Klaatu’s album Hope (1977) has two notable versions that highlight different aspects of the band’s work.
Original Version (1977)
Released in September 1977, Hope is Klaatu’s second studio album and their first concept album. It features a loose narrative about space travelers visiting a distant planet and won a Juno Award for Best Engineered Album. The original version includes eight tracks with a total length of 40:53 minutes and showcases a blend of progressive rock and pop influences, described as “whimsical space-rock” and “theatrical melodramas” reminiscent of bands like Queen and the Moody Blues[1].
Track Listing
1. “We’re Off You Know” – 4:01
2. “Madman” – 2:39
3. “Around the Universe in Eighty Days” – 4:59
4. “Long Live Politzania” – 9:11
5. “The Loneliest of Creatures” – 3:44
6. “Prelude” – 5:44
7. “So Said the Lighthouse Keeper” – 5:51
8. “Hope” – 4:44
Alternate Version (2005)
An alternate version of Hope was released in 2005 as part of the Sun Set collection, which includes rarities from the band. This version incorporates the complete contributions of the London Symphony Orchestra, which were largely omitted from the original release. Additionally, it features a previously unreleased track titled “Epilogue,” intended to bridge two songs on the original album but not included in its final cut[1].
Key Differences
– Orchestration: The alternate version restores orchestral elements that were cut from the original.
– Additional Track: Includes “Epilogue,” which was printed on the inner sleeve of the original but never recorded for it.
Both versions of Hope provide listeners with unique insights into Klaatu’s artistic vision, showcasing their evolution as musicians and their commitment to conceptual storytelling through music.
The original album Hope 1977 is here from YouTube:
Here is the Orchestral version of Hope by Klaatu, a slightly different version of the album. For me this was a huge treat after listening to the original so many times. As a music producer it is also fascinating what the version before the final release did and did not include.
The Complete Orchestral version of HOPE
In this version you can hear different vocal and guitar performances as well.
Klaatu, a Canadian rock band formed in the 1970s, was known for its progressive rock sound and orchestral arrangements. The band managed to incorporate orchestral elements into their music primarily by collaborating with professional musicians from the Toronto Symphony.
How Klaatu Secured an Orchestra
1. Collaboration with Professional Musicians: Klaatu often engaged players from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for their recordings. This collaboration allowed them to add rich orchestral textures to their music, enhancing the overall sound of their albums. John Woloschuk, a member of Klaatu, mentioned that they would generally be able to get symphony players to perform orchestral parts for their songs[6].
2. Orchestration Process: The orchestral arrangements were typically based on piano parts that had already been recorded. Doug Riley was responsible for writing the full orchestrations, which were largely adaptations of these existing piano compositions. In some instances, after reviewing the initial recordings, Klaatu brought in additional musicians to refine or add new elements to the orchestration[6][4].
3. Recording Techniques: The band was known for experimenting with various recording techniques and layering multiple overdubs. This meticulous approach allowed them to create complex arrangements that included brass and string sections, similar to those found in Beatles’ music[4][5].
Through these methods, Klaatu successfully integrated orchestral music into their progressive rock style, contributing to their unique sound and appeal during their active years from 1973 to 1982.
Read More
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hope_(Klaatu_album)
[2] https://www.bgo-records.com/product/klaatu-hope/
[3] https://www.discogs.com/release/978552-Klaatu-Two-Classic-Albums-From-Klaatu
[4] https://www.discogs.com/release/22928504-Klaatu-Klaatu-Hope
[5] https://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/art/Klaatu-Hope-Klaatu/hnum/3365528
[6] https://www.amazon.com/Klaatu-Hope/dp/B000056H49
[7] https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=748
[8] https://open.spotify.com/album/6LEiIksxaQiQ6uHLKtOKQK
[9] https://www.loudersound.com/features/aliens-carpenters-and-the-beatles-the-curious-case-of-klaatu
[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klaatu_(band)
[11] https://stephenkpeeples.com/blasts-from-the-past/klaatu-interview-with-stephen-k-peeples-may-1980/
[12] https://pulmyears.wordpress.com/2008/12/11/the-day-the-blog-stood-still-klaatu-exclusive/
[13] https://www.furious.com/perfect/klaatuterrydraper.html
[14] http://www.klaatu.org/interviews/hope.html
[15] https://canadianbands.com/klaatu/