THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SKY (A COLLECTION)

I have decided to start writing reviews of albums that don't really get that much attention on this website or anywhere for that matter. This is probably one of the more known albums I will review. Gong's You is the third and final chapter in the Radio Gnome Trilogy (1972-1974). I believe this album was made in just a week or two...pretty impressive to say the least! This is by far the best chapter in the trilogy and the best Gong album to date. This album continues where the other two left off, except there is far less vocal presence from Daevid Allen and Gilly Smyth. This album focuses on the instrumentation of Steve Hillage, Tim Blake, Deider Malherbe, and Pierre Meorlen among a few others. If space rock and fusion had child it would sound like this. The first three tracks are quirky Allen tunes, which lead into Master Builder which is probably the second best song on this album. Steve Hillage's most memorable guitar solo is featured in the final minute of this song. Awesome saxophone and amazing drumming are also highlights in this song (and the whole album). A Sprinkling of Clouds shows a much spacier side of the band with awesome floating synthesizers which lead into bass which ends up a totally different place by the end of the song. Perfect Mystery is another Allen dominated song. Short and sweet (I do like Allen by the way). Isle of Everywhere would be considered by most to be a very well done jam session. Awesome drumming, saxophone, synths, space wispers from Gilly Smyth, and drumming as usual. The album ends with You Never Blow Your Trip Forever which is the best song on the album. This song is the melting pot for everything that was Gong (up to that point as they would later change their sound). Bottom Line: If you are a lover of space rock/fusion mixed in with a little Canterbury style humour get this. One of the best albums from one of the best bands. 5 stars well deserved!