What does it sound like?:

All the Hawkwind you could ever need covering the years 1970-74. An 11 cd box comprising the studio albums Hawkwind, In Search of Space, Do Re Mi, and Hall of the Mountain Grill plus double live sets of Space Ritual, the band’s set from 72’s Greasy Truckers Party and 1999 Party recorded on the US tour of 74 but not released until 1997. The final cd, Of Time and Stars, is new for this collection and comprises numerous singles, edits, rarities, etc.

What does it all *mean*?

If you like what we can loosely define as ‘space rock’ then you will be in your element with this set, which is nicely presented in a clam shell box. Sometimes the live material can drag and be a bit much of a muchness, but all the classic material from that period is present and correct here.

Goes well with…

Meant for dipping into rather than hearing in one sitting! The best of the material, eg on Space Ritual, has stood the test of time well, bearing in mind it was recorded over forty years ago. Other pieces have not aged so well however, and some judicious » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

Yet another compilation, presumably put out as a way to flog the three ‘new’ songs on here. The best of these by far is ‘Let Me In Your Heart Again’, an outtake from The Works album, and decent enough if you like the commercial/poppier side of Queen. ‘There Must Be More To Life Than This’ is a duet with a very youthful sounding Michael Jackson, whose voice sounds very weak next to Mercury’s. The other two songs they recorded in 1981 remain in the vaults, presumably held back for another future release, but you can see why this was rejected for inclusion on both Hot Space and The Works before a solo version finally appeared on Fred’s Mr Bad Guy album. ‘Love Kills’ is simply a slowed down band version of the Giorgio Moroder hi – nrg track most will be familiar with.

What does it all *mean*?

Comes in both single and expanded two cd versions, and it’s good to hear some of the less familiar Queen songs like Lily of The Valley, Drowse and Nevermore alongside the usual selection of well known tracks such as You’re My Best Friend, Somebody To Love » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

A two cd retrospective of his solo material. In contrast to his Homebrew series, this concentrates solely on finished pieces rather than demos. The best material comes from his early albums Beginnings and The Steve Howe Album, both of which feature sundry members of Yes. Indeed, fans of Yes and Asia will notice a few familiar themes scattered among these outings.

What does it all *mean*?

Although you can’t deny Howe’s undoubted technical ability, two cds worth can be a bit much of a muchness if listened to in one sitting – far better to dip in and out of this collection.

Goes well with…

There’s a nice orchestral take on Mood For A Day (taken from Symphonic Music of Yes), but could live without the two Dylan covers – I know he’s a huge fan, but his voice just isn’t up to it.

Might suit people who like…

Obviously fans of Yes and it’s various offshoots, or fans of instrumental guitar music in general, performed by a real virtuoso.

What does it sound like?:

A two cd affair, with a nice 24 page booklet, comprising studio recordings, alternate takes, live material and other rare and previously unreleased material, covering the period 1969 – 2014 and showcasing the various band line ups.

What does it all *mean*?

Not really suitable as an introduction to the band for newcomers, but for the completest this is a treasure trove indeed, including rehearsals for the 2014 tour and tracks from the forthcoming 40th anniversary rereleases of Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair and Thrakk. A great deal of this is all previously unavailable on CD.

Goes well with…

If you want to dig deep into the Crimson vaults, then this is your dreams come true. The rehearsal material gives a good idea of what to expect on this years UK dates too.

Might suit people who like…

Probably for hard core devotees only, but as ever the musicianship and compositional skills are consistently outstanding.

What does it sound like?:

After the long conceptual pieces showcased in Thick As A Brick and A Passion Play, Ian Anderson returns to short form songs on this Steven Wilson remix of the Tull’s 1974 album. As ever, Wilson seems to strip away layers of muddiness from the original, leaving a cleaner, airier sound. Many would think of this line-up of the band as the definitive one, and indeed they are in fine form, with Martin Barre’s guitar work particularly excelling.

What does it all *mean*?

The second cd features the usual slew of outtakes and bonus tracks, including three previously unreleased songs. Most fascinatingly though, it includes the orchestral pieces written for the soundtrack of the planned but aborted film which was to be part of the original concept for a multi-faceted project.

Goes well with…

The accompanying two dvds have the usual 5.1 mixes by Wilson, which live up to the high standard he has set on previous releases. An excellent 80 page book, plus some promo footage from the time, round off the whole package.

Might suit people who like…

If you’re a Tull fan you will want to finally hear the long ago consigned » Continue Reading.

What does it sound like?:

A mixture of old and new from the current seven piece line-up, recorded on last year’s US tour. A slightly odd mix at first listen which takes a little while to get attuned to – needs four or five listens to ‘get it’. Sadly only 41 minutes worth, but the band sound in fine form – Mel Collins in particular is at the top of his game here.

What does it all *mean*?

Good to hear a few pieces that have rarely been performed live (and one never previously), and it’s nice to hear rejuvenated takes on old favourites such as Sailors Tale and Starless.

Goes well with…

Probably not for the uninitiated, but if you’re a fan this is a must have memento of the three drummer line-up – and of course Fripp’s guitar work is as impeccable and challenging as ever.

Might suit people who like…

Whets the appetite for the UK dates later in the year !