ANTHOLOGY

Perhaps the most athologized rock band in history, it is virtually impossible to collect every single vinyl disc or CD released by this freakband. Plagued with personel changes and record company battles it is very difficult to wade through all this KAOS and find a definitive Hawkwind compilation without any gaps in it. This three disc set is about the most complete overview of the band one is presently likely to find covering the band`s career from 1977 `s Quark Strangeness & Charm up until 1990`s Space Bandits album. Included in this comprehensive package is a colour booklet with a writeup on the band by Brian Tawn the president of the official Hawkwind fan club at the time of it`s release. Fortunately someone decided that a single disc compilation was not enough to give a proper impression of how this band evolved over roughly 15 years. Some early UA tracks have been included as well as some live versions, the most notable being an excellent live performance of the ominous yet almost funky Ghost Dance. Not a typical Hawkwind track, but an audience favourite when played live. Three tracks also feature female vocalist Briget Wishart who sang with them in the early 90`s. A cool thing about this compilation is that the tracks are arranged chronologically so it at least eliminates some of the confusion surrounding this band due to it`s numerous releases and overlapping material. One disappointment is the too short live version of Silver Machine presented at the end of disc 3. They ( the compilers ) could have gone for a far more complete live version of this Hawkwind classic. Nevertheless, it is a great package and highly recomended for those interested in Hawkwind throughout the eighties. All the best stuff is here.