You’ll notice I specified “studio album” in the above headline, because I’m pretty sure space rock progenitors Hawkwind — whose career spans 40 years and whose discography could, when placed end to end, circle the Earth twice — will have at least three live records out by then.

Yes, my friends, gather ’round and hear tales from the PR wire of Blood of the Earth (as opposed to Blood of the Sun, who are a different topic entirely), the first non-live Hawkwind album in five years. Or gather round and read, anyway. And it’s pretty much only one tale. Oh forget it, here’s the press release:

Plastic Head North America confirms August 10 as the North American release date for Blood of the Earth, the new studio album from Hawkwind. The album contains 11 songs and features special appearances from violinist Jon Sevink (The Levellers), BBC personality Matthew Wright, and a posthumous performance from the band’s late keyboardist Jason Stuart. It is the band’s first new album in five years.

Among Blood of the Earth‘s new selections, the album includes re-recordings of songs “You’d Better Believe It” (originally appearing on 1974’s Hall of the Mountain Grill), and “Sweet Obsession” (originally released on Dave Brock‘s 1984 solo album Earthed to the Ground). Guitarist Niall Hone recalls, “The creative process behind this album was an explosive concoction of technology and sheer human endeavor resonating in the mould of space rock legend.”

The band’s current lineup features vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Dave Brock, drummer Richard Chadwick, with guitarist Hone, bassist Dibs and keyboardist Tim Blake.

Confirmed track listing for Blood of the Earth is:

1.) Seahawks
2.) Blood of the Earth
3.) Wraith
4.) Green Machine
5.) Inner Visions
6.) Sweet Obsession
7.) Comfey Chair
8.) Prometheus
9.) You’d Better Believe It
10.) Sentinel
11.) Starshine

Blood of the Earth will be available for North American fans on CD and limited-edition 180-gram clear double-LP that includes a vinyl-only bonus track. Hawkwind are planning to tour later this year in support of Blood of the Earth.

Tags: Gods, Hawkwind, Plastic Head, UK

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 24th, 2010 at 1:37 pm and is filed under Whathaveyou. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.