Space Rock

Space rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments, psychedelic and ambient soundscapes, and lyrics that explore space, science fiction, and otherworldly themes. This genre of music has been influential to a number of other musical styles, including progressive rock, shoegaze, and post-rock. The roots of space rock can be traced back to the experimental rock music of the late 1960s in the United States and Britain. Bands like Pink Floyd, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Doors, and Jefferson Airplane combined rock, blues, and psychedelia with new electronic instruments like the Moog synthesizer, producing a sound that was innovative and boundary-pushing. Their music was often used as a soundtrack to the counterculture movement of the time, which was characterized by a rejection of mainstream culture and a pursuit of new and alternative forms of expression. The first band to be specifically associated with the space rock genre was Hawkwind, a British band founded in 1969. Their music combined heavy rock with electronic effects such as delay and echo, and they often performed with a light show that included projections of images of space and science fiction. Hawkwind's music was heavily inspired by the writings of science fiction author Michael Moorcock, who wrote lyrics for several of their songs. They became known for their elaborate live shows, which incorporated dancers and performance art elements. Other bands that emerged in the early 1970s and are considered pioneers of space rock include Amon Düül II, Can, Gong, and Tangerine Dream. These bands were experimental and avant-garde, using unconventional instruments such as the mellotron and the theremin to create their sound. Their music often featured long, improvisational passages that were designed to transport the listener into other dimensions of space and time. In the mid-1970s, the punk rock movement emerged, which was characterized by its rejection of the excesses of progressive rock and the hippie counterculture. Many space rock bands struggled to adapt to the new musical climate, but some, such as Hawkwind, managed to survive by incorporating elements of punk into their sound. In the 1980s, space rock experienced a resurgence, with bands such as Spacemen 3, Loop, and Spiritualized incorporating elements of space and psychedelia into their music. The shoegaze movement, which emerged in Britain in the late 1980s, also drew heavily from the space rock sound, with bands such as My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive using extensive reverb and delay effects to create ethereal, otherworldly sounds. In the 1990s, the post-rock movement emerged, which was characterized by its use of experimental techniques and ambient soundscapes. Bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Mogwai drew heavily from the space rock sound, using electronic instruments and effects to create densely layered soundscapes. Today, space rock continues to evolve and inspire new musicians. Bands like Tame Impala, Beach House, and The Flaming Lips draw from the genre's psychedelic and atmospheric elements, while electronic artists like Boards of Canada and Aphex Twin incorporate spacey effects into their music.

Pink Floyd: One of the pioneers of space rock, Pink Floyd rose to fame in the 1970s with albums like “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Wish You Were Here”. Their ethereal soundscapes, trippy lyrics, and innovative use of technology made them a household name. Hawkwind: Formed in 1969, Hawkwind is known for their sci:fi inspired lyrics and heavy use of electronic instruments. Their music has been described as “mind:bending” and “otherworldly”, and they continue to tour and record new material to this day. Gong: A French:British band known for their blend of jazz, psychedelia, and space rock, Gong was formed in 1967 and has undergone numerous lineup changes over the years. Their music often explores themes of spiritual awakening, new age philosophy, and cosmic consciousness. Ozric Tentacles: A British band that formed in the 1980s, Ozric Tentacles combines elements of rock, electronic music, and world music to create a sound that’s uniquely their own. Their music has been described as “organic”, “trippy”, and “expansive”. Spacemen 3: Active in the 1980s, Spacemen 3 is known for their minimalist approach to space rock. Their music often features repetitive, hypnotic rhythms and droning guitar lines that create a trance:like atmosphere. Can: A German band that formed in 1968, Can experimented with a variety of genres including krautrock, funk, and avant:garde music. Their space rock sound is characterized by experimental instrumentation, imaginative use of sound effects, and unconventional song structures. Tangerine Dream: A German band that formed in the 1960s, Tangerine Dream is known for their atmospheric, electronic soundscapes. Their music has been described as “cinematic” and “immersive”, and they have scored numerous films and TV shows over the years. Ash Ra Tempel: A German band that formed in the early 1970s, Ash Ra Tempel is known for their long, improvised jams and psychedelic soundscapes. Their music often features complex guitar solos, dreamy synths, and experimental percussion. Earthless: A San Diego:based band that formed in 2001, Earthless is known for their high:energy, instrumental space rock. Their music combines elements of psychedelic rock and heavy metal, and their live shows are often described as euphoric and intense. The Mars Volta: An American band that formed in the early 2000s, The Mars Volta is known for their progressive, experimental approach to rock music. Their space rock sound is characterized by complex time signatures, intricate guitar work, and eclectic instrumentation.

1. Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon 2. David Bowie - Space Oddity 3. Pink Floyd - The Wall 4. The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots 5. Radiohead - OK Computer 6. Hawkwind - Space Ritual 7. Muse - Absolution 8. Pink Floyd - Meddle 9. Tangerine Dream - Phaedra 10. Can - Tago Mago 11. Tool - Lateralus 12. Yes - Tales from Topographic Oceans 13. Hawkwind - In Search of Space 14. King Crimson - In the Court of the Crimson King 15. Jefferson Airplane - After Bathing at Baxter's 16. The Mars Volta - De-Loused in the Comatorium 17. Porcupine Tree - Fear of a Blank Planet 18. Gong - You 19. Spacemen 3 - The Perfect Prescription 20. Ozric Tentacles - Jurassic Shift 21. Public Service Broadcasting - The Race for Space 22. Spiritualized - Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space 23. Can - Future Days 24. Acid Mothers Temple - Electric Heavyland 25. Sun Ra - Space is the Place

Over the years, space rock has garnered a dedicated fan base, with several books being written on the subject. One such book is "A Guide to Space Rock" by Dave Thompson. Thompson is a music journalist and critic who has written extensively on various genres of rock music, including space rock. In this book, he explores the history of space rock, its key players, and notable albums. In discussing the origins of space rock, Thompson notes, "In many ways, it's a continuation of the psychedelic sound of the late 1960s, but with a more advanced focus on technology and the possibilities of space travel. It's an otherworldly sound that transports the listener to distant planets and galaxies." Another notable book on the subject is "Taking the Trip: To Outer Space and Back with Psychedelic Progressive Space Rock" by David Reisman. Reisman is a music enthusiast who compiled a list of essential space rock albums and conducted interviews with some of the genre's most influential musicians. In discussing the appeal of space rock, Reisman notes, "It's a genre of music that takes you on a journey. The sounds and lyrics transport you to another world, offering a temporary escape from reality." Several notable musicians have spoken about their love for space rock as well. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Pink Floyd's Roger Waters discussed how the band's music was influenced by space rock. He stated, "We were very much influenced by the psychedelic sound and wanted to take it a step further. We were fascinated with outer space and science fiction, and that played a significant role in our music." David Bowie, who was known for his eclectic sound, was also a big fan of space rock. In an interview with NPR, he discussed how the genre influenced his work, stating, "Space rock really opened up possibilities for me. It allowed me to experiment with my sound and lyrics in ways that I wouldn't have been able to before."

The 1960s were a period of great social change and upheaval. The civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and the feminist movement were all gaining momentum. This era also saw the rise of drug culture, particularly LSD, which played a significant role in the development of Space Rock. Musicians of the time were experimenting with mind-altering substances, which often led to a more psychedelic and introspective sound. Technological advancements also played a major role in the emergence of Space Rock. The development of studio techniques and electronic instruments allowed for the creation of more experimental soundscapes, and the use of effects pedals, such as fuzz and delay, became more common. The space race in the 1960s also had an impact on the genre, with the fascination of space exploration and the unknown inspiring many Space Rock musicians. Notable record labels that played a significant role in the development of Space Rock include Pink Floyd's label, Harvest Records, and Dandelion Records, which was founded by Radio Caroline DJ John Peel. Peel played a significant role in championing new and experimental music, and his radio show was a platform for many Space Rock bands to gain exposure. Jimi Hendrix was also a major influence on the genre, blending psychedelic rock with blues and jazz to create a unique sound. His use of the wah-wah pedal and other effects inspired many Space Rock guitarists. Pink Floyd is perhaps the most well-known Space Rock band, with albums such as "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" and "Meddle" exemplifying the genre's sound. Other notable Space Rock bands of the time include Hawkwind, Gong, and Can. The 1970s saw a decline in Space Rock's popularity, as the rise of punk and disco caused a shift in musical tastes. However, the genre continued to evolve and influence other genres, such as Shoegaze and Post-Rock.