OPIUM FOR THE PEOPLE

Great little single and a classic of its type. Space rock, far closer in feel to Hawkwind than Gong. Allen and Smyth are essentially guests who have joined up with Here and Now, a kind of tribute band, but infinitely more politically credible, than the middle class and non essential (for the most part) Gong. Allen delivers one of his most honest, and direct attacks on the opiate of habits, and admits that even music fullfils this function. The Here and Now, "Planet Gong "record is one of the very best of its type ever recorded, and is utterly essential. This studio single works very well. Sadly the other side is a different matter. Rather than share royalties, and never being one to give up any part of the proceeds without a fight, Allan inserted a track from his "now are the happiest days of your life" recording. A self-serving, drivel fuelled, Anthem that sets Allan as the poor misunderstood artiest. He is selling his soul it appears to the record company, but is essential the good guy. He would have us believe or so it seems. Frankly I don't believe a word of it. I have met far to many damaged people, who were at one times big fans of this Australian showman and his Pandora's box of deceit. If you are offered this single, I suppose you should buy it, but believe me when I say that David Allen isnt anything like as pleasant as he wants you to believe and don't get pulled in his world of pot smoking and drug experimentation. Many believe that LSD was a CIA plot. When you are dealing with people like Allen, nothing is as it appears.