THE DREAM GOES ON - AN ANTHOLOGY 1985 - 1997

The Hawkwind anthology phenomenom has baffled me for decades. What also baffles me even more is why I own so many of them that contain tracks that I already have on regular albums! I never quite understood the marketing strategy or demographic targets but statistically they sell regardless of quality, concept or whether or not the band sees any royalties from them. The band certainly is recieving royalties from this latest offering from Atomhenge who has apparently bought up the rights to most of Hawkwind's back catologue. Track selection was done in collaboration with Captain Dave Brock, Hawkwind's steadfast commander throughout rtheir 41 year history so it doesn't appear to be a best of per se, but rather an overview of the band's recording carreer from Winter of '85 to the Autumn of '97.

Long time fans will definitely revel in the improvement in the digital remasterings on this 3 disc set while the uninitiated will get the most inclusive retrospect from this period in the band's history. Unfortunately the selection reveals some weaknesses on shaky albums such as Out & Intake, Alien 4 and It Is The Business Of The Future To Be Dangerous but makes up for it by presenting some live material, particularily from the now hard-to-get California Brainstorm. The title track from the experimental album " White Zone " ( where the band went under the moniker psychedelic Warlords ) is presented as well as a couple of other rarities off the "Area 54" and " Love In Space " EPs for those Hawkfans who might have missed them.

Also included is an illustrated booklet with liner notes by Ian Abrahams, ( author of " Sonic Assasins " history of Hawkwind ) that traces the band's history focussing on the years '85 - 97. The liner notes also provide a chronological recording timeline, line-ups and illustrations of the individual album covers that help to make this the least confusing and comprehensive Hawkwind anthology for the last part of the 20th cetnury. Highly recommended for both the curious and Hawkwind afficionados alike.