Hawkwind – Quark, Strangeness And Charm

Fantastically flat.
Fantastically quiet.
Fantastically dynamic.
Fantastically reproduced artwork.
FANTASTIC!
10/10…no joke.
Do not hesitate on this release.

This is one of the records that made me realise there was more to music than just switching on the radio.A revalation when I first heard it and still one of my favourite albums.

I absolutely love this record. In fact, I love it more than their early material. This is the perfect merging of their spacey elements combined with a more straight forward rock approach. In moments it reminds me something similar to Neu but with a little more focus and vocals, which are fantastic and fit the music perfectly. “Fable Of A Failed Race” almost has a Pink Floyd quality to it. The title track “Quark, Strangeness and Charm” sounds like early Eno in its musical approach—at least to my ears. This is a solid record all the way through—really enjoyable. Sound quality is excellent, too. Warm and rich.

This RSD version of Quark, Strangeness and Charm is a real sleeper. I paid nearly $40 and new copies can be had for half that currently on Discogs. The transparent vinyl looks stupendous, the pressing is flawless, and the artwork is faithfully reproduced in a stunning two-disc set. Not to mention that this is one of Hawkwind's best albums, and it even includes the long version of "Fable of a Failed Race," one of their finest moments. Grab it while you can.

excellent 2 cd set. the bonus tracks are excellent extended versions . my fav Hawkwind record , now with more from that era . !

I have a white label promo copy of this, bought in Manzi's, Finchley Rd in '77-78 ish. No print or info on pure white label. Original cover art and printed inner. Matrix runout Side 1 is CDS4008 A//2 1B 11 1 (Stamped) MELYS (engraved) Side 2 is CDS4008 B//1 1B 1 2 1 (stamped) MELYS (engraved).
Should this be added as a variant? I can't find a link here. Or do we just accept it for what it is, or appears to be, a white label freebie given away to promote sales?

re the comments below " first hawkwind lp to reflect the emerging punk/new wave sound" its worth pointing out that hawkwind had a punk sound from day one, and that robert calverts intonation inspired johnny rottens enunciation, and the buzzcocks et al...the obsession with finding the earliest proto-punk sound is a bit silly, eg its the who, the creation, alan pounds get rich, just giving calvert his due, total genius and more of an influence on punk than the country/boogie rock of the ramones, iggy pop or patti smith... hawkwind always a very clever band, fashions may change around them, eg singing about deep space may not be so trendy for a while, but time elevates them into classicdom, much more complex than floyd for example. to summarize, that calvert chap space poet type elocution lessons for mr lydon methinks.

The second side of this LP is one of those album sides that works so well as a side, it deserves a place in the BEST SIDES hall of fame. This is Hawkwind's first album to reflect the emerging punk/new wave sound. How does a psychedelic space rock band from the 60s pull of something like that? This is how. Shorter songs, faster tempos and humor all contribute to make this a great slab of Hawkwind unlike any other. OK, there is a danger in reviewing the album that was just released when one has first discovered a band, it often becomes a sentimental favorite regardless of its overall merits. But in this case, the album holds up well through the nearly 40 years since it was first released in 1977. Their very next record, PXR5, is sadly a big disappointment, even though it follows the same blueprint as QS&C. Despite most of the songs being short by Hawkwind standards, founding member Dave Brock's lyrics reference taking acid, sonic attack and other flashback concepts not mentioned on any other albums from 1977. The humorous lyrics of the title track are a first for Hawkwind, a band that was often accused of taking itself to seriously. Dr. Demento used to play it on his novelty song show. The first line on the track, "Einstein was not a handsome fellow, nobody ever called him 'Al'" sets the tone. As with many LPs released before the CD era, this one suffers on CD from weak bottom end sound. The LP has a meatier, fuller sound, and is worth picking up since copies can be had for under five dollars.

Quark. strangness and charm must be one one the best songs ever. I still remember watching Hawwind perform this on "Lift off with Aisha" a 70s childrens ITV program. I've even heard JJ Burnel saying that he wished he'd written this.