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Notice that I’m saying “supposedly” a lot. They also supposedly sound better than traditional CDs. These discs can hold more information and playback surround sound audio. SHM-SACD are Super Audio CDs, an entirely different audio format that is not compatible with standard CD players.This also supposedly boosts audio quality. Platinum SHM-CDs are the same, but instead of using a standard aluminium coating they use platinum.
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Check the faraway harmonica sounds and assortment of synth-bubbles on "3 AM at the Border of the Marsh From Okefenokee" or the somber chords and choral presence of "The Big Sleep in Search of Hades." The title track opener is the highlight though, beginning with a statuesque synthesizer progression before unveiling an increasingly hypnotic line of trance. Stratosfear is also the beginning of a more evocative approach for Tangerine Dream. The organic instruments take more of a textural role, embellishing the effects instead of working their own melodic conventions. The album accomplishes its mission with the addition of guitar (six- and 12-string), grand piano, harpsichord, and mouth organ to the usual battery of moogs, Mellotrons, and e-pianos. Stratosfear, the last Tangerine Dream album by the great Baumann/Franke/Froese threesome, shows the group's desire to advance past their stellar recent material and stake out a new musical direction while others were still attempting to come to grips with Phaedra and Rubycon.
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Purchase and download this album in a wide variety of formats depending on your needs.
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