Elly Roberts reviews
Steve Hillage: 1970s Back-catalogue re-releases
Distributed by
Virgin Records
Fish Rising (1975): 
‘L’ (1976):
Motivation Radio (1977):
Rainbow Dome Musick (1979):
- January 2007
Ratings:
- Fish Rising (1975): 6/10
- ‘L’ (1976): 10/10+
- Motivation Radio (1977): 8/10
- Rainbow Dome Musick (1979): 2/10
Welcome to the wired and wonderful world of prog-rocker Steve Hillage.
All re-issues feature re-mastered music and include a number of bonus tracks
from his impressive tape archive. This collection shows that Hillage was as
prolific a solo artist as he was as a member of cult European post-hippie
rockers Gong.
Here Hillage continues his penchant mix of unpredictable rock, jazz and
synthesisers.
Hillage branched out to record music, mostly instrumental, during the ‘acid
generation’, with ‘L’ cementing his reputation as a leading light of the genre.
By definition, it was mostly experimental, though they were strong enough to
enter these albums in the Top 100, with ‘L’ peaking at 10 in 1976.
Track 1 CD 1, Solar Musick Suite, in four parts, is symptomatic of his
‘no musical barriers’ ethos with splashes of lengthy rock and jazz guitar
solos, and few lyrics, possessing certain elements of Yes’ repertoire. This
highlights Hillage’s mastery and versatility as an outstanding musician.
In total contrast, Mediatation Of The Snake, is a sublime and spacey
piece of mysticism, whereas The Salomon song features bluesy picks.
Hillage shows his classy technique throughout this wispful and expansive piece.
Over 13 minutes of closer Aftaglid (bonus track) he exposes his acoustic
credentials.
‘L’, his best selling album, is a mix of collaborations and covers,
including Donovan’s Hurdy Gurdy Man, George Harrison’s It’s All
Too Much and The Byrds’ 8 Miles High. Donovan’s chart hit is less
effective here, losing its folkie substance, though the treatment is
interesting - blasting guitar solos turn it on its head.
Highlight of the album is the more accessible Electrick Gypsies, a
pulsating jaunt of wailing guitars and rasping solos, which again, show his
digital dexterity. Eastern flavoured Om Nama Shivaya is the jewel in
the crown. Back in more experimental mode, Lunar Musick Suite, a
drifting soundtrack sequence covering nearly 12 minutes, Hillage throws in
some jarring trumpet blows and large dollops of wiry solos to the synth
backdrop.
Eight Miles High, is Hillage at his most commercial ever, and almost,
stays faithful to the original, except its in purely instrumental form.
It true, Prog-Rock manner, he’s moved on again with Motivation Radio.
With an acoustic flourish he opens with Hello Dawn, a bouncy and
pleasant enough a start. Steady riffs make up the bulk of Light In The Sky
with the bonus of intermittent wiry solos and peculiar vocals by Miquette
Giraudy. Searching For The Spark is the kind of rolling synth-thing
Pink Floyd would have tackled back in 1977.
Two years later, Rainbow Dome Musick is another Floyd like experiment
(Echoes) – two tracks Garden Of Paradise (22’15”) and Four Ever
Rainbow (20’30”). Both are effectively dreamy synth soundscapes including
waterfall FX, neither of which are exactly inspiring.
All albums, whether you like the stylings or not, are a fascinating sonic
experiences.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
