Green

In late 1977, Steve Hillage spent some time with his ex-Gong cohorts producing ex-Hawkwind member Nik Turner's 1978 solo album, Xitintoday. He then toured the UK, assisted by Americans Joe Blocker on drums and Curtis Robertson on bass (from the funk band Karma) and, of course, his ever-present partner Miquette Giraudy on keyboards. For his fourth album, Hillage manned the producer's chair with Pink Floyd's Nick Mason; so it should be no surprise that Green is one of his spacier releases. "Sea-Nature" opens in style; immediately the track establishes a much larger sense of space, both inner and outer. "Ether Ships" bubbles with electronics (and a Roland guitar synthesizer), while "Musick of the Trees" (sic) kicks back with some nice acoustic touches. Hillage gets in the mood on "Palm Trees (Love Guitar)," while "Unidentified (Flying Being)" is a throwback to the funky groove of his previous album; both tracks feature some great lead guitar from Hillage. Beginning with "UFO over Paris," he and Miquette weave their ambient magic over the next few tracks: The hypnotic pulse of "Leylines to Glassdom" floats right into the luscious "Crystal City." Eventually, Hillage reprises a quite heavy "The Glorious Om Riff" from Gong's "Master Builder" to close. There's little doubt the album is one of his strongest ever, and it would again see Hillage chart in the UK, cresting at No. 30. And yes, the album was pressed on green vinyl.