Tangerine Dream's Phaedra: A Turning Point in Electronic Music

Tangerine Dream's album Phaedra is a landmark release that marked a significant turning point not only for the band but also for electronic music as a whole. Released in 1974, Phaedra saw Tangerine Dream shift away from their darker, more experimental soundscapes and towards a more melodic and accessible style. This change was spearheaded by Edgar Froese's beautiful and uplifting mellotron melody that opens the album.

The synth pulses that dominated earlier releases like Zeit and Atem are still present, but they take on a new role as background texture, allowing the band's legendary sequencers to take center stage. The result is an album that is both nostalgic and revolutionary, with its influence still felt in genres such as ambient, trance, and techno.

One of the most striking aspects of Phaedra is its use of synthesizers. Edgar Froese and his bandmate Irische Franke are credited for their work on the instruments, which were used to create a range of sounds from pulsing textures to soaring melodies. The album's synthesizer-heavy sound has been praised by fans and critics alike, with many considering it one of the best examples of electronic music in the 1970s.

The album's release history is also notable, with Mediamotion issuing a pressing using an older EMI Swindon glass master. This particular edition features a different indexing between tracks 1 and 2, which has led to some confusion among fans. The booklet and CD artwork are correct, but the rear artwork contains a typographical error that lists track 2 as 'Stand' instead of its correct title 'Strand'.

Despite these minor issues, Phaedra remains an essential listen for fans of electronic music. Recorded in December 1973 at the Manor/Shipton-On-Cherwell, the album was remastered in high definition digital sound in 1994. This has allowed listeners to appreciate the band's innovative use of synthesizers and sequencing techniques.

In conclusion, Tangerine Dream's Phaedra is a landmark album that marked a significant turning point for electronic music. Its influence can still be felt today, with its use of synthesizers and sequencers paving the way for future generations of electronic musicians. For fans of the genre, Phaedra remains an essential listen that showcases the band's innovative approach to electronic music.

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