Curved Air

Label: Warner Bros. Records
Country: UK
Released: 1970
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Curved Air's "Airconditioning"

Curved Air debuted with their album "Airconditioning," released in 1970 under Warner Bros. Records. This album marked a distinctive moment in rock music history. It was the first rock album to be issued commercially as a picture disc, pressed by Metronome Records in Germany. The design featured a mandala on one side and a "dynamo" graphic on the other.

Musical Composition and Style

"Airconditioning" blends various musical elements, including rock, electronic, and avant-garde influences. The album's sound is characterized by the innovative use of electric violin, played by Darryl Way, alongside Sonja Kristina's vocals. Francis Monkman contributed significantly with guitar, keyboards, and synthesizers, including the VCS3. This combination created a unique sound that differed from many contemporary rock albums.

The track "It Happened Today," written by Monkman, opens the album with a driving energy. Other notable tracks include "Blind Man," which showcases the interplay between violin and guitar, and "Vivaldi," where the band's experimental nature shines through. The album features a variety of songwriting credits, with contributions from all band members, reflecting a collaborative effort in its creation.

Production and Technical Details

The album was produced by Mark Edwards, with engineering by Colin Caldwell and assistant engineer Bob Potter. The production quality is evident in the clarity and arrangement of the tracks. The inclusion of various instruments, such as the Mellotron and electric harpsichord, adds depth to the album's soundscape. The combination of rock elements with classical influences demonstrates the band's artistic ambitions.

Visual and Conceptual Aspects

The album's visual presentation was also notable. Mark Hanau was responsible for the management and design concept, including the graphics for the picture disc. This attention to visual detail added another layer to the experience of "Airconditioning." The album's artwork complemented its experimental sound, highlighting the band's artistic vision.

Conclusion

"Airconditioning" is an album that shows the innovative spirit of Curved Air during the early 1970s. The electric violin played a key role in shaping the sound of the album, which was released on vinyl in 1970.

Tracklist

A1	It Happened Today Lyrics By – Sonja KristinaWritten-By – Monkman*	3:02
A2	Stretch Written-By – WayWritten-By – Monkman	4:20
A3	Screw Lyrics By – Sonja KristinaWritten-By – Way*	4:10
A4	Blind Man Written-By – WayWritten-By – Martin	3:33
A5	Vivaldi Written-By – Way*	5:58
B1	Hide And Seek Lyrics By – Sonja KristinaWritten-By – Monkman*	6:23
B2	Propositions Written-By – Monkman*	3:10
B3	Rob One Written-By – Martin*	1:43
B4	Situations Written-By – Way*	6:32
B5	Vivaldi (With Cannons) Written-By – WayWritten-By – Monkman	1:38

Credits

Bass Guitar – Robert Martin
Drums – Florian Pilkington-Miksa
Electric Violin, Vocals – Darryl Way
Engineer – Colin Caldwell
Engineer [Assistant] – Bob Potter
Executive-Producer [Lymark Productions] – Lionel Conway
Graphics, Design Concept [Disc Concept], Executive-Producer [Lymark Productions], Management – Mark Hanau
Guitar, Organ, Piano, Electric Harpsichord, Mellotron, Keyboards [Special Effects], Synthesizer [Vcs3] – Francis Monkman
Lead Vocals – Sonja Kristina
Producer – Mark Edwards