Search - Nik Turner :: Space Ritual

Nik Turner - 'Space Ritual' (Cleopatra)

Mike Reed | USA | 11/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2-CD release has SUCH significant meaning to me.I saw the Nik Turner's Hawkwind Experience(as Turner dubbed this U.S.tour)on two different dates.The first show I caught LITERALLY changed my 'music taste' forever.Sort of a religious-like experience,to say the very least.Before,I practically lived for bands like Pantera,Dio,Maiden,etc.No more.After I caught Turner performing live,I soon discovered other bands as such,like Gong,Nektar,Steve Hillage,Fifty Foot Hose,The Move and also krautrock bands like Guru Guru,Kluster,Amon Duul II and Brianticket.'Space Ritual 1994' also features other Hawkwind past members synth wiz Del Dettmar and percussionist Alan Powell.From looking at the six-page fold-out liner notes,I see that at least on one date during this 44-date trek that Turner had invited out some memorable guests.Former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra,to do the vocals on Michael Moorcock's recital "Armour For Everyday" and Pink Fairies drummer Twink to play at their New York date.Let's not forget that ex-Chrome guitarist Helios Creed plays on this record as well as moog/synth man Len Del Rio(see my review of his Zero Gravity disc),rhythm guitarist Tommy Grenas(of Pressurehed)and bassist Paul Fox.As for the tunes,I remember not knowing what'd hit me during the trippingly fantastic opener "Ghost Dance".Then,Turner and crew carries on with "Watching The Grass Grow","D-Rider"(I was in the bar men's room screaming so loud that I was so thrilled to be there during this tune),"Master Of The Universe","Sonic Attack" and so on.A total running time of two solid brain damaging spaced out rock hours here.Loved his flute instumentals,"King" and "Serenade".Also couldn't get enough of the Bob Calvert gems,"Ejection" and "The Right Stuff".Turner seems to master the Hawkwind classics like his OWN "Brainstorm","You Shouldn't Do That","Orgone Accumulator" and "Silver Machine".A true keeper.100% essential for ALL Hawkwind and space rock fans."

Some really good Space Rock, and, its from '94!

J. Smolik | Indiana | 05/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I first saw this CD on Amazon, I saw that they played "TV as eyes", one of Chrome's greatest songs. So I really wanted to hear an updated version of that song. Well, over time, Helios Creed lost the singing that he once had on early Chrome albums, but the song is still pretty good. Nik Turner really busts out on the flute in a few of the songs, and it fits them perfectly. My favorite song on here would have to be D-Rider, in which Turner really belts out some amazing singing. I also love the menacing drums of Ghost Dance. Turner sings in an almost Helios Creed manner in The Right Stuff. And I love the tale that Genesis P-Orridge tells about "your armor" on Armour for Everyday. This is one great live perfprmance, and surprisingly, its from 1994. I thought 94 was just filled with a bunch of Kurt Cobain wannabes. Well, it wasn't, the man of Hawkwind busts out in Space Ritual Live with a number of great artists (My favorite being Helios Creed). If you like Space Rock, or Indutrial, check this one out. Industrial fans may think that the music was originated with Skinny Puppy and Ministry, but these are the guys that really brought it out."

Not only harking back to the heydays of Hawkwind

J. Smolik | 04/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Nik Turner at his best + Pressurehed + Helios Creed + Genesis P'Orridge + Del Detmar +++. Anyone who likes space rock will like this one. It's great that Nik is back!"