Search - Gong :: History & The Mystery

The rest will flow

loteq | Regensburg | 04/05/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"For a group whose reputation is based on a couple of early-'70s albums ("Camembert electrique", "Radio Gnome Trilogy") and whose life-span is pretty convoluted -- not to mention numerous breakups and temporary disbandments as well as drummer Pierre Moerlen's own jazz-rock project -- Daevid Allen's Gong have managed to put forth enough products and activities to keep their devotees satisfied. In other words, they have sold their souls to the record companies in the late-'90s, deciding to release so many Gong compilations and live albums that anyone but the most dedicated fan has got to be hopelessly confused. And now, we've been treated to "History..", a double-disc set which features previously unavailable Gong recordings from three decades (1964-1988) and the album "The owl and the tree" by Mother Gong, a side-project of Daevid's wife, 'space poet' Gilli Smyth. With a simple listen one knows that the first disc of this package should be labelled 'for collectors' only: The first few tracks are of such a poor audio quality that it's difficult to work out what's going on, and it also should be noted that these pieces with a running time of little more than one minute are musically immediately forgettable. The next few songs are taken from Soft Machine's and Gong's earlier output, giving the listener the opportunity to hear some cuts from the famous "Radio Gnome Trilogy" in studio outtakes and live performances. However, these tracks sound weak without the intricate production and musicianship that made Gong's best-known records like "You" so interesting. The best moments of "History.." come late in the album, such as the exceptionally beautiful and inspired guitar/bass/flute combination of "13-8" and the crystalline guitar sounds of the 8 1/2-minute "Deva Goddess", a track which is somewhat reminiscent of Steve Hillage's more esoteric solo output. "Opium for the people", "Red alert", and "Chernobyl rain" provide some of the band's most rocking and contemporary songs, but the most gripping and atmospheric tune is "The dream", a spoken-word performance by Gilli and "Tom The Poet" (whose voice sounds exactly like that of Lou Reed!) with subtle piano accompaniment. Despite the nice artwork, the 12-page booklet falls a bit flat since it contains a sketchy, pedestrian Gong biography but no comments on the individual tracks and not the slightest hint of information about the enclosed Mother Gong disc. Fortunately, the bonus disc of this box set brings some credibility to this release, although I think that the highly recommended "Best of Mother Gong" collection would have been a better choice than this late-'80s album. Essentially, "The owl and the tree" explains how insular Daevid's and Gilli's vision has become throughout the '80s; this album has all the features of a record written in isolation and manages to sound unlike anything which was released at that time. But let's face it: In nearly any other hands, song titles and lyrics like "I am a tree", "I don't mind that my roots have fixed in the earth", or "I am my own relationship" would be a pathetic disaster and make you laugh out loudly, but Gilli and 'special guest' Daevid know how to marriage their space-age ramblings with an intriguing sound which embraces ghostly synthesizer brushstrokes, ever-present saxophone, and shimmering melodic loops. While most of the music the band creates isn't particularly progressive or breathtaking, it takes the listener on a peaceful, amusing journey which is highly imaginative and romantic. The songs are generally similar in structure and approach, with the 14 1/2-minute "I am.." being the stand-out track, progressing from new age surroundings to rather pop-tinged hooks and drum patterns. All in all, this album is probably a little too calm and understated for those checking out Mother Gong for the first time, offering this sort of subtle songs and charms only long-time Gong followers will find rewarding. So now, where do we go with "History.."? In conclusion, many rarites compilations are more or less throwaway companions to a band's true work, and the first disc of "History.." is no exception. In my opinion, it's quite worth tracking down if you have a genuine interest in the band, however, the more casual fan who already own some of Gong's studio albums will be really wasting their time and money."

Gong - 'The History&The Mystery Of Gong' (Pilot)

Mike Reed | USA | 12/27/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"A decent compilation 2-CD release,SPECIALLY for the price.Disc one has a total of twenty-one Gong odds and ends.It's been put out as a one-disc pressing before.However,this reissue changes the cover,plus adds a second CD,which appears to be the Mother Gong-'Owl And The Tree' live disc.Nothing to write home about,but it's okay.For all Gong die-hards and completists."