Advantages: Varied and quirky Disadvantages: Ironic in places
This is another album that triggers childhood memories for me. Being Irish and having rocker parents I was brought up listening to bands like Lizzy 'cause that was just my family. This is one of my favourite albums because of the uniqueness it possesses and its reference to Phil Lynotts problems. It has songs that remind me of friends, family and anything else in my life, because it is a relatable kind of album and that's why many people love it.
... ...this is a cracker of a song. Upbeat and quirky, a definate favourite of mine. There are joky songs to be had too on the album, 'S & M' is hilarius and shows the bands willingness to show they were never afraid to put themselves put there for the purpose of their fans enjoyment. 'Got To Give It Up', is probably one of the only songs that gets me right in the heart, the irony of it is nearly unbearable. The fact that Phil died of the effects of 'not ...
Advantages: Good, early sound Disadvantages: Rough production
...release their 2nd album - Easy Action, a 1970 album which wouldn't have the success that Pretties for You did. It still has an experimental and psychedelic sound to it, Alice's voice is gravelly, the lyrics are clever and unassuming. The titles of tracks like "Mr & Misdemeanor" are even wittily written. Some songs would go on to feature in much later concerts - particularly Refrigerator Heaven, which would later often be combined with Cold Ethyl ... ...in more of a psychedelic rock style than anything heavier but their lyrics feature a dark side - examples:
Shoe Salesman:
I know a shoe salesman he's an acquaintance of mine
One day he showed me some marks on his arms in a line
Refrigerator Heaven:
I'm freezing, I'm freezing, I'm icicle blue
(So low, low cool)
Cyber, neurotic, technicians imbue
(So low, low cool)
I've been admitted to Refrigerator Heaven
Until they discover a cure for cancer, ...
Advantages: Brilliant early 70's rock music Disadvantages: Some of the singing!
...and Steve Upton (drums).
Argus was first released in May 1972, it was a very sucessful album at the time, going gold, and over the years has become their most famous record. Something of a "concept" album this one, but I use that dreaded word loosely as it only applies as an ongoing theme linking the songs on the old side two. The original gatefold sleeve showed a warrior staring out over a lush green valley, contemplating the battle that is soon ... ...who were masters of their craft in the 70s.
Track listing: Time Was / Sometime World / Blowin' Free / The King Will Come / Leaf And Stream / Warrior / Throw Down The Sword
Nowadays it would be artistic suicide to begin your new album with a nine and a half minute track, but this was 1972 and Time Was…"when there were things around I was afraid of……", fitted the bill perfectly. It begins with slow acoustic guitars…and three minutes later hasn't ...
Advantages: Few extra minutes added to vinyl version Disadvantages: DVD has no concert footage
...allowed the band to stage Space Ritual in the first place.
Overall I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a record of how good Hawkwind could be when they were all friends and their live shows were second to none. You will be disappointed if you want footage of the concert in question though.
If you want those few extra minutes of the concert that fade out on the vinyl version then buy this. You can always use the DVD as a coaster!
If you're happy ... ...remastered CD which is several pounds cheaper.
Available from all good record shops (and a few bad ones) and all the usual online suppliers. The RRP (if there is still such a thing) is about £15.00, but you may be able to get it for less. HMV have it listed at £12.99 (post free to UK addresses)
A track listing is on the product information so I'm not going to repeat that here.
For anyone who doesn't know what Hawkwind sound like, then they play ...
Advantages: Every song is amazing Disadvantages: none
...course the album title track Let There Be Rock (Which they certainly do) The remaining songs on this album are also amazing and this is a very enjoyable album for every rocker out there. There isn't one AC/DC fan who won't enjoy this album. And like me will listen to it time and time again with no problems ...
Excellent performance, tonnes of steam, ventilated ironing board (*)
