums. It acts as a wonderful reminder of just how good TD's live performances used to be! It is just a shame that this too has been separated rather untidily from whatever followed, with the track coming to an abrupt halt, mid-melody.

Most of the rest of the disc will be new even to the most avid collector of Tangerine Dream's work (both official and bootleg). It is a goodly mix of (obscure) German TV work and concert extracts, with the odd studio item thrown in for good measure. The bulk of the material covers the whole span of the 1980s and while there is nothing particularly stunning here, most fans of the band will be pleased enough to have it. It is also presented in a nice order, providing a good variety in the programming so that it can be listened to at a single sitting without boredom ever setting in or the need to reprogramme tracks.

In fact, for once of late, Tangerine Dream have produced a disc that really stands up to repeated playing; serious collectors need not hesitate in snapping this one up. Newcomers would probably do better buying one of the band's more main-stream releases from this period first, though, like "Logos", "Poland", "White Eagle" or "Pergamon", although I wouldn't actually caution anyone away from this disc!

This one is a definate "MUST-HAVE" for the true TD fan! It has some stuff never before released in album form but does have some of the music that was boot-legged (by a friend of mine) from the seattle concert. (not the 220 tour but the one before it) when Paul Haslinger was with them. Very upbeat and will bring back fond memories of earlier 90's TD...This is one of the most refreshing new releases I've heard in a VERY long time..Get this one! you will be glad you did!

WOW!!! My first lunge into the psychadelic world of Tangerine Dream.. Antique Dreams has proved to be a mindblowing CD! As I said, this was the first TD I'd ever heard, and what a way to start! This music is truly a landmark release.. everything from the early beginnings of the psychadelic rock of "Ultima Thule Pt.1" to the surreal "Flock of Bluebirds" and the rubbery, driving "Speed Dragon." Some songs are basically soundtracks, like "Southend Mall," which is a very nice mellow piece that sounds like the music to some fuzzy 80's action flick, while the intense, blistering drive of "Cool Breeze of Brighton" will resonate in your mind for days with its fast pace, relentless synths and screaming guitar solos. This album is addictive, you will NOT be able to get it out of your player! It is both a nice mix of early and late TD as well as an all around coherent, fantastic, and unmatched album. Highly recommended for any lover of 80's synth music, atmosheric soundtracks, techno/trance, ambient, or just outstanding and groundbreaking music that will give your ears some refreshing entertainment, A++++++!

"Antique Dreams" is an assortment of "rare" tracks, outtakes and live tracks and, like many such collections, is worth digging through. The tracks date from 1971 to 1990, with the bulk of them from the 1981-1986 era. The best tracks are, perhaps not surprisingly, the longer tracks. "Calymba Cali" (1981; 8+ min) is the very best track, with a strong synth bass sound prevalent, a track that would fit in very nicely on the "Thief" soundtrack album. "Cool Breeze of Brighton" (1986; live; 10+ min) has more an upbeat tempo and features a long Froese guitar solo. "Edinburgh's Castle" (1982, live, 8+ min) is a more gentle track that takes its time to develop. "Sorcerer and Thief" (1981, live, 6+ min) does excatly what the title suggest: 2 segments of the main themes of the respective movies, bridged nicely into one. "Oedipus Tyrannus Overture" (1974; 4+ min) is a preview of the sound to come in "Rubycon" and another great track. "Southend Mall" (1985, 4+ min) is an outake from the "Le Parc" sessions and has the same feel to it. I found tracks 4,5 and 7 (all soundtracks to German TV shows) not particularly interesting. The strangest track of all is "Ultima Thule Part 1" (1971) which according to the liner notes was a TD single; it features louds guitars and drums and doesn't sound like TD at all (if anything, it made me think of the Dutch band "Earth & Fire" on their single "Wild and Exciting" from the same era, minus the female vocals of course.) Overall, there are enough golden nuggets in this bag that make this CD another welcome addition in the TD "Classics Collection" series. I'm looking forward to more!

Here is Tangerine Dreams hidden treasures vol.1,(there must be plenty more in mr.Froese`s vault). Ultima Thule is TD`S first and loooong out of print single,and their rarest and most sought after masterpiece. Here you can get it on(an original) cd for the very first time! Some tracks are from the german tv-series "tatort" which Tangerine Dream scored some episodes from."moorland" is one of these,and what a beautiful track it is!! Some tracks are from various concerts in United Kingdom mainly,"edinburg castle","southend mall","phaedra of nottigham" and "cool breeze of brighton"(incl.a tremendous guitar solo from edgar froese). The first track is from -71 and you really should be an early td-fan to like this track. 70-74 was a period of experimentations and crazy sounds,wich was most appreciated in "the new berlin" at that time. The hidden treasure cd is ending with a Stunning version of "the house of the rising sun",which was only released on flexi disc through a magazine years ago. So this is something of a cd for a true td-collector!!