Space Shanty

Khan was the brainchild of Steve Hillage. Previously in Uriel (or Arzachel, whichever your prefer), the guitarist went off to complete his studies at Canterbury University, where much of the album was subsequently written. In 1971, he formed Khan with Nick Greenwood on bass and Eric Peachy on drums, gaining support from Caravan's manager Terry King. Dave Stewart replaced original keyboardist Dick Henningham just prior to recording Space Shanty, their first and only album. The title track reveals some heavy psychedelic rock, but with a fair amount of melody and hippie flair. Building on the Arzachel/Egg formula, the record obviously showcases Hillage's guitar playing. He's found the echo effect that would provide a signature to his guitar work with Gong, but also doesn't shy away from bending a few notes and rocking out either. Stewart's organ, of course, is the perfect compliment, in particular on "Stranded". Hillage's first solo album, Fish Rising would be the logical successor to the album; just check out the closing section of "Driving to Amsterdam". After the album's release, Hillage and Stewart carried on with a new rhythm section for a few short months, but offers from Kevin Ayers and Hatfield And The North lured both away and the band came to an abrupt end. The album was originally issued by Deram in the UK and Brain in Germany, but also reissued years later in the US on Passport Records.