Gong

Label: BYG Records
Country: France
Released: 1973
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Flying Teapot

"Flying Teapot," subtitled "Radio Gnome Invisible Part 1," is the third studio album by the British progressive rock band Gong. Released on May 25, 1973, it came out under Virgin Records after BYG Records faced bankruptcy during the recording sessions. The album is part of a trilogy known as "Radio Gnome Invisible," which also includes "Angel's Egg" and "You." The narrative revolves around fantastical elements, featuring characters like the Pot Head Pixies who travel the cosmos on teapots.

Recording and Production

The album was recorded at the Manor Studios located in Oxfordshire, England, and produced by Giorgio Gomelsky. The production style integrates elements of space rock and psychedelic rock, showcasing Gong's unique approach to music. The band consisted of various musicians contributing to the album's diverse sound. Dingo Virgin handled guitar and vocals, while Francis Bacon played bass and piano. The album also features contributions from musicians playing flute, saxophone, and synthesizer, adding layers to the soundscape.

Musical Composition

The opening track, "Radio Gnome Invisible," sets the tone for the album with its intricate structure and whimsical lyrics. The title track, "Flying Teapot," spans over twelve minutes, immersing listeners in an elaborate musical journey. Other tracks like "The Pot Head Pixies" and "Zero The Hero And The Witch's Spell" delve into the narrative further, incorporating elements of humor and fantasy. The instrumentation varies significantly throughout the album, with percussion, congas, and various guitar styles enhancing its progressive rock foundation.

Artwork and Packaging

The album cover design was created by Dingo, Maggie, and Tom Fu, which complements the album's imaginative themes. The artwork reflects Gong's eclectic style and reinforces the otherworldly experience that the music aims to convey. The physical format of the release was vinyl, typical for albums of that era, which adds a tactile element to the listening experience.

Release Details

"Flying Teapot" was released as Virgin Records' second catalogue entry (V2002), coinciding with the release of Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells." This strategic timing highlights the early days of Virgin Records and its commitment to innovative music. The album's unique blend of genres and storytelling continues to attract interest among fans of progressive and psychedelic rock.

The album features a total of seven tracks, with contributions from a variety of musicians, including Lawrence The Alien on drums and percussion.

Tracklist

A1	Radio Gnome Invisible Written-By – Allen*	5:30
A2	Flying Teapot Written-By – AllenWritten-By – Moze	12:30
B1	The Pot Head Pixies Written-By – Allen*	3:00
B2	The Octave Doctors And The Crystal Machine Written-By – Blake*	2:00
B3	Zero The Hero And The Witch's Spell Written-By – TritschWritten-By – Allen	9:45
B4	Witch's Song / I Am Your Pussy Written-By – AllenWritten-By – Smyth	5:10

Credits

Congas [Congox] – Rachid Whoarewe*
Crew [Road Crew & Trux] – Switch Doctor*
Crew [Road Crew & Trux] – Venux De Luxe*
Design [Cover Design] – Dingo*
Design [Cover Design] – Maggie*
Design [Cover Design] – Tom Fu
Drums [Drumbox], Percussion [Kicks & Knocks] – Lawrence The Alien*
Electric Piano [VCS3 Fertilized Elect Piano], Upright Piano [Left Bank Uptightright Pno], Bass [Shakesperian Meat Bass] – Francis Bacon
Engineer – Simon Sandwitch*
Engineer [Aided By] – Tom Zen
Guitar [Aluminium Croonguitar] – Dingo Virgin
Guitar [Sperm Guitar & Slow Whale] – Stevie Hillside*
Lighting [Lights] – Wiz de kid*
Producer – Giorgio Gomelski*
Saxophone [Split Sax], Tenor Saxophone [Tenna Sax], Soprano Saxophone [Soprasax], Flute [Flooth] – The Good Count Bloomdido Bad De Grass*
Slide Guitar [Sideral Slideguitar & Dogfoot] – The Submarine Captain
Synthesizer [VCS3 Cynthia Size A & Crystal Machine] – Hi. T. Moonweed
Vocals [Pon Voicebox] – Dingo Virgin
Vocals [Pon Voicebox] – Hi T Moonweed*
Voice [Space Whisper], Organ [Orgone Box] – The Good Witch Yoni*