From the Vault...

09/28/2014
#1431

info
Hawkwind
"Hawkwind"


© One Way Records

Year of Release: 1970
Rating:

track listing
  • Hurry On Sundown
  • The Reason Is
  • Be Yourself
  • Paranoia (Part 1)
  • Paranoia (Part 2)
  • Seeing It As You
    Really Are
  • Mirror Of Illusion

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    Hawkwind related sites:
    Hawkwind Website
    Wikipedia
    Previous Review: #1430
    Alanis Morissette--Under Rug Swept
    Next Review: #1432
    Alan Parsons Project--Ammonia Avenue
    Hawkwind
    "Hawkwind"



    1970 - the year it all began, the album that started it all. The psychedelia, the uniqueness, the space rock of -- HAWKWIND.


    Space Rock may have labeled towards the early years of Pink Floyd, but Pink Floyd never focused on the psychedelics, maybe on their debut, Piper At The Gates Of Dawn with Syd Barrett. Hawkwind experimented with Psychedelia on many of their early albums. And this was well proven on their debut.


    Hawkwind was released in 1970, with Dave Brock (vocals, guitars, harmonica, percussion) as the main leader of the band, along with John A. Harrison (bass), Huw Lloyd (lead guitar), Terry Ollis (drums), and Nick Turner (alto sax, vocals, percussion).


    "Hurry On Sundown" is proven to be an underrated psychedlic rock song. This song could easily get the airplays on underground radio back in the day. "The Reason Is?" is another dose of Psychedelia, in the most errie form. Continuing on with "Be Youself," an epic 8-minute track, as it opens, and wondering where it will go next. It's obvious this track (likewise for the entire album), is an experimental rock album, trippin', as this album could very well be experienced with the drug culture, most popular towards the end of the 1960s decade.


    The eeriness continues onward with the two-parter "Paranoia." Part 1 is just less than a minute, as it's gradual ending sounds like a turntable being turned off, as the music slowly winds down to a close. Part 2 definitely has the early Pink Floyd atmosphere. Another comparison would be the debut album by Alice Cooper, <>Pretties For You. And, Part 2 can easily be used as part of a horror movie soundtrack. "Seeing It As You Really Are" is another "creeping, crawling" sounding track. Horror film music. Eerie. Magical. This track is just short of 11 minutes in length. Full of eeriness, mystery, and magic. "Mirror Of Illusion" matches the album's opening track's style, as these two songs are the only ones that has vocals. Another band that comes to mind on these "bookend" songs is the early years of the band, Status Quo, and their 1960s hit, "Pictures Of Matchstick Men."


    Hawkwind is an experience. It may not be for everyone. But for the Psychedelic fans of the late 1960s, this will be of interest. This album is very "spacey." It's a "trippin'" album. It's instrumentals are great soundtrack features. Overall, it's like you're traveling in time, space, and sound. Hawkwind's musical journey continued with its many spaced rock releases. And, a future member would join, Lemmy, who would be well-known and more popular as a member of the band Motorhead. Dave Brock continued onward with Hawkwind, as they recorded future albums, related to the latest trends in music.


    Just be aware, that the Hawkwind's debut, is meant to be listened to with an open mind. It's different, and unique. Headphone listening also has a tripping effect on some of the tracks. All in all, it is an experience, and an experience any music fan will remember. Hawkwind may be an underrated band, as many may not have known just how creative and experimental this band would become. Could we see this band being part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? If they're not there not, it may just take more time to do so, being so how this band is so unique. But the answer to that question, is Yes, I think eventually Hawkwind just may become part of that Cleveland Hall, and be talked about with all the other inductees.


    Hawkwind is an experience, and worth the "trip." After listening, you'll want to hear more, and learn how this band gradually become more enjoyable; all for those who enjoy this particular kind of "spaced rock" music.


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    Previous Review: #1430
    Alanis Morissette--Under Rug Swept
    Next Review: #1432
    Alan Parsons Project--Ammonia Avenue