HAWKWIND

Hawkwind's debut contains some finely-honed jamming from the space rock titans but, alas, a few areas where the compositions could be tightened up a lot. (Not surprisingly, since most of the material was developed from group improvisations). The vocals are sparse on this debut, and that's kind of what saves it, because such vocals as there are usually consist of Dave Brock chanting short, repetitive phrases into the mic in a monotonous and irritating manner. But between those parts, the band jam marvellously, showing a surprising range of influences (I would not be surprised if Zappa's Return of the Son of Monster Magnet hadn't been on heavy rotation at Hawkwind Headquarters...) A decent start, but not more than a decent start.

This is an album I have warmed to a little more now that we have a charming new remaster available via the "This Is Your Captain Speaking... Your Captain Is Dead" boxed set.