There are some albums that feel like they didn’t just arrive… they landed.
And that’s exactly how Hawkwind’s debut album from 1970 has always felt to me. Now, thanks to Cherry Red, this groundbreaking record has been given a brand-new 3CD + Blu-ray deluxe edition.
A New Look for the Hawkwind Deluxe Series
The first thing you’ll notice is that this set looks a little different from previous Hawkwind super deluxe editions. This is more compact, and more affordable. Yes, collectors love consistency on the shelf—I know I do—but there’s also a balance between presentation and price. At around £30–£35, this set opens the door for newer fans as well as long-time listeners.
What’s Inside the Box?
This is a four-disc set that delivers far more than you might expect:
- CD1: Original 1970 album (remastered) + demos, mono singles & David Brock material
- CD2: Brand new stereo mixes (including bonus track “You’re Only Dreaming”)
- CD3: Archive live recordings from 1970
- Blu-ray:
- 5.1 Surround Sound mix
- New stereo mix
- Original remastered album
You also get:
- A gatefold replica sleeve
- A poster (which also forms the Blu-ray visual backdrop)
- A comprehensive booklet with essays, memorabilia, and deep-dive recording notes
The Music – One Continuous Cosmic Journey
This is where it gets fascinating.
Hawkwind’s debut album is essentially one continuous piece of music, with each track flowing into the next. As I often say… Hawkwind didn’t feel like they came from Earth—they felt beamed in from somewhere else.
The new mixes here (handled by Stephen W. Tayler) are transformative.
They don’t replace the original—they reveal it.
There’s clarity, space, and definition that simply wasn’t possible before.
And this is where the Blu-ray really comes into its own.
Why Hawkwind Works So Well in Surround Sound
I’ve said this before, but Hawkwind are made for surround sound. Those swirling, layered, cosmic textures that once felt muddy now have room to breathe.
The Live Recordings – Better Than Expected
Now, there’s always that disclaimer in these sets:
“Audio quality may vary…”
And yes, these are 1970 recordings—they’re not pristine. However, they’re far better than I expected.
- Not bootleg quality
- More like a rough-but-authentic BBC-style recording
- Full of atmosphere and energy
These are period pieces—and they absolutely add value. This release has genuinely changed how I feel about this album.
ORDER THE 3CD / BLURAY VERSION OF HAWKWIND HERE
⭐ Highly Recommended
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
