- ex-Jefferson Starship
This rare to find album includes the 8 page booklet with lyrics of the songs performed by Paul Kantner as well as some very psychedelic artwork.
"Blows Against the Empire" is a concept album by "Paul Kantner" and "Grace Slick", released under the name Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship, the first album to use the "Starship" name, although the personnel line-up was not the same as would appear on the first actual Jefferson Starship album
Paul Kantner's 1970 concept album, "Blows Against The Empire," stands as a fascinating artifact of a turbulent era. Released during the Vietnam War and the height of the countercultural movement, the album resonated with a generation grappling with social and political upheaval.
Historical Context
The album's creation was intertwined with the zeitgeist of the late 1960s. Kantner, a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, sought to create a musical project that went beyond the boundaries of the band's established sound. He assembled a collective of musicians from various backgrounds, including members of the Grateful Dead and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, to embark on a sonic adventure.
Musical Exploration
"Blows Against The Empire" defies easy categorization. It blends elements of rock, folk, psychedelia, and even early hints of progressive rock. The album's narrative revolves around a group of rebels who hijack a starship and set off on a journey to find a new home in space. This utopian theme resonated with listeners disillusioned with the status quo.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by Kantner himself and recorded at Wally Heider Studios and Pacific High Recording in San Francisco, California. The recording process was known for its experimental nature, with musicians encouraged to improvise and contribute their unique talents.
Rock, Folk rock, Psychedelic rockĀ
RCA Victor SF 8163 / LSP 4448 / ZPRS 9053 ( Orange label colour )
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram
1971 Made in UK England
This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contains photos, artwork.
This album also includes a booklet
Paul Kantner - Producer
Allen Zentz - Sound Engineer
The album Paul Kantner ( Jefferson Starship ) - Blows Against The Empire was recorded at two studios in San Francisco: Pacific High Recording Studios and Wally Heider Studios
CCCP - Album Cover Design
Patti Landres - Books
Grace Slick, iconic rock vocalist, rose to fame in the 1960s with Jefferson Airplane and Starship, pioneering psychedelic rock. Learn more
Jerry Garcia (Full-name: Jerome John Garcia) was born on 1 August 1942, in San Francisco, California. He began playing the guitar at the age of 15 and was heavily influenced by bluegrass and folk music. In 1965, he co-founded the Grateful Dead with fellow musician Bob Weir. The band quickly gained a following for their unique blend of rock, folk, blues, and country music, and became known for their improvisational live performances.
Throughout his career, Garcia also released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians, including the Jerry Garcia Band and the Garcia/Grisman acoustic duo. He was also a member of the supergroup the Other Ones, which formed in 1998 after the Grateful Dead disbanded following Garcia's death.
Garcia struggled with drug addiction throughout his life, which ultimately contributed to his death on August 9, 1995. He died of a heart attack in a drug rehab facility in Forest Knolls, California. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century and his contributions to the Grateful Dead's music continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.