Gong

Label: Virgin
Country: France
Released: 1973
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Overview of "Angel's Egg"

"Angel's Egg," released in December 1973, is Gong's fourth studio album. It is subtitled "Radio Gnome Invisible, Part 2" and serves as the second installment in the band's "Radio Gnome Invisible" trilogy, following "Flying Teapot" and preceding "You." The album was produced by Gong and recorded using the Manor Mobile studio at their communal residence, the Pavillon du Hay in Voisines, France. Mixing took place at the Manor Studios in Oxfordshire, England, under the direction of Giorgio Gomelsky.

Album Structure and Themes

The album features a unique blend of rock genres, including space rock, psychedelic rock, and progressive rock. The lyrical content is steeped in a fictional mythology that defines much of Gong's artistry. The original vinyl edition was released as a gatefold LP, complete with a plain inky-blue inner sleeve. It included a booklet that detailed the album's intricate mythology, featuring lyrics, character profiles, and a glossary of terms related to the story.

Musical Composition

The tracklist comprises several segments that showcase the band's eclectic style. For example, "Other Side of the Sky" opens the album with a lengthy exploration of sound, combining various instruments to create a rich auditory experience. Other notable tracks include "Sold to the Highest Buddha" and "I Never Glid Before," each contributing to the album's overall narrative and sonic diversity. The use of instruments such as flute, synthesizer, and glockenspiel enriches the compositions further, highlighting Gong's commitment to experimentation.

Production and Release Details

The production of "Angel's Egg" involved a collaborative effort from multiple artists. Pierre De Strasbourg contributed drums, marimba, and vibraphone, while other members participated in vocals and various instruments. The engineering was handled by Simon Hayloft. This combination of talents played a crucial role in shaping the album's distinctive sound.

Physical Format and Packaging

The original release featured a gatefold package that was visually appealing and informative. The booklet included not only the lyrics but also contextual information that offered listeners a deeper understanding of the album's themes. However, after 1973, the original packaging and black-and-white Virgin label were discontinued, marking a transition in how the album was presented to audiences.

Gong's "Angel's Egg" was released on Virgin Records in December 1973.

Tracklist

A1	Other Side Of The Sky Written-By – AllenWritten-By – Blake	8:00
A2	Sold To The Highest Buddha Written-By – AllenWritten-By – Howlett	3:00
A3	Castle In The Clouds Written-By – Hillage*	1:15
A4	Prostitute Poem Written-By – Hillage*	5:30
A5	Givin' My Luv To You Written-By – Allen*	0:50
A6	Selene Written-By – Allen*	3:10
B1	Flute Salad Written-By – Malherbe*	2:40
B2	Oily Way Written-By – AllenWritten-By – Malherbe	3:35
B3	Outer Temple Written-By – HillageWritten-By – Blake	2:00
B4	Inner Temple Written-By – AllenWritten-By – Malherbe	2:15
B5	Percolations Written-By – Moerlin*	0:40
B6	Love Is How Y Make It Written-By – AllenWritten-By – Moerlin	3:00
B7	I Niver Glid Before Written-By – Hillage*	5:45
B8	Eat That Phone Book Coda Written-By – Malherbe*	3:00

Credits

Bass – T. Being Esq*
Drums, Marimba, Vibraphone – Pierre De Strasbourg
Engineer – Simon Hayloft*
Flute, Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Backing Vocals – Bloomdido Bad De Grasse*
Glockenspiel – Mireille De Strasbourg*
Guitar – Sub. Capt. Hillage*
Guitar, Vocals – Dingo Virgin
Producer – Giorgio Gomelsky
Producer – Gong
Synthesizer, Vocals – Hi. T. Moonweed
Vocals [Spacewhisper & Loin Cackle] – Shakti Yoni