After 60 proper legends of pop (OK, you may have thought that some were a bit iffy), it is now time for my Top 20 Leg Ends of pop. These are those groups or artists that have had hits and sold well, but by no means a favourite of mine.
I do know that some of you will really like these, as there is no accounting for taste.
Now, SB does not like the use of profanity in the articles (comments fine, not articles), therefore if I say, for example, “Clut” I mean that well known GP word which is a sign of endearment, and if I say the word “Fluff” it is a well know word beginning with F, four letters, last letter a K, 2nd letter a U and just in case there is doubt, the 3rd letter is a C. The use of the word “Sausage” means that four letter word for when evacuating the bowels.
H/T to Brett of this parish, who very kindly sent me his play list of dire, dreadful, suicidal and basically fluffing songs generally done by right Cluts which are all pretty Sausage.
So, on we go with the 4th on my worst list: – Hawkwind. I know there is one fan on here that likes them, cannot be many more though Shirley. Sadly, Lemmy passed away in 2015, RIP, I did like him.
Hawkwind are an English rock band known as one of the earliest space rock groups. Since their formation in November 1969, Hawkwind have gone through many incarnations and have incorporated many different styles into their music, including hard rock, progressive rock and psychedelic rock. They are also regarded as an influential proto-punk band. Their lyrics favour urban and science fiction themes.
Many musicians, dancers and writers have worked with the band since their inception. Notable musicians who have performed in Hawkwind include Lemmy, Ginger Baker, Robert Calvert, Nik Turner and Huw Lloyd-Langton. However, the band are most closely associated with their founder, singer, song writer and guitarist Dave Brock, who is the only remaining original member.
Hawkwind are best known for the song “Silver Machine“, which became a number-three UK hit single in 1972, but they scored further hit singles with “Urban Guerrilla” (another Top 40 hit) and “Shot Down in the Night“. The band had a run of twenty-two of their albums charting in the UK from 1971 to 1993
The mid-late 1970s saw them produce four studio albums under contract to Charisma. In the early 1980s, they produced a studio album and live album under contract to Bronze in 1980, then three studio albums for Rockfield Studios owner Kingsley Ward’s Active/RCA. Since then, the band have recorded for numerous independent labels.
The featured track is of course Silver Machine. When I first heard this I thought it was brilliant, indeed, it still is, sounding as good today as it did on release in 1972, so 50 years ago. My word how time flies by.
I had high hope for this band, some very famous and all-round great music people, sadly, none of their other stuff is any good, pretty much all an old pile of sausage.
Hawkwind – Hurry On Sundown. Live at the London Palladium 28/10/21. Their first release in 1970, you can hear the wind machine sound on this.
Hawkwind – Urban Guerilla (live)
Hawkwind – Psychedelic Warlords (1974) – video has those men shuffling to work on the underground.
Hawkwind – Kings Of Speed – HD Promo Video. Talented musicians, just rotten tunes.
Hawkwind – Kerb Crawler – decent enough rock ‘n’ roll tune.
Hawkwind – Back On The Streets – Bit of angry shouty man syndrome but good enough tune.
In my view, their best, apart from the superb Silver Machine, is this one. Drags on at the start though.
Hawkwind – Shot Down in the Night
I genuinely wished their output was on a par or even close to Silver Machine, still, some will like this sort of stuff.
Singalong, enjoy and be happy!
Links to previous Legend and Leg End articles:
Featured image: “Hawkwind #rock #music #instagram #iphoneography 😉” by Podknox is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
© Phil the ex test manager 2023
