LEVITATION

Things can take turn, I'll tell you. Before Leviation came into my world I couldn't fathom the pehenomenon named Hawkwind. Murky, insane and provided me with a quite frankly uneasy listening experience. Apart from the odd track here and there I just couldn't come to grips with nigh on anything they'd recorded. But I do love Hawkwind, don't get me wrong. I do. It's just that I don't understand them. At least that was the case until I discovered Levitation and everything changed. Well, to a degree. I started out with the knowledge of the first half of the 70's and continued with the latter, with little success I can tell you. I kind of liked the latter part of the 70's but I wasn't all that amused. The 80's, however, proved me wrong on all accounts. Hawkwind are more than just murky space rock/psychedelia or new wave inspired trolls, they are extraordinary.

I'm surprised, really. I wasn't at all prepared for the content of "Levitation". Despite their gradual transformation during the 70's my expectations were low. Was I surprised? I sure was. The songs on "Levitation" differ but not too much from the sounds of the Hawk, yet enough to appeal to me. Why is that? Maybe it's because of the chilly nature of the early 80's that breaks through in the music? Or is it because the band seem so focused and inspired? That the songs are excellent pieces of progressive) music? It's all above, I must say, plus the fact that the songs hit really hard. The keyboards are the most prominent thing of admiration for me, being a keys-addict. "Levitiation" is probably Hawkwind's, IMHO, most enjoyable album. Spacey, focused, hard-hitting and fun! It has become a favorite of mine. Just like that. The thing is, which someone wrote in another review, Hawkwind grows on you. It's rare that an album stays with me over a period of several months, constantly being listened to and thought of in awe. All combined makes me unable to rate the album in any other way than 5 stars.

Finally, is Levitation an essential part of every prog-fans collection. Hmm... I couldn't say. I guess that it's an essential part in a collection where space rock, prog and hard rock all reside. Take my word for it, Levitation is an amazing album and in my opinion one of the best that ever was made. Simple as that.

(As a note I'd like to add that I am one of the lucky few who own the 3-disc deluxe edition of the album. Apart from the album itself it contains bonus material from the archives PLUS a wonderful live recording from Lewisham, 18 december 1980. Of special interest on that night, I think, is the live version of Death trap. Now, in it's original form it's merely an okay track but here, unleashed with fury it's uttelry brilliant with thundering bass and storming drums from mr. Baker himself. Beautiful! If you are able to find the deluxe edition, do not hesitate. Buy it. I urge you.)