1.What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

Quite engaging as it appeared that the band knew what they wanted to achieve on their very first album. You can actually hear a lot of the band's better known influences in the first five minutes of the album but what is great about the album, is that the band very much had their own style, it would've been a shame if they hadn't because this band from the word go have an obvious talent.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Just focusing on the opening track, it quickly displayed the musical virtuosity of the band and distinctly ticked all the right boxes when it came to 'classic era' prog of the early 1973.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

A real mixed bag throughout on here you can hear elements of Yes, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and Gentle Giant. On the heavier side of things Led Zeppelin and especially the keyboard influence of Deep Purple and Uriah Heep.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Had a typical strong dominant voice that was often associated with either Italian or Spanish vocalist from the 1970s and 1980s and he added some diversity at certain moments as well. His vocals were pushed high in the album mix and so you either loved or hated them as there was no escaping them, luckily I really liked him

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

As Trollheart has said, Pietro Pellegrini on keys/synths was the stand-out musician here and his work on the keys quite exceptional, but it should be noted that Andrea Guizetti is also credited with the keys/synths as well, so not sure which was more dominant here.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

I listened to it just once, I guess on another listen it would get even more involving as there was a lot to take in here.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

Understood about 30% of the lyrical content and seemed to be based around feelings of nostalgia and choosing the right path in life, might be wrong here as I had a bit of a hangover:finger:

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

As I've been going on about how good they are, I've already answered this question.

9. What did you think of the production?

A very good production which has real clarity and doesn't take away the passion of the band in any way.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Never heard of them, my knowledge of Italian music of this era has largely been limited to just a couple of hard rock bands and to be fair they were good listens as well.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Progressive rock without any shadow of a doubt. They incorporated the elements of hard rock very well into their sound.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

N/A.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

So many good tracks but "Domo l'Urugano" was superb and its hard rocking were right out of the Led Zeppelin music book, in fact Led Zeppelin would've proud to have called it their own. The instrumental "Croma" was great as well.

14. And the one you liked least?

They were all accomplished tracks.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (Note: if the album is or was NOT a debut, ignore this question or put "n/a")

Didn't sound exactly like a debut to me, mainly because a lot of prog rock debuts from bands of this era were often disjointed efforts, whilst the bands were trying to find their true sound in a complex genre. This though, was accomplished and could've passed for a second, third or fourth album whilst the band were still fresh with ideas.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

Sadly they split up after this album and the next release I saw was so much more recent, and I guess the continuity would be long gone.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

See question 7.

18. Did the album end well?

"Ombra Muta" is an accomplished track that musically shifts textures around the place and mixes crunching moments in with some nice sounding reflective sounding stuff.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

I thought the lack of guitar presence (but there were still some great guitar moments) actually a feather in the cap for the band, I think the lack of guitar put a greater emphasis on the other instruments which often took the place of guitars to achieve the sound the band wanted, kind of reminded me of what Tom Scholz did with Boston on Third Stage.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

Solid all the way through.

Overall Album Rating: 8 out of 10.

PS. I saw a list of Italian progressive bands for the 1970s when I was checking out this band and there were over 100 bands on that list:yikes:

Good review US: glad to see you think in the same basic terms as me on this one.

Can the rest of you get any reviews on "Alphataurus" in by let's say Monday, as we're now into 2013 and need to move on to the next album. I think that's either US or BE's choice?

Thanks guys!

OK guys I think we've all had time to get over the Xmas slump. It's now one week into the new year, so any reviews of "Alphataurus" need to be posted today, otherwise we move on.

Unknown Soldier, the next choice is yours...

http://www.italianprog.com/pictures/alphataurus1.jpg

1.What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

Oh hai Italian prog! It's not bad at all really: the production has a lot of clarity for an early 70's record, and it doesn't sound like most of the other RPI albums coming out around '73 either.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

'Peccato D'Orgoglio' is fairly interesting, with a great middle section that lets the band show off a bit in the virtuosity department. 'Dopo L'Uragano' wasn't as interesting: comes off as one of those honky tonk ELP-inspired jams that never really goes anywhere.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

A real hodgepodge of what you'd expect out an early 70's progressive rock record: I love all the synths in 'La Mente Vola' in particular!

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Strong voice, and as others pointed out he's got a great range on top of that. The fact I don't know Italian at all doesn't really detract from his vocal quality: might not have been a bad idea to try getting him to sing in English to reach a larger international audience though.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

It appealed to me, but on the whole its not cohesive or interesting enough from start to finish to measure up to any of the classic progressive rock records of the era, so I'd say the appeal was somewhat limited.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Better to one degree or another.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

Mama mia!

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Yep.

9. What did you think of the production?

Probably the best aspect of the album overall. Reminds me a lot of Gentle Giant's debut on that note, especially in how the drums are mixed.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

I already knew of them as a 2nd tier RPI band long before I listened to this album the first time.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Rock Progresivo Italiano, of course.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

Meh.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

Probably 'La Mente Vola'. Very spacey, very fun!

14. And the one you liked least?

N/A

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (Note: if the album is or was NOT a debut, ignore this question or put "n/a")

The production and general flow of the album is good enough to where I wouldn't normally see it as a debut: the professionalism is actually fairly unusual and really says a lot about the people involved.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

Since there really wasn't any direct follow up, probably not.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

N/A.

18. Did the album end well?

As others have pointed out, 'Ombra Muta' was a fairly nice closer with a bit of crunch in the right areas to leave a solid impression.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Even more keyboard emphasis would have been interesting, but besides the suggestion of recruiting in a sax/horn/flute player for some flavor, I don't have any major improvement suggestions that might have helped a whole lot.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

More miss than hit: it's not melodically cohesive as a whole, which is an important feature for me in progressive rock. These guys aren't quite there for me, and kind of a representative from my point of view of why there's no real record in the RPI canon of music that measures up to Yes's Close To The Edge or the classic Genesis stuff. Different strokes for different folks I suppose. :P

Overall Album Rating: 7 out of 10.

Apologies for my lateness, but here are my comments:

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

It is immediately clear why Alphataurus is regarded as a 'lost classic'. On the one hand, there does not appear to be an English language version of the album and they did little to capitalise on the artistic success of this album. On the other hand, this is an exercise in economy of style and combines its influences (Genesis, ELP) with something that is uniquely Alphataurus.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Subtle and effective, but I am alienated by the vocals as I do not speak Italian. For some reason, not understanding the language/lyrics makes the vocals difficult for me to evaluate properly. The vocals are by no means bad. I have looked up the lyrics on song websites and they are reassuringly deep and meaningless.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

There is a stylistic thread running throughout the album. On a limited mp3 player (as I used) the tracks sound like one continuous piece of music. They are influenced by the usual suspects, such as Genesis and ELP, but are not a Genesis or ELP copy.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

He is clear and in tune, but difficult to appreciate for an English-only listener.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

The music is excellent, while the vocals are tolerable - being in (to me) another language.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

It definitely stands repeated playing. I have not heard the album for a while, but it has lost none of its tasteful qualities over the years.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

I understand they are appropriate cosmic nonsense, just as as I like them.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

This is the band's strength as they use a cranked-up acoustic guitar as a lead instrument, a bit like like Genesis or even Michael Schenker's (much later) experimental period. They also use what sounds like a harpsichord, but could be a 12-string acoustic guitar. In other places there are keyboards reminiscent of Wakeman and Emerson. Less is more and the drummer is a paragon of restraint.

9. What did you think of the production?

Clear and high-quality.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

I do not remember Alphaturus from the seventies. I came across them in a thread or review on PE a few years ago. They appear to be a bit like Captain Beyond in producing one great album and then vanishing.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

It may seem glib, but Italian progressive rock. England has dominated progressive rock, but the Italians occasionally came close with PFM, Banco and others. Perhaps it is their heritage in opera that gives them an indefineable something.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

More. I keep hearing new things in the album.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

I do not think I have a favourite.

14. And the one you liked least?

Likewise. Everything is good.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (Note: if the album is or was NOT a debut, ignore this question or put "n/a")

Some bands hit the ground running with their first album and Alphataurus are a case in point. It is a pity that they did not record more material.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

I would be interested to hear the remaining albums.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

The instrumentation is very cohesive. I am not sure about the lyrics.

18. Did the album end well?

It does end quite abruptly.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

I have tried to track down an English language version of the album and I am fairly sure it does not exist. It's a minor point, but would be helpful to an Anglocentric like myself.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

Cohesive is the operative word. This is all hit and no miss. A final word should go to the album cover design, which is very distinctive and makes the album difficult to forget.

Overall Album Rating: 8 out of 10 (probably 8.5 or 9.0 if it was in English).

Thanks guys for those last-minute reviews. Interesting differences in some instances, but overall everyone seemed to like the album and rated it as 7 or higher.

So, what's next? :D

I think it's my turn and if it is, I'll put mine up tomorrow. To be honest I've kind of lost track of whose turn it is, so if it's somebody else please go ahead. If not my selection will be up tomorrow.

So how exactly would I join this? Do I just have to post my responses to the current album?

This is the order since August:

TH - Twlefth Night
BE - Spock's Beard
US - Captain Beyond
AE - Big Big Train
TH - Alphataurus

If it's me next, I suggest Hall Of the Mountain Grill by Hawkwind. If it's not me, forget I said anything.

Post your response using the questionnaire (if you want) and it's probably best doing it now for the next album when it comes up.

Good to see you back and it looks like you're next. so fire away.

Would anyone object to Hall of the Mountain Grill? I am not sure about the availability of the album and would have to do a bit of research. There are tracks (above) on YT, but I do not know if the entire album is available on YT.

Hall Of The Mountain Grill is a fine album, but also be aware that Hawkwind have quite a few really good albums worthy of prognalysis, including some of their 80's/90's output, so choose carefully. ;)

I agree about the order of us reviewers too. I'll go after you and Unknown Soldier. :)

Is Dark Horse in too?

Yeah sure

I'm in.

Yeah, looks like you're next allright Big Ears! I'll probably need a PM: my Hawkwind collection is small and that's not in it.

@ Dark Horse: basically listen to the album then within I think we decided on two weeks post your thoughts using the questionnaire as US says. And welcome aboard!

@ Powerstars, same message.

We're growing! :tramp:

Edit: after properly reading BE's post, I see you don't have the album. If necessary I can buy it for a dollar and PM it to anyone who needs it, but if anyone has it already, hey, a dollar is a dollar! :D

So is Hall of the Mountain Grill the album that will be reviewed?

Looks like it. Everyone ok with that? Anyone need a copy?

I've lost track of the deadline, but I'll post my comments on Mountain Grill soon.

Here we go . . .


1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

Five minutes in and you are still with The Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear in Smoke), which is one of the best tracks Hawkwind ever recorded. It has all of their trademark elements: a heavy rock riff, space-y electronic effects, multi-tracked vocals, Nik Turner's sax playing, distorted voices, sweeping mellotron, wah wah guitar, instrumental passages, driving percussion, anti-establishment lyrics and Lemmy's dynamic bass.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

It ranks alongside their best tracks, like Silver Machine and Orgone Accumulator.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

There are three short haunting instrumentals, but they are not throwaway tracks. Paradox is almost as good as Psychedelic Warlords. Lemmy sings on his Lost Johnny, a curious track which seems intentionally under-developed as a portent of the future. Nik Turner has the psychedelic D-Rider.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Dave Brock takes most of the lead vocals in his usual folky-style and pronounced English accent, which I like. There is nothing worse than English singers harping on about getting on down in New York city. You don't get any of that with Hawkwind. Nick Turner's accent is even more pronounced on D-Rider, albeit eccentric sounding. Lemmy is too good a singer to only get one track, Lost Johnny. He later reworked it for the first Motorhead album and The Deviants may have recorded a version too.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

Although the vocals are far from terrible, the instrumentation is Hawkwind's strength with its heavy riffs and space-y keyboards. I read somewhere that the classically-trained Simon House introduced lush chaos to their sound, which is a pretty good summary of his influence on the band. He also added electric violin.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

It improves with every listen.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

The lyrics are simple but effective, which is a sign of good songs. The melodies are memorable with strong hooks, especially the opener.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Yes, the instrumentals are short but strong and atmospheric. Simon House added a new dimension with his classical violin playing. It is reminiscent of King Crimson, but by no means a copy.

9. What did you think of the production?

Their best so far and it peaked on the next album, Warrior on the Edge of Time. Mountain Grill has a healthy compromise between their natural live improvisation and added studio layers. Earlier albums were a bit raw, while successive material was almost too refined.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Pretty well. I've got all the first half-dozen classic albums as well as Bob Calvert's Captain Lockheed. I've also got the subsequent few albums, which are less good, but have their moments. It is an unpopular view among fans, but Sonic Attack is pretty good in my opinion.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

The epitomy of space-rock, but up there with progressive rock like Dark Side of the Moon and Close to the Edge.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

I like it more every time I give it a listen.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear in Smoke), closely followed by Paradox.

14. And the one you liked least?

You'd Better Believe It is probably my least favourite track on the album, with its shuffling drums, chugging bass, persistant violin and chanted vocals. Nevertheless, it was a big influence on the so-called new-wave bands, which came in its wake, like Magazine and New Order.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

This album came towards the end of their classic period and was Lemmy's penultimate album as well as their best work. I would go so far as to say it is the greatest space-rock album ever made. During the recording of the next album, Warrior, the cracks started to show and Lemmy was sacked. This seems a stroke of pure stupidity as he was not only one of their best musicians, but his strident bass-playing was the spine and the driving force of the group. Without him they were lost and Motorhead did not come close IMO. The album needs no leeway.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

Yes, this has made me want to hear Warrior On the Edge of Time again. The entire album is available on YouTube.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Yes, it is alomst autobiographical in its references to their disputes with the authorities. Drug references are also present, although Lemmy's differ from Dave Brock's. The space-y vibe is always there along with the heavy rock. Simon House's playing adds new and compelling elements.

18. Did the album end well?

My copy has some single edits as bonuses which [provide a useful summary or conclusion to the album as a whole.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

No.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

It is cohesive, despite three short instrumentals and a variety of styles: hard rock, psychedelia and cosmic rock. Overall, it is the space-y feel, the skilful musicianship and the songs which hold everything together. Two key musicians, Bob Calvert and Dik Mik, are missing, yet everything works.

Overall Album Rating: 9 out of 10. Not just the best space-rock album, but one of the best progressive rock albums too.

I have drafted a review, which I will post in my journal.

Good review, BE, and good to see you back again. I'll be posting mine soon.

Just wondered, have you heard their new one, "Onward"? I was mightily impressed that they're still making great albums this far down the line...

I don't have a large Hawkwind collection -- think it's "Masters of the universe", "Levitation", "Church of hawkwind" and one of those best of things, "Repeat performance". From your review here it would seem "Warriors on the edge of time" is one I should have: any others?

Thanks TH. Yes, the last two albums, Onward and Blood of the Earth, are pretty good.

These are the first six albums and they are essential:
Hawkwind (1970)
In Search of Space (1971)
Doremi Fasol Latido (1972)
The Space Ritual (double live) (1973)
Hall of the Mountain Grill (1974)
Warrior on the Edge of Time (1975)

The next two albums are okay:
Astounding Sounds, Amazing Music (1976)
Quark, Strangeness and Charm (1977)

The first Hawklords' (a Hawkwind spinoff) album 25 Years On (1978) is not bad either, although I do not know what to make of their new album, We Are One. Reviewers at Amazon seem to love the album. If you get to hear it, I'd be interested in what you think.

Bob Calvert's Captain Lockheed and the Starfighters (1974) is the best album Hawkwind never made. It's fantastic. Viv Stanshall, Paul Rudolph, Dave Brock, Arthur Brown and Lemmy are all involved.

I like Sonic Attack (1981), but it is not a favourite of many Hawkwind fans. I do not know the reason, but maybe it was a bit too much like straight ahead heavy rock (as can be Dave Brock's tendency).

All the Hawkwind albums you mention are worth having. Although there are various versions, it took me a while to track down Church of Hawkwind. Another I want to get is Choose Your Masques.

Will get my review up by tomorrow latest.

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

The first thing that strikes me is the tightness of the album and it really makes no difference whether the tracks have vocals or are pure intrumentals here and being space rock the long instrumental sections featuring high-volume guitars and searing synthesizers all provide the backbone for much of the album, and all is highlighted by some great effects.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

As perfect as a space rock album should be, so without repeating the above again, I'll leave it at that.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

All great and Lost Johnny, Goat Willow and Paradox are a great trio here.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Dave Brock's vocals suffice here, as space rock tends to be more about the actual music than the quality of actual singers. Lemmy provides a heavier vocal style on "Lost Johnny" which as said was later done with Motorhead and Nik Turner on "D-Rider" seems to have that Syd Barrett style. It's a shame that both Nik and Lemmy only sang one song each here.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

When I listen to Hawkwind I have to be in the mood, if not the sound just seems to fly over me. When I'm in the mood though, the heavy druggy Hawkwind vibe gets me everytime. In essence listening to Hawkwind is very much an exercise in listening to the music and then dissecting it down to its finer details, not always an easy thing to do with Hawkwind.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Hawkwind albums always sound better on multiple listens.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

After Robert Calvert left the band, the lyrics seemed to be more straightforward and more of an emphasis on the music.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

The album is littered with instrumentals, either as instrumental songs on their own or as extensive instrumentals within the songs. As said by Big Ears, Simon House is probably the standout performer here, but Del Dettmar is good as well .

9. What did you think of the production?

This is a sudio album that captured the raw magic of Space Ritual.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

The core seventies material I'm very familiar with but anything after this period I'm quite vague with and as always is somewhere on one of my eternal music listening lists to be done.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Space rock but could easily be classified under progressive rock.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

I think this is their best studio effort overall, so I always really enjoy it.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear in Smoke), D-Rider and Paradox.

14. And the one you liked least?

You'd Better Believe It because it's one of those tracks that seems to be very overrated and nowhere near one of the band's best songs.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

The band are at their creative peak here and they were often seen as a lesser band after Lemmy went, this is debatable but I'd sooner listen to Hawkwind over Motorhead most days of the week. Not a fair comparison I know as Motorhead put out a basic blood and guts sound and I don't know enough of Hawkwind's discography after Lemmy left.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

I always look forward listening to this band and so their unknown stuff to me does appeal yet again.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Never paid any real attention to the theme but am now aware of it after reading Big Ears' answer.

18. Did the album end well?

Solid from beginning to end.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Possibly more vocals given to Lemmy or Nik Turner.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

The album is really an exercise in what cohesive music is all about, so the answer is a clear yes.

Overall Album Rating: 9 out of 10 One of the finest albums ever of its kind, only the Pink Fairies were putting out anything as druggy sounding as this at the time.

You make some good points here, US. I would have liked to have heard a bit more singing from Lemmy or Nik Turner. Also, I always think of Pink Fairies (the band) when listening to Hawkwind.

...and I never knew that the album was partly named after a cafe in Portobello Road.

I'm a big fan of the Pink Fairies especially the albums Neverneverland and Kings of Oblivion. I also liked the Deviants before them.

City Kids on Kings of Oblivion is one of my all-time favourite tracks. Larry Wallis should have been bigger, but he was always just a cult hero. I have heard The Deviants' version of Lost Johnny and it is very different to Hawkwind's. It is all I have heard by them.

I love most of that album but the single song that really does it for me is "I Wish I Was a Girl" I could listen to this song all day.


The Pink Fairies - I Wish I Was A Girl - YouTube

I would post City Kids but apparently it is not available in my country!

It's not on there, only a live version of the song.

http://img13.nnm.ru/2/3/c/3/3/315bd8...7f797bfc3f.jpg

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

Fluid bass, atonal tripped out vocals, a guitar line that spans the void and some free sax noodling: must be a classic Hawkwind record!


2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Excellent of course. 'Psychedelic Warlords' through 'You'd Better Believe It' give Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon and The Steve Miller Band's Fly Like An Eagle a run for their money as the quintessential 70's space rock record.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

Less interesting, yet perhaps more pop oriented than the first half of the record. 'It's So Easy' has a nice groove to it!

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

It's been noted that more vocal contributions from Lemmy would have perhaps made this a stronger record, but Brock is and always has been the band's singular voice: he's the king and Hawkwind his castle. Take that for what you will!

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

Oh, I love space rock: always have, always will. Being that only perhaps the Ozric Tentacles in the early 90's managed to eclipse genre progenitors like Hawkwind in sheer trippiness, this record hits a sweet spot for its era in my listening queue.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Stayed about the same really: Hall Of The Mountain Grill is remarkably consistent from start to finish IMO.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

Quite interesting considering how punkish they are at times: despite the progginess present, these guys have had a monstrous influence on pretty much any group who claims to be punk or post-punk over the following decade, particularly Killing Joke, and the lyrics are quite prophetic in that sense.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

You bet. I give them huge props for dat sax too!

9. What did you think of the production?

Raw yet nicely embellished and layered where it needed to be: this is one of those poster children records for those wanting an idea of how to retain the energy of a band's live performance in a studio setting.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Intimately. I'm a huge fan of almost everything they've done since their inception as a band.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Space Rock, Proto-punk and to a lesser degree progressive rock.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

More as the years have gone on, much like an astral fungus from good ol' Dantooine.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

'The Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear In Smoke)', for reasons already mentioned by the last few reviewers.

14. And the one you liked least?

Probably 'Goat Willow'. I'm not much of an interlude guy despite my love of the flute... :laughing:

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

Its one of those records almost universally regarded as a classic among its peers, so I'd say any praise is fairly easy to defend in regards to this particular entry.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

Heard them all already...but going into 2013, you bet your ass I am!


17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Space...and the rejection of authoritarian institutions. Good combination!

18. Did the album end well?

Yarp.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

More sax and flute. I love instrumental embellishments that add extra spice to an already groovetastic lineup of material!


20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

95% hit and 5% miss sounds about right to me.


Overall Album Rating: 8.5 out of 10 -- Funnily enough, I'm one of those guys who actually really loves Hawkwind's sound circa the late 80's and early 90's and ultimately prefers it over their golden years, but you can't go wrong with this classic LP on any occasion either!

I know! I know! I'm last! Trying to get my review together at the moment...
http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__...7/Picture1.gif

Sorry guys, some unexpected things popped up in life. Doesn't look like i'll be able to do this.

No problem. Hate that, when life intrudes! :rolleyes: :)
Come back to us if things sort out, other than that sure just lurk and comment if you want.
Best of luck!
TH

Guys, my apologies! I know I've held everyone up, but I've been working so hard on the three journals.... anyway, finally, here are my thoughts...

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

OK guys once again I'm going to be the odd man out and disagree with, I think, all of you. I think this opener was lacking, in my opinion. It didn't have the punch or fire I expect from what I've heard from Hawkwind, and I definitely would not cite it as my favourite track. I'm not saying it's bad, it's okay but I hope there will be much better tracks on the album or I'm going to be seriously disappointed in it.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

I've spoken about the opener and aired my thoughts on that already (and am I mad or did it have a lot of "Silver machine" in it?) but the next one up, "Wind of change", I like much better. Very dramatic, great organ work and quite ominous in its way. Okay, it's an instrumental, but I still prefer it by miles over "Psychedelic warlords". Lovely violin or cello passages too. "D-rider" is much more like it: hard guitar, great harmonica and although Nik Turner's voice is pretty poor it's a powerful track. Almost forgotten about PW now!

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

Love the electric violin on "You'd better believe it" and the piano on the title track, though I've never liked "Lost Johnny", which I first heard on one of their compilation albums. It is interesting though to hear Lemmy sing on the album. I really like the almost "Dark Star" element of "Goat willow" too.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

I always have time for Dave Brock, and who could have a bad thing to say about Lemmy?

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

Yes. Hawkwind have always been a tight-knit band, and even here on one of their early albums they display that almost supernatural understanding, almost playing on instinct; a well-oiled machine indeed.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Once I got past the first track I never really looked back

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

Sort of didn't pay that much attention to it really. I find that unless Hawkwind are telling an actual story (as in "Fall of Earth City" or "Sonic attack") I tend to concentrate more on the music than the lyrics.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Loved "Wind of change", and the title track was a beautiful example of the difference Simon House brought to Hawkwind's music. Just stunning, a real showcase. Love the violins too. Again.

9. What did you think of the production?

I'll again leave this out, as I'm no expert on production, but it sounds professional.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Quite well. I have some of their albums, but am very much aware of their massive impact on both the space rock and prog rock eras. The fathers of space rock? Quite possibly. And still going!


11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Space/Psychedielic/Progressive rock

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

Only listened the once, as I was late with my review --- d'oh!


13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

Hard to say. I really liked the instrumentals. I think the title track would be my favourite.

14. And the one you liked least?

Wouldyaz like to guess? ;)

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

Once again I ask that this question ONLY be answered if the album IS a debut. It's been amended since but that was NOT the intention. I only ever wanted this to refer to a debut, so if the album being reviewed is not a debut it should be ignored.

As I am now ignoring it.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

It's hard to say, as you kind of never know what you're gonna get with Hawkwind. I'd certainly pencil in more of their releases I haven't heard yet though, for some time in the future.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Not really. Was there one?

18. Did the album end well?

Meh, I think "Paradox" came across as a bit tacked-on, though you could hardly end on "Goat willow"... it got a bit more cohesive near the end, so I'd say it didn't end perfectly, but well enough. A little weak for a closing track I thought.


19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Leave off the first track? Sorry...

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

In terms of Hawkwind, it didn't meander too much and pretty much hung together, as much as you can expect one of their albums to.


Overall Album Rating: 8/10

I can't imagine that album being quite the same without "Psychedelic Warlords" but there you go that's just me.

I believe its my pick. So it will be either Pain of Salvation or Kansas. I'll choose depending on what the vibes from people are.

What is interesting is that we hear the albums differently and write about them in different styles too. It's not just you US, many albums have key tracks for me and PW is essential to this one.

I have never heard Pain of Salvation and have heard most, but not all, Kansas albums, so they are at opposite ends of a scale. I don't mind which you choose, I'll listen to either with equal interest.

As you say BE it's interesting that what one (or more) people think is good (or bad) about an album may not be the same across us all. I personally think it's a great album except for the first track, whereas most/all of you think that's the best one on it. Hey, it's our differences that keep this great ol' chunka rock spinnin' through the void, huh? ;)

As for PoS, I only tried "One hour by the concrete lake" and was bored to tears. If you want to try get me into them US I'm for it. Kansas I know but have only listened to one album through, that being "Somewhere to elsewhere".

I'll try not to be Paddy Last this time! :pimp:

The albums that I was going to choose were PoS "Remedy Lane" and Kansas "Point of Know Return"

Both are fine by me. Make a decision US!