HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN GRILL

Hall of the Mountain Grill is the best of the 'classic' era Hawkwind albums, which makes it the best overall Hawkwind album. It is by far the best starting place for prog fans wishing to find an introduction to the band (as it was for me). The album starts well, most of the tracks blending seamlessly into the next. The early tracks are marked by a distincly progressive feel but still bear Hawkwinds spacey, menacing trademarks. D-Rider is pure progressive rock, You'd Better Believe it is pure spacey, manic joy and the closer, Paradox, is taught and hypnotizing. However, the best track on the album, and my favorite Hawkwind song, is one of the bonus tracks, It's So Easy. Despite some fairly uninteresting lyrics it is still a slice of pure joy and most likley David Brock's strongest and most powerful vocal contribution. Speaking of vocal contributions, Hall of the Mountain Grill features Lemmy's best, Lost Johnny. Never has the band sounded so good as a whole, and the never would again, than they do on this record. Also, special kudos goes to Simon Kings drumming, absolutely top notch.