HAWKWIND

A charming album this one, Hawkwind's debut. I always liked it purely for the cheerful acoustic tapper "Hurry On Sundown,"and the other book-end piece "Mirror Of Illusion" which were both more of a nod to guitarist Dave Brock's busking. The rest of the music here is a different kettle of fish though, with the following dark, spooky experimental piece "The Reason Is?" showing the band's obviously strong influence by early "Pink Floyd". The repetitive "Be Yourself" zips us into a twisty, transdimentional sound that the band would develop later. This one features saxophone and electric guitar over a taut rhythm section and keyboard effects. On the old LP version, the stark, surreal "Paranoia" ends after the first minute with the music slowing down as though the turntable is stopping, and then picks up as the first cut on Side 2. There are very few lyrics on the album, instead you'll hear other whispery and moany vocals, especially on "Seeing It As You Really Are", perhaps the trippiest track of all! I must admit I didn't always like this album, but as I've read, and quite understand now, the band were trying to freak listeners with this effort and it was later that they tried to levitate their minds! Just be preapared for something creepy! It's worth it even more with the bonus tracks. Three stars!