I’m a fan of Steve Hillage and have most of his albums. I was thinking of checking out the music of the band he was previously in, Gong, but I feel so overwhelmed after checking out their discography. No less than sixty albums!! :eek: Where do I begin? I see there are a few “greatest hits” type compilations, but isn’t music of this sort more album-oriented?
Well, its a complicated question, and I’m no expert but will advise you on the basics…
I saw them in about 3-4 forms in the late 80’s and early 90’s when they used to tour pretty regularly around the Reading area. So it helps to know what Gongs there were and are, well the basics at least.
David Allen was the leader of the group originally, but when he left, there was a version which continued with Pierre Moerlen Gong which was largely different. Allen continued with Planet Gong and others, Gilli Smith formed Mother Gong (which most people I knew hated when we saw them). Later there was a ambient techno version called Going Maison. I think they all kind of got together in mid 90’s as Gong in general (though Moerlen wasn’t involved I think).
As a start, try Radio Gnome and Camembert Electrique. If you want a modern overview, try the live album 25th Birthday party. I cant comment on the Moerlen ones, I need to maybe buy some and listen to them..
Was the style of music fairly consistent across the incarnations? I like trippy space rock stuff, especially with distorted guitars and nonsense lyrics. Steve Hillage and Sun Dial are nice, but Hawkwind and early Monster Magnet are even better. Is any of the Gong stuff like that?
Definitely go with the Radio Gnome Invisible Trilogy (a/k/a Teapot Trilogy), Flying Teapot, Angel’s Egg, and You–perhaps in reverse order. This is Gong at their apex. Camembert Electrique (watch that title–don’t get Camembert Eclectique by mistake) would also appeal to you. The post-trilogy albums Shamal, Gazeuse! and Expresso II were made without Daevid Allen and find the band leaving behind the spaced-out electronics and “glissando guitars” in favor of all-instrumental fusion, as they transition into being Pierre Moerlen’s Gong, so those may not be quite what you’re looking for. They’re still great, though.
Yup, I predict that you will love these albums. Gong Est Mort is an excellent live LP that covers the same basic territory.
If you have a really good stereo system and want to show it off, get Gazeuse! (aka Expresso) and play Percolations. The vibes are otherworldly. The shift to drums is transfixing.
Well, as you suggested, I started off with You, and immediately found something I recognized: “Master Builder” seems to be the same as Steve Hillage’s “The Glorious Om Riff”. The riff turns up in one or two of his others songs as well, such as “Saucer Surfing”…