Robert Calvert was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and died on the 14 August 1988. Domiciled in London's bohemian Ladbroke Grove/Portobello Road area, Calvert became acquainted with Hawkwind, one of the area's atypical "underground" attractions.

His poetry readings became part of the group's act during the early 70s and in 1972 he joined the line-up as an official member. Calvert wrote, and originally sang, "Silver Machine", their UK Top 3 hit, although by that point his vocal had been overdubbed. He left Hawkwind the following year but three of the group - Dave Brock (guitar), Lemmy (bass) and Simon King (drums) - joined ex-Pink Fairies Twink (drums) and Paul Rudolph (guitar) on Captain Lockheed And The Starfighters, his highly praised solo debut. His second album 'Lucky Leif And The Longships', which featured science-fiction writer Michael Moorcock, was produced by Brian Eno, but it proved less popular than its predecessor.

"Test Tube Conceived" was originally issued in 1986 and watermarked with Calvert's inimitable style and interest boarding obsession with science fiction/fact.

Where as 'Hype' was the sound track to a novel of the same title, which was as, sound track to a play of the same title and features one of the all time absolute Calvert classics "Lord of the Hornets". In addition this CD re issue come with some bonus tracks comprising of different mixes and demo versions of some of the tracks on the original album.