Hawkwind - Quark, Strangeness And Charm download free

The second side of this LP is one of those album sides that works so well as a side, it deserves a place in the BEST SIDES hall of fame. This is Hawkwind's first album to reflect the emerging punk/new wave sound. How does a psychedelic space rock band from the 60s pull of something like that? This is how. Shorter songs, faster tempos and humor all contribute to make this a great slab of Hawkwind unlike any other. OK, there is a danger in reviewing the album that was just released when one has first discovered a band, it often becomes a sentimental favorite regardless of its overall merits. But in this case, the album holds up well through the nearly 40 years since it was first released in 1977. Their very next record, PXR5, is sadly a big disappointment, even though it follows the same blueprint as QS&C. Despite most of the songs being short by Hawkwind standards, founding member Dave Brock's lyrics reference taking acid, sonic attack and other flashback concepts not mentioned on any other albums from 1977. The humorous lyrics of the title track are a first for Hawkwind, a band that was often accused of taking itself to seriously. Dr. Demento used to play it on his novelty song show. The first line on the track, "Einstein was not a handsome fellow, nobody ever called him 'Al'" sets the tone. As with many LPs released before the CD era, this one suffers on CD from weak bottom end sound. The LP has a meatier, fuller sound, and is worth picking up since copies can be had for under five dollars.