HW: where do I start?

[Chris Bates]

Brian Moseley wrote:

[ some snipped stuff about getting into Hawkwind ]

Hawkwinds output varies dramatically, not only in quality
but in overall sound. I can hardly think of two albums that
sound alike so bearing that in mind here are a few comments.

The early stuff (pre '76) is more psychedelic and lots of
this is very heavy. I'd go for SPACE RITUAL and DOREMI....

There's a couple of mid-period albums which are a bit more
complex (but we're not talking Mahavishnu Orchestra here -
this is complex heavy rock :-) and anyone should buy QUARK
STRANGENESS AND CHARM.

Late '70s/early 80's Hawkwind is mainstream NWOBHM with
squeaky synths. The must-buy here is LEVITATION with
SONIC ATTACK, CHOOSE YOUR MASQUES and CHRONICLES OF THE
BLACK SWORD also worth shelling out for.

The late 80's saw a plethora of shoddy live albums/bootlegs/
rip-off compilations which *serious collectors* on boc-l all
seem to want. Plus a few studio albums that IMO suffered
from the band going through the motions somewhat.

The '90s have seen a real return to form. They're a bit ambient
influenced now - but I think that's just old age and that they're
not going to turn into Aphex Twin MkII. PALACE SPRINGS is
excellent (one of the all-time great live albums) and I really
like the new album.

If you can find these cheap/second-hand/on vinyl (the way music
should be) buy 'em all.


Chris