SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 70 Min.
Released in 1996 by Arista Records, this European techno-dance album consists of eleven tracks by late Swiss-Italian musician-composer-producer-disk jockey Roberto Concina (aka Robert Miles). In the album booklet, the credits are included. Miles also poetically encloses a dedication and some thank-you notes. Vocals on Tracks # 2 (Fable – Message Version) and # 3 (Fantasya) are by Fiorella Quinn. Vocals on Track # 6 (One and One) are by Maria Nayler.
The tracks and running times are:
1: Children (Dream Version) 7:05
2: Fable (Message Version) 6:23
3: Fantasya 5:44
4: Landscape 6:02
5: In My Dreams 6:15
6: One and One 3:59
7: Princess of Light 6:21
8: Fable (Dream Version) 7:13
9: In the Dawn 8:00
10: Children (Original Version) 6:20
11: Red Zone 6:57
REVIEW:
Proving it’s all in one’s own perception, Miles’ audience dedication refers to seeking “emotion, reflection, and peace in music.” Dreamland is more like the artistic equivalent of reverse psychology, as its pulsating, up-tempo beats are rarely meant to accompany meditative yoga. The album’s energetic sound becomes almost too consistent, as numerous songs cover similar electronica ground. Case in point: the radio cut of “Children,” isn’t included, but its expanded version (Track # 1) and another variant (Track # 10), in fact, are. “Fable” also comes with two versions (Tracks # 2 and 8). Extra techno doesn’t make them better songs (at worst, it’s padding), but, at a minimum, one gets some intriguing ear candy. In particular, Fiorella Quinn’s vocal contributions to Tracks # 2-3 impressively enhance Miles’ electronica magic.
Specifically, including the opening sound effects on various tracks, Dreamland’s audio quality is stellar. Despite its surreal repetitiveness, this album’s exhilarating ambiance still delivers a surplus of electronica magic. Capably supported by some feminine vocals, Dreamland makes an ideal choice as a workout playlist all by itself.
Note: As heard on American radio, in 1996, the four-minute version of “Children” is included on the out-of-print Ultimate Dance Party 1997, Volume 1.
PACKAGING:
Its contents and running times accurately appear in triplicate: on the CD’s back cover; the album booklet’s back cover; and on the CD itself.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
