Exposé Online banner

Exposé Online

Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
Covering music from the fringes since 1993.

Reviews

Michael Moorcock & the Deep Fix — The New Worlds Fair (50th Anniversary Edition)
(Bandcamp Think Like a Key TLAK1227, 1975/2026, CD)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2026-02-11

The New Worlds Fair (50th Anniversary Edition) Cover art

British science fiction and fantasy author Michael Moorcock had a close affintiy and musical partnership with Hawkwind in the 70s and 80s. Known for his Elric of Melniboné novels, Moorcock contributed his work to Hawkwind’s Warrior on the Edge of Time and their Space Ritual Tour. In 1975, Moorcock and Deep Fix (Steve Gilmore, Graham Charnock, and a circle of Hawkwind allies) recorded The New World’s Fair, a surreal psychedelic and fantasy ride through decaying fairgrounds, fading utopias, and electric guitars tuned to chaos. Their single "Dodgem Dude" / "Starcruiser" had been recorded just prior to the album, but United Artists passed on the idea of releasing it. The single was belatedly released on Flicknife Records in 1980. I heard it on the radio, which was my introduction to The New World’s Fair. The album has been reissued a number of times over the years with different track orders and with “Dodgem” and “Starcruiser” inserted in various places. This 50th Anniversary Edition sandwiches the album in its correct running order between the singles, demos, and bonus tracks. As with other Think Like a Key reissues, they enlisted the help of Prof. Stoned to meticulously remaster the music. The result is a wonderful way to experience this 1975 gem. To me, the tracks worthy of note are “Dodgem Dude” both the single and demo versions, “Song for Marlene” with its Lou Reed vibe, “Come to the Fair” with its devilish fiddle playing, the dreamy and cyclic “Ferris Wheel,” “Dude’s Dream (Rolling in the Ruins)” that closed the original album, the feisty “Good Girl, Bad Girl,” and the cheesy electronic percussion of “Time Centre.”  Thanks to Think Like a Key for rejuvenating this album.

Filed under: Reissues, 2026 releases, 1975 recordings

Related artist(s): Simon House, Dave Brock, Michael Moorcock

More info
http://thinklikeakey.bandcamp.com/album/the-new-worlds-fair-50th-anniversary-edition

 

What's new

These are the most recent changes made to artists, releases, and articles.