Arguably, the album did not quite deliver everything that it said in the title. However, it does reveal several strands that led to further, perhaps more developed, journeys that were explored subsequently. When heard today, the end result stands up surprisingly strong. The opening chords of the first track “Reefer Madness” underpin a mix of boppy jaunt that has actually aged quite well. It bodes well for what’s to follow.
“Steppenwolf” still appears in the odd live set, an incredible thirty plus years later. It seems redundant to describe this near ten minute offering as eccentric but that’s what it undoubtedly is. “City Of Lagoons” slowly mystifies whilst radiating a hypnotic floating trance. It is a track for which the Ipod was all but invented.
“The Aubergine – That Ate Rangoon” glides in to encourage a similar state of mind despite it regrettably running out of steam way too soon. “Kerb Crawler” strides in nicely blazing an easy going opening for a similarly effortless “Kadu Flyer”. The original album closes with “Chronoglide Skyway” which is so cool that it simply swirls around somewhere out near the planet Pluto.
All in all Astounding Sounds. Amazing Music is, whilst not being generally considered as among Hawkwinds most memorable moments, well worth re-visiting. In fact I would go as far to say that if you haven’t heard this since it came out, (like me I guess) then grab this and give it another going over. You will be pleasantly surprised.
In the meantime we can look forward to the re-releases of such albums from the Hawkwind clan as Levitation, Sonic Attack, Live Seventy Nine, Choose Your Masques, Electric Teepee, Chronicle Of The Black Sword, Distant Horizon, and Quark, Strangeness And Charm.
Every album from this period will appear as expanded and re-mastered editions over the next eighteen months. All of them will also include previously unreleased bonus material taken from the recently acquired master tapes. Exciting stuff indeed.
The first place to visit for more information on these releases is the new Atomhenge website. Delve around a bit and you will find that other gems, such as Robert Calvert’s 1984 album Freq, are also available.
Also don't forget to call in on Hawkwind's official website to catch up on those live dates.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
I searched high and low for this album for years because I love the instrumental track "Chronoglide Skyway." Recently found it as a download on the internet, just in time for them to apparently finally reissue the CD. But aint that how it always goes...
-Glen
2 - Jeff
Hi Glen - yep that sounds about right !
Great series - well worth looking out for. Thanks for reading.....Jeff
3 - uncle arthur
Jeff
What about reviewing Levitation - the new boxed set version is great
4 - Jeff
Thank you Uncle Arthur ! yes Levitation is here - nice set - should be here on Classic Eurorock this week !