A keyboard section?? Great!
If you have a midi keyboard and are interested in a fantastic sound package, then check out Korg´s Legacy Digital Edition. Its a faithfully recreated emulation of both the classic M1 synthesizer and the Wavestation workstation. It works as a standalone software or as a VST/AU/RTAS plugin (basically that means that they integrate into your DAW software if you are using Cubase/Garageband/Logic). I made my latest backing track using this.
http://www.korg.com/product.aspx?pd=443
I can't say that I've given up on a flanger cause I've never liked the effect either. I also can't say the same about Tremolo. I hate them both equally. - Tone2TheBone 2009