HW: Astoudning Sounds, Amazing Music Review

[HERBERT119 at DELPHI.COM]

Okay, Assassin Sonique has been nagging for reviews, ANY
reviews, so now's my chance to submit what I can manage as a
review... I just received ASAM about a week ago, so I'll give
my own run-down of it.

This is indeed an major turning point (Turner Point?) for the
Hawks. The departure of Lemmy is a large factor and a
progression from space-out jams to more compact, to-the-point,
guitar-driven songs, and crisper production. It doesn't
surprise me that this is Turner's last album w/HW in the '70s.
There seems to be less room now for the whacky waterfowl in
this new sound. As someone who gets totally freaked out by
Space Ritual, numerous whirling sounds and audio intrusions, I
feel a bit of a loss. But, that was then, this is now, and as a
whole seperate work, I like this a lot. This is where Calvert
takes over as main vocalist/lyricist, god of sarcastic lyrics,
scathing political/social commentary. Well, "Reefer..."
actually does have a pretty weird abbreviated (compared to
older HW) jam. Gotta do something silly when you're singin'
about marijuana. This song has a sorta catchy chorus, indicates
that HW are progressing to different winds. "Steppenwolf" -
There's no doubt that Calvert has a twisted mind. What do the
German lyrics mean? Something taken from a book by Herman
Hesse? Great lyrics, the man had a certain way with words.
Repetitive in the HW style, but cleaner. "City Of Lagoons" -
Real different style here! Laid-back for HW. Something jazzy
about it. Not one of my favorites. "The Aubergine That Ate
Rangoon" - Musically, a sign of the times. Has a distinctive
mid-'70s keyboard riff to it. I don't know if I'd have guessed
this was HW, if I hadn't known better. "Kerb Crawler" - Another
fun little ditty from Calvert. Mixed by David Gilmoure, heavy
on guitar and the bass comes in maxin'. Great chorus,
accompanied by black chick back-up singers (Gilmoure's
influence?). One of my favorites on the album. "Kadu Flyer" -
More psychedelic, but more innocent-hippyish sounding, rather
than their earlier, heavier, brain-curdling sound, and has a
bit of a Barrett-esque Floyd style. Good vocal from Turner.
"Chronoglide Skyway" - A slow, contemplative instrumental.
Again, seeming a little tame for HW. I guess this album leans a
bit more towards technicality than inspiration. Good, but not
quite HW unleashed...

Chuck