[UK] SOUNDS GALACTIC - 1970 - An Astromusical Odyssey [Space Age Pop, Moogspoitation, Retrofuturism]

Подробнее о видео

[UK] SOUNDS GALACTIC [John Keating] - 1970 - An Astromusical Odyssey [Space Age Pop, Moogspoitation, Retrofuturism]
(1970 - LP London / Phase 4 SP 44154)


00:00 - 01.01. Theme From '2001'
02:51 - 01.02. Spinning Wheel
06:58 - 01.03. Aquarius
10:33 - 01.04. Nocturne
14:17 - 01.05. Across The Universe
18:22 - 02.01. Up Up and Away
22:02 - 02.02. Good Morning Starshine
24:26 - 02.03. Telstar
28:28 - 02.04. Clair De Lune
32:02 - 02.05. Round Trip Mars

**An Astromusical Odyssey** (1971) by Sounds Galactic is a quintessential example of early-’70s space-age pop and easy-listening exotica, blending orchestral arrangements, Moog embellishments, and familiar pop covers into a kitschy yet engaging cosmic soundscape. Released on London’s Phase 4 Stereo label (SP 44154), the album features ten instrumental interpretations of film themes (“Theme From ‘2001’”), contemporary hits (“Spinning Wheel,” “Aquarius”), and classics (“Clair de Lune”), all arranged and conducted by John Keating under his Sounds Galactic alias.

.While it garnered no formal reviews in DownBeat or Jazz Journal, periodicals like Record World praised its cohesive “outer space” theme and inventive use of Moog effects, and High Fidelity noted its lavish gatefold packaging even as it lamented the lack of program annotations.

Among collectors today, fans laud its “spacey funky tracks” and “haunting voices,” cementing its cult-classic status.

**Overview**

Release: 1971, London Records Phase 4 Stereo (SP 44154)
Format: 12″ LP, stereo; approx. 38:45 runtime
Arranger/Conductor: John Keating (as Sounds Galactic)
Genre: Easy listening, space-age pop, instrumental covers

**Musical Style**

Drawing on lush string sections, clipped brass, electronic effects, and occasional choir, the album evokes a futuristic lounge-music vibe.

**Contemporary Reception**

Record World (Jan 23, 1971) praised its “strong enough theme (followed through imaginatively)” and noted the “outer space connotation” of its Moog flourishes, predicting heavy airplay potential.

High Fidelity (June 1971) admired the “handsome double-folder packaging” but pointed out the absence of liner-note annotations, deeming the music “crude attempts to capitalize” on the space-age trend.

No formal critiques appeared in DownBeat, Jazz Journal, or Billboard, and AllMusic lists no staff review, reflecting its niche appeal.

**Modern Collector Appeal**

Dusty Groove calls it “a fantastic album of spacey funky tracks…a wicked journey to the stars with a hip Brit Easy feel,” highlighting unexpected funk elements and sampling potential.

Discogs users describe it as “kitsch, groovy and far out,” celebrating its phasing effects and retro-futuristic charm.

**Fun Facts**

Though credited to “Sounds Galactic,” the project is essentially John Keating — better known for his film-score work — experimenting under a space-themed alias.

The album’s gatefold sleeve features vibrant sci-fi illustrations, with no personnel credits — typical of Phase 4 releases.