This album is probably more intense overall than its predecessor, "Optical Race", but with a slightly lighter mood and more variety toward the end. Paul Haslinger and Edgar Froese continue to show off their wizardry here on electronic keyboards, guitars and drums, and again the emphasis is on progressive, driving compositions that are never boring because they don't just stick to one pattern or texture, but morph and grow with each phrase. This music is undeniably cool and a great motivator for workouts or physical tasks. Standout numbers on "Lily on the Beach" include "Desert Drive", "Crystal Curfew", "Valley of the Kings" and the opening track, "Too Hot for My Chinchilla". The closing track, "Long Island Sunset", is nice too, with varying tempos and intensities, and accoustic saxophone and flute provided by guest artist Hubert Waldner. If you like "Lily on the Beach", you're sure to like two other Tangerine Dream releases too--"Optical Race" and "Melrose".
