Freq

Calvert was a curious artist. Gifted with Bipolar Disorder, he created and contributed to a lasting catalog of incredible Art Rock, and Progressive Rock masterpieces. With 'Freq' you get Calvert veering away from his earlier style in favor of a stronger politicized statement and far more electronic sound. So, while the critics and fans alike treat this release with strong rejection, I found it to be a great statement depicting the plight of British organized labor in protest of Thatcher's 'Reganesque' nonsense. Certainly not for everyone, it's none the less a decent record of a tumultuous time as interpreted by one of modern music's true artistic geniuses.

Interesting album from the Hawkwind alum. This disc has "talk" and music. The talk is recordings of political/topical nature. The music is really outstanding, especially "Standing In The Pickett Line" and "The Cool Courage Of The Bomb Squad Officers". Great backing band includes the man himself, Lemmy. While I didn't mind hearing the talk I would have liked more of the music, which is like I noted, is outstanding. Overall a grade of B+. Oh yes there are two bonus tracks which are really bonus in that they are not remixes of other songs on the album.

Maybe not his best work, but this 1984 dated release (like having it on CD reissue) by the late Hawkwind resident poet/recitalist is decent. Tracks here that I thought were good include "Ned Lund", the somewhat edgy "All The Machines Are Quiet", "Cool Courage Of The Bomb Squad" and the cult favorite (in it's own right)"Lord Of The Hornets". Check out the line-up on this record: Calvert - guitar, harmonica, keyboards & vocals, Lemmy - bass, Huw Lloyd Langton - guitar, Steve Swindells - keyboards and Simon King - drums. Didn't realize this album had four 'actual' Hawkwind members. Nice.

Like all Calvert albums, patchy, with large chunks of it sounding incredibly dated... But Calvert knew a thing or two, as is made quite evident on songs like "The Green Fly and the Rose," which still makes me shiver.