I recently picked up the unputdownable Moondust (as recommended by Richard & Judy no less), a light read that puts the space race into the context of the American Era through interviews with the remaining 9 Apollo astronauts. It nudged me to return to the much more brain twisting ‘Welcome To Mars’, a series for Resonance FM presented and written in 2006 by one of the most singularly interesting minds around- Ken Hollings.
I came across Mr Hollings through a mate that is in the band Biting Tongues with him. He told me Ken had presented this documentary (or informal lecture) without any script, which—when you listen—beggars belief. This unbelievable series is riffed live.
Welcome to Mars is a work of genius from a brain of Mekon dimensions. Its ambition is to look at the ‘fantasy of science in the American half century.’ It does this through Hollings’ polemic and a wonderful theremin-laced electronic soundtrack from a chap called Simon James.
Recently I looked at the BBC’s ‘Science Fiction Britannia’ season and couldn’t help feeling that Hollings’ contribution would have been exactly what was missing. Over Welcome To Mars’ twelve parts of 20-35 minutes it remains completely compelling (if somewhat heavy going.)
As Hollings says—’my work turns the universe inside out’.
Download all 12 episodes from iTunes here, or have a preview of Episode 1 (‘1947: Rebuilding Lemuria’) below.
[audio http://ia311202.us.archive.org/2/items/Welcome_to_Mars/mars_1.mp3]
Hi Ben, thanks for your review of Welcome to Mars. After producing it nearly 3 years ago it is still extremely satisfying to know that people are still enjoying it. It was certainly a lot of fun to make. I’m sure you are already aware but Ken recently released a book based on the original series and the first copies ordered through publisher, Strange Attractor, ship with a free CD full of original music from the show. You can also buy the CD from my website.
You might also be interested in a radio series I produce called The Tone Generation, which explores the history of early electronic music. Presented by artist and composer Ian Helliwell it is also broadcast on Resonance FM and is now into its 14th episode. You can subscribe to the podcast or download MP3’s from the Sound page on my website.
At the risk of banging my drum I’ll mention one more thing – if you are into spaced out rock and psych check out a free podcast called ‘The Simonsound Transmission’. Its from my little ‘band’ and is a 60 minute mix available free from http://www.thesimonsound.com.
Over and out……….