Planet B.E.N. – Trippy Future Garden

I have a hard time believing this was made in 1991-1994, that sounds way too early. Maybe it really was ahead of its time, who knows.

Right, let’s make the first ‘not really positive’ review about this so much loved classic. IMO this is one of the most over-praised albums ever. Ant Invasion aside, which is of course a great, original and unique track but otherwise conveniently available in full on the great Made On Earth compilation nothing much remains to scream about. I enjoy the opening track because it’s a bit different from the others and reminds very much of early 90’s German Techno Trance but still with Planet BEN’s signature. It was supposedly done in ’91, so no wonder.

Production overall is very, very poor, I mean seriously what’s up with track 4, Scotty’s Name?! It looks like it has been washed out or defaced. It’s also very similar to track 2, Screwdriver. The latter sounds better both musically and production wise though. In all fairness production has gone much better from '97 if you compare this to the singles he released from that year onwards. I don't know if the problem with Trippy Future Garden was the innate production or the final mastering, or both, but in my lack of knowledge I'd say it's more the former.

As for the so much famed end track, yes it’s nice and unique and probably quite a chunk of the recognition this album gets is because of it. However I’m still of the opinion it’s nothing remarkable, except for the duration. While we’re talking about duration if you want to listen something of this length which is REALLY good try Paradise Connection’s Source of Emotion.

Well, I'm probably yet another review down the line to say it, but "Trippy Future Garden" redifend the meaning of -trippy- in my ears. The whole album features a highly unique sound, unlike any I've heard before or since. Having been released in 1996, with all tracks dating from '91-'94, it is clear Ben Wierzoch was on some other s**t. The album doesn't really rely on the typical goa formula many followed during that time, but stays crucified between many styles, genres and moods.
Taking into consideration the age of these tracks, "Trippy Future Garden" is extremely detailed, with tiny bits and pieces getting woven into the music, and psychedelic, rather than explosive and epic, melodies steadily float throughout the album and create a unique journeyesque experience.
It is true that Screwdriver and Scotty's Name sound kind of similar, but that should not stop you from enjoying the album, as both numbers will have you completely mesmerized after two minutes.
The whole album gets my highest recommendations, and pointing favorites is nearly impossible, but the last two tracks, Ant Invasion and Trippy Future Garden are simply in a league of their own.
An essential classic for sure, pity is that I cannot come up with one single similar example...

This sure is one of those that just can't be described - you just have to experience it! My top favourite is Ant Invasion, which sounds like nothing else I've ever heard - it just goes on and on and on after a really weird intro. Trippy Future Garden is the other favourite, whose climax at the end really is something! However, the shorter version of it, featured on some compilations and called "Trippy Future Garden part 2", even better summarises the best parts of it and is, in my opinion, even more trippy and energetic - thus making it one of my top 5 tracks ever!

Probably one of the best releases from the so called goa era. Welcome To The Future and Ant Invasion are pure perfection, extremely psychedelic! The last track is a loooong trippy space journey with an incredible final climax: Dreamy melodies floating on and off before the final explosion hits you, I can't even describe this in words. You simply have to listen to it!

Ahh... Another one of those timeless classics that I'm sure we all hold dear... This was released back in 1996 on now defunct German label Polytox.

It's the only release from Polytox I have, so I have no idea wheter this is their standard quality level... What I can say however, is that this is a MAGICAL album and it never ceases to amaze me...

It took me a couple of years to track down a copy, but it was worth the wait, as this is packed with pure psychedelic jewels.

My fav'e are the wonderful opener Welcome To The Future and the huuuuuge classic Ant Invasion... But the rest is wonderful too... Too bad Planet BEN tossed the 'dots' and turned minimal... What he's doing now is not even close to being half as good as this... But then again, perhaps it's just me being a grumpy old nostalgic trancer... 9/10