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moonchildhippy Group: Members Posts: 1807 Joined: Dec. 2004 Posted: April 14 2005, 10:22 I've know of Steve Hillage from the performance of Tubular Bells Part 1 on the "2nd House" programme, plus  supporting Queen at their free concert in Hyde Park in 1976   .  I know Gong released an album by the titlle of "The Flying Teapot", and Steve released a solo album "Fish Rising", apart from this I don't know much about Steve and Gong, except they were involved in the "Canterbury Scene".  I was wondering if anyone can reccomend a (compilation) album that would be an introduction to Gong's/Steve's music, thanks   . -------------- I'm going slightly mad, It finally happened, I'm slightly mad , just very slightly mad If you feel a little glum to Hergest Ridge you should come. I'm challenging  taboos surrounding mental health "Part time hippy" I'M SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!! Back to top

familyjules Group: Members Posts: 1190 Joined: May 2004 Posted: April 14 2005, 10:35 Quote (moonchildhippy @ April 14 2005, 10:22) I've know of Steve Hillage from the performance of Tubular Bells Part 1 on the "2nd House" programme, plus  supporting Queen at their free concert in Hyde Park in 1976   .  I know Gong released an album by the titlle of "The Flying Teapot", and Steve released a solo album "Fish Rising", apart from this I don't know much about Steve and Gong, except they were involved in the "Canterbury Scene".  I was wondering if anyone can reccomend a (compilation) album that would be an introduction to Gong's/Steve's music, thanks   . I recommend you turn back now and run to the light before it's too late!!! Jules -------------- I like beer and I like cheese Back to top

moonchildhippy Group: Members Posts: 1807 Joined: Dec. 2004 Posted: April 14 2005, 11:39 Quote (familyjules @ April 14 2005, 15:35) I recommend you turn back now and run to the light before it's too late!!! Jules Do I take that reply to mean you don't like Steve Hillage/Gong? . -------------- I'm going slightly mad, It finally happened, I'm slightly mad , just very slightly mad If you feel a little glum to Hergest Ridge you should come. I'm challenging  taboos surrounding mental health "Part time hippy" I'M SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!! Back to top

familyjules Group: Members Posts: 1190 Joined: May 2004 Posted: April 14 2005, 11:53 Quote (moonchildhippy @ April 14 2005, 11:39) Do I take that reply to mean you don't like Steve Hillage/Gong? . Back in the mid/late 70s when I was a fully fledged hippie child, I was always looking for new bands to get into.  I checked out Mike Oldfield, then Pink Floyd, took in Yes and dabbled with Genesis.  Then I read about Gong, so I figured I'd give Gong a whirl.  I bought The Flying Teapot, took it home, listened to it, curled up with embarassment and horror, and promptly hid it away in my cupboard.  I had never until that day heard a record that I so fundamentally despised in quite that way before.  And I don't think I've had a similar experience since.  It actually made me feel nauseous!  LOL. Uh...the short answer would be 'no'.   And Steve Hillage's attempts at playing Mike's parts in the likes of the Orchestral Hergest Ridge are laughably bad in my opinion, though I've heard tell he has his moments as a guitar player. Jules -------------- I like beer and I like cheese Back to top

Tati The Sentinel Group: Members Posts: 3360 Joined: Feb. 2002 Posted: April 14 2005, 12:42 If you think that Mike is the only one who once in a while gets into eletronic music,check it out what Steve Hillage is currently doing on System 7 at http://www.a-wave.com/system7. Very interesting,IMO. -------------- "But it's always the outsider, the black sheep, that becomes the blockbuster." - Mike Oldfield, 2014 "I remember feeling that I'd been judged unfairly and that I was going to prove them wrong." - Peter Davison, 2011 Back to top

Korgscrew Group: Super Admins Posts: 3511 Joined: Dec. 1999 Posted: April 14 2005, 16:49 I bought Flying Teapot after having heard Steve's solo work, and being interested in hearing what Gong had been working on in The Manor at around the same time as Mike. I can't say it really appealed to me. It reminds me a little in style of Fish Rising, but I prefer the Hillage album. I have a funny liking for Steve Hillage's music really. I think what I like about it is the way his eccentricity shines through - he always sounds so happy as he sings his songs about fish, UFOs and talking to trees. From the stories I hear, I suspect his judgement may have been somewhat clouded when he recorded those albums, but that's the fun of it. I think you really have to like his musical personality to enjoy them - it's not the kind of stuff that'll come across as 'good' music if you don't! His work has never seemed as consciously eccentric as Flying Teapot to me - more like the work of someone who thinks that having his partner exclaim "It's a blimp, Frank, it's a blimp!" in a squeaky voice is a good thing to have in a rock song. My recommendation would be the Todd Rundgren produced album "L" from 1976. It has a quite 'classic' feel to it, and includes some nice examples of his playing (and his spaced-out new age lyrics). "Live Herald" is also really good, with live versions of many of his best songs. "Green" is worth a look too - it was co-produced by Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, who also plays drums on the album. Of Gong albums, Downwind (with Mike on the title track) is worth a listen - Pierre Moerlen's Gong is a very different incarnation to that which recorded Flying Teapot. Much of the line-up will be familiar to you already - Mike borrowed a lot of musicians from Gong in the 70s (particularly on his 1979 tour). Back to top

Ratty Group: Members Posts: 386 Joined: Jan. 2005 Posted: April 14 2005, 18:17 I thought Steve Hillage was a place in Kent? Oops sorry i meant Stevenage!!!   -------------- Far away across the field The tolling of the iron bell Calls the faithful to their knees To hear the softly spoken magic spells Back to top

familyjules Group: Members Posts: 1190 Joined: May 2004 Posted: April 15 2005, 05:22 Quote (Korgscrew @ April 14 2005, 16:49) My recommendation would be the Todd Rundgren produced album "L" from 1976. Whereas I'd recommend forgetting about Hillage, and just buying some Todd Rundgren!   Jules -------------- I like beer and I like cheese Back to top

moonchildhippy Group: Members Posts: 1807 Joined: Dec. 2004 Posted: April 15 2005, 18:37 Quote (familyjules @ April 15 2005, 10:22) Quote (Korgscrew @ April 14 2005, 16:49) My recommendation would be the Todd Rundgren produced album "L" from 1976. Whereas I'd recommend forgetting about Hillage, and just buying some Todd Rundgren!   Jules I've heard of Todd Rundgren, but I'm not familiar with his music. What's it like? -------------- I'm going slightly mad, It finally happened, I'm slightly mad , just very slightly mad If you feel a little glum to Hergest Ridge you should come. I'm challenging  taboos surrounding mental health "Part time hippy" I'M SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!! Back to top

familyjules Group: Members Posts: 1190 Joined: May 2004 Posted: April 17 2005, 12:17 Quote (moonchildhippy @ April 15 2005, 18:37) I've heard of Todd Rundgren, but I'm not familiar with his music. What's it like? He does all kinds - Beatlesque pop, soul music, tender ballads, acid rock, prog rock - depends which album you pick up. If you want something song based try Something/Anything. If you want a spacey, trippy experience that'll blow yer mind try A Wizard, A True Star. Jules -------------- I like beer and I like cheese Back to top

moonchildhippy Group: Members Posts: 1807 Joined: Dec. 2004 Posted: April 18 2005, 18:27 Quote (familyjules @ April 17 2005, 17:17) Quote (moonchildhippy @ April 15 2005, 18:37) I've heard of Todd Rundgren, but I'm not familiar with his music. What's it like? He does all kinds - Beatlesque pop, soul music, tender ballads, acid rock, prog rock - depends which album you pick up. If you want something song based try Something/Anything. If you want a spacey, trippy experience that'll blow yer mind try A Wizard, A True Star. Jules Hi I'm back, my Broadband has been down over the weekend for maintenence work , arggghhh frustrating, but not the end of the world. Thanks for that post regarding Todd Rundgren, Jules,most helpful I wouldn't know where to start. Hey Jules,  you'll like this, (I think you will too Ratty), on Wednesday, when it's payday,  I'm going to order the double CD of Who's Next?, with bonus tracks(some previously unreleased). I was playing a secondhand LP I have of it earlier today, it's a bit crackley, also Pink Floyd DVD of Atom Heart Mother, out today, I'll also pre order the new Robert Plant album "Mighty Rearranger     . That's the problem I have with music, there's so much to buy, I have to be careful not to overspend. -------------- I'm going slightly mad, It finally happened, I'm slightly mad , just very slightly mad If you feel a little glum to Hergest Ridge you should come. I'm challenging  taboos surrounding mental health "Part time hippy" I'M SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!! Back to top

Ratty Group: Members Posts: 386 Joined: Jan. 2005 Posted: April 22 2005, 18:26 Quote (moonchildhippy @ April 19 2005, 00:27) That's the problem I have with music, there's so much to buy, I have to be careful not to overspend. Ha Ha, tell me about it. Ive been trying to replace my vinyl with cds. I`m not doing too bad as i have been putting last minute bids on ebay. Got Queens "day at the races & A Night At The Opera" £1.50 each. "War" U2 for 1 pence (ok £3.99 pp). Also Floyds "Final Cut" , several Genesis cds, Three  Santana classics and....Grease soundtrack (dont ask!!!   -------------- Far away across the field The tolling of the iron bell Calls the faithful to their knees To hear the softly spoken magic spells Back to top

moonchildhippy Group: Members Posts: 1807 Joined: Dec. 2004 Posted: April 22 2005, 20:27 Wow those Queen CD's were a bargain, I love Queen.  It was Queen that got me out of 80's pop music. I heard Radio Ga Ga and I Want To Break Free, when they came out, I was 12 at the time. Saw Queen's performance at Live Aid, I was converted  .  It's weird my older cousin would play the early Queen albums, Queen, Queen 2 and Sheer Heart Attack, this is about 1983 ,or so, and I considered them "Heavy metal rubbish" at the time. How things change   .   Re  E-bay, I've looked but never had the courage to bid for items, I'm worried perhaps the goods won't turn up or turn up in poor condition.  I did read in the local paper of a bloke selling stolen car parts on one of these sites. -------------- I'm going slightly mad, It finally happened, I'm slightly mad , just very slightly mad If you feel a little glum to Hergest Ridge you should come. I'm challenging  taboos surrounding mental health "Part time hippy" I'M SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!! Back to top

Ratty Group: Members Posts: 386 Joined: Jan. 2005 Posted: April 22 2005, 20:37 I was like that at first with Ebay, touch wood i havent had any problems. Take the plunge, there are bargains galore to be had!! I would have loved to have been at the live aid concert, when people say "is there a gig you regret missing" for me its this one!! (well apart from crises at Wembley 1983) -------------- Far away across the field The tolling of the iron bell Calls the faithful to their knees To hear the softly spoken magic spells Back to top

moonchildhippy Group: Members Posts: 1807 Joined: Dec. 2004 Posted: April 22 2005, 21:17 Quote (Ratty @ April 23 2005, 01:37) I was like that at first with Ebay, touch wood i havent had any problems. Take the plunge, there are bargains galore to be had!! I would have loved to have been at the live aid concert, when people say "is there a gig you regret missing" for me its this one!! (well apart from crises at Wembley 1983) Thanks Ratty, I'll have to ask a friend, whose experienced in bidding for things on e-bay to show this e-bay virgin the ropes   . Now Live Aid , I would loved to have been there too,  worth it just for Queen's legendary performance . Have recently been given a DVD player.  Must buy the DVD of Live Aid.   This all harks back to my earlier post about  there's so much music I'd like to buy, but have to restrict my spending.  Who is this bloke called Bill?, He seems to want too much of my money   . Mike at Wembley, on the Crises Tour, sounds great too me.   I remember Moonlight Shadow coming out.  At the time I thought Mike Oldfield, he's the Tubular Bells bloke, also had recorded the Blue Peter theme, plus In Dulci Jubilo and Portsmouth, (I didn't  know the last two were by Mike at the time). BTW have you seen my thread about gigs that you regret missing, it's located in other artists   . -------------- I'm going slightly mad, It finally happened, I'm slightly mad , just very slightly mad If you feel a little glum to Hergest Ridge you should come. I'm challenging  taboos surrounding mental health "Part time hippy" I'M SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!! Back to top

Ratty Group: Members Posts: 386 Joined: Jan. 2005 Posted: April 22 2005, 21:22 Ha ha ha... i know Bill too!! He also has a girlfriend called Dee Mand!!! I will have a look (and post) on the gigs thread, got  another to put on too....Mike and Marillion playing together, (I know what i like..Genesis) how cool is that!!!     -------------- Far away across the field The tolling of the iron bell Calls the faithful to their knees To hear the softly spoken magic spells Back to top

moonchildhippy Group: Members Posts: 1807 Joined: Dec. 2004 Posted: April 22 2005, 21:57 Quote (Ratty @ April 23 2005, 02:22) Ha ha ha... i know Bill too!! He also has a girlfriend called Dee Mand!!! I will have a look (and post) on the gigs thread, got  another to put on too....Mike and Marillion playing together, (I know what i like..Genesis) how cool is that!!!     Hahahaaaaa . Mike and Marillion together WOW!!! / -------------- I'm going slightly mad, It finally happened, I'm slightly mad , just very slightly mad If you feel a little glum to Hergest Ridge you should come. I'm challenging  taboos surrounding mental health "Part time hippy" I'M SUPPORTING OUR SOLDIERS BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!! Back to top

Baggiesfaninessex Group: Members Posts: 682 Joined: Mar. 2002 Posted: April 23 2005, 07:22 As far as I know, that was Mike, Fish and Steve Hackett (as opposed to Mike and Marillion) - I remember the bootleg recordings that were knocking around at record fairs years ago. As for the Steve Hillage and Gong debate, it is very difficult to recommend as everyone's personal taste differs. I have an LP of Hillage's 'Rainbow Dome Musik' (with Miquette Giraudy) and on the one hand it is 40 minutes of tedious monotony, simply highlighting the unique sound of Hillage's Glissando guitar. However, on the other hand, it is 40 minutes to lose yourself in. No discernable melody in side 1 but just a wash of sound revolving around one chord. Side 2 has slightly more variation, but on the whole, if you're looking to close your eyes, relax and end up in another place, then this album could do it for you. In terms of Daevid Allen's Gong, out of the early material I love 'Flying Teapot'. Okay, cringeworthy for some, but for me, joyous, full of fun and a record that when I listen, I can't keep still. Pierre Moerlen's Gong would probably be more up your street as a Mike fan - 'Downwind' is a very good album and the eponymous track features some blistering MO guitar work. 'Second Wind' if anything, is jazzier than 'Downwind'. However, beware of three tracks - Crash and Co. First, Crash and Co. Second and Crash and Co. Third - which account for 30 minutes worth of drum solos. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the occasional drum solo, particularly incorporated into a live set, but on an album such as 'Second Wind' I think it's just far too self-indulgent. -------------- “A dog is not intelligent. Never trust an animal that's surprised by its own farts.” - Frank Skinner Back to top

pauken Group: Members Posts: 106 Joined: May 2005 Posted: May 06 2005, 12:00 Well, Gong "Angels Egg" and "You" which were the 2nd and 3rd parts of the "Flying Teapot Trilogy" are much better than the first one I reckon and feature the inimitable Pierre Moerlen (RIP) on drums!! After that, Daevid Allen left and Gong got more instrumental and "jazz-fusion" like but still I enjoy Shamal and Gazeuse. Pierre Moerlen's Gong did Downwind which features Mike on the title track but I prefer the album after that which is "Time is the Key" As for Steve Hillage, I can highly recommend "Fish Rising" and also "Green" or "L" as being a good listen. After that, my Steve Hillage experience is limited to hating "System 7 - Power of Seven" but enjoying his producing (early 80's SImple Minds anyone?) Steve Back to top

The Bell(end) Group: Members Posts: 1051 Joined: July 2005 Posted: May 01 2006, 15:31 I recently purchased 'Fish rising' 'Green' and 'Motivation radio', I enjoy them alot and I shall probably get 'L' sometime soon. 'System 7' also intrigues me, does anyone have an opinion on that venture? -------------- When the night's on fi-ya, do you need love's arms to hold yew? :D Back to top

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