Space Metal [Limited Edition] [Import]

Space Metal [Limited Edition] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Lift-Off

2. Set Your Controls

3. High Moon

4. Songs Of The Ocean

5. Master Of Darkness

6. The Eye Of Ra

7. Sandrider

8. Perfect Survivor

9. Intergalactic Space Crusaders

10. Starchild

11. Hawkwind Medley

12. Spaced Out

13. Inseparable Enemies

14. Space Oddity (Bowie)

15. Starchild (Dolby Pro Logic)

16. Spaced Out (Alt Version)

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Prog-rock project featuring members of Edge Of Sanity, Symphony X, Ayeron & Startovarius. Limited edition with bonus disc containing 'Hawkwind Medley'with guest appearance from Dave Brock, 'Spaced Out', 'Inseperable Enemies', 'Space Oddity' (Bowie), 'Starchild' & 'Spaced Out (alt. version). Packaged in a digi-book. 2002.

Tracks:

Earth Calling
Born To Go
Down Through The Night
The Awakening
Lord Of Light
Black Corridor
Space Is Deep
Electronic No.1
Orgone Accumulator
Upside Down
10 Seconds Of Forever
Brainstorm

Tracks:

7 By 7
Sonic Attack
Time We Left This World Today
Master of The Universe
Welcome To The Future
You Shouldn't Do That
Master Of The Universe
Born To Go

Album Description

UK remastered & repackaged reissue of the British progressive rock act's 1973 album with 3 added bonus tracks 'You Shouldn't Do That', 'Master Of The Universe' & 'Born To Go'. 2001.

Album Details

Digitally remastered with 3 bonus tracks!

Customer Reviews:

Mott's Ritual.......2006-10-10

In the lead up to Christmas 1972 there was a massive disturbance in the force as the mighty Hawkwind had a freak hit single with their `Silver Machine ` reaching Number three in the singles chart. I am not saying that this exactly made Hawkwind into pop stars, but it certainly gave them access to a far wider audience.
`Silver Machine' was even more of a freak than it appears. For a start it was a live recording, which was almost unheard of in singles land, especially as it was nearly five minutes long (even if it had been heavily edited with Robert Calvert's vocals completely erased and replaced with the far more aggressive growl of Hawkwind's bass player Ian Kiliminster, known to all as Lemmy). The sight of the Hawkwind video being played next to the Nolan Sisters on Top of the Pops did bring a smile to the face, but imagine if they had let Lemmy into the same studio as the Sisters?
It's not as though Hawkwind had not already enjoyed success, as their first three albums had already charted in the U.K. `Hawkwind' (1970), `In Search of Space' (1971) (complete with fabulous foldout cover and Hawklog), and `Doremi Fasol Latido' (1972) which had a vaguely space concept.
But with the money generated by a hit single Hawkwind decided to take their Space Ritual on the road for a massive tour of the United Kingdom and surrounding planets. A road crew was brought in, the most impressive display of lights were acquired under the auspicious eye of Liquid Len accompanied by his crew of Lensmen, costumes were fashioned, famous English D.J. Andy Dunkley was appointed Mothership control, one of the most impressive stage settings was put together to house the band for their rocket ride, actual dancers were put on the payroll and given chorography, and most impressively the band put in some rehearsal time.
The band had been stable for a whole year, which for this bunch of space cadets was in itself an event. Baring in mind that there had already been three other bass players before Lemmy secured the job, a lead guitarist had been lost and nobody had bothered to replace him, whilst the drum stool had already moved into Spinal Tap mode. It was almost a rule in the band that they never did two studio albums with the same line up.
From these early beginnings, though, nobody could have ever imagined that over the years Hawkwind would have such a heavy influence on such diverse musical threads as Ambient, World, Disco (seriously), Trance, Stoner Rock, Heavy Metal, and of course Space Rock.
Fortunately for us all several of the shows were recorded, and the best of two of them from Liverpool and Manchester have been spliced together to give the complete experience, all done in the correct running order. This was first released as a double album in 1973 at the price of a single album, Hawkwind being Hawkwind and always giving value for money. As well as a poster size foldout cover, you also got two booklets, one telling the story of the Space Ritual joining the dots between songs, the other giving you all the information you could possibly want about the tour.
In 1996 EMI went one step further and re-released the Space Ritual in Digi-Pak form reproducing the original artwork, whilst adding some extra photos from the tour. The music itself has been wonderfully re-mastered to give a much clearer sound than the original vinyl, or for that matter the first CD release. Due to time constraints first time round (you could only get eighty minutes of music on four sides of vinyl) the encore of `You Shouldn't Do That' had to be left off. Well no more; here you get the full concert encore and all. As if that was not enough over twenty minutes of bonus live Hawkwind has been tacked onto the end with two tracks from the hard to get Greasy Truckers benefit concert.
The concert starts with the Starship Hawkwind on final countdown for its rocket ride. Robert Calvert, Hawkwind's resident poet, gets things underway with `Earth Calling' amidst an array of Hawkwind, bubble music, audio generators, countdowns, swazzles, electronic robot music, swishing, and after burns.
Blastoff occurs with Dave Brock blazing out the riffs from his sonic axe of `Born To Go'; then the rest of the band comes thundering in. Now you must remember that nobody had ever bothered to mention to Lemmy that the bass guitar was a rhythm instrument, as he goes note for note with his captain's guitar. Simon King on drums may have had his failings, but subtlety was not one of them as he thrashes away for all he is worth.
Everybody's favourite, hippy Nik Turner hoots and honks his way through every song on his battered saxophone, only reverting to the flute for those short quieter moments when Robert Calvert would get up to read out some of his poetry or to speak out the words of Michael Moorcock the famous science fiction writer who had written special passages for the Space Ritual. `Sonic Attack' is particularly disturbing in the concept of the Space Ritual, with the whole band echoing the narrator's speech. Then behind this you had the twin attack of Del Dettmar and Dik Mik on synthesisers, audio generators, and electronics giving out that very special Hawkwind wall of sound. The songs were most of `Doremi Fasol Latido' plus any songs that fitted in from the Hawkwind back catalogue. `Masters of The Universe' for example fitted in very well, plus material specially written for the mission. This was Heavy Metal at its very best, no matter what different wrapper you want to give it.
Of course Hawkwind was a very visual band in every way. Out the front of the stage for the journey was the larger than life Amazonian dancer Stacia, who somehow during each performance managed to lose every stitch of space garb adorning her ample body. As there were always a lot of spotty sixteen year old boys down the front of the stage, it probably means that Stacia was the first naked female seen by thousands of young lustful teenagers. To answer your next question, "Yes, those thoughtful people from EMI have included a few snapshots in one of the booklets," purely for historic reasons you understand. I know this has nothing to do with the music, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
More than thirty years later, Hawkwind are still flying, sadly without Stacia, who went off and married drummer Roy Dyke, which makes her Mrs Dyke, hmmm. Lemmy has of course gone on to become the founder of Heavy Metal with the mighty Motorhead. Whilst David Brock, with new Hawknauts, still leads Hawkwind, who released a new studio album in 2005 called `Take Me To Your Leader', their first album since `Distant Horizons' in 1997. Hawkwind's Space Ritual is a great trip.
Mott the Dog.

listen with your ears not your mouth .......2005-11-28

i'd like to say to the other reviewer who said don't kid yourself that this is nonsense hello it's called space rock for a reason because it doesn't have to make sense and being spacey and trippy is kool man better try it something you may enjoy it
than working the 9 to 5 circle

but hey anyway a truly great live cd from the pioneers of space/rock hawkwind yeah the drumming is repative but it's cool
man way kool and if your a pot smoking hippy there's nothing better than listening to this album.. hey man i must sound stoned well maybe i am, who knows?

a classic album without a fiddle of an orange

Psychedelic Warlords!.......2005-10-01

I have been a HawkFan since the acid daze of the early 70's and I highly recommend this album (and most others) by Hawkwind! They are unique and not widely known in the U.S. although they have an almost cult following around the world. Their "Live" perforances are legendary (which is why I chose to review this album). The British fantasy/sci-fi author Michael Moorcock is a huge fan and has collaborated on some Hawkwind lyrics from time to time. The band members change often (Dave Brock being the only constant) and that is part of their mystique. If you like Heavy Metal/Space Rock you will Love Hawkwind and "Space Ritual"!

One of the best live cds ever.......2005-03-09

The bad things first. Yes, it is a bit overlong, and yes, some of the spoken poems are a bit insipid. Having said that, this cd contains some of the best live music I've ever heard.

The heart of the cd is the old (side 2 + 3) from the original album - that is, from "Lord of Light" to "Brainstorm". "The Black Corridor" is one of the spoken poems that actually works. You then get 8+ minutes of a monster song "Space is Deep" that is truly amazing - music so thick and nuanced that it could be sliced with a knife.

After some electronic noodling comes "Orgone Accumulator". You don't need to know what an orgone accumulator is to enjoy (though it doesn't hurt - try googling for it). "Upside Down" is fairly forgettable, but then comes another halfway decent poem "10 Seconds to Forever" and then, what may be one of the best live songs ever (any genre any musician). "Brainstorm" is one of those songs that you can listen to again and again - the lyrics don't mean much (though they set an interesting vibe) but the music...o the music. This is a song that deserves to be played as loud as you can get away with.

As for the rest of the cd...well, some interesting bits and some embarrassing bits ("Sonic Attack" in particular is outstanding in a bad movie sort of way). But who cares. Edit it down to 40-50 minutes and you have something to enjoy again and again. Hard to believe this came out five years after the beatles broke up...hard to believe hawkwind never became more than a cult success. Get it and enjoy!

Don't Kid Yourself.......2005-01-04

I loved this when it came out, but I also loved lots of things then that weren't good for me. Not that this is harmful in any way... it's just that it is really, really awful.

Lemmy is the only one in the band that could play with any facility or sense of melody, and even he wasn't exactly at his best then. The drummer is an unsteady, two-lick metronome, and Dave Brock continuously uses a wah pedal on his guitar solos to try to cover up for the fact that he sounds like he's playing with his toes. Overlay it all with undifferentiated sonic sludge, add a flute/reed player who seems to have never learned half the notes on either instrument, and sprinkle with "cosmic" lyrics that weren't so much goofy as stupid - that was Hawkwind.

Don't buy the hype. Hawkwind was always terrible, if terribly sincere. They were a joke then, and if you pay what they're asking for this idiocy, the joke's on you. Want space rock? Buy Gong, or even Planet Gong, not this mud.

Average customer rating:

Very excellent packaging...

Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

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The Saga of Hawkwind
Hawkwind: Sonic Assassins
In Concert: Out of the Shadows
Fear of a Blank Planet
Snakes & Arrows

ASIN: B000OYCN98
Release Date: 2007-07-02

Tracks:

Earth Calling/Born to Go
Born to Go
Down Through the Night
Awakening
Lord of Light
Black Corridor
Space Is Deep
Electronic No. 1
Orgone Accumulator
Upside Down
10 Seconds of Forever
Brainstorm

Tracks:

7 by 7
Sonic Attack
Time We Left This World Today
Master of the Universe
Welcome to the Future
You Shouldn't Do That
Master of the Universe
Born to Go

Album Description

2007 special three disc (two CDs + PAL/Region 0 DVD) Collector's Edition of the veteran UK Space Rockers' 1973 live opus. The CDs in this edition feature the original album with some extended tracks (they were originally edited due to the time restrictions of vinyl) plus three bonus tracks. The DVD is more a DVD album than DVD video; it allows the listener to enjoy the album as it was originally recorded: as one long continuous piece of live music. There is a brand new 5.1 mix as well as the standard stereo mix and a visualizer will appear on screen while the music plays. The DVD also features two promo videos which are previously unreleased - 'Silver Machine' and 'Urban Guerilla'. EMI. 2007.

Album Details

Collectors Edition of Two CDs and One Dvda.

Customer Reviews:

Very excellent packaging..........2007-07-20

This is packaged in a clear slipcase and 8 panel fold-out digipack, similar to the legacy or universal deluxe re-issues that have been released lately. The DVD worked in my DVD player even though it's PAL, and I don't have any fancy player, it was some 80 buck radio shack thing.. great art, great booklet and cool visuals on the DVD. the 5.1 mix isn't that radical, but it's good to hear it all at once instead of on 2 dvds..

Average customer rating:

Best Hawkwind Album
Light Years Ahead Of Their Time
'You Shouldn't do That' track ruins half the album!! Because it's 15 minutes long!!
Their best studio cd?
Stepping Forward

In Search of Space
Hawkwind
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Doremi Fasol Latido
Hall of the Mountain Grill
Hawkwind
Space Ritual
1999 Party

ASIN: B00005MCX0
Release Date: 2001-08-27

Tracks:

You Shouldn't Do That
You Know You're Only Dreaming
Master Of The Universe
We Took The Wrong Step Years Ago
Adjust Me
Children Of The Sun
Seven By Seven (Original Single Version)
Silver Machine (Original Single Version)
Born To Go (Live Single Version Edit)

Album Description

UK remastered & repackaged reissue of the British progressive rock act's 1971 album with 3 added bonus tracks 'Seven By Seven' (original single version), 'Silver Machine' (original single version) & 'Born To Go' (live single version edit). 2001.

Album Details

Digitally remastered with 3 bonus tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Best Hawkwind Album.......2007-04-28

I love this album pop it in maybe 1 time every week, all you really need to know is You Shouldn't Do That, it has to be my faviret song of all time.

Light Years Ahead Of Their Time.......2007-03-13

Worth the price of admision for the 2 tracks-'You shouldn't do that', and "Master od the universe'. Absolute masterpieces. Firsy track clocks in at over 15 minutes and I never get tired of it. Sensational feel, full of synths, sound generators, hippy vocals, all backed by solid drumming and Rickenbacker bass (Dave Anderson,-whatever happened to him?)-superb line up! A must have for any Hawkwind fan. Forget about the rip-off compilations and live stuff-get this, and the later 'Electric Tepee'

'You Shouldn't do That' track ruins half the album!! Because it's 15 minutes long!!.......2007-02-03

I went through a big Hawkwind phase in the early 90s and remember the excitement and joy when this CD arrived at the local mall from being specially ordered (This was before the internet was big, and odd, weird, unpopular stuff had to be special ordered by phone or catalog)

On first listen, I was let down. 'You Shouldn't Do That' can be described as one of most atrocious instrumentals known to man. It does start off cool enough with an eerie, trippy special effect intro simulating something taking off into space. Then as soon as the saxophone kicks in, everything turns to crap! It's one thing to know how to play the sax and quite another to just mindlessly blow into the stupid thing. Anyways, when all the key instruments get introduced in the beginning and kind of work their way up into the main riff, it then sounds like the sax and guitar start vomiting on eachother, and then it repeats and repeats and repeats and repeats until they vomit on eachother again; then repeats a few more dozen times for a total of 15 painful minutes!! At one point, everyone in the group seemed content to plunk out any old note which made the song barely listenable at all. By then, the only musician holding this fiasco together was the drummer. And the lyrics? Why would you put non-sensical hippeeisms into a so called 'space rock' song? I dont know. Out of the 30 or 40 times I heard this song, I only sat through the WHOLE thing twice!! Apologies to die-hard fans for slamming this track, but it really IS that bad and puts a big dent in the album considering its length.

Now that that atrocity is out of the way, on to the rest of the album- the other songs aren't really that bad and make for some interesting soundscape music. 'You're Only Dreaming' has a wonderful 'breath of fresh air' motif as a backing to it's graceful swirl of electrics. 'Master of the Universe' was the sinister heavy metal track about the all supreme being- the guitar chords to this are nice fat and distorted. I do prefer this version to the 'Space Ritual' version because even though the Ritual's version is faster and heavier, it repeats itself beyond all levels of tolerance. 'In Search of Space's' version seems slower but shorter and to the point at the same time.

'Adjust Me' is another exploration of atmosphere and fuzzed out electronics. It conjures up images of an android assembly plant and one of them seems to malfunction beyond control: 'adjust me... adjust meee adjust meeeee adjust meeeeeeeeeeee'. Very cool.

'We took the Wrong Step Years Ago' and 'Children of the Sun' are very extremely well played acoustic works that draw beautiful, lush, vivid images. I would say that mr. Brock fares better with the acoustic guitar than the electric. He has very good rythm.

All in all, a decent early 70s space rock album save for the first 15 minute bowel movement. It renders this album rather short but thankfully, the re-issue has bonus tracks to make up for this.

Their best studio cd?.......2005-03-17

I came to Hawkwind through their live cd "Space Ritual", which is one of the outstanding live cds of all time. This studio cd is from about the same time period, and is the only cd that replicates the power of Hawkwind's live performances.

The opening cut, "You Shouldn't Do That", (which clocks in at 15:41!) is a good test of whether you are or are not going to be a Hawkwind fan. Many of my friends find the song boring and repetitive - but in fact it makes good use of a repeated themes intermixed with background variations, and is in the same league as songs like "The Sheltering Sky" by King Crimson. The next three cuts keep things moving at a nice pace. "We Took the Wrong Step Years Ago" is particularly noteworthy - it is a powerful acoustic song that in some ways reminds me of some of the acoustic pieces on Led Zepplin's zoso cd (Led Zepplin 4). The final two cuts on the cd are a bit weaker, and the three bonus tracks, while good enough, are hardly essential (though one of these, "Silver Machine", has achieved near legendary status among some Hawkwind fans because of a rumored live cut of the song that was apparently left off the "Space Ritual" cd.

The question mark in my review refers to the fact that I have yet to listen to any Hawkwind cd more recent than "Quark, Strangeness, and Charm". Certainly "In Search of Space" is their best early studio effort, and though not perfect, it is well deserving of a five star rating.

Stepping Forward.......2005-03-12

The second album from legendary star-traveling metalloids Hawkwind is a big step up from their charming if flawed debut album...and almost where they'd plant themselves with their magnificent third album. They're getting there, though, and for the most part it's an engaging listening in. Especially since the beginning of the best-known Hawkwind lineup is now in place: aside from the early mainstays (guitarist Dave Brock, saxophonist/flutist Nik Turner, drummer Terry Ollis, keyboardsman/electronicat Del Dettmar), second guitarist Huw Lloyd Langton is gone, bassist Dave Anderson is succeeded by Ian (Lemmy) Kilmister before the album is done (Anderson co-wrote two songs), poet/vocalist Robert Calvert is aboard, and Dik Mik Davies (who seems to have exited briefly after the debut album) returns to team with Del Dettmar (who joined when Davies first departed) on keyboards and electronica.

The good news: It has their first bona-fide band classic, the extraterrestrial thrust of "Master of the Universe" (which beats the bloody hell out of Black Sabbath and their "Masters of Reality" any day of the week, and has probably been beaten to death for its popularity in concert over the years) and a pair of exquisite electro jams, "You Know You're Only Dreaming" (written by Brock) and "Adjust Me" (a group composition). Not to mention a pair of sweet acoustic dreams, "We Took The Wrong Step Years Ago" and "Children of the Sun."

The not-so-good news: "You Shouldn't Do That" is fifteen minutes of grandly pounding rock and roll with perfectly understated electronic lacing and transdimensionally spare flute and guitar lines, as if the Velvet Underground had scored a 1950s sci-fi B-movie, but disrupted rather unconscionably by a lyric which doesn't exactly sound like it really belongs to this music.

The bonus news: Two brilliant earlier singles--the underrated "Born to Go" and the coming major hit "Silver Machine"--are included with this remastered version. So as a package of stepping forward and then kicking themselves right into their own future, the new "In Search of Space" probably outpoints the original album.

The best news: "In Search of Space" is a direct line to the beginning of their best studio work and, probably, their best-remembered period.

Average customer rating:

The penultimate collection ...
Muisic of the Spheres
The Ulllllltimate Sci-Fi Music Collection
SciFi Album gift
Away From to be a Collectible Peace

The Science Fiction Album
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Star Trek | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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The Fantasy Album

ASIN: B000066HE5
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

2001: A Space Odyssey
Aliens
Sound Effect - The Nostromo
Alien
A.I.
Armageddon
Sound Effect - Apollo 13 Lift-off
Apollo 13
Back To The Future
Battle Beyond The Stars
Battlestar Galactica
The Black Hole
Contact
Capricorn One
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Dune

Tracks:

Galaxy Quest
Sound Effect - Dogfight in Space
Enemy Mine
Ghostbusters
Gremlins
Heavy Metal
Independence Day
E.T.
Judge Dredd
The Last Starfighter
Lifeforce
Sound Effect - Crash Landing
Lost In Space
Mars Attacks
The Matrix
Predator
The Right Stuff

Tracks:

Moonraker
Robocop
Silent Running
Sound Effect - Alien Organism
Species
Stargate
Starship Troopers
Starman
Star Trek - TV Theme
Star Trek: The Motion Picture End Title
Klingon Attack
Sound Effect - Warp Drive
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Generations
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Tracks:

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Sound Effect - Transporter Crew
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Main Theme
Star Trek First Contact
Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Sound Effect - Battle Stations
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace - The Flag Parade
Anakin's Theme
The Adventures of Jar Jar
Duel of the Fates
The Time Machine
Things to Come
The Thing From Another World
War of the Worlds
When Worlds Collide
Total Recall
You Only Live Twice
Superman

Customer Reviews:

The penultimate collection ..........2006-12-07

Generally I agree with Strategos in his ecstatic Spotlight Review above. It is a joy to here some of the most memorable themes and cues from some of the most memorable science fiction and fantasy movies (re)recorded in great sound and in lavish (re)orchestrations, played by renowned classical orchestras, namely the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra, no less.

I have always had a weak spot for (good, or maybe even intelligent) science fiction/fantasy and film music, especially its way of evoking mystery, grandure and wide open spaces. Call it a weakness if you want. But it was maybe really kick started off, for as far as I can remember, with Star Trek. But especially Star Trek II, III and IV - essentially a trilogy - because of their very romantic but very warm, human core, set on the broadest canvasses of unlimited and mysterious outer space. But then there was the music for adding that essential extra dimension of emotion and atmosphere. I am happy that much of the music on this album is from the Star Trek series and films, often equaling or sometimes even outclassing the original recordings.

This kind of music (for the movies) should be seen as an art on its own rights with its own merits and qualities. As such, the musical sequences on these CD's are a beautifully played cross section of some of the most evoking orchestral music for science fiction/fantasy film ever created. And I very much like the nicely blended, wide and deep orchestral soundpicture with enough reverberation to evoke a sense of wide open spaces.
I am quite thrilled by tracks like the evocative music from Dune, truly transporting one to the vastly sands of Arrakis (the music is wonderful, but to my great regret I think the movie itself is a flawed masterpiece at best, alas.). And then there is the very different, goofy music for Ghostbusters (memories of childhood), the spoofy but electrifying music from Mars Attacks (lovingly parodist music, this, with not a little touch of irony) and the happily adventurous, forward driving Theme from Galaxy Quest ('Never give up, never surrender!'), now also used for the internet-based fan-series Star Trek: The Hidden Frontier. On the other side of the spectrum we have the atmospheric music for Enemy Mine (an underestimated 'little' movie), the Theme from The Right Stuff (actually science FACT, not fiction, this film, just like Apollo 13, of course), the eerily attractive music for Species, the original End Title for Alien (not used in the theatrical version of the movie, where it was replaced by music from howard Hanson's Second Symphony), the exquisitely exotic music for Stargate, the sweet and warmly sympathetic, beautifully re-orchestrated, theme for Starman, the title cue for Star Trek: TOS (much more melodiously played than the original! If only a series nowadays could continue to be as thought provoking and as original as Star Trek was during its launch, fourty years ago ...) and a truly overpowering End Titles Suite from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. I especially like the thrillingly grandiloquent rendition here of the music for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. And how nice it is to hear the (thematic) similarities between James Horner's music for The Wrath of Khan, his great break-through as a film music composer, and his (two years) earlier music for Battle Beyond the Stars (which did indeed help him earn the job for writing the music for Star Trek II) ...

But on the 'down side', if one is looking for - for example - the gorgeously expansively played End Titles from Cocoon, it is not included here: one has to acquire the album that 'kicked it all off', so to say, namely 'Space and Beyond', also on Silva Screen. I was very pleased also with the inclusion on that album of some of the music from the series Star Trek: The Next Generation, namely where one of the characters, Tasha Yar, in one of the episodes (Skin of Evil) is saying goodbye to her crewmmates: sweetly sentimental and simple music which I have always wanted to own on CD. I guess that a few cues from the other two sequals ('Alien Invasion: Space and Beyond II' and 'Space3: Beyond the Final Frontier') didn't make it onto this 4 CD collection-album as well, but I guess that it would be the 'better part of the bargain' to opt to buy this 'The Science Fiction Album' instead of buying all three albums separately. Well, of course it is for yourself to ultimately decide what you really want ;-)

If I were to nitpick (which is not easy with such a marvellous project as this one), then I would say that while all music is performed with magnificent grandure and with style, some of it is not performed as crisply and as technically 'on the spot' as some of the original recordings: ensemble is a little slack and the playing somewhat stilted sometimes, losing some of the edge and the originality of the writing. ET and Star Wars spring to mind, but then the soundtracks for Star Wars are traditionally recorded with the magnificent London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro John Williams himself, and these superior recordings (especially the ones for Episode I, II and III) can't really be bettered, IMHO. Likewise for the music from Star Trek: The Motion Picture, I believe that in the end one really has to resort to the ultimate reference, namely the original recording (which is true in many other instances of 'original recordings'), and then the 20th anniversay colector's edition of this soundtrack on Columbia/Legacy (truly unmissable, this veritable classic of sci-fi/film music soundtracks!).

But all in all this 4CD-collection amounts to probably being the penultimate high quality sci-fi music album collection (I certainly know of no other project that comes as close quality as well as quantity wise), with some of the most memorable musical moments from classic to modern sci-fi/fantasy film captured in lavish orchestrations.
Collection-wise: five *stars*. Playing: generally four *stars*, sometimes more. The recording quality: five *stars*. The music (qualified on its own merits as film music) and its (re)orchestrations: generally five *stars*. In the end this is all highly recommended, and certainly not to be missed by science fiction and fantasy film music fans. Klaatu barada nikto.

Muisic of the Spheres.......2006-11-06

You wonderful four disk collection of SF music. It startsa up the the grand master of SF music, 2001: A space Odyssey all the way to Superman. This is all American SF music and several themes I would have liked to have included are not there. All in all though, a collection you will enjoy.

The Ulllllltimate Sci-Fi Music Collection.......2005-10-23

If one person gives great gifts, it's the illustrious Codemaster Talon. I've received a fair number of gifts in my lifetime, but so far, my older sister's take the cake. Take this one for instance. I'm real big on orchestral music, to the point where I listen to them more than any other kind of music. I've got orchestral versions of video game themes, orchestral soundtracks to truck-loads of anime shows (Big O, Escaflowne, and Giant Robo are incredible), and could probably spend the rest of my life just trying to study the nuances of all the classical music I've got. Being such a huge fan of orchestral music, I also have come to believe that orchestra music produced for movies and television is the new classical music (or as someone once said, Mozart would be making music for movies if he were alive today). Being a huge sci-fi fan, that kind of music has always been particularly near and dear to my heart. But were I to buy each and every soundtrack for every sci-fi I liked it would cost quite a bundle, and would include a lot of sub-par music along with the grandiose and fantastic main and memorable themes. That's where this beauty comes in.

The moment I ripped off the shrink-wrap and popped it into my cd player was a moment of great trepidation. Believe me when I tell that I've seen my fair share of sub-par orchestral recording in my lifetime. Very often they are in those big super-packs of music, and suffer from poor direction, improper mastering, and sometime even pathetic orchestration (or worse yet have something sounding like a cheap synthesizer and a kazoo in place of a full orchestra). I needn't have worried though. This sucker is fantastic.

Many people who are not audiophiles will probably miss the point of this cd collection. It is not the original versions of the pieces. It is re-orchestrations, mostly by the phenomenal Prague Symphony Orchestra. Many of these themes didn't sound all that hot in there original versions because they were low budget films or were not recorded in high-fidelity. Here they are given the full treatment, mastered with the most loving care imaginable. Often the version found in these cds is SUPERIOR to the original.

Remember the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey? Of course you do. But how many times have you heard a cheap imitation of the original version from the movie, starting too low in volume and ending too high (and missing the essential pipe-organ that gives it that extra oomph)? Well, this first track in the entire collection is not only everything it should be instrumental and timing-wise, but it also has been oh-so-carefully adjusted during the mastering process so that at no time is the music either too low or too high in volume (surely a benchmark for every other recording ever to be made of the piece).

Or what about the theme from the (at-the-time) uber-creepy The Black Hole? The orchestration of this piece of music goes from tiumphant to terrifying and back again, with a splendor and cleanness that I CERTAINLY don't remember being in the original recording.

Then there's the new version of the theme from Independence Day, complete with a violin solo, a far more electrifying ending climax, and a chorus so thunderous that you feel like applauding at the end. Simply indescribable. Kind of like the MIND-BLOWING rendition of the theme from The Last Star Fighter. This has been one of my favorite themes for a long time now, but I've never heard it played like this. I think the original version of the theme is something like 1 minute long, but this new version doesn't just fade out (HAHAHAHA!!!!) THIS version is THREE minutes long, goes through the main theme THREE times, with the final strains being so triumphant and joyous I could not help but feel an electrifying charge the first dozen or so times (come to think of it, I still feel that way). This is superior to the original in EVERY way. AWESOME.

And let's not forget the incredible new rendition of Stargate with it's heavy use of clarinets (for Egyptian effect!) and a triumphant new ending (completely lacking the chanting from the original version. This version is so different that for the first minute it is very hard to tell that it is in fact Stargate. But then the main theme kicks in, and then you get this incredible flute solo for my favorite part of theme (the whole thing is played slower, but arguably more powerfully than the original). My goodness. At first I found the thing so different I didn't like it. But then I listened to it again. And again. And again.

I could go on and on, talking about the fantastic new rendition of Moon Raker, the ear-popping Battlestar Galactica, the classic Star Trek (First Contact has a minute or two of the theme from Star Trek:The Motion Picture before going into the main theme), or the sweet renditions of music from the Star Wars movies (or the music from E.T.).

I have to mention though that this collection was not picked based merely on what people want, or on what is popular. No, the people who made it obviously thought a GOOD music collection was better than a popular one. That's why you get a heartbreakingly beautiful theme from A.I. instead of the main theme. It's why you get music from movies that you probably never gave a second thought to the music (because the movie was lousy). It's why you get Armageddon, Judge Dredd, and Robocop (who would have guessed their music was so COOL when there was all that crazy action and bad-acting going on on-screen).

I said it before and I'll say it again. This cd-set was mastered with tender-loving-care, and it shows BIG-TIME. High-fidelity the likes of which I have not seen since the days when cds were brand-new in the world. Dolby Surround. Perfectly balanced. BEAUTIUFL orchestrations. About the only thing that makes me scratch my head is the weird sound-effect tracks (Oooookay.....). Other than that, it's PERFECT. Obviously they could not include every sci-fi theme ever (no one can), but this collection is REALLY GOOD. A lot of great themes that got away (forgotten gems :), new versions of old favorites, and under-appreciated classics aplenty, but ALWAYS the full and complete versions with nothing cut-out (the theme from Dune is quite extended).

If you love movie music (and sci-fi movie music in particular) you MUST buy this awesome collection). It is not the original recordings. Almost always the new ones are better (if they aren't better they're just equal). This is what you have been waiting for. I for one am going to be buying quite a few cds from this company in the future. Give your ears the treat they deserve. Buy it NOW.

SciFi Album gift.......2005-07-20

I bought the Science Fiction Album as a gift for my son who is twenty-one years old. He is a musician, and also a huge fan of many SciFi shows and movies. I thought this would be the perfect thing for him and I was right. He loves it!

Away From to be a Collectible Peace.......2004-12-16

If you like Sci-Fi movies and want a compilation of their important scores, this is the CD-set to buy. But let me warn you about that very few songs in the cds are from the original soundtracks. Most of them is re-recorded by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. But the sound quality of cds are very good, because they have HDCD and Dolby Surround labels. This set is away from to be a collectible peace, but it is a good general compilation of favorite Sci-Fi movie scores.

Average customer rating:

Satch hits bottom
Amazingly underappreciated.
Another superb album by Joe!!
meat and potatoes rock
Still Peaking...

Is There Love in Space?
Joe Satriani
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Joe Satriani
Engines of Creation

ASIN: B0001XAMOA
Release Date: 2004-04-13

Tracks:

Gnaahh
Up In Flames
Hands In The Air
Lifestyle
Is There Love In Space?
If I Could Fly
The Souls Of Distortion
Just Look Up
I Like The Rain
Searching
Bamboo

Customer Reviews:

Satch hits bottom.......2006-12-08

This is the only Satriani album that I don't go back to and listen to again and again. Actually, that's not true; since I bought it, I go back to it about once a year and listen to it all the way through 3 or 4 times again. Every time, I come back to feeling disappointed by this album.

I guess what it comes down to is that not one song here is memorable and not one song is catchy. With every one of his releases prior to this, I've wanted to listen to the new CD for 4-8 weeks straight, before I'd even think about putting another CD into my car or truck. With this one though, I had it changed by the end of the first week.

I'm not saying that the CD is bad per se; I'm just saying that it isn't good and it doesn't sound like Satch.

Amazingly underappreciated........2006-05-30

Satch is one of the few great virtuosos left that doesn't have to shred to prove his skill. This album is my personal favorite from him, for good reason. I'm not going to do a full fledged review, but I will tell you that you will not be disappointed by it; it's amazingly accessible from the first listen. Tired of hearing the endless shredding of Vai and Malmsteen? Satch is your best bet for a tasteful show of virtuosity, along with Steve Morse. (really, any guitarist who played with Purple)

Another superb album by Joe!!.......2006-03-26

'Is There Love In Space?' is another fantastic album by Joe Satriani. Although not his best work to date this is still a great album which Satch fans will love.
'Hands In The Air' is a great song witha hard, rock riff and some amazing harmonies. 'Gnahh' is another one of my favourites from the album as it has a catchy, funk-driven guitar sound to it. 'If I Could Fly' and 'Just Look Up' are also quite good, both being more pop-like than other the songs. 'Bamboo' and the title track are both made up of lots of strange and mysterious sounds that give the album a bit of an experimental side. 'Searching', the longest song on the album (10:07) is one of my favourites as it displays the tone fans of Joe have come to expect. Matt Bisonette also plays extremely well on this track providing a very complex bass line, in the middle of the song.
All in all 'Is There Love In Space?' is probably the most consistant slbum ever, no bad songs no truly min-blowing songs, not Joe's best album but its not his worst either.

4.5 stars

meat and potatoes rock.......2006-03-19

This is probably Joe Satriani's worst cd. There is very little creativity in it. Pretty much just formulaic rock. It's a huge step below some of his masterpieces, such as "Crystal Planet".

Still Peaking..........2006-02-13

All one can EVER say of Joe Satriani is...Wow. After all this time, as so many "guitar heros" have come and gone...along with big hair, grunge, heavy metal, industrial, and all the other labels which have at times been dominating -- but never lasting -- aspects of what passes for rock...Satch remains the undisputed king of technical, melodic guitar music. Eddie Van Halen invented a sound and style that are as recognizable as his face -- as did Stevie Ray Vaughn, Clapton, Beck, Page, Hendrix, Zappa, Iommi and too may other greats to list. But in my opinion (and 13 years of guitar playing), there is simply no one who has ever played with such melodic, beautiful proficiency.
"Is There Love In Space?", "If I Could Fly", and "Searching" are all uniquely different styles and 'feel' of songs, yet each is totally Satch. The latter is probably my favorite song on the album, but as with each album he's done, you never dislike songs...only favor some more than others. In my mind, very few artists create music of such consistently good quality. I literally put him up there with the Stones, Zeppelin, and that small few of others who produced nary a bad song.
More proof of his talent, I have NEVER seen anyone play live who sounded as true to their 'studio' sound. No overdubbing, 35 takes, digital processing...just his fingers, his Ibanez, and a 12" Mesa Boogie and digital delay pedal.
Least anyone forget, this is the man who "taught" Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and several other notables how to play. That's right, he was their guitar teacher when he was just a studio player, long before people who he'd for many years played studio guitar for convinced him that he HAD to cut an album.
For those who would dismiss him as a 'technical guitar stuntman,' I beg you to listen longer. Steve Vai, Ynvie Malmstein, Vinnie Vincent...these are stuntmen, who while technically proficient lack real musicality, in the sense that you never really sit down and listen to an entire Vai album on a rainy day. It just makes for great "WOW" fodder for teenage boys who think fast fingers are the essence of great guitar.
Please give this album a listen. It can join "Flying In A Blue Dream," "Surfing With The Alien," the "Red Album," and his best, "Crystal Planet" as your begin your PHD in great guitar-driven music.

Average customer rating:

Very Underrated
ahead of its time
bad
"Life in the So-Called Space Age"
Lifeless "Life"

Life in the So-Called Space Age
God Lives Underwater
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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God Lives Underwater

ASIN: B0000062P9
Release Date: 2006-09-18

Tracks:

Intro
Rearrange
From Your Mouth
Can't Come Down
Alone Again
Behavior Modification
The Rush Is Loud
Dress Rehearsal For Reproduction
Happy?
Vapors
Medicated To The One I Love

Customer Reviews:

Very Underrated.......2006-07-05

Somehow this band has managed to get lumped with a lot of post Nine Inch Nails industrial-rock bands, but I don't think this band, at least on this album, is similar to bands like Stabbing Westward and Gravity Kills at all. This album in comparison to ones like Stabbing Westward's Wither, Blister, Burn & Peel is much more focused on the electronics, and I think that gives it more variety and a totally different sound.

If I had to compare it some other bands, I'd say that it sounds like a combination of The Crystal Method and Depeche Mode, and NIN is also obviously an influence, but this is far from a rip-off. There's also a lot of cool digital effects put on the guitars, particularly on Dress Rehearsal for Reproduction. The album's first two actual songs, Rearrange and From Your Mouth, are the definite highlights, but the album stays pretty strong all the way through. The song Happy is another standout track, and it begins with just the acoustic guitar, a drum machine, and Dave Reilly. My only complaints are that there's only 10 actual songs and the white noise after the last song is a bit annoying and pointless.

If you're having doubts about checking it out after reading bad reviews, just ignore it. I put off buying this album for years, because of the negative scores people gave it here on Amazon, and now I really love it. I think people like E. A. Solinas, who has had the spotlight review for a long time, are missing the point of this album. It may feel a bit mechanical at times, but that's the point. The title of the album is very appropriate, and I think that the duo tried to and succeeded in creating a view of a futuristic world. Is this album fun? Sometimes, but certainly not on every song, and they weren't even trying to make a fun album. Similar to the aforementioned Depeche Mode, this band is focused more on expression than making fun, dancable music. I also had no problems with the vocals.

If you're into bands like Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails than I'd definitely recommend this album to you. Don't believe the (bad) hype!

ahead of its time.......2005-08-03

That's what this is. This record is ahead of its time, for a band from the US that is. The rest of the word has already explored this area of music, most not as good as this record, but been there nonetheless. Without distraction from the review, let's just say that the music scene in the US has been stagnant ever since a little band by the name of Nirvana came by and showed us what music was all about.

Moving along - this album is a great listen. It's very honest - some of the lyrics really paint a detailed picture of losing yourself to drug addiction and loss. Medicated to the One I Love, for instance honestly states that heroin is very addictive but also very powerful. Alone Again is a rejection of being lonely. It's a very aggresive track, where the singer is simply lonely.

But the honest lyrics are one aspect of this record - the music is the other. The music is carefully crafted - almost polished in production. Some records can suffer from over-production, but it's in production that god lives underwater really shine. There are little tones and sounds that were put in during production that make the tracks. This isnt just a rock record - this is a new way to make music. God Lives Underwater are building on their influences. They are making a new sound.

It's appaling at how overlooked this album is. Some even give it a bad review just because it wasn't as 'heavy' as their previous album. I think that is just wrong. Give this album a listen. You will find an absolutely classic piece of music making. Fans of Depeche Mode, Pink Floyd, Nine Inch Nails and even some Radiohead will love this record.

Some stand out tracks, however all the tracks on this album are very good - but some are just downrite mind blowing are:

Rearrange - it's got this great beat and electronic sound - also a great atmospheric sound in the background.

From Your Mouth - so honest and so simple, but yet listen to this track - it' one of the best you will every here, simply beautiful melody.

Can't Come Down - lovers of Pink Floyd this is the track for you, really lush.

Medicated to the One I Love - this is my favorite track on this album, simply stunning, very Depeche Mode sounding - but this tracks hits all of your senses - it's like a feeling more than a piece of music. It has to be heard.

Thats the greatest thing about this album, it has to be heard - it was so dismissed when it came out, but give it a listen - you will find yourself loving every bit of it.

bad.......2004-02-08

these guys did a bad job on this cd. about 2 or 3 decent songs and the rest of it i cant even remember what they sound like. thats a bad thing because if you cant remember it.. then it means you didnt like it.. empty and the ep were very good in my view but they really let me down with this one. no live instruments it would seem. these guys made a 3rd album and i've heard a song off it and it sounds really good.. but some record issues prevented them from releasing it.. and seeing how that was 2001 i dont think they are ever coming back. so that means this cd means it was there last effort to the public.. which is a shame..

"Life in the So-Called Space Age".......2003-06-20

No, I haven't actually heard this cd (the rating is meaningless), nor am I a fan of God Lives Underwater, however I'd like to take this opportunity to educate you GLU fans. Upon reading the title, "Life in the So-Called Space Age," I immediately registered the connection to Depeche Mode's 1986 release "Black Celebration" in which that quote is printed on the back of the booklet. I found out that GLU does a cover of "Fly on the Windscreen" which is a Depeche Mode song from "Black Celebration." So it's no coincidence! I'm curious why they chose to reference Depeche Mode. Are they fans? Is this CD supposed to be a response to "Black Celebration?" They couldn't think of anything original? Interesting research for you hardcore GLU fans...

Lifeless "Life".......2003-05-29

God Lives Underwater's "Life in the So-Called Space Age" is a mixture of synthesized rock and techno. Unfortunately the result isn't half as much fun as it sounds like. Not even a quarter as much fun. "Space Age" ends up becoming rather lifeless and under-vocalized, the sort of thing that you won't really remember afterward.

After the "Intro" with its rumbling thunder, wind and percussion, we're launched into the staticky techno "Rearrange," the monotonous "Can't Come Down," thumping so-so "Behavior Modification," the surprisingly catchy "From Your Mouth," the uneven "Dress Rehearsal for Reproduction," and the outstanding "Vapors" which slowly builds itself up into a good rock song. "Medicated To The One I Love" would be an outstanding song if it were not over a half hour long.

One of the annoying aspects of this album is that the vocals and lyrics seem to be good -- but you can't hear them. The vocals are completely swamped under the music, making any effort to hear them frustrating. The music itself is just a little too pervasive, too flat and too plodding. It lacks the spark and life that good music has. It feels like an unfinished product, something still being mixed and experimented with.

"Life in the So-Called Space Age" may be an experiment, but it feels like one that was turned in before it was ready. There are a few good songs, but the end product is lifeless and lacking in musical complexity.

The Galilean Satellites
Average customer rating:

Post Metal's finest

Great music! Not so great vocals.

simply fantastic.

Why is their vocalist screaming all the time?

Something great

The Galilean Satellites
Rosetta
Manufacturer: Translation Loss
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Enter

Time & Withering

Day of Nights

Given to the Rising

ASIN: B000EWBN9Q
Release Date: 2006-03-13

Tracks:

Drte
Europa
Absent
Itinnt
Pays Natal

Tracks:

Deneb
Capella
Beta Aquilae
Ross 128
Sol

Customer Reviews:

Post Metal's finest.......2007-04-07

In the footsteps of Neurosis and Isis, with deep roots in Black Sabbath's first albums, a new breed of metal bands are coming to life. They call it Post Metal or Ambient Metal. I became aware of Rosetta through an article in wikipedia about Post Metal. Rosetta's album is a mixture of Neurosis, Isis, Callisto and Cult of Luna, but with their own distinct sound. A magnificent double disc album with one disc that shows musicians of the hightes qualities; vocal, bass, guitars and a really high performance drumming - the other disc more athmospheric; in the footsteps of House of Low Culture. Rosetta are newcomers to an evolving "metal-branch" together with the equally exciting Russian Circles and we welcome them. Togheter with other bands they develope metal music into a path that we who grow up with the first Black Sabbath albums will apreciate for years to come.

Great music! Not so great vocals........2007-02-02

This CD contains some wonderful work. The music itself is very atmospheric and is comprised of flowing melodic goodness. The well composed. The one thing I dislike about the album is the vocals. They are DRENTCHEDDD in reverb and the singers dynamic NEVER changes. I really feel that the vocals pull down hard on the other instruments. All in all, it's a good listen. Still worth the purchance. I just wish they would have listened back after recording :P

simply fantastic........2006-12-07

this album is unique. playing both discs at the same time does give you different songs and in that regard the mashup is greater than each disc by itself. the first disc is bone-crushing, the second disc very much ambient. it hasn't left my cd player in the last 3 weeks.

Why is their vocalist screaming all the time?.......2006-09-19

Seriously, this band is amazing! But why does their singer suck so much? We already have a mess of screamers and growlers and such, why can't he just sing? Sure, he may be angry or sad or whatever, but there are plenty of other ways to express that emotion instead of repeated and boring screams. They just plain suck. Rosetta doesn't even need a singer, they would sound a whole lot better without one.
The instrumentation on this album is sick! Drumming is stunning, the guitar and bass lines are epic and creative, but their vocalist is horrible. Another screamer screaming to be "heavy", I guess.

Something great.......2006-07-07

This is an amazing CD and I've had the luck to have seen Rosetta play live 2 times and both were incredible. If your into progressive space metal or "metal for astronauts" as they call it then check them out. For fans of Isis and pelican. they definitely share a strong resemblance to Isis but have a very unique sound to them so its nothing more than a small analysis.

as for the reviewer below, that is correct this is basically 3 CDs. first cd, second cd, then the combination of the two which is really interesting and a cool idea.

Rosetta is currently on tour so if you get the chance definitely see them live its quite an experience. buy this cd and see them play, i know you won't regret it.

Average customer rating:

Title Says It All
Great Songwriting!!!
Arjen's worst album
Very good
2 years after its release, Star One is still amazing

Space Metal
Star One
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000068C87
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Amazon.com

Lest anyone accuse the Dutch of slacking off in the pop-culture derby, we offer up Arjen Anthony Lucassen, fret-burning star of Ayreon, his ongoing prog-rock-cum-speed-metal project. When he's not practicing his scales, Lucassen apparently spends much time enraptured by sci-fi films, particularly those based in space. What we have here is not so much a space rock opera as a sprawling song cycle inspired by Lucassen's sci-fi infatuations. The musician openly challenges listeners to guess which film songs like "Set Your Controls" and "Intergalactic Space Crusader" are inspired by. (Now which sci-fi epic had that dueling speed-metal synth war with the screeching, overwrought vocals again?) It's a throwback-hybrid, as if the Rush of 2112, Metallica, and Malmsteen got their atoms all mixed up with Jan Hammer's in the transporter room. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Prog-rock project featuring members of Edge Of Sanity, Symphony X, Ayeron & Startovarius. 2002.

Album Details

New Project for the Creator of Ayroen Feat. Russell Allen (Symphony X), Floor Jansen (After Forever), Dan Swano (Nightingale), Damian Wilson (Ex-treshold) and Johansson (Stratovarius)

Customer Reviews:

Title Says It All.......2007-02-22

I imagine the audience for this CD, particularly in America, is a fairly small one. If you find the concept of Space Metal even the least intriguing you'll enjoy Star One.

Ayreon fans should take note, if you are more into the Prog side than the Metal side there is not much for you here. Arjen went pretty all out to keep the slower/calmer/progressive moments out of the CD and replaced them with guitar solos, double bass drums and 16th note tempos.

Imagine Star Trek turned into a heavy metal song. If you like that, buy this immediately!

Great Songwriting!!!.......2005-12-01

I was introduced to this band, this genius, Arjen Anthony Lucassen, when I was given a burned copy of this CD by a friend of mine.

I instantly loved it! The big organ/keyboard/wall-of-sound, the fantastic arrangements, the crunchy guitars, and pounding drums, the warm, full bass, and of course, the variety of great vocals thanks to the talents of Russell Allen, Dan Swanö, Damian Wilson and Floor Jansen.

I am a big fan of the concept/rock opera style since I was a 14 year old kid listening to "Operation Mindcrime" and trying to figure out who killed Mary, to Savatage's "Streets: A Rock Opera", from Trans-siberian Orchestra's "Christmas Eve & Other Stories" to Saviour Machine's "Legend" trilogy and now this.

This guy knows how to write good songs, no...great songs. Each one has it's own personality and mood yet they seem to blend perfectly into the overall theme of the album, more on that in a second.

Sure, they could be described as "cheesy" by people who don't understand the brilliance of concept albums (when done well) or just don't have an appreciation for this kind of music or for Sci-Fi. But otherwise, I don't see how you can't love this album.

Standout's for me are "High Moon", "The Eye of Ra", and "Master of Darkness".

The production is beautiful, the songwriting is masterful, and the stories are also good. StorieS? As in plural? Yes, unlike a typical concept album, which tell a single story, Space Metal is comprised of songs about individual space movies like "Outlander", "Stargate", "Dune", "Alien", "Star Wars" and more. So the Sci-Fi/Space theme is consistent, but the stories are seperate. It's great!

It's a real bummer that these interpretations of these classic Sci-Fi movies will most likely never be turned into big-budget music videos as they deserve to be, but I know that they have been released on the next best thing, a live DVD.

If you like big-sound, high-quality prog-rock/power metal and enjoy Sci-Fi and concept albums...pick this gem up RIGHT NOW.

Arjen's worst album.......2005-04-25

The first Ayreon album i heard was "The human equation" which i think is one of the best albums i have in my collection, after that i've started collecting all of arjen's work, i now consider him one, if not the best musician of our time... judging by awesome playing skills, great concept albums with a winner line up of guest musicians that never stops to amaze me, allmost perfect studio work, and above all, GREAT music...

At start i was wondering how come this album didn't came out as an ayreon album, and when i listened to it i understood... it's just not it!

i'm not saying it's a bad album, infact it's a great album, but to compare it to the other ones, it's like comparing a pink floyd album to a beatles album...

all the songs here are very short, the longest one is 8 minutes, which is nothing after the 13 mins epics on the other albums, and here, the only conecpt is that all the songs are about sci-fi movies, which is nice, but it's not something brilliant like the universal migrator or the human equation, and allso, the songs here are VERY cheesy, allmost like a rhapsody album...
if you're not looking for something too complicated then you'll LOVE this, but if you're looking for another mind-blowing ayreon master piece, then you'll be pretty dissapointed with this one..

the vocals are GREAT, Russel allen does a fine job like allways, floor jansen makes a pretty impresive female vocals, and damien makes a very powerfull apperiance, the studio work is allso great, as allways, and the guitar playing is pretty original, a bit heavier then ussuall, but still pretty impresive... and all the sci fi effects makes the atmosphere on this album pretty special...

overall, this is a very good album, but it's not a masterpiece, if it was out by any one other then arjen, it would get a different rate from me, but since it is out by arjen... this is my review

Very good.......2004-11-03

I started out my Ayreon collection by getting the Human Equation and Star One Live on Earth with the DVD. So I started on the best first. Then I picked up this studio version of Star One.
I really like the live album. This studio album adds extra ambiance. The lyrics are cheesy - hey they are based on chessy sci fi material like Star Trek 4.
Russell Allen and Damian sound really good. Dan Swano and Robert sing the low parts, which are not as good, but Dan Swano is better than Robert's low vocals on the live album. Floor does okay on the vocals but often she is lost in the mix. Floor's voice also doesn't layer and fill out well. Not bad, but not as good as her vocals with sister Irene on Star One live, which are simply awesome.
Guitar tone is very good. Song structure is pretty good. If you like 70's/80's style of metal and synth overlaid with Arjen's humor, you will like this.

2 years after its release, Star One is still amazing.......2004-05-27

After Arjen Lucassen split up his extreme sides on the previous Ayreon albums, The Flight of the Migrator and The Dream Sequencer, he went on to create the highly atmospheric Ambeon record with an unknown, yet very talented, young female singer. Once he got it out of his system as well, he knew it was time to put out something really heavy but, as in the case with Ambeon, he needed to express himself in a different project than Ayreon... so he called it Star One.

The name of the project is Star One, and the title of the album is Space Metal. On this record, Arjen wanted to pay homage to all the science fiction movies that take place entirely in space. It is no secret that Arjen was deeply influeced by sci-fi films and apparently he felt he wanted to thank for their impact on him. There is no single storyline here, unlike most Ayreon releases. This is a theme album focusing on similar subject matters but each song stands on its own.

Another difference with Ayreon is the number of singers featured here. Arjen chose to work with only four singers this time, and I would consider each and every one of them among the best and most prolific singers in prog metal. Russel Allen from Symphony X is one of the best singers around and his style on Space Metal is no exception. Damian Wilson is Arjen's long-time friend and we've all grown to love his unique and emotional delivery over the years. Then we have a newcomer, Dan Swano, who is currently my favourite vocalist in prog rock and metal. I remember how psyched I was when I heard Arjen was going to work with him because Dan possesses one of the darkest, deepest and most expressive singing styles I have ever heard. I hope he and Arjen will get together again for other projects in the future. The last singer is female vocalist Floor Jansen of After Forever fame. Jansen sounds nothing like she does in After Forever, she sings more operatic and more progressive. Her high singing provides a nice contrast with Dan and Damien's deeper expressions. Usually this is complemented by Russel Allen's sometimes fiery and sometimes painful delivery. Overall each singer seems to be very excited to be part of this project and embraces it as if it were their own. Arjen always knows who he has to work with and how to bring out the best in these talented individuals.

The music is a lot heavier than the previous Ayreon releases, but by "heavy" I mean by Arjen Lucassen's standards. Don't go expecting an ultra-aggressive riff and furious drum-bass hybrid. After all this is Arjen Lucassen and his artsy side is always there. It's this aspect that makes him different from 98% of other prog metal acts. Still there is plenty of gigantic riffs played by Arjen and some really beautiful lead solos that shine with ferocity. Jens Johansson (Stratovarius, Malmsteen) and Erik Norlander (Lana Lane) perform meticulous keyboard sections in quite a few songs. Shadow Gallery guitarist Gary Wehrkamp also offers two leads, one of which sees him duelling with Jens Johansson in the song "Master of Darkness". The usual Ayreon instruments such as the hammond, mellotrons and analog synths are all handled by Arjen himself and long-time drummer Ed Warby is once again sitting behind the drum kit.

It is hard to pick any favourites here but I really like the fierce opening of "Set Your Controls" inviting all four singers in the mix, the emotional track "Songs of the Ocean" and the heavy "Master of Darkness" both displaying the dynamics we're familiar with from Ayreon discs. "The Eye of Ra" and the 10-minute epic "Starchild" are most fans' favourite tunes as they bring heaviness, depth and poignancy into the focus of these tracks and combine them with a strange kind of catchiness that simply draws the listener's attention.

Star One is one of the top 5 discs Arjen has released. While the earlier Ayreon albums, The Final Experiment and Into the Electric Castle, are still more appealing to me, I also have to add the new Ayreon album The Human Equation to this list. But personally I prefer this album over the Migrator records or the Ambeon project. This was one of my favourite 2002 prog releases along with the CDs of Pain of Salvation, Vanden Plas and Threshold. And today, after two years, it's still as good as ever. It just needs time to grow on you, so be a tad patient.

Uncle Moe's Space Ranch
Average customer rating:

Fusion "pioneers"? Maybe. Exploring the wrong path? Methinks...

What's the point?

Cool Tunes

Please !

kick ass fusion !

Uncle Moe's Space Ranch
Brett Garsed , T.J. Helmerich , Gary Willis , Dennis Chambers , and Scott Kinsey
Manufacturer: Tone Center
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Extraction

Face First

ASIN: B00005QW05
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

Colliding Chimps
tjhelmerich@earthlink.net
Swarming Goblets
SighBorg
He's Havin' All That's His To Be Had
Minx
I Want A Pine Cone
A Thousand Days

Customer Reviews:

Fusion "pioneers"? Maybe. Exploring the wrong path? Methinks..........2007-05-22

I'm a prog and fusion fan from way back, folks, and I think I have a fairly wide taste palette in this area. But I do draw the line at blending in certain styles, among which are heavy metal, neoclassical, electronica, and excessive quirkiness (not to mention urban hip-hop). "Uncle Moe's Space Ranch" has way too many of those outliers for my tastes, and marginalizes this cd as merely an ill-advised attempt by Garsed and Helmerich to broach the fusion arena with some established and well-respected veterans carrying them on their backs.

The Positives: 1) Brett Garsed shows some talent, and I like his guitar tone in places. I'd be willing to hear more from him, but I'm not convinced he was strong enough to lead this ensemble. 2) Dennis Chambers hammers home a brilliant performance. 3) Aside from some passing moments of inventiveness and excitement that show up in a few songs (e.g. "Minx", "Colliding Chimps"), I did genuinely enjoy the final two tracks on the cd: the more traditional fusion of "I Want A Pine Cone", and the easy-rocking/swinging "A Thousand Days". (Great guitar on both, by the way.)

The Negatives: 1) You can have T.J. Helmerich. His playing and cold guitar tone do nothing for me. 2) Speed alone is fun, but does not sustain. Speed and intellect are good. Speed and emotion are better. Unfortunately, these mediocre compositions usually lack intellect, warmth and emotion for the sake of speed and complexity. 3) Garsed and Helmerich should have made better use of the incredible talent around them - instead, this comes off sounding inconsistent and underwhelming. (Ten million bucks says you'll never see a tour or a "Space Ranch 2" cd.)

Uncle Moe's is a dude ranch at best, and not recommended for traditional fusion wranglers.

I value interesting music that is played and recorded well. This cd's rating was based on:
Music quality = 6.1/10; Performance = 8/10; Production = 9/10; CD length = 10/10.
Overall score weighted on my proprietary scale = 7.3 ("3 stars")

What's the point?.......2006-07-25

Oh dear, one of the most interesting bass players around has got himself lost in a one-off band that on paper promises much but aimlessly fires one chop after the other without delivering coherence in content or overall record structure. This is a prime example of why fusion music has got itself stuck in a rut since the last twenty or so years with few exceptions. The novelty of it is long gone and it is being recycled uncreatively. Fast show off licks don't compensate. Time that Gary Willis revived Tribal Tech or did a complete project with John Scofield (listen to the two on Dennis Chambers' record "Outbreak", now that is wow-music!).

Cool Tunes.......2004-11-05

I have been listening to Fusion for last 30 years. This CD makes it happening for me each time I listen to it.

Please !.......2004-07-17

Some reviews simply don't do justice to this great album. If you are open minded about music you will like this record. It's true... it has a lot of strange modern sounds... so what? This is music freedom in a way a lot of jazz pioneers would have done if they were alive today... Brett is a pioneer of modern electric guitar, so is T.J. I cannot wait to hear their next album !

kick ass fusion !.......2004-04-28

Let there be this type of music everywhere.These days there are so much MUZAK,or crap smooth jazz on the INTERNET RADIO.HARD CORE JAZZ FUSION FANS are willing to approove of this blast of furious sounds.The band members are killing me like a edge of the knife.This is another "TRIBAL TECH" sound.No more donkey smooth jazz,let there be aggressive hard core fusion.This CD never disappoints you,I bet.Blast off your frustration with this CD!!

Average customer rating:

The Captain has Landed...
Would be 5 stars but...
Hawkwind - 'Take Me To Your Leader' (Voiceprint/Hawkwind Records)
Do Not Panic
Hawks are back

Take Me to Your Leader
Hawkwind
Manufacturer: Hawkwind UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hawkwind

ASIN: B000AIZ8G8
Release Date: 2005-09-19

Tracks:

Spirit of the Age
Out Here We Are
Greenback Massacre
To Love a Machine
Take Me to Your Leader
Digital Nation
Sunray
Sighs
Angela Android
Letter to Robert

Product Description

1. Spirit Of The Age
2. Out Here We Are
3. Greenback Massacre
4. To Love A Machine
5. Take Me To Your Leader
6. Digital Nation
7. Sunray
8. Sighs
9. Angela Android
10. A Letter To Robert Of The Micro Man

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

The Captain has Landed..........2007-01-12

Another outing from Captain Dave and Crew..Seems to be another good cut of the Hawklords.....Glad to add it to my collection. . .

Would be 5 stars but..........2006-12-16

Well, the last track "Letter to Robert" is basically rubish.
Apart from that, the album is great!

Hawkwind - 'Take Me To Your Leader' (Voiceprint/Hawkwind Records).......2006-03-02

A very good effort for the long-running British space rock pioneers. Starts off with a modern day re-working of the Bob Calvert gem "Spirit Of The Age" with Mathew Wright on vocals, which was nice to fully take in. Then you get tracks like the typical later-day HW compostion "Greenback Massacre" (where bassist/vocalist Alan Davey takes control-glad you're back,Alan!), "Digital Nation", the awesome "Sunray" (with guests Arthur Brown on vocals and Simon House on violin), the off beat "Angela Android" with guest vocalist Lene Lovich (remember her?)and "A Letter To Robert", which turns out to be a spoken word cut with Arthur Brown once again as guest vocalist. Better than their 1997 'Distant Horizon' release (see my review). Comes with a full color 12-page booklet complete with new artwork and song lyrics. What true Hawkfan could ask for more? Highly recommended.

Do Not Panic.......2006-01-28

I have read all of the reviews posted for this album and all are not only accurate, but it is obvious they are written by true Hawkfans! That is, people who know their subject well, and knew what was necessary for the members of this band to achieve in order for the new album to live up to those of the past. And what a long, glorious past it has been for the technicians of spaceship Hawkwind!

While I would like to give a tune by tune critique, it is my belief that each album from this band is a different spiritual, and psychological journey, and must be undertaken by each listener in order for its value to be measured. It is up to each of us alone to find our particular niche in the auditory trip Hawkwind unravels for us on every studio endeavor. That being said, I was pleased to find that the current trio of Brock, Davey, and Chadwick have not only lost none of their grit and electronic savvy, and are not content to merely hover, but are still moving forward at light speed!

The only complaint I have is the final track, which I was anxiously awaiting (being a fan of the late Robert Calvert). Strange and somewhat experimental, it simply seems to have been put together on the spot and without much effort toward its construction. Unfortunately, this track could have been left off in favor of one or two more songs by the band.

Conversely, the first track, a remake of the Quark, Strangeness & Charm classic, Spirit of the Age, was not only excellent, but done very much in the Spirit of Mr. Calvert. The rest of the album is excellent as well, and I seem to grow more and more fond of it with each listening.

As for those who are for the first time discovering this band, I can only advise you that while some Hawkwind albums are stronger or more unique than others, there is no such thing as a poor studio Hawkwind album! As I stated at the start, each has its place in time, space, consistency, and intention. 'Get your mind right', put the headphones on, turn the lights out, and let Hawkwind take you where they must. Your only regret will be that you must eventually and inevitably return to earth!

Hawks are back.......2006-01-19

Overall, a really good record. Any fan of electronic music, progressive rock or 'spacerock' should be able to enjoy this, and it won't fail to please the rabid Hawkwind fan. However, if you are a Hawkwind fan that is acutely attached to the raw energy and lack of dynamics of 'space ritual', you won't find much of that here. 'Take me to your leader' continues to explore different sonic landscapes and the band continues to improve thier skill at doing what they do. Hawkwind has always changed with the times in their own way, and this record looks towards the future - not the past - in the same way that all the other Hawkwind discs do.

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