Recommended Listening

Christopher Franke Solo Albums

www.chrisfranke.com

Obviously, if you’re looking for music similar to what we love on Babylon 5, try out some of Franke’s solo albums. Klemania is my most recommended listen. Its sound is extremely similar to the music of Babylon 5. In fact, a small portion of Klemania was used in the season one episode “Chrysalis”. His other albums are also very well done, although they are more New Age in style.

Recommended albums: Klemania, Pacific Coast Highway

Tangerine Dream

www.tangerinedream.org

Tangerine Dream is the next sensible choice to make if you are trying out similar music to Franke’s. He was a member of Tangerine Dream for sixteen years and some considered him the “heart” of the group. His signature rhythms and electronic soundscapes were responsible for that unique sound that made Tangerine Dream famous. Very highly recommended.

Recommended albums: Hyperborea, Stratosfear, Exit

Klaus Schulze

www.klaus-schulze.com

One of the best electronic artists alive today, Schulze has deep roots in Krautrock and electronic music and was a drummer for Tangerine Dream in 1970. His music ranges from ambient soundscapes to rhythmic trance. He has released over 40 solo albums and many other compilations and collaborations. My highest recommendation if you are looking for music from the same roots as Christopher Franke.

Recommended albums: Are You Sequenced?, Moonlake

Ash Ra Tempel / Ashra

www.ashra.com

Another great German electronic group. Co-founded by Klaus Schulze as Ash Ra Tempel in 1970 (eventually shortening the name to Ashra in 1977), this group has a great sound.

Recommended albums: Friendship, @shra: Volume 2

William Orbit

www.williamorbit.com

My first non-German recommendation. William Orbit has been around since the early Eighties, but is finally getting notariety today after producing Madonna's "Ray of Light" album and remixing songs by artists like U2, Pink, and Blur. His sound is ambient with a little trance mixed in. His latest album, Hello Waveforms, is an amazing work.