Well well well, gentle readers, welcome to the first issue of Xoo-ology.
Today is a significant day. First of all, I'm not dead (apologies to those that are). Any day I'm not dead is a victory for me (and, unfortunately, the Inland Revenue). But on a more serious note, this is the day before I return to England to get some more work done with Xoo! As you are no doubt aware, the Captain and I are guesting with the Assassins of Silence at Hawkfest in a week and change, which promises to be exciting. But before we get into that, a note on what we've been up to lately:
Recordings
It's been an eventful year for Xoo - aside from the name change, we've done a pile of recording, resulting in the album "Anu World Order". This is scheduled to be released to the masses at Hawkfest, so don't forget to pick up your very reasonably priced CD from one of us. It's a concept album, about ziggurats and aliens and astrology and George Dubya. As you'd expect, I suppose, coming from the likes of us. You should listen to it, it'll put hair on your chest. Unless, of course, you don't want hair on your chest - and for some of you, I don't want hair on your chests. Sheesh.
We've also put together a compilation album called "Xowie! Xesty! Xingy!" I know what you're saying, a bit early for a compilation album, but we decided to do this so you could hear the band as it's gone through some different phases. Also included on this recording is a selection of Hawkwind ditties the Captain thought appropriate to its release at another show with the Assassins of Silence.
Both these recordings are available on the site - just go to the Baxaar and do that paying thing. I assure you, they're very reasonably priced - as is all your Xoo paraphrenalia - it's part of my plan to reduce, you see, living on a subsistence diet. Maybe the next Xoo-ology will be a plea to buy merch so I can eat!
And, lest you think that with a mere two albums out we'd be resting on our laurels, be dissuaded! Almost the entire time I'm in the UK, I'll be in the Mountaingrill Studios working away at new material. Although I suspect our laurels would be more comfortable to sleep on than the floor of the studio.
Gigs
You're all coming to see us at Hawkfest, right? We're playing with the Assassins of Silence, who seem to have had a member wander off to some motoring convention - silly lad, look what trouble that's brought about! And in the jamming tent we're hoping to bring out some Xoo songs for the faithful. Also look for us to check out the wares we're peddling - CDs and specially designed Xoo pins from Besmithian jewellers in Canada!
Other News
Well, we've done a major redesign to the www.alien8.co.uk site, which is good - it's easier to find your way around, even in altered states of consciousness, which might come in handy after this festival thing. What's that bit of fungus? And is it tasty?
Well, this is Ben D signing off; visit the Mothership, stay cool, and vibrate gently in harmony with the universe. Just don't let it get into your pants.