Space Ritual is the Hawkwind album that most people know as it was recorded live at the highpoint of their existence, with the material mostly coming from 1972's Dorime Fasol Latido and a few new tracks like 'Orgone Accumulator' and 'Born To Go'. It has seen countless represses and even an unedited version , titled, Space Ritual Volume 2 which hit the streets in 1985.
It also features the talents of Lemmy on bass and vocals and overall its a tremendous record, one that should grace any serious record collection. It really shines a light on the completeness of the band at the time, with the light show, Stacia dancing, and poetry thrown into the mix, recited by Calvert. As a live show, it must have been really mind blowing.
The recorded tracks are stellar and the recording quality is also amazing for the time, though some of the overdubs did come after the fact in the studio. It is surprising that Hawkwind's hit single, 'Silver Machine' is absent from this record, but I imagine that as they were falling out with Lemmy at the time, they may have decided to give his song a bit of a back seat.
The LP sleeve itself is a journey - its a six-page foldout with themed panels and poetry by William Blake. The artwork is amazing and just incredible - a very serious undertaking and a perfect way to experience the band.
Back when I was a kid, LP's artwork were really the only window through which to view the band and the packaging and artwork were just as important as the music to give the band an identity. There are so many great LP covers of the day, especially the mid-to-late 1970's output by progressive rock bands, like Yes and Genesis, but this one must take the cake.
This album is a great introduction to the band and after listening to it many, many times, I have yet to find a moment that strays from the pace and intensity this band delivers live. No lengthy song breaks, no awkward on stage banter.
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