SPIRIT OF THE AGE - AN ANTHOLOGY - 1976 - 1984

A 3 CD album-by-album examination of Hawkwind's career between 1976 and 1985. Folowing the same format as it's companion volume The Dream Goes On - An Anthology 1986-1997 it also contains rarities and alternate tracks as well as a booklet written by Hawkwind biographer Ian Abrahams that assumes some prior Knowledge of the band but nonetheless simplifies the band's lineup changes that could occur overnight.

By no measure a "greatest hits " presentation, some curios also pop up throughout these 4 hrs of Hawkwind grooves including an unreleased extended version of " Reefer Madness " and some "B" sides from limited edition single / EP releases. Perhaps, most interesting of these are a few alternate tracks from 1978s 25 Years On when they maqueraded as The Hawklords amidst legal squabbles. Hard core Hawkfans take note that although Atomhenge has acquired the rights to all of Hawkwind's back catologue with the exception of the United Artists years that the particular raities and alternates appear here are only available here although other outakes are included on individual album releases. A couple of live tracks from the earlier years show up in live configurations such as Brainstorm from Live '79 and Orgone Accumulator from the hard to get Undisclosed Addendum EP . An attempt also seems to have been made both on this package and it's sister set " The Dream Goes On " to feature every " regular " Hawkwind member during this period however short their tenure, from Steve Swindells to Ginger Baker. Lemmy even makes an appearance on two tracks taken from the '84 Night Of The Hawks EP.

In the wake of so many confusing Hawkwind anthologies, compilations, best, ofs etc., the Atomhenge remasterings have finally managed to set the record straight here along with the second 3 CD volume set " The Dream Goes On ". Indespensible for those who have a passing interest in the band who don't want to sift through Hawkwind's massive output as well as long time Hawkfans who just have to have everything and anything that says Hawkwind on it.