2008 two CD live set from the Space rockers, recorded at the Astoria. The band's line-up on this release includes founder and ever present leader, Dave Brock and the return of Tim Blake on keyboards and theremin. Features ... more »the entire show plus all encores, including the rarely performed 'Silver Machine'. Other tracks include 'Alien I Am', 'Masters Of The Universe', 'Damnation Alley', 'Welcome To The Future' and many more. Entertain Me.« less
2008 two CD live set from the Space rockers, recorded at the Astoria. The band's line-up on this release includes founder and ever present leader, Dave Brock and the return of Tim Blake on keyboards and theremin. Features the entire show plus all encores, including the rarely performed 'Silver Machine'. Other tracks include 'Alien I Am', 'Masters Of The Universe', 'Damnation Alley', 'Welcome To The Future' and many more. Entertain Me.
"Decent sounding live recording of the space rock pioneers, from a December, 2007 gig at the London - Astoria. Not sure as to why I've read several negative reviews of this 2-CD import, sound quality here isn't perfect but it's quite acceptable. I, for one truly appreciated all the old material that Hawkwind cared to play at this particular concert. Haven't seen the DVD yet, I've only heard the audio portion of this 'should have' title. Was amazed at the good job they did on Michael Moorcock's futuristic poem - the classic (originally appeared on 'Space Ritual') "Black Corridor" along with vintage tracks like "Aerospace Inferno", "Orgone Accumulator", a piece off their landmark 'Hall Of The Mountain Grill' lp - "Paradox", "Time We Left (This World Today)", "Damnation Alley", another one of Moorcock's works of genius "Sonic Attack", Bob Calvert's "Flying Doctor" and "Silver Machine". Personnel: Brock, Tim Blake, Dr. Dibbs-bass & vocals, Jason Stuart (R.I.P.)-keyboards and Richard Chadwick-drums. Recommended for the true Hawkfan."
Muddled mix, but still good live Hawkwind
M. Chominski | San Francisco, CA USA | 08/20/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Although the mix is not all it could be, it is nowhere near as bad as people are claiming. It is still a pro recording after all, which puts it well ahead of some of the audience tape disasters we've been subjected to over the years. And as someone who probably won't be able to see Hawkwind in the forseeable future (unless they make it to California), I enjoy the chance to hear a recent performance. In this aspect, the band doesn't disappoint, delivering the classics with a twist and giving the material that extra live boost. While this certainly isn't Space Ritual, this does rank rather high on the Hawkwind live totem pole. Recommended"
Bad quality sound!
Bob Calvert | USA | 08/17/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"For a official Dave Brock release in 2008 with all the new technology ,why is the sound quality SO BAD? Maybe Hawkwind's worst album ever. Avoid or you'll be sorry!"
Going through the Motions
Fritz Gerlich | admin@audioetc.info | 01/01/2010
(2 out of 5 stars)
"****************************Personnel
* Dave Brock - guitar, keyboards, vocals
* Tim Blake - keyboards, theremin
* Jason Stuart - keyboards
* Mr. Dibs - bass guitar, vocals
* Richard Chadwick - drums, vocals
***************************Technical Stuff
First off, the mastering on this disc is fantastic. There is tonnes of dynamics, zero clipping, and zero mastering induced distortion. I wanted to give props to the mastering guy by mentioning his name here, but it is nowhere to be found in the packaging. I think this is because mastering guys today do not want to be known as making so called quiet cds, even though those are the cds that sound the best and move listeners the most. So I don't think the fact that there is no mention of the mastering guy is an accident.
Anyway, so the the mastering is great. Unfortunately, the whoever recorded the concert did a dreadful job for a professional. The sound is muddy, and in parts of the concert the drums and guitar almost disappear. Very poor.
***************************The Music
This is basically a live set of their greatest hits, using a very basic line up. The musicians run through the tunes, but never seem involved. There is virtually no jamming, or experimenting, or chance taking. It is almost as if I was listening to a Hawkwind cover band. It doesn't help that the vocal duties are carried out by Mr.Dibs and Dave. Both voices are thin and threadbare. The spoken word piecies "Black Corridor", "Robot", and "Sonic Attack" are delivered quite poorly in comparison with any of the other 12 000 versions released before.
**************************Summary
A fairly dull, straightforward, and passionless concert marred by substandard recording. For Kompletists only."
Yes even the greatest band ever can be total rubbish
Martin Richards | Sheboygan, WI United States | 08/29/2009
(1 out of 5 stars)
"As you may all know the band have apologized for this travesty of an album which was released with a truly awful mix. Hawkwind with half the instruments missing!"