The Prog Rock Album Club

Anteater · 01-21-2013, 11:16 PM

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...

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!

Trollheart · 01-26-2013, 10:46 AM

I know! I know! I'm last! Trying to get my review together at the moment...

Dark Horse · 01-27-2013, 08:27 PM

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

Trollheart · 01-28-2013, 06:29 AM

No problem. Hate that, when life intrudes!

Come back to us if things sort out, other than that sure just lurk and comment if you want.
Best of luck!
TH

Trollheart · 02-01-2013, 04:20 PM

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

Unknown Soldier · 02-02-2013, 03:27 PM

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.

Big Ears · 02-02-2013, 04:03 PM

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.

Trollheart · 02-02-2013, 06:48 PM

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!

Unknown Soldier · 02-02-2013, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

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".

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

Big Ears · 02-03-2013, 03:39 AM

Both are fine by me. Make a decision US!

01-26-2013, 10:46 AM	#232 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	I know! I know! I'm last! Trying to get my review together at the moment... __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

01-28-2013, 06:29 AM	#234 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	No problem. Hate that, when life intrudes! Come back to us if things sort out, other than that sure just lurk and comment if you want. Best of luck! TH __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

02-01-2013, 04:20 PM	#235 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	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 __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

02-02-2013, 06:48 PM	#238 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,994	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! __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

01-27-2013, 08:27 PM	#233 (permalink)
Dark Horse Avant-Hard Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 182	Sorry guys, some unexpected things popped up in life. Doesn't look like i'll be able to do this.

02-02-2013, 04:03 PM	#237 (permalink)
Big Ears Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 434	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.

02-03-2013, 03:39 AM	#240 (permalink)
Big Ears Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 434	Both are fine by me. Make a decision US!