Khan - Space Shanty

Best known as the album that first brought the guitar playing talents of guitarist Steve Hillage to public prominence, Khans's sole album is a splendid example of a fusion of Canterbury flavoured rock combined with jazz and space-rock influences. Originally released in 1972 by Deram records, it can now clearly be seen as the blue print for Hillage's later solo success. Hillage has acknowledged that "Space Shanty" was the "dry run" for his classic "Fish Rising" album. This reissue is remastered from the original master tapes and has extensive liner notes and includes two bonus tracks from a rediscovered acetate disc. Album Description

As all previous reviews most cogent...

I can only add, this grupo features the BEST of Steve Hillage, as relates to his guitar-work, and vocals, which are much more understated than his solo recordings. In my opinion, the solo recordings feature his vocals which sound more as a "whine" than singing, with Khan, more body to his sound.

The compositions are first rate, a nice combinstion of the Canterbury sound ,the rock influences and the more jazz influenced sounds of Gilgamesh,Hatfield , etc. and even Morrisey's more "working class jazz rock grupo, 'If', to use some example.

Even as Steve Hillage solo recordings are fun, and have many magic moments, I enjoy Khan and Gong , more cohesion.

1000 estrelas no ceu!

Nice it is finally avaliable again on CD format, but much over priced, no?
September 11, 2008

Classic progressive rock disc!

Space Shanty is an obscure but brilliant 1972 release that features Steve Hillage (Ex-Gong) on guitar (and vocals) and Dave Stewart (of Egg, Hatfield & the North, National Health, and Bruford) on keyboards. The music is a powerful psychedelic progressive excursion with some of the best solo and ensemble work that you'll hear on any album of this vintage. If you like Hillage's wonderful "Fish Rising" album (his best solo effort) then you need to check out this disc. There are two previously unreleased tracks on this new version plus excellent liner notes. Highly recommended. December 30, 2007

A forgotten clasic

A superb old-school prog album, with all the complexities and subtleties of good old progressive rock - the changing meters and tempos, shifting atmospheres, gorgeous organ and guitar solos and intricate interplay, several epic-length tracks. The sound has a lovely velvety texture, so often found on prog records from the early '70s, all very smooth and well-produced. The style seems like a perfect balance between Canterbury and symphonic: Canterbury on the improvizational side, symphonic on the compositional. The fact that Dave Stewart and Steve Hillage are on the album makes it all the more valuable, these two maestros being the Canterbury counterparts of Keith Emerson and Steve Howe, respectively... Absolute gem, and a must have for any prog fan. November 29, 2007

Shanty Town

This is my ALL TIME favorite record. Where have all the good musicians gone? They just do not make them like this anymore. Highly recommended, very enjoyable tunes. April 10, 2007

Heavy and melodic "space prog" from this Canterbury band

This is a very interesting album from 1972 and certainly one of the heaviest that I have heard from the Canterbury scene. In fact, the riff heavy nature of this album took me a little by surprise - I think I was expecting something a little lighter. Khan is (and was) however a quintessential Canterbury rock band; especially with the dense ensemble work, high level of musicianship, and the ever-present sense of humor. Come to think of it, this album is somewhat stylistically similar to Gong's Camembert Electrique album from 1971 - except not as crazy!

The musicians include fantastic guitarist Steve Hillage (acoustic and electric guitar; vocals); incredible keyboardist Dave Stewart (organ, piano, celeste); Eric Peachey (Drums); and Nick Greenwood (electric bass and vocals). The musicianship on Space Shanty is top notch and there are loads of instrumental passages that show off some pretty dense ensemble work and fantastic soloing by Steve and Dave (they are impressive throughout). Eric and Nick are no slouches either and comprise an excellent rhythm section - in fact I would love to track down some other recordings by these guys but would not know where to start. The vocals and vocal harmonies are excellent by the way.

Although I have described the music as heavy (and believe me Steve rips it up on the electric), there are some very spacey and quieter sections that feature Dave's soft organ playing and Steve on acoustic guitar. In fact, some folks have described this album as space rock, although I think there is far too much going on each composition to call this space rock. In general, each piece features an excellent blend of heavy riffing played in unison on the bass and the electric guitar; intricate ensemble work; and more relaxed passages that feature vocals. The six pieces are highly melodic and it is clear that they spent just as much time on the vocal melodies as the fancier instrumental passages. The tracks are not too long (by prog standards) and range in length from 5'32" to 9'22" - they are all well put together and arranged.

This remastered album is pretty good and has great sound quality, restored cover art, song lyrics, and loads of liner notes. The short bonus tracks include the short (3'31") Break the Chain and an early version of Mixed up Man of the Mountains. Break the Chain is OK.

Space Shanty is very highly recommended along with Camembert Electrique. Steve Hillage went on to join Gong after this album and two heavy/spacey/proggy albums including Angel's Egg (1973) and You (1974) are both highly recommended. December 23, 2006

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