This is more or less a appreciation/discussion thread for Gong. I just recently received the predecesser of the Trilogy, Camembert Electrique, in the mail yesterday, listening to it quite a bit. On my fifth spin or so now and I just realized today how important/influential this band is. Specifically touching on Daevid Allens interesting life and guitarist Steve Hillage. I know they have a great drummer, but i guess I don't know if he was influntial or anthing. Gong blended many different musical styles; folk, jazz, space, psychadelic, nursery rhyme, techo/electronica, hard rock, zheul dance, and so on.
In addition two styles way before it's time. Punk rock and Rap. Although I guess they weren't influential in it's creation, they just used the style in their music from time to time, just part of the weirdness of Gong in general.
David Aellen, the most important figure in the band. He was around at the beginning of The Soft Machine. One the most important psychadelic bands along with Pink Floyd. He was also politically active, having to leave the UK, because of some riot?? where he was seen on camera or something bla bla bla. Sounds pretty punk rock to me, songs like You Can't Kill Me, helps me argue the point I think. Allen also ebraces punk rock in his album Live Floating Anarchy. He tours with Magma at the beginning of their career. And you can hear it in their music on songs like, Dynamite: I am Your Animal. I also think they are similar in that they are both themed bands. Not just conceptual music, but the band itself is a concept. ( I think what is also funny about Daevid Allen is he also quite a bit older than everyone else. Wasn't he about 40 during the trilogy?). I also think Gong has quite a bit of rapping in their music. It isn't urban sounding like the rap you normally here, but it is definitely there. Allen was a beatnik/poet, or you could say"rapper".
Steve Hillage, pretty much a hippy guitar god, perfecting the space rock guitar sound. He also helps the development of techno if I remember correctly.
I dont understand how a band this influential isn't more popular. I would love to read a book on the history of this band. All the stories I have heard are great; playing at the MOMA, acid trips, Allen not being able to go on stage, his anti cannabis bit, just so much fun stuff. Maybe the drug references and influences were a little over the top. Oh well, it's so f**king good though.
I just wish I could understand the rest of their catalog after the trilogy, so many side bands/project, bands with multiple Gong names. It's a bit confusing.
Now this thread can go anywhere it likes, post anything GONG here
I left my body on my bed
I flew away inside my head
To dive right through the moon and find
A perfect world inside my mind
I want to take you there
Smiling through your hair
That is why I sing this song
And why there is a band called Gong
Voices in our heads are calling
Ringing bells and singing tales of
How this world could be
If only we could learn to melt together
Make such lovely weather
Maybe we will blow it like in bygone ages
Maybe we will make it if we care
You'll be there
We'll be there - love...
Love is how you live it
Love is how you give it
Love is how you make it
Love is how you take it
First you make it with your body
Everything you give to share
When you come together then you're
One with lovers everywhere, everywhere...
Give a little wink, give a little wink
You know...
You know just who the pot head pixies are
Have a little drink...
Aaron
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The Official Gong thread
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