Hawkwind's 'Quark': The 1977 Cosmic Sound Revolution!

Join me as I dive into Hawkwind's 1977 curveball, 'Quark, Strangeness and Charm'! With its mesmerising Hipgnosis cover and groundbreaking blend of psychedelic rock and early new age, this album set the stage for future sound shifts. In this video, I explore standout tracks like "Quark, Strangeness and Charm," "The Forge of Vulcan," and "Fable of a Failed Race." Don't miss this journey through the cosmic innovations of the space rock kings!

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[julian-]

not heard it before… quark sounds like eno to me… i like it!

[duncanhawksbee]

Definitely in my top 5 Hawkwind albums. Driven along by Bob Calvert’s genius. One band you should consider featuring is Cardiacs and start with their album The Seaside.

[simongrundy]

Quark was a single. Sadly it didn't chart.

It got them a rare TV appearance on Marc Bolans TV show.

Guitarist Dave Brock declined to appear though.

This is a re recorded version for the show. Bob Calvert 'playing 'guitar.


I was always surprised by the constantly changing sound of Hawkwind. This is largely a result of the constantly changing line up.

However, from the 90's onward the sound did settle down to a largely rockier sound with programmed drums which made the albums harder to get in to. The live albums though continued to sound terrific.

Other records to listen to include.
Hawkwind -1970. Debut lp. Mostly experimental, I suspect Hurry in Sundown would appeal to you.

In Search Of Space.1971. Rockier, trippier considered very influential.

Doremi Fasil Latido. 1972. First album to feature Lemmy. Much heavier in places but again we hear acoustic guitar on Space is Deep and the delightful Down Through the Night.

Space Ritual 1973. Live and extremely loud. A wall of sound in places. The only lp to make the top 10.

Astounding Sounds Amazing Music. 1976. Cleaner poppier sound which for the most part didn't appeal to Dave Brock. Led to big divisions in the band and sackings. Chronoglide Skyway is glorious.

Levitation 1980. A rockier sound with drums from Ginger Baker. Nice production. Whose Gonna Win the War is the epic for me on this.