Spacemen 3 – Taking Drugs To Make Music To Take Drugs To

The versions on this, the original release, bear no resemblance and almost seem to run at a different speed than the ones found on SpaceAge CD versions. While that label is not quite legit (blessed by the band), the recordings sound far more familiar to the rest of the band's work than this does. Any reason why? Anyone know?

Why isn't this record considered a compilation? All but one I think are versions, bootlegs, or simply rehearsal versions of the ones the went into the four albums of the band.

Soon to be reissued on Superior Viaduct, so don't feed the sharks.
https://www.superiorviaduct.com/collections/spacemen-3/products/spacemen-3-taking-drugs-to-make-music-to-take-drugs-to-2xlp

Prolific drug use has always raised an eyebrow or two, with most of it being exaggeration, conjecture, a few lies, and a willingness by a band to embrace the rumors ... but in the case of Spacemen 3, I think it’s safe to say that what actually happened far surpasses the rumors, or hazy clouds of blue smoke that swirl around this band of musical drug takers, where taking drugs actually seemed to be their full time job, aspiration, and eyes through which they saw the universe.

The album is as legendary as the band with the original seven tracks being laid down in 1986, and then known as the Northampton Demos. Additions were made in 1990, several other contemporary songs were added for the 1994 reissue, and all finally settled out for the 2000 Space Age version with the addition of one final number. Both publicly and in the book, Pete Kember [Sonic Boom] and Jason Pierce [Spaceman] have stated that they enjoy these versions of the songs much more than those that appeared on Sound Of Confusion. There’s an almost tribal feel to the music, containing more edges than we were treated to on the previous outings ... sounding almost like psychedelic punk, dripping with feedback, cutting, full of fire and energy. It’s strange, because if you grew up with the previously released songs, you’ll find these a bit difficult to recognize, and it’s not until the splendid seven minute mind-altering “It’s Alright” slips in under the door that you’re gonna feel at home, bathed in that warm comfort zone, one filled with smooth shifting innovative delight, sounding like some Motown number gone sideways into the ether.

Review by Jenell Kesler

The best title for an album no question.