Moondust

It isn’t often that one gets to review the soundtrack to a book nor is it a common task to review a collection as eclectic and varied as this one.

The book covers a period from just before Woodstock – the moon landing – to late 1972 and the subsequent search for the astronauts who actually walked on the moon. The apparent intention with the music was to 'make a great album' rather than to really create a companion for the book and – for people of a 'certain age’ it is a great album – The Byrds, Creedence, Strawberry Alarm Clock and The Grateful Dead make for a great combination of late 60’s rock and including the sadly under-rated Moby Grape as well brought a huge smile to my face.
But I couldn’t really 'get’ the inclusion of The Flaming Lips or Ringo Starr for that matter and juxtaposing Bowie and Howling Wolf is just plain weird.

There really is some terrific music here and much of it is right for the time and the purpose but there are too many points where you find yourself scratching the head and wondering 'Why?’

Perhaps I need the book to go with the soundtrack?

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