LP SEALED STEVE HILLAGE RAINBOW DOME MUSICK 1979 VIRGIN VR 1 UK PRESS NOT C/O

$

90

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"Rainbow Dome Musick" is a highly influential and somewhat atypical album by British guitarist and composer Steve Hillage, released in 1979. It's considered a pioneering work in the ambient music genre, marking a significant departure from his more prominent progressive rock and psychedelic rock output with bands like Gong and his earlier solo efforts.

Here's a brief summary of the LP:

• Departure from Rock: Unlike Hillage's previous guitar-driven, often energetic rock albums, "Rainbow Dome Musick" is an entirely instrumental, meditative, and atmospheric work. It's calm, ethereal, and lacks the drums, vocals, and prominent rock riffs found in his other material.
• Ambient Pioneer: The album is frequently cited as a crucial early example of ambient music, sitting alongside Brian Eno's contemporary ambient releases. It was commissioned specifically for performance at the 1979 Mind-Body-Spirit Festival in London, designed to create a tranquil and immersive atmosphere.
• Two Side-Long Tracks: The LP consists of two extended pieces, one per side:
  • "Garden of Paradise": Primarily composed by Hillage's long-time partner and collaborator, Miquette Giraudy, this track features gently running water samples, shimmering synthesizers (Fender Rhodes, ARP Omni), and delicate, almost bell-like sounds (including Tibetan bells). It creates a deeply peaceful and spacious soundscape.
  • "Four Ever Rainbow": Composed by Hillage, this track continues the ambient journey with more prominent glissando guitar, Moog synthesizer, and subtle use of the Eventide Harmoniser. It maintains the relaxed, flowing atmosphere while subtly shifting textures.
• Instrumentation and Production: Hillage plays various guitars and synthesizers, while Giraudy contributes on Fender Rhodes, ARP Omni, sequencers, and Tibetan bells. The production emphasizes clarity, space, and a lush, layered sound designed for deep listening and relaxation.
• Legacy and Influence: Despite being somewhat "unfashionable" at the time of its release (amidst the punk and post-punk movements), "Rainbow Dome Musick" gained significant retrospective acclaim. It became a foundational album for later ambient and electronic artists, notably influencing The Orb. Alex Paterson of The Orb famously played "Rainbow Dome Musick" in chill-out rooms, directly inspiring Hillage and Giraudy to form their highly successful electronic dance music project, System 7, in the 1990s.

In essence, "Rainbow Dome Musick" is a serene, contemplative, and beautifully crafted ambient album that showcases Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy's visionary approach to electronic and atmospheric music, establishing them as unsung pioneers in the genre.

LISTEN   “Garden Of Paradise” 

• 1979 LP Released on Virgin Records # VR 1 (Stereo). UK Pressing.    .
• This is a Sealed Album and will Provide you with Brilliant Sound Quality from your Player. No cut out marks.