“Souvlaki Space Station” by Slowdive

Thirty years ago this week, an album was released that found its way into my CD changer and wouldn’t leave for several years. It was from a band I had seen the year before in Cleveland while supporting Blur. And although, the album was initially panned by critics, it’s now looked upon as a landmark “shoegazer” recording that stands the test of time.

After the success of Slowdive’s debut Just for a Day, chief songwriter Neil Halstead was struggling to create their sophomore effort. He had gone through a difficult breakup with fellow bandmate Rachel Goswell, and Creation Record’s Alan McGee wanted a more commercial sound. Under too much pressure, Halstead temporarily left the recording sessions and holed up in a rented cottage in Wales. While there, he laid the foundation to their brilliant follow up “Souvlaki” on his guitar.  
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“Souvlaki Space Station” is the standout track on the album for me. It’s not nearly as well written as the more emotionally charged songs that Halstead wrote, but it is magical; a swirly wall of delay that showcased the creativity each band member possessed.
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A handful of friends and I look back upon this album with fondness, and not just because it captured an exciting time in our lives, but for the wonderful songwriting and sonic landscapes.