Peter Kember (aka “Sonic Boom”) was the co-founder of Spacemen 3, an acid-drenched space rock band that formed in the UK in 1982. Their mantra was “Taking drugs to make music to take drugs to,” resulting in some of the most beautiful psychedelia I’ve ever heard. I just learned via Other Music’s email update that a few years ago, Sonic released a compilation of some of his favorite songs and influences. Titled “Spacelines: Sonic Sounds for Subterraneans,” it’s really an impressively eclectic document spanning psych-pop, soul, blues, and garage. On his own site, Sonic posted notes on each track. For me, almost every single song on the compilation is a point-of-entry for further musical exploration. The CD is readily available, but sadly the vinyl seems to be long gone. Here’s the tracklist:
The Staple Singers – This May Be the Last Time
Bo Diddley – You Don’t Care
Rolf Harris – Sun Arise
The Red Krayola – Transparent Radiation
Sun Ra – Angels + Devils
Washington Phillips – Denomination Blues
Jesse Mae Hemphill – I’m So Glad
Lightnin’ Hopkins – Needed Time
The Cryin Shames – Please Stay
The Zodiacs – Stay
The Wailers – She’s Coming Home
Evie Sands – Can’t Let Go
The Syndicats – Crawdaddy Simone
The Rays – Elevator Operator
Xavier Cugat – Perfida
The Fantastic Baggies – It Was I
White Noise – Firebird
Daniel Johnston – True Love Will Find You
Juicy Lucy – Just One Time
The Riot Squad – I Take That We’re Through
Honolulu Mountain Daffodils – Psychic Hitlist Victim No. 8
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers – Witchdoctor
MC5 – Ramblin Rose
Track notes for Spacelines (Sonic-Boom.info)
“Spacelines” (Other Music)
“Spacelines” (Amazon)