Back in the distant past of my youth I was beginning to discover many styles of music, in 1971 I discovered Hawkwind with their, then, new release In Search of Space which remains one of my favourite albums from their vast catalogue. It would not come as a surprise to regular TPA readers that by accident I appear to have become the go reviewer for this band, mainly because I jump in when I see their name. So to see this three CD box set edition ready for release my hand went up straight away.
What we have here is a 2 CD/Blu-ray box set, which includes on disc one the original mix remastered, disc two with a new stereo mix by Stephen W. Tayler and the Blu-ray with 96kHz/24-bit 5.1 surround and stereo mixes by Stephen W. Tayler plus the Silver Machine 1972 promotional film. Also included is a 68 page booklet titled The Hawkwind Log, with contents including a history of the making of the album, a “spaceship Hawkwind” journey log, the lyrics are included with lots of artwork including a short comic strip. The booklet has lots of photos throughout, some showing the multi track tapes boxes, plus band shots and concert posters, overall a very comprehensive and absorbing read.
This, their second album helped establish their signature space rock sound, and was originally recorded at the famous Rockfields Studio, Monmouth. For this release the album has been remastered from the original master tapes by Ben Wiseman at the Broadlake Studios in Hertfordshire. All stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes by Stephen W. Tayler at Chimera Arts, Real World, Wiltshire. The original mix is on disc one, and the sound quality is excellent preserving the stereo sound movements perfectly between the speakers/headphones, keeping the uniqueness of their use of audio generators to the fore. Also included on the disc are two bonus tracks, namely Seven by Seven and Silver Machine (recorded at The Roundhouse, London on 13/2/72 with overdubs at Morgan Studios, London). These are great versions of the songs and formed the A and B sides of the 7″ single released in 1972, and is a fitting era appropriate inclusion.
Disc two has the new stereo mix, and again the sound quality of the mix is excellent, although personally my preference is for the original (this may just be nostalgia on my part). This disc has the attraction of four bonus tracks Hog Farm and Kiss Of The Velvet Whip which are session outtakes plus the two bonus tracks from disc one. The two session outtake tracks are interesting and listening to them it becomes clear why they were part of the albums recording process with the clear signature Hawkwind sound, and would have been included if it were not for the restrictions of running time for the release method, vinyl, at the time.
The album has a strong selection of tracks all the way through, it includes the excellent You Shouldn’t Do That which is a clear indication of the direction the band were taking. Also the wonderful live favourite Master of the Universe here in its original form, there are many live recorded versions of this song, but for me none can top this one.
As mentioned the third disc is a region free Blu-ray disc which contains a 5.1 Surround Sound and stereo mixes by Stephen W Tayler plus the original Stereo mix. Also included the promo film for Silver Machine which was widely used at the time.
Overall this is a very good package, with excellent sound quality and a fairly comprehensive booklet included, this is another example of how Cherry Red Records get this sort of release right. A classic Hawkwind release getting the attention it deserves in a box set that would appeal to fans, collectors and maybe a few new fans as well, I mean if you going to jump in to the Hawkwind catalogue, this is a great place to start. I know I did all those years ago.
TRACK LISTING
Disc One: The Original Mix Remastered
01. You Shouldn’t Do That (15:40)
02. You Know You’re Only Dreaming (6:27)
03. Masters Of The Universe (6:15)
04. We Took The Wrong Step Years Ago (4:49)
05. Adjust Me (5:45)
06. Children Of The Sun (3:19)
07. Hog Farm (7:06)
08. Kiss Of The Velvet Whip [1971 version] (12:21)
09. Seven By Seven (5:23)
10. Silver Machine (4:39)
Total Time – 72:21
Disc Two: New Stereo mixes by Stephen W Tayler
01. You Shouldn’t Do That (15:40)
02. You Know You’re Only Dreaming (6:27)
03. Master Of The Universe (6:15)
04. We Took The Wrong Step Years Ago (4:49)
05. Adjust Me (5:45)
06. Children Of The Sun (3:19)
~ Bonus tracks
07. Hog Farm (7:06)
08. Kiss Of The Velvet Whip [1971 version] (12:21)
09. Seven By Seven (5:23)
10. Silver Machine (4:39)
Total Time – 72:21
Disc Three: Blu-ray 96kHz/24-bit 5.1 Surround and Stereo mixes by Stephen W Tayler/ Original Stereo mix
01. You Shouldn’t Do That
02. You Know You’re Only Dreaming
03. Masters Of The Universe
04. We Took The Wrong Step Years Ago
05. Adjust Me
06. Children Of The Sun
~ Bonus tracks:
07. Hog Farm
08. Kiss Of The Velvet Whip
09. Seven By Seven
10. Silver Machine
– Video content –
Silver Machine (1972 promotional film)
MUSICIANS
Nic Turner – Alto Sax, Flute, Audio Generator, Vocals
Dave Brock – Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic 6 & 12 String Guitar, Audio Generator
Dave Anderson – Bass, Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Del Dettmar – Synthesisers
Dik Mik – Audio Generators
Terry Ollis – Drums, Percussion
– Silver Machine –
Dave Brock – Electric Guitar, Vocals, Audio Generator
Lemmy (Kilminister) – Bass, Lead Vocals
Nic Turner – Alto Sax
Del Dettmar – Synthesiser
Dik Mik – Audio Generator
~ With:
Stacia (Blake) – Dances
– Seven by Seven –
Robert Calvert – Recitation
Dave Brock – Vocals, Electric Guitar, Audio Generator
Lemmy (Kilminister) – Bass, Vocals
Nic Turner – Alto Sax
Del Dettmar – Synthesiser
Dik Mik – Audio Generator
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Cherry Red Records | Atomhenge
Country of Origin: U.K.
Date of Release: 30th August 2024