BRING ME THE HEAD OF YURI GAGARIN

Space Rock overlords Hawkwind present yet another live album. "Bring me the Head of Uri Gagarin" is almost universally condemned due to incredibly distorted production and an echoed sound that may have been recorded off a fan's tape deck that he sneaked into the stadium. We are talking about an incredible concert though set in Wembley when Hawkwind were colossal and not just some cult band for a bunch of stoned hippies.

The sound is appalling on this release though you can still hear what Brock is singing about, mind you these songs are part of my DNA so I know them anyway. I have to agree with other reviewers that this release is perhaps best left alone. It is a part of some archival material with bootleg quality and not really worthy of a mainstream release. The main drawcards are perhaps Bob Calvert's delirious rendition of 'In The Egg' that is hilarious and parts and disturbing in others; a genuine acid laced speech if ever there was one. The rest of the material is the usual fair, Masters is here, Orgone and Sonic Attack, but none hold a candle to the versions on the brilliant "Space Ritual" gem. They are fuzzy and screechy and sounds drop out, a real tragedy given how great these songs sound usually.

Another point to consider is the album features a new live version of 'Silver Machine' that is quite interesting as is 'Urban Geurilla', however after a few listens the sound is nauseatingly dreadful and one will long for a cleaner sound that is found on most other Hawkwind live albums.

You have been warned but do not panic? do not panic? think only for yourself.