As mentioned recently, I've been really enjoying mid 1970s to early 80s fusion of late. Perhaps even more acute is my interest in late 70s and 80's progressive electronic. Blame Tangerine Dream. For whatever reason, I just can't seem to get enough of their later sound, even though I still prefer their 70s output. Now comes Gandalf, an individual I was first introduced to by Eurock in the late 80s. I always fell for his incredible hype (oh yes, ol Arch was the king of hype - the real definition of the word, not the lazy modern reviewer take), and felt taken as I so often did back then. The album in question was Magic Theatre (1983), which I'm sure I'd probably really enjoy now lol. But his definition of the album wasn't what Gandalf is - more like what I would have expected from a Klaus Schulze or mid 70s TD album. Yea, right.
Which gets us to the first album by Heinz Strobl (yea, Gandalf...). Generally cast as a "new age" album, this really is nothing of the sort. Journey to an Imaginary Land is very much in tune with the European progressive electronic sound of the day, especially what you might hear in France. I'm a sucker for acoustic and electric guitars within the context of a synthesizer heavy album, and there's much to savor here. There are no drums, but plenty of percussion, another hallmark of a thought out electronic album. There's a little bit o' twee here and there, but mostly this is a strong work in the genre, and most certainly would appeal to vintage Mike Oldfield fans along with the aforementioned French scene. Oh cool, I also picked up the second album Visions. More to come on that soon enough.
Ownership: LP: 1980 WEA (Germany). Single sleeve. Was part of the Baltimore haul from December. This one came at a thrift shop price, so no way I leave it behind, regardless of my previously held opinion. Had it been $10, I would have moved on. So kudos to the record store! Albums like this are cheap if sitting at home mail-ordering, but no way you'd ever actually find it in the wilds.
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