Their debute album
https://monolover.blogspot.com/2018/02/hawkwind-lbs-83348-70-uk.html didn't reach my home town at first back then, but the rumours about the group did. We read and heard about a gang so fierce and cheeky they made Rolling Stones look like quire boys. There were stories about excessive drug abuse, lunatic recklessness and the lovely plump Stacia dancing butt naked on the stage during the concerts. As soon as this second LP showed up at the record shop I was ready. In those days I was into science fiction so the albums superstructure and log book, created by poet Robert Calvert, was right up my alley. At first I thought the music was almost too simple, but after a while gave in to the repetitive themes and hypnotic rythms. A mix between acid, kraut and hard-rock, later called "Space Rock". Not the first couple of songs with space themes, but the album defining the genre once and for all. Recordings started at George Martins Air Studios, but they were thrown out because of bad behaviour and moved to Olympic Studios with producer/engineer George Chkiantz to finish the set. I don't get any impression of an original plan, more of spread ideas and pieces put together as they went along. Lots of acid was dropped during the sessions and I guess the studio workers had a hard time keeping it together. Kudos to all involved - art directors, writers, studio crew and others participating in making this a classic issue. Although the SF story feels dated, the music is so special - simple yet on the spot - it can still catch and hypnotize the listener. Favorite track - "You Shouldn't Do That". Original vinyl issues and later CD releases in a number of countries. Early US on UA 1972 (UAS 5567). Very first UK had label as shown here, "zig-zag" opening to front cover and a log book insert. (ÄZC*) (HÖWK*)
>Recordings started at George Martins Air Studios, but they were thrown out because of bad behaviour and moved to Olympic Studios with producer/engineer George Chkiantz to finish the set.<
SvaraRaderaSupposedly the reason why they where thrown out is that the band broke into Martin's liquor cabinet and drank all of it. However, there have also been reports that the above was simply not true, and that the reason why they left AIR was because the sessions were a mess and that the band couldn't get it together.
Whatever, I have this but rarely play it. I prefer the first album, which I guess is a bit more conventional. The foldout sleeve of this is amazing though.
Maybe both stories are true :) I admit liking this as much for the legends as for the music. I dig the first album too, but my favs will always be this and "Doremi Fasol Latido".
SvaraRadera