SPACE SHANTY

There is something quite untouchable about vintage british prog. Something that the genre from every other part of the world can't touch, no matter how good it is. I believe that all countries and continents possess a certain tone, some notes unique for just that particular origin. I love prog, whatever their origin but for me it is british prog that strikes the best chord and I believe it to be so by way of three reasons. Firstly I came to love prog through King Crimson and that set the blueprint for everything else. Secondly, I adore all things british and third there is that tone, that chord or sound that just makes me shiver with delight.

Khan's only album epitomizes everything I love about prog in general, not just british (though I am delighted that it is). The album is a perfect mix of accessibility, complexity, melody, strange chord progressions, beauty, anger, mellowness, joy and every other emotion known to man. All this is coupled with divine inspiration and hard rock, amidst all the jazzy, classical elements held within. The gentleness, by the way, is of a certain kind only found in prog, I believe. How to explain that to someone not initiated? I guess you have to take my word for it or listen to some of the music. Simple as that.

The title track kicks in with a blast and is a tremendous piece of multilayered prog. The next track, Stranded, is so beautiful and has to be one of the best follow-up songs on an album ever. I love it! The following tracks, I won't review every track in any detail, are simply outstanding and brilliant. The blasts of distorted guitar, alongside stabs of organ and powerful rhythm section, intermediated by flowing, gentle episodes and discords are simply out of this world. The genius behind this album is flawless and it is a shame they did not record another record, though (as I have been told) Hillage's first solo album Fish rising (another slab of brilliance) contains songs intended for Khan's second offering.

The song Hollow stone holds a special magic. I believe ther is an old magical hollow stone in Cornwall (?) and I see it before me, though only visited in books. The lyrics paint images making me tremble with delight. Actually, all the songs hold a special magic. The album is magical. The cover, Hillage's guitar, Stewart's trademark organ and the great rhythm section, the songs, the ambiance, the vocals, the everything spells magical brilliance.

Though at first reluctant giving the album five stars I am now compelled to do just that. It is an amazing record worthy every praise and hallelujah there is.