The Anglo-French freak band Gong was formed in the late 60s, based on the vision of Australian and anarcho-hippie Daevid Allen, who was stranded in France. In the course of the early 70s, this motley crew grew into an inimitable band joined by gifted musicians such as guitarist
Steve Hillage and keyboardist
Tim Blake. Thus Gong became not only a unique extravaganza in terms of content, but they also
… peaked musically in wild jazz rock and drawn-out space jams. The concert recordings of Live À Longlaville 27/10/1974 only recently surfaced and are not only of excellent recording quality, but also a reflection of the band in top form. Studio albums from that time like Angel's Egg (1973) and the just released You (1974) are only a prelude to spun-out pieces that land at the right moment in the theatrical and often humorous singing about Pot Head Pixies in flying teapots, advocated by Allen, from the planet Gong. Live À Longlaville 27/10/1974 shows in full glory that the cabinet of curiosities Gong formed a planet of its own within the rock world. Allen would leave them, not much later. (MR)more
