MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE

The most cohesive introduction to Hawkwind's United Artists years from 1971-74 for the money when it was released on vinyl in 1977. This compilation with it's freaked out cover of a wizard and his apprentice contemplating a mystical kingdom was also released on CD in '89 and was one of the few Hawkwind anthologies not to skimp on artwork.

Everything that Hawkwind was all about during this period is covered here, encaspulating the concept of space / fantasy rock of which Hawkwind were and still are the undisputed masters. Originally released as a contractual obligation album it was the last Hawkwind album to be released on that label and the track selection are perfectly selected including two from the 1972 allegory Space Ritual Live. The only glaring omission here is perhaps the 8 bar blues time travel hit single Silver Machine but this is compensated for with the inclusion of the similar B side It's So Easy that hadn't appeared on an LP up to '77.

If After this 40 minute sample of freaked out, tripped out power riffing, sci-fi / fantasy musings and atmospheric energy you're not convinced that Hawkwind are your cup of tea, then you might as well forget about exploring anything else by the Masters Of The Universe.