SPACE RITUAL VOL. 2

Released in 1985, this is for the main part simply selected tracks from the original "Space ritual" live album of 1973. There are though several important differences. The versions of "Time we left this world today" and "Brainstorm" were abbreviated on the original release, the justification being that they "went on a bit long". The reality is more likely to be the more prosaic answer of the space limitations of the then current LP format.

This album restores those tracks to their full uncut length. In the case of "Brainstorm", the difference is not substantial, but "Time we left.." becomes a 13+ minute monster, with the track drifting in and out of "Paranoia" midway through.

It may be a misunderstanding on my part, but I am convinced that the track named "Space" (or "Space is deep" on some prints) here is actually "Electronic no. 1". Other differences between the contents of this release and the versions of the tracks on "Space ritual" include an alternative core section on "Orgone accumulator", the track running to about a minute less. It still sounds great though. "Seven by seven" is lengthened through the inclusion of "Wind of change" as an intro.

The overall feel of the album is identical to that of the 1973 release. If you enjoyed that album, you will inevitably enjoy this. As for whether the differences incorporated here make this an essential purchase, I would have to say only for the devoted Hawkwind fan who already has the 100 plus releases shown in their discography here.