The point in space that lies “Halfway to the Moon” is ostensibly the location where the Earth and its nearest heavenly body are united in a celestial marriage. This union of heaven and Earth which can be symbolized by the alchemical symbol of the hexagram, and represents the experience – commonly known as enlightenment – that lies at the center of Aldous Huxley’s The Perennial Philosophy. 

This metaphysical concept underlies the beliefs of all peoples from the most primitive aboriginal tribesmen to the most highly developed thinkers of more “civilized” society. No matter who we are, we each can experience that moment where we truly get “IT” and if only for that instant understand our place in the universe. The Page-penned “Halfway to the Moon” – which debuted on 6/19/10 at SPAC – seemingly captures such a moment of enlightenment for the songwriter. The only question then, is what aspect of his universe was Page pondering at the time? Going back to circles with shiny shoes for a repeat performance after leaving your wallet behind suggests marriage of an Earthly kind for a second time. 

Musically “Halfway to the Moon” sounds like what may have been the result if Thom Yorke of Radiohead had originally composed the Allman Brothers’ “Melissa.” Although the debut version was not very adventurous, the brooding, vaguely sinister groove through which Trey’s dissonant space whales swim shows great potential for future improvisation. Since its SPAC debut, “HTTM” has been a relative rarity and its jamming potential remains just that.

”Halfway to the Moon” 6/12/11 Columbia, MD

You must be logged in to leave a comment!