The Candyman Can

Spacehog was a band ahead of its time. Their debut album, Resident Alien, was released on Elektra records back in '95. The album fit in nicely with the solid alternative scene around them, while sounding absolutely nothing like their peers. Most grunge/alternative music is derivative of some earlier form of rock usually stemming from bands such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, or the Beatles. Spacehog however would create alternative rock with a great sense of British glam-rock thrown into the mix. Spacehog were heavily influenced by David Bowie (as is fairly obvious,) Queen, and the lesser known T. Rex. If you're looking for a good time 90's rock band, Spacehog are it. While all the members of the band (Royston Langdon, Antony Langdon, Jonny Cragg, & Richard Steel) are from Leeds, England, it wasn't until they were all living in New York City that they met and formed the band. The mix of British glam-rock and NYC swagger, piled on top of expansive distorted guitars helped give Spacehog a truly unique sound in the alternative world of the early 90's. Radio and MTV took notice of the band, making their debut single, "In the Meantime," a staple at both. The song still maintains a spot in rotation on almost all modern rock radio stations, and it seemed like Spacehog were destined for greatness. For whatever reason, the rest of the album, just as good as the original single didn't garner the same degree of attention however. I'd like to take the time to honor the entire album as it deserves.

Opening with "In the Meantime," from the very first note of the song Spacehog has already shown the promise in their style. Mixing grunge sounding guitars and drums, with glam-rock meets space-rock harmonies and melodies, and soulful grooving bass lines, Spacehog effectively paint their "view from another planet" picture right away. With the infectious bass line and certain charm to the lyrics, the first track was a hit in every sense of the word. Rightfully so, I believe the song would do just as good if it were released today, in 2008, if not better. Switching tempos, the next track, titled "Spacehog," tells the journey of their namesake, a distorted punk tinged anthem, filled with plenty of outer space effects and imagery. "Starside" follows, bringing the mood back to a fantastic dream voyage through the stars and space. The vocals by Royston Langdon can be heavily compared to early day David Bowie on this track. The song floats graciously to the bridge, complete with hand claps and a sharp guitar lick. Next up we have "Candyman," a haunting tale of a city drug dealer, and the money trail that follows. Spacehog have always had a flair for tongue-and-cheek lyricism, as can be seen on this track, amongst most others.

The band quickly change the mood to the glam-thrash punk of "Space is the Place." The song contains another set of dry humor filled lyrics including, "And when you kiss your other lover, well I will try to understand, just because you're f*cking him, it doesn't mean you don't love me." Even at much faster rhythms, Spacehog continue to show they can combine the feel of glam, punk, space, and grunge rock into one song, creating a sound all their own. Never staying on one style for more than a song or so, "Never Coming Down Part I," is another Bowie-esque track, with a Beatles pop sensibility added for good measure. While clocking in at under two minutes, the track effectively demonstrates the Langdon brother's penchant for crafting a great pop song. Their swagger is kicked back up into full effect on "Cruel to be Kind," the next track. With all the glam fueled 90's alternative strength shown on this song, it achieved mild success even with little airplay or support from the label. Royston's bass grooves in and out of each track creating a great texture with the common vibrato of his voice. The album hits its most mellow point with, "Ship Wrecked," a slow creeping ballad filled with the wit-filled lyricism so often shown on this album. Sung in a vibrating falsetto pitch for much of the song, the lonely sounding vocal approach brings to mind "November Rain" era Axl Rose at times. The song launches with a minute left into a great fog of feedback, before continuing to, "Only a Few," a pop themed track reminiscent of Prince.

"The Last Dictator," follows with a more down south rock n' roll style similar to The Heartbreakers fronted by David Bowie instead of Tom Petty. Spacehog never comprise their craft of catchy and memorable pop song structures. "Never Coming Down Part 2," is a party inspiring rock track, attributed mainly to its chorus, and group chants, as well as time shifts sounding like something taken directly from a Queen album. Nearing the end of the album, "Zeroes," remains just as a strong a song as any other. One of my personal favorites of theirs, the song begins with the marching snare rhythm, slow interweaving guitar and keyboards, space-aged computerized voice, and Langdon's powerful vocals. The build up to the chorus is excellent with a gratifying blast-off each time it hits. The dynamics of this track create the feeling of a peaceful winding cruise throughout the galaxies, without a care in the world. To close the album, "To Be a Millionaire...Was It Likely," is a great sing-a-long styled acoustic tale of a boy named Terry, and his choices for money over happiness. When all is said and done, the album leaves you in a great emotional place with the desire to start the CD over again from the top. Resident Alien is a great album that I honestly believe would create a huge buzz if released today. As it has been out for over 10 years now, all I can ask is that you go back and check out what I consider to be one of the most unique albums released in the from the alternative music nation of the 90's.