Customer Reviews

Wavelength: Original Soundtrack

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In the winter of 1983, Tangerine Dream began experimenting with and testing the new direction in sound. The result was mixed, with high and low points, at least until spring of 1983, when Wavelength was recorded, being one of the most beautiful soundtracks ever composed. In this hectic period, Tangerine Dream issued a single, 'Moorland', half of which was later reissued in 2000 on the "Antique Dreams" compilation CD. The element of nostalgia crept into the so far totally synthesized music, which prevailed in 1982, on several of albums recorded at that time: "White Eagle", "Sohoman" and "Logos".

"Wavelength" is the last album of this hectic period, and to tell the truth, it's simply beautiful. Rarely in their career did they manage to compose such an atmospheric, moody album. With the 70s way past them, and after they switched to musical directions other than followed thus far. It's true that much of the contents of "Wavelength" consist of the refurbished material from several previous years. What distinguishes it from other albums with the same property - is the actual choice of what was being rehashed. Pearls of melodies were edited, re-recorded, mixed into new compositions, and actually, as hard it is to believe, sometimes they improve over the original. This said, I must do the album justice by saying that more than half of this short album is completely new.

The final result, a soundtrack for a science-fiction movie about little aliens - is exquisite. I dare say that this is the best soundtrack of Tangerine Dream, and you must know that the sheer number of films Tangerine Dream supplied its music for - exceeds a hundred, with several dozen actually appearing on CDs, either right after the music was recorded, or years later. "Wavelength" is very hard to obtain in America, slightly less so in Europe - which is a pity, for you can't do better for an introduction to what Tangerine Dream in the 80s was all about, than you can do with "Wavelength". Indeed, it's worth doing some market search - and spend some effort to purchase this excellent CD, whether you are a beginner, or a collector.

it is too bad that this cd is so hard to get. it ranks up there with force majore, phadra, and underwater sunlight. unfortunately, most t.d. fans will never get to hear this very original and innovative t.d. music. ted moret

1983 "Wavelength" is easily accessible in Europe. It is so wonderful, that any words will fall short of reality. The only flaw of this CD is that it is only 38 minutes long. I would better say, it is only 38 minutes short. Too short. Some pieces deserve a nobel prize in music. If such a thing existed, "Wavelength" should be one of the first to get it. What are you waiting for? Buy right away! TD is not such anymore...

In one of the best soundtracks released by TD, Edgar Froese goes into the corners of the studio to create remixes or use excerpts from material already produced in the studio or played in concert.

The 16 tracks clock in at 37:55, with Chris Franke and Johannes Schmoelling also designing colors on the soundscape canvas. Quichotte, Part One; Tangram, Set One; Remote Viewing and Silver Scale (performed on tour in 1981 and 1982) are the pieces that are tweaked to fit into this Sci-Fi thriller.

Sometimes the best means to the finish line is to put air in the tires and not place new ones on the hot-rod. Froese is successful getting to the winner's circle because the concept is strong.....from start to end.

I have always been into TD's soundtracks, and this one is no exception. I have not seen the movie yet, but I can asure you that this record is a true masterpiece of it's own. It's a very moody, dark, and atmospheric score through a world unknown!. Every track on this disc has it's own feel & mood and also makes it one of those TD soundtracks that doesn't have any so called "filler" tracks. It ranks right up there with Firestarter IMO, and that tells alot of what a good soundtrack should sound like.

My personal favourites on this disc are "Desert Drive", "Alien Voices", "Church Theme", "Sunset Drive" and "Wavelength Main Title". Those are the best but that doesn't mean the rest are bad, no infact the rest are just as good but I always have my favourites!

So my conclusion will be the following. Buy it if you collect 80's soundtracks by TD cause then you will find this one being on the the best there is right beside Firestarter.

If you don't collect TD scores but want a good score then have a few listenings before you buy it, but I promise you that this disc is full of magic!

Highly Recommended!

This is one of the better soundtrack TD recorded back in the early 80s, and the movie was just as good. However...this particular one, was never released on CD. This is a recording from vinyl that was recorded to CD. If you listen to it in random sections, you will hear the distinct clicking and popping sounds you will find when you listen to any album.

If you're desperate to have this on CD, then go ahead, but it's a bootleg with a lot of copies in circulation...and not an official CD pressing.
You won't be able to find a legitimate copy of this on CD, anywhere.

They deliver exactly what they advertise.Prompt delivery,quality merchandise and at a great price.Will use them again.