Classical Composer Reacts to Gong (Flying Teapot - Side 1) | Weird Wednesday | The Daily Doug

#gong #flyingteapot
In this #weirdwednesday edition of #thedailydoug, I'm listening to music from the prog band Gong for the first time on the channel. And...we're going weird today, y'all! This band's entire ethos is strange, but there's an undercurrent of real human expression and exploration supporting their 'oddness'. I'm not quite sure what to make of them. Come along for the ride!
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[@craigward2710]

The trilogy just gets better and better, Doug. Hillage integrated more into the band and revealed himself to be a truly sensational guitarist (Isle of Everywhere from You (part 3) has one of the most sublime guitar solos you will ever hear). They also acquired a sensational drummer, Pierre Moerlen. The percussion work on Angel's Egg is astonishing. Please continue through the trilogy.

[@gladtobeangry]

Absolutely agree. All three are sublime albums, but the finale "You" is a masterpiece surpassing the other two in its musical motives and structure. It just builds and builds, like a Master Builder. It's a Perfect Mystery to me how they managed to put it all together into this insane infusion until all the characters of planet Gong leave you with this last and little song. You'll never blow your trip on "You". Why don't you try?

[@wallbangerreactions]

The third album in the trilogy, "You," is very sophisticated and great. Trippy, jazzy, spiritual...with great synth work.

[@guitarchannel5676]

Hi T Moonweed (Tim Blake) is an incredible electronic musician.

[@vihtorisuominen1939]

My favorite album from their discography!

[@opinion3742]

@@vihtorisuominen1939 I have a soft spot for Angel's Egg - but that may be because I listened to it during my first acid trip.

[@chuckhamilton7814]

You is an absolutely fantastic album. One of my favorites.

[@ajn465]

The whole trilogy is majick!

[@chuckhamilton7814]

Don't let the silliness fool you -- behind all of that, these guys could flat-out PLAY.

[@UdiKoomran]

I am a Gong freak since I was 12 ( that was in 1974) and this music has been with me all my life And I must confess I do not care for reaction videos but you actually enlightened me Clearly you feel the music AND have the knowledge of analyzing it in a thoughtful intriguing manner Thank you so much

[@danielblake8956]

I must say Gong is in my top 20 music groups. I have Origanal copy of same album you played; its a kind of Heaven 😊. I saw Gong play in Nottingham in their later years,was a good memorable evening & night. I would have like to have been at more of their live performances 😊 I even imagined a couple more albums they never made; maybe they'll be eventually made in Gong.......we will seeeeeear some days ahead😊

[@spyr01d]

Finally Gong. So underrated band.

[@nsgobbi]

More unknown than underrated. And never underrated for those who know them.

[@mickyfen2]

@@nsgobbi Exactly. This is my 1st listen.

[@metalmark1214]

Fun to bang a Gong🤣

[@zerothehero76]

I agree, as much as you can understand from my username :)

[@matto9734]

Not by me ;-)

[@carwynevans4870]

Keep going Dude. The trilogy is a genuine work of art. Stands alone as a thing that’s unparalleled. Genius music

[@mattmarsden3896]

Agreed

[@peteharper2687]

I've loved Gong since I was a teenager, I'm in my 60s now and I still love them. The world needs more Pothead Pixies and their Teapot Taxis. Gong always had a fantastic line up of musicians including such people as Steve Hillage, Pierre Moerlen, Mike Howlett, Pip Pyle, Didier Malherbe.

[@misterghee1]

Here uh here and or there I am you where you here weird all there

[@eyesofchild]

This was so joyously entertaining, to watch Doug trying to make heads or tails of Gong, like I once did many moons ago. It's a deliberate deprogramming process they set us up on, which I initially fought, myself. But the mind that already believes it has the answers is not exactly open to receive what life truly offers. The joy Gong shares becomes infectious and we recognize it's intentionality as deeply loving. Oh, and they can play!!! The RGI trilogy is essential Gong. Many blessings on your "Gong journey", Doug. For sure, it will be light. Banana nirvana mañana!

[@Spirit-Of-The-Age]

I got introduced to Gong just as I became fully tuned into Hawkwind's amazing back catalogue (from 1970 to mid 80's) , and as someone highlighted to me , 'Gong are about 'inner space'......Hawkwind were / are more about 'outer space' and what's physically happening in the world) ..very true when you hear both bands work from when they began and certainly throughout the 70's and into the 80's even with Hawkwind....both bands are legendary and played from the heart and wanted people to wake up to the importance of living in 'real community' in harmony with Mother Nature , and to not fall into the traps of 'corporate consumerism' and the ensuing 'corporate dystopia' being spewed out everywhere by the corrupt establishment !

[@jayceneal5273]

underneath all the craziness theres a killer jazz fusion band in Gong. Mike Howlett and Piere Moerlen are easily one of the most legendary rhythm sections ive heard. "You" is when they really get their chance to shine

[@jagmiddleton]

lets not forget pip pyle

[@daze1945]

Steve Hillage was so amazingly influential and inventive. I saw Gong perform several times and have all their albums but I think future jazz may sum it up. 40+years later! LOL 🤩

[@avantprog6902]

I love love love the Canterbury scene. Steve started with Uriel which became Egg when he left. Dave joined Him on Khan and Fish Rising.

[@dannylgriffin]

Steve Hillage is great. Doug should be listening to Hillage rather than Gong. Or Camel. Or...

[@BassGoBomb]

Yeah, I saw them a couple of times, they gave me a copy of Camembert Electrique, vinyl, of course .. I was only a school kid but I loved it and have remained a fan ever since... :-)

[@Spirit-Of-The-Age]

Steve Hillage is still going as strong as ever...On top of his amazing solo albums and the work he did with Gong, he launched his System 7 project and has been raving ever since..He also has had a recent spell with the mighty Hawkwind (another band that people need to inform Doug of ,as they are one of the most important bands ever, and indeed Gong and Hawkwind ,and all their offshoots, were the 'core' of the ongoing 'counter culture' throughout the 70's , 80's, 90's and into the 00's and up to present day)

[@dannylgriffin]

@@Spirit-Of-The-Age I'm a Hawkwind fan as well! I believe we've mentioned Hawkwind to Doug before on several occasions.

[@forfar1956]

I don't know how long I've waited for someone to react to Gong - and you are exactly the right Person to do it 👏👏👏 I love Gong, but for wierd the krautrock band Faust's first album called Faust is not bad. They use a cement mixer as an instrument for heaven's sake 😆

[@daveapple205]

I saw FAUST in concert about 10 years ago in Asheville, North Carolina! One of the best shows I have ever seen. I have most of their albums. Love them.

[@semchen9]

I have seen Faust here, in San Francisco, a few times in the past several years. They also utilized the occasional "knitting Needle clanks", up front and Center. (A Woman of similar Age, knitting, God who knows what, sitting on a Chair, there, for no apparent reason.)

[@gerardodoherty9178]

@Dennis O'Shea I believe they used it to make music concrete.

[@bertkarlsson1421]

Finally Gong!! One of the best bands ever!!!

[@mysticsistEire]

Gong are more than a band ..they're a family ❤ I've belonged since 1990 ..

[@ianmc8671]

Fantastic band. Great Reaction. Please do the whole trilogy. It gets even better. Nothing I enjoy more than listening to the whole trilogy in one sitting in the small hours, but I understand you can only do one side at a time. Daevid Allen and Gilli Smythe were visiting Robert Graves, the writer, in Mallorca when they stumbled upon Didier Malherbe living in a cave and they decided to create Gong, so the story goes.

[@OAlem]

I had a feeling that Spain was going to be involved somehow. 🤣Every day here is like living in a Dali painting.

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

@@OAlem Many british and german hippies went to Mallorca and Ibiza and the Sun Coast during the 60s and 70s. Nowadays brits and germans keep coming to Spain, but no more hippies, just drunken sods 😆🤦‍♂🙄

[@michaellynch2497]

Steve Hillage - Green, amazing guitar and guitar/synth sounds backed up by an amazing rhythm section.

[@jonibz1456]

Yeah Green is great, Rainbow Dome Music was my first really ambient record, before ambient was really a thing.

[@Naflemac]

Met him hours before Gong's concert in Skien, Norway 1974. He and his girlfriend asked for a place they could eat dinner. Around 40 years later I met him again before Gong's concert in Oslo. He did not remember me, but I remembered him, he had just shorter hair haha.

[@fusionfan6883]

If you haven't already, you must check out Steve Hillage and his amazing run of albums after he left Gong. Green, Motivation Radio and Live Herald are definitely worth starting with. Steve wrote the book on trippy guitar, but his playing and compositions are incredibly original and sophisticated. And what a great live act too! Another totally unique band to check out is the one and only Magma, who even invented their own language!

[@Geohouli]

Was so lucky to see them live in 2009 at The Picture House, Edinburgh, Scotland with most of the classic line up. Steve Hillage, Mike Howlett and Daevid Allen were simply outstanding. The whole band were superb musicians. No comparable band exists today.

[@allandrysdale1100]

Oh man..was at this show too with Hillage opening.... probably one of the most transcendental and emotional trips of my life. At one point both me and my mate felt "elevated" into another realm. A full day of toking and trying to make our own music prior to gig probably helped.....☺️🤭✌️🙏🏽

[@alexfinch8841]

The drummer Pierre Moerlen’s Gong is also an incredible experience - anything off the album Shamal (produced by Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason) is a stone cold masterpiece

[@interstellarwarpdrive9600]

Epic!

[@IanHillan]

Gong Live, Etc. is one of my all-time favorite albums. It elevates these songs and many others and showcases some superb musicianship throughout. Been listening to it for 45 years and literally never get tired of it. It's kinda hard to find streaming but if you can pick up the vinyl or a CD grab it with both hands. It's a remarkable piece of work. And Steve Hillage is underappreciated (though totally appreciated by those who have heard him))

[@jonibz1456]

Listening this Gong and then Steve Hillage was what eventually led me to buy my first slow techno based record, which was The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld as it had Steve Hillage playing on it.

[@jabu003]

You are approaching Henry Cow ......... in the meanwhile i hadn´t heard this on decades, nice to listen back .

[@Njal55]

This was my dad's favourite album. He bought it when it was released and I've been listening to it for nearly 50 years. Brilliant stuff.

[@pierodavies9508]

Gilli was Welsh. Certainly opened my mind musically, back then. Pierre's (Pierre Moerlen's Gong) later efforts with Alan Holdsworth, Hansford Rowe etc, are more than worth a listen.

[@alexfinch8841]

Espresso II and Shamal. Two of the greatest albums ever made and no one ever mentions them - well said!!

[@pierodavies9508]

@@alexfinch8841 Yes, they are gems. There is so much incredible music out there. I will never get to it all in my lifetime.

[@gurugeorge]

I love the way he keeps deciding to have another puff to make more sense of it lol The "eerie sound" you noticed was a technique Hillage invented called "glissando guitar" - if you take a metal tube such as you'd use for slide guitar or blues guitar, and rub it gently back and forth (quite fast, like semiquavers or faster) _across_ the strings of an amplified electric guitar, i.e. transverse to the strings, rather than up and down the strings (as you'd do if you were doing slide), you get this eerie glistening, shimmering sound. And then you can combine the two things - do the transverse rubbing _while_ sliding up and down the strings as well, as you'd do with slide guitar - then that eerie glissando sound ensues. Add echo and other fx to taste you and you have an amazing, rich sound made really quite simply. Re. the musicianship - I think a fair few in the band were jazzers as well, so they had chops and they were able to interject the use of modes and occasional complex harmonic structures.

[@jonathandavies639]

Gong! LOVE it. Amazing musicians and always makes me smile. Silly and deep at the same time.

[@chrisgoddard9236]

A bit tenuous, but, the current incarnation of Gong includes the guitarist Kavus Torabi. He was previously in the band Cardiacs. Well worth a reaction! "Tarred and feathered", "R.E.S.", "Dirty Boy".

[@Spirit-Of-The-Age]

The teapot is fueled by 'shrooms' 👌😎🪐🌛🌻 And everyone will enjoy the rest of the journey on the rest of this album and onto 'Angels Egg' , then onto 'You' 👌🙏

[@PlutoniumBoss]

It feels very Zappa, with the tight musicianship, intricate percussion, and the way the lyrics are woven into the soundscape as another instrument.

[@aardvaarkmaark]

I definitely agree. Like Frank, Gong combined great musicianship with out there, insane and funny concepts.

[@misterghee1]

Of my rockrrrrrr

[@TheBigBosske]

Gong is much better than Zappa. Much more light-hearted and funny; don't forget Zappa was an (humanist) conservative and totally anti-drugs and many of his songs are misogynist; antichurch or politics. Same music but def. not the same vibe :)

[@SpookyLuvCookie]

You talk of their musicianship and composing/arranging skills. In my opinion each of the albums tops the previous one. And side B of part III (You) is simply a beautiful way to finish. Hope to see more Gong on your channel. btw "Have a cup of tea" is slang for having a reefer. And here's a quote about Gong (if memory serves, from The KLF) when they first started listening to the band. "Gong were a cheesecake, in a world seemingly only filled with baked beans."

[@IntheCourtoftheCrimsonKing]

I love the music you cover Doug and your learned reactions. Awesome!

[@lessmith3755]

I'd encourage you to explore the rest of the trilogy. There were personnel changes during this time, and the chops go through the roof.

[@timflatus]

The Radio Gnome Story underpins a trilogy of Albums - Flying Teapot, Angel's Egg and You and pops its head up in other places. The band mutinied against the obsessive storyline after You. There is a strong influence from Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism as well as authors like Gurdjieff and Blavatsky. They were incredibly well-read, so there are lots of literary references. Her name is pronounced "Jilly" soft "g" - Hard "g" in "gnome" though. They were incredibly musically literate - they loved those chromatic thirds, check "Isle of Everywhere", they were also extremely talented players. I'm glad you're listening to the 2018 remaster, the original mix wasn't so good (apparently sounded great in the studio). The eery violin-like sound in Flying Teapot is Daevid's gliss technique on guitar - bowing it with a metal bar through lots of effects. The story here is this is the first visit of the flying teapot to earth at Easter 1966. They meet Laurence the Alien in Tibet and everyone gets groovy, that's Laurence freaking out at the end. It gets more complicated later. There is a small amount on KZbin of this era - "Never Glid Before", just search "Gong live". Watching you mind blown by one of my favourite pieces of music was such a joy! Thank you

[@einarassipavicius1991]

That title track is simply a masterpiece. It's been a long time I've heard this trilogy. Actually, my favourite Gong is when Allen had just left, to be more exact, first two albums after his departure: Shamal and Gazeuse! They're basically a much saner version of jazz-fusion. Musicianship on those albums are unbelievable. Really looking forward to more Gong reactions in the future.

[@GhibliFan1]

Welcome aboard the Teapot, Doug. I've loved this band forever. Also still going with the musicians who were working with Daevid up to his leaving this place - led by Kavus Torabi of The Cardiacs fame, and they are absolutely sensational. Daevid insisted Gong is a more about the philosophy than the people, and the Teapot definitely still flies high in 2023. ✌️

[@adrianking475]

Great stuff- you have to listen to the whole trilogy- especially the last album “You” - one of the best albums of the 70’s with 2 epic guitar solos. More to the point Gong always make me smile.

[@srobg1956]

What a treat! Haven’t pulled out my Gong LP’s in like forever. Glad to see other Gong residents out there.

[@jameswarner5809]

The current incarnation of Gong are very good, maintaining the legacy that Daevid Allen was happy to pass on to them before he died. Gong isn't a specific group of people, it's a state of mind. I will also take this opportunity to once again encourage you to check out Cardiacs for a Weird Wednesday band, specifically their track Dirty Boy with it's quirky key changes, epic build-up and preposterously protracted ending.

[@SteveJ0966]

Hah, seconded. Not for nothing does current Gong (last I checked at least) feature Kavus from Cardiacs.

[@philrichards7240]

I'm always a bit conflicted recommending a "first" Cardiacs album... any one of the following common recommendations have their own positives: "The Seaside" (original edition, obviously), "A Little Man and a House and the Whole World Window", or "Sing to God". And it gets harder picking a single song: some people insist it must be "R.E.S.", some "Is this the Life?", some "Dirty Boy", etc. Each very different, and each with a very different appeal to people who haven't heard Cardiacs before...

[@morbidorbits]

Cardiacs +1

[@jameswarner5809]

@@SteveJ0966 Indeed it does. Kavus posted a photo of himself recording some vocals for the new album on Facebook the other day.

[@jameswarner5809]

@@philrichards7240 I think Sing To God is the most complete (double) album. My favourite track is Fiery Gun Hand, which I would love to see Doug react to, but I think Dirty Boy would probably be the best introduction because of the almost classical structure and the vocal arrangement. Glad that some people have backed me up at last. We have to get Doug to listen to Cardiacs.

[@jeffreygould101]

Nice reaction, Doug. I think you may finally be ready for The Residents, perfect for another Weird Wednesday!

[@oskarvikstrom229]

Yes, and Snakefinger as well!

[@RobtSc]

And also some Renaldo and the Loaf. Maybe, The Elbow is Taboo.

[@danclark745]

God just wanted to be an ordinary deity - Fingerprince is a great album...chew chew gum chew gum gum

[@jonibz1456]

Wow! was not expecting to see this reacted anywhere, fair play :)

[@JimNewstead]

Awesome!!!!! Love love LOVE this record! Steve Hillage is one of the best.

[@jimehman8547]

Thanks for doing this one. Gong is awesome. Even if you don’t do the whole trilogy, I would recommend listening to the album “You”. It is a lot more approachable. Also, you really need to take a dive into Steve Hillage’s solo work at one point. He guitar playing is just amazing.

[@strawberryrbicks]

One of the most original bands of the progressive era!

[@Tuzilla]

I am glad you got to them. There are so many underrated European bands from back in the day. Gong is a perfect example.

[@richardhillage3981]

Cool very cool. Doug you need react wirh Steve Hillage "Aftaglid" from Fish Rising. This guitarrist was Gong. You will love it

[@zella417bcarter9]

Its just dull and boring. LOL

[@burmesecolourneedles4680]

So glad you did this Doug! PLEASE continue with the trilogy! Unique amongst prog rock and psych bands for all sorts of reasons, unhinged (or should that be uber-hinged) and blissfully wonderful.

[@harmonic3350]

You almost can't not flip over that record and see what awaits on the other side of this mysterious planet, flying in the teapot.

[@Spirit-Of-The-Age]

Great to hear the mighty 'Gong' are being reviewed by Doug here 👌👌👌....Surely we are now finally closer to him being recommended the mighty Hawkwind (and please don't recommend Silver Machine ffs) ...The whole 1st side of The Warrior On The Edge Of Time album would be a highly interesting place for Doug to start with Hawkwind..it has a bit of everything in it (as do most Hawkwind albums from their golden years of 1970 to mid 80's)PS ; Tim Blake and Steve Hillage also played with Hawkwind more recently and the original Hawkwind band members hung out alot with Gong members from the late 60's onwards... The 'cat with the groovy silver face' that Jimi Hendrix spoke of on stage ,during pretty much his last live gig at Isle Of Wight festival in 1970 , was indeed Nik Turner of Hawkwind and the guy standing next to Nik and hanging out with him was Tim Blake of Gong. Hawkwind pretty much launched their career at that festival and became known as the ultimate 'people's band' as they played for free outside the gates of the Isle Of Wight festival in a large inflatable marquee, and shared out LSD everywhere.

[@Skiamakhos]

You missed the best Gong track, which is on Live Floating Anarchy 1977, "Allez Ali Baba Black Sheep Have You Any Bullshit / Mama Maya Mantram", a 15 minute epic that is like an audio version of a mushroom trip. Honestly blew my mind when I heard it in 1987.

[@timcam8713]

My mate and I saw Gong twice in Bristol UK in the 70's, they were incredible. I've loved them ever since 😮

[@GadwickTheWizened]

Can't wait to see you react to the You album.

[@IanMurray-rq4rx]

Great review. I've been listening to that album all my days & never thought someone as old & brilliant as Bertrand Russell could have inspired it. Top drawer Doug.. Keep smokin ✌

[@chriskellas2902]

My college roommate turned me on to Gong back in the early 80's and I've been hooked ever since, probably my favorite band of all time! after getting my degree in audio engineering I was lucky enough to meet and do some work with Daevid Allen, such a wonderful and unique human being, love you for ever and ever, RIP Daevid!

[@PatMetheny1980]

Thanks for doing this album! I totally think you should do the whole trilogy, plus the album after that named Shamal which is beautiful in its own special way.

[@macsnafu]

"Have a cup of tea, have another one; Have a cup of tea"!

[@5pp000]

Excellent timing! I heard this for the first time just a few days ago. Yes, please do more!

[@robparker7856]

Enjoyed your reaction to Gong, Doug. - This band are an incredible and under-rated institution. The albums get weirder and better as the mythology progresses. I first heard this album in the early 70s. I saw the latest incarnation of the band in York UK last year and they were utterly brilliant . As you say the musicianship is amazing and the whole myth/story /culture is enticing and beguiling - hope you enjoy them as much as I have over the last 50 years !

[@claudiofernandes9834]

Finally some Gong. One of my favourite bands!!!!!

[@raydiognome]

Now you’re here and now you’re Gong now you’re back where you belong! Glad to enjoy you expanding your musical horizons. As others have said you must travel further. Thanks Doug

[@johnfotohouse]

I saw this line up of Gong in 1975 at a ‘free’ gig at Manchester University, astounding and memorable, then again a year or two later at a festival with a different line up. I saw the current version of Gong in Leeds pre Covid and they were so good it reminded me of being a teenager again! Thanks Doug for giving this a go!

[@mazmarsden7386]

This takes me back - got to this in about 1978….and listened to it in a very similar way to you, but in a darkened room, lying down, with eyes shut. Great to hear again, but only for a certain mood - one that doesn’t come around too often. Proper Potheads!

[@ditmavic]

You've got to do side two. Just to see where they go next!

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.😂 👍✌️♥️

[@JohnSongwriter54]

I went to see Gong in about 1975 at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. A very entertaining concert with probably the best drum solo I've ever witnessed!

[@markphillips3186]

Coincidentally just listened to Andy Edwards discussion of the Top 10 Prog Rock albums of 1973. He started of with Gong’s album Angel’s Egg. Then I discovered you covered the first side of Flying Teapot! Really I think the two of you should have a chat sometime in the future 😊

[@maxkiller2738]

The Drums on this album OMG :) I used to be a fan when i was high up in my teens in the late 1990s, i even saw them live in a Reunion tour in EU with their prodigy the Ozric Tentacles... They did some good free/fusion jazz albums later also. More down to earth stuff... Just amazing Musicians. The "whalling" continious sound (sounding like strings) is made by stroking the strings on the electric guitar with a metal circular piece (screw driver, beer can) , it's just like a violin bow.

[@blankreg3858]

Thank you Doug. Your reaction was exactly as I imagined it would be and I'm glad you had a little "Bloomdido Bad de Grass" to enjoy it with.

[@skipklauber1162]

Im very please, and surprised, you’re covering Gong!

[@lilaelsi5766]

I can hear how Gong influenced the earliest works of Porcupine Tree (assembled on On the Sunday of Life and Yellow Hedgerow Dreamscape)…

[@jujulala81]

"Tasteful bass playing" by Francis Moze, who was once in Magma ! These band used to tour together, they were like the yin and the yang!

[@viinikellari]

The intro fill for "The isle of everywhere" is superb! : ) I love these drum sounds. Bring em back!

[@DavePocklington]

One of the most underrated bands of all time. They sold millions of records and got paid fuck all. If you want to witness how good they were as musicians, watch the black and white film of them playing " I never glid before". This album was the second record ever released by Virgin records, Tubular bells being the first.

[@TheBigBosske]

Yep, totally!! The Canterbury school and their influence in rock; prog, etc. music is so underrated. Their album sold millions because of Virgin market strategy, selling these at low cost; if not at lost. BTW check the BBC live Tubular Bells, beautiful video.

[@andrewwallace4481]

Weird Wednesday you hit the Nail on the Head Doug' I Heard these albums many years ago thinking that they were on another planet. Gong certainly made me stop and think a bit so great to hear them again Fabulous.🤡 The look on your Face at the End was priceless there is loads of Gong Live on YT

[@TonyBailey-xf5tn]

They were often called "the French Hawkwind". Their first album "Camembert Electrique" is a classic. Treat yourself to a listen.

[@Spirit-Of-The-Age]

Very true, and Gong and Hawkwind always had a strong bond with each other...they both fought for the same 'counter culture' to try and make the world a better place...just did so using different musical styles and each style was unique and genius with amazingly powerful and important lyrics...they never wanted fame nor riches..they were / are the soundtrack to a wholesome alternative to the corrupt corpoate dystopian consumerist bullshit around. 😎👌✌✊🙏

[@SubCapt]

At the very beginning, "invisible" is pronounced the way it is in French, approximatively "arnveezeebl" to an english speaker. The bass plaxer here, Francis Moze, can also be heard on Magma's first two albums.

[@AJGeeTV]

40 years ago as a student in England I'd put this LP on, put the headphones on, light my joint and this would blow my mind away totally. It was still buzzing through my head as I did my part-time job the following morning driving the school bus.

[@juansecar2]

Gong is pure art. Jazz, rock, fusion, world music, call them what you may. Formed in paris, but with musitians from pretty much all around the world... english, aussies, brit, french, italian, japanese, you name it. Allan Holdsworth and Don Cherry just to name two killer jazz cats... whatever you play from Gong is solid gold and diamonds, just one awesome album that I recommend outta all the great Gong albums is Gazeuze... cheers.

[@ericarmstrong6540]

The "found sound" you referenced is glissando guitar. Daevid Allen achieved the effect by rubbing a small rounded metal device on the guitar strings to create the humming sound with the guitar that pervades the entire second track above all the other instruments and in the background

[@ganazby]

Fantastic stuff!

[@MrMikeIliff]

Slightly late commenting on this but this episode is the funniest one I have watched. Absolutely hysterical. So thanks for this Doug. I was (still like the music) a big Gong fan, had all the albums and saw them perform at the Rainbow Theatre in London. Exceptionally weird! It wasn’t at all surprising that they morphed totally into a jazz band with Pierre Moerlen’s Gong with Alan Holdsworth on guitar. I think I’m right in saying that Steve Hillage (Stevie Hillside Village) played Tubular Bells with the London Philharmonic at the Albert Hall. On the BBC I think it was. So, full orchestra, with Steve playing guitar wearing his hat - superb! The funniest thing is that I’m now 67 with grandkids, and so when Doug says (8:50) ‘Kids, your grandparents were nuts’ he is not wrong. So funny. I sent the episode to my son. The 1970’s was an exceptional period for music. I’m still stuck in the 70’s :-) All that’s to say is: ‘Have a cuppa tea, have another one, have a cuppa tea.’ Enjoy.

[@barkinghammer8591]

So glad doug you finally found Gong welcome to the family love you're channel

[@jitgr]

Gong, an amalgam of musicianship and anarchy, keep on Doug! Some trivia: Gong, Soft Machine and Magma had same producer: Giorgio Gomelski. Gong and Magma, two completely different bands, musically and philosophically, were often performing live one after another. Daevid Allen prior to founding Gong was among founders of Soft Machine.

[@TheBrainfish]

Seen them live more times than I can remember. Amazing every single time 🍄🍄🍄

[@chris4973]

One of your lps on the wall is Yes’ Close To The Edge. That was the last lp their original drummer, Bill Bruford played on. When he left, who did he join? Gong. He went on to play with King Crimson before forming his own band Earthworks. The talent Gong had over the years was phenomenal

[@runciblemoon1194]

What delight! Both the choons (old faves of mine) and your resultant befuddlement. Glad you were able to appreciate not just the absurdist trappings but the rock solid musicianship underpinning it. I'd absolutely love you to keep going down this path and maybe tackle the whole trilogy a side at a time. You're already aboard the Flying Teapot - why not see where it takes you?

[@DaveLennonCopeland]

I love Gong, they're literally fantastic. Your reaction is priceless and excellent. 😃🎶🎸

[@coyotegrove9206]

From the planet gong. Been waiting for this. Thanks!

[@colinburroughs9871]

Gong has a record called Espresso II that never gets mentioned by anyone.. It's awesome. That's all I know about them really. LSD band that went more percussion/fusion later and brought in some serious ringers like Bill Bruford (or The Police before they made it apparently).

[@stereo999]

that's the later jazzy stuff after Daevid Allen left the band. Still pretty awesome

[@richarddrakes619]

Gong have connections to the underground ‘Canterbury Scene’ in the UK, and some great musicians (check out Steve Hillage) and music has come our way ever since. Daevid Allen was a complete enigma.

[@ajagari2788]

I am Gong fan since 1978 and hopelessly addicted...

[@Nebuloid1]

Never ever expected ANYONE to do Gong ! So, so great.

[@iainmorrice7250]

I was very stoned in 1974 or thereabouts when I spotted this album and simply had to have it, I've not been the same since. These guys along with Hawkwind, Tangerine Dream etc. moulded my young mind. They are still going strong and I've seen them many times over the years and they are always entertaining although they have changed a bit since the 70s.

[@karlhoward2737]

Iain….your message is exactly the way I feel….I got into Hawkwind age 10 in 1972, Tangerine Dream in 1974 and Gong in 1975…moulded my life ….and even now, I still love these bands…..I’d add one more band, got into them in 1978….the brilliant German band Eloy…..great to know there are so many like minded Pot Heds out there….oh must not forget Here & Now…..cheers..

[@newsles2]

Great choice. Glad you liked it. My first Gong album. I'm sure others have urged you to listen to the rest of the trilogy. For me, Angel's Egg is the pinnacle and was also the first album I heard (as opposed to bought). It and You were on either side of a C90 cassette, and I spent most of the night listening to them going around and around, barely able to believe my ears. It was like nothing I had ever heard and yet it felt like there had been a large Gong-sized hole all along and that it was now being filled. Enjoy your journey.

[@BlackmoreVerified]

Stellar album would love to see you do the rest

[@joannalewis5279]

Listened to this a lot in the 90s when I was 18 of so. Thanks for the reaction

[@hansmoerenhout]

More Gong please! The whole trilogy. Love the middle one, Angel’s Egg. Very looking forward to your thoughts on Prostitute Poem. And after the trilogy there’s Steve Hillage to explore! Such levitating music. So have a cup of tea, have another one… 🙏👍🤩

[@gerardboyle5753]

Saw Gong many many times both the old (original) and the new. However the highlight has to be their playing The Isle of Everywhere for nearly 30 minutes solid. The Tunnels in Glasgow blew its trip that night. Amazing and astonishing in equal measure

[@dominicschaeffer909]

They ALWAYS recorded their albums on full moons. The contact with the Planet Gong was stronger at that time.

[@kzustang]

Gong is one of my favorite bands of all times. Their Flying teapot is one of the best works ever and certainly in the prog genre. They did excellent albums after that trilogy with Gazeuse and Expresso, Shamal and others. They are just amazing. Had the pleasure of seeing them live in Israel in 2013 with Steve Hillage, Dave Aellen, Gilly and the whole gang. Clearly, this trilogy is going upwards, so Angel's Egg and YOU are absolutely recommended masterieces.

[@martinjames5635]

I remember buying Camembert Electrique from Virgin Records in Birmingham, England when I was 17 (I’m now 66) on the recommendation of a friend on the basis it only cost 50p - mighty cheap for an LP even back then! And so my journey began. Mind blowing how many awesome musicians and bands grew out of Gong. Saw the current lineup as the last band on The Glade stage at Glastonbury a couple of years back - far and away the best experience of the festival. My son-in-law is now hooked and so the Gong family forever expands. What a journey!!

[@ernburn3738]

Zappa/Floyd/Supertramp/Hawkwind/ Gong! I gotta listen to more of Gong. Thank you greatly!

[@Stardusty2006]

Yes!! So happy to see a react to Gong. I've seen them live a few times and they are a fantastic trip lol They are still touring here in UK.

[@Stardusty2006]

Live in 73: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5rcZn5uZtapmMk