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Hawkwind - Palace Springs CD (album) cover

PALACE SPRINGS

Hawkwind

 

Psychedelic/Space Rock

3.74 | 65 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
4 stars This is a dual album made of some live tracks (recorded in L.A. in 1989) and some studio recordings (two songs). I am not always favorable of this combination, but I guess that the band didn't have enough material to record a fully original studio album, so it might be a good compromised.

This album has been recorded during the short collaboration with Bridget Wishart on the vocals. Not a bad idea to bring some variety in the vocal parts.(but she is only featured on one song).

I must say that both studio tracks "Back In The Box as well as Treadmill" are excellent surprises. "Hawkwind" at his best, I should say. The band released two songs which are closely related to their roots. Fine psychedelia, solidly rocking and featuring great spacey parts. Fine violin in "Treadmill". I told you: "Hawkwind" as it has always ought to be (but didn't, unfortunately).

Some live songs bring us back in the mid seventies, "Assault & Battery" (listed as Void Of Golden Light) and "The Golden Void" (listed as Lives Of Great Men) were originally recorded on "Warrior On The Edge Of Time". Both were killers, and are finely performed.

The time machine even goes one step backwards with Time We Left" (from Doremi in .1972). It flows easily into a fully Floydian "Heads". There must have been ages that an "Hawkwind" album hasn't sound so good to my ears.

The version of "Dream Worker" (renamed "Acid Test") is indeed an acid trip in the deepest psyche and space environment conceivable. Not the most brilliant track from this offering I must say. The closing Damnation Alley" is of course one great "Hawkwind" song and closes this album in a brilliant way. Although (as it has already been stated, the middle reggae part that is added is probably not the best idea).

During all these "live" tracks there is hardly any audience participation. Somewhat similar to "Zones" except that "Palace Springs" is far much better. Seven out of ten, but I'll upgrade to four stars. A fine album my prog friends.

ZowieZiggy | 4/5 |

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