Hawkwind – Masters Of The Universe

Hawkwind – Masters Of The Universe

Masters Of The Universe is a 1977 compilation from "Hawkwind", assembling six tracks from one of the most influential periods in the band's early space-rock history. Originally released in the UK by United Artists Records as UAG 30025, the collection draws on recordings made between 1971 and 1974, covering material from In Search Of Space, Doremi Fasol Latido, The Space Ritual and Hall Of The Mountain Grill, alongside the previously album-unavailable "It's So Easy".

The album opens with the Hawkwind classic "Master Of The Universe", originally recorded for In Search Of Space in 1971, followed by the extended "Brainstorm" from Doremi Fasol Latido (1972). These tracks showcase the band's trademark combination of driving rhythm section, distorted guitar, electronic textures, flute and saxophone, creating the hypnotic, cosmic sound that helped establish British space rock in the early 1970s.

Side B moves into material associated with The Space Ritual period, including "Sonic Attack" and the ten-minute "Orgone Accumulator". "Sonic Attack" is based on a text by science-fiction writer Michael Moorcock, while "Orgone Accumulator" features the distinctive vocals of Robert Calvert. The presence of Lemmy Kilmister on bass and vocals on parts of the compilation also makes this an interesting document of Hawkwind's classic early-1970s line-up.

The closing tracks broaden the collection beyond the main Space Ritual material. "It's So Easy" originally appeared as the B-side to "The Psychedelic Warlords (Disappear In Smoke)" in 1974, while "Lost Johnny" comes from Hall Of The Mountain Grill, also released in 1974. "Lost Johnny" was co-written by Lemmy Kilmister and poet Mick Farren, adding another connection between Hawkwind's space-rock sound and the wider British underground scene.

For fans of Hawkwind, Lemmy Kilmister, Robert Calvert, Nik Turner, space rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, acid rock and early British heavy rock, Masters Of The Universe is a concise collection of some of the band's most important early recordings, spanning the classic 1971–1974 period.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Master Of The Universe – 6:35
2. Brainstorm – 11:40

Side B

1. Sonic Attack – 2:55
2. Orgone Accumulator – 10:00
3. It's So Easy – 5:17
4. Lost Johnny – 3:26