Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1985 album from the Hawkwind member, famed poet, author and lyricist. The album was originally recorded August 1984 in Computer Music Studio, London for Flicknife Records and was inspired by the 1984 miner's strike and the effect it had on miners, their families and British politics. One of the most intelligent songwriters in the Progressive Rock field, displayed in both his recorded and published work an informed and compassionate concern for the world around him, all of which is reflected in Freq, a concept album dealing with automation in the workplace, industrial decline, unemployment, and the overall mechanization of man. Freq is remastered from the original tapes and adds both sides of the 1980 single "Lord of the Hornets" as bonus tracks. Atomhenge. 2008.
G**A
Electronic + Political = Calvert's mad genius
Calvert was a curious artist. Gifted with Bipolar Disorder, he created and contributed to a lasting catalog of incredible Art Rock, and Progressive Rock masterpieces. With 'Freq' you get Calvert veering away from his earlier style in favor of a stronger politicized statement and far more electronic sound. So, while the critics and fans alike treat this release with strong rejection, I found it to be a great statement depicting the plight of British organized labor in protest of Thatcher's 'Reganesque' nonsense. Certainly not for everyone, it's none the less a decent record of a tumultuous time as interpreted by one of modern music's true artistic geniuses.
D**E
The music is really outstanding...
Interesting album from the Hawkwind alum. This disc has "talk" and music. The talk is recordings of political/topical nature. The music is really outstanding, especially "Standing In The Pickett Line" and "The Cool Courage Of The Bomb Squad Officers". Great backing band includes the man himself, Lemmy. While I didn't mind hearing the talk I would have liked more of the music, which is like I noted, is outstanding. Overall a grade of B+. Oh yes there are two bonus tracks which are really bonus in that they are not remixes of other songs on the album.
M**D
Robert Calvert - 'Freq' (Cleopatra)
Maybe not his best work, but this 1984 dated release (like having it on CD reissue) by the late Hawkwind resident poet/recitalist is decent. Tracks here that I thought were good include "Ned Lund", the somewhat edgy "All The Machines Are Quiet", "Cool Courage Of The Bomb Squad" and the cult favorite (in it's own right)"Lord Of The Hornets". Check out the line-up on this record: Calvert - guitar, harmonica, keyboards & vocals, Lemmy - bass, Huw Lloyd Langton - guitar, Steve Swindells - keyboards and Simon King - drums. Didn't realize this album had four 'actual' Hawkwind members. Nice.
P**H
Down in flames... but a lovely explosion when it crashes
Like all Calvert albums, patchy, with large chunks of it sounding incredibly dated... But Calvert knew a thing or two, as is made quite evident on songs like "The Green Fly and the Rose," which still makes me shiver.
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