Tangerine Dream’s ‘Phaedra’ Box Set Due

Tangerine Dream’s ‘Phaedra’ at 50: A Groundbreaking Electronic Milestone Returns

Tangerine Dream’s iconic album ‘Phaedra’ is marking its 50th anniversary with a  Deluxe 6-disc box set.

Release Date: 18th April

Contents:

Remastered Original Album – Hear ‘Phaedra’ as never before, lovingly remastered to bring out every swirling tone and sequence.

Two Discs of Out-takes – Dive deep into the band’s creative process with previously unheard snippets, alternate takes, and studio discoveries from those groundbreaking 1973 Manor studios sessions.

Historic Live Concert (June 1974) – The complete performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London, Tangerine Dream’s very first UK show.

Blu-ray with Steven Wilson 5.1 Mix – The revered prog maestro has lent his surround-sound expertise, creating an immersive, three-dimensional version of ‘Phaedra’ that puts you in the center of its cosmic waves.
Illustrated Book – Features a fresh essay by Tangerine Dream authority Wouter Bessels, alongside rare photos and memorabilia.

Originally released by Virgin Records in February 1974, ‘Phaedra’ climbed the UK charts for an impressive 15 weeks, achieving this largely through word-of-mouth buzz rather than traditional radio play. It was, crucially, the first Tangerine Dream album to incorporate a sequencer, which went on to shape the group’s signature hypnotic style. This pioneering move in music technology wasn’t just a Tangerine Dream hallmark—it helped define electronic music and ‘Kosmische Musik’ (a term coined by founding member Edgar Froese) for generations to come.

Phaedra’ is an album that changed the landscape. Its layered, droning melodies and subtle rhythmic cycles introduced the world to an entirely new sonic realm. Even if you came to Tangerine Dream through later albums or their legendary film soundtracks, this 50th anniversary set is the perfect way to dive into their primordial beginnings—or perhaps rediscover them with fresh ears.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine