Tangerine Dream’s “Phaedra” 50th Anniversary Box Set – Unboxing & Review
This comprehensive set not only serves as a stunning upgrade to the classic 1974 album but also reinforces just how influential Tangerine Dream’s music has been on electronic and ambient genres. “Phaedra” remains a cornerstone of modern electronic music.
A Look Inside the Box
5 CDs:
Original album mix
Outtakes and studio sessions (Volume 1)
Outtakes and studio sessions (Volume 2)
Live at Victoria Palace, London (June 16, 1974) – Part 1
Live at Victoria Palace, London (June 16, 1974) – Part 2
1 Blu-ray Disc:
Features Steven Wilson’s new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes of the album and outtakes.
Each CD is housed in its own mini gatefold sleeve with track listings on the back. The accompanying booklet features updated essays by Wouter Bessels, discussing the history of Tangerine Dream during this period, how they were signed to Virgin Records, the technical challenges of recording with analog synths, and the improvisational process behind these iconic tracks.
When “Phaedra” was first released in 1974, it essentially pioneered what became known as the “Berlin School” of electronic music. Using cutting-edge (and temperamental) modular synthesisers, Mellotrons, and sequencers, Tangerine Dream crafted lush, evolving soundscapes that broke away from traditional rock and pop structures.
The album opened the door for synthesiser-based music to enter the mainstream, paving the way for artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Klaus Schulze, Vangelis, and beyond. It also introduced ambient music to a broader audience, blending contemplative, cosmic soundscapes with cinematic flair.
It also highlighted the power of improvisation in electronic music; the band would record long-form pieces often in a single take, forging entire new sonic worlds on the fly.
Comparing to “In Search of Hades Box Set”
If you own the “In Search of Hades” box set (which covers Tangerine Dream’s Virgin-era recordings from 1973 to 1979), you already have most of the music included in this new box. However, “In Search of Hades” is out of print and often fetches high prices on the secondary market. So, if you never picked up that set, this new “Phaedra” 50th Anniversary edition is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the band’s prime era without breaking the bank.
Listening Experience & 5.1 Surround Mix
One of the highlights is the Steven Wilson 5.1 surround mix on Blu-ray. If you have a surround setup, dim the lights (or switch them off entirely) and let the music engulf you from every angle. It’s the kind of album meant to be experienced rather than simply heard—long, drifting passages weave in and out, and hearing them in surround truly enhances the cosmic, transportive nature of Tangerine Dream’s music.
The 50th Anniversary edition of Tangerine Dream’s “Phaedra” reaffirms why this album stands as a cornerstone in electronic and ambient music. Highly recommended
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
