Van der Graaf Generator

[DodgerMatt]

First, some of the tracks AM has didn't appear in my first search because of a misspelling ("graff" instead of "graaf"). But when I just scrolled through the V section, I was sort of surprised to see only one cut from Godbluff and nothing from Still Life, my two favorite VDGG albums.

Can we get more?

[progdirjim(Admin)]

yes.

my favorites from VDGG are H to He and Pawnhearts, and I just don't happen to have Godbluff yet. But, tell me more about Still Life - I've heard it many years ago, and forget it - why is it one of your faves?...

[DodgerMatt]

Hmmm. Many reasons.

For a long time my favorite albums from these early prog pioneers were the frist couple from each group that I purchased. For me and VDGG, that was these two. The Godbluff tunes are their best by far, but the Still Life tracks impressed me with Hamill's poetic probing of man's raison d'etre. The title track, a dystopian view of attaining eternal life, struck me as something never before or since paralleled in modern songwriting.

But now the nuptial bed is made,
the dowry has been paid;
the toothless, haggard features of Eternity
now welcome me between the sheets
to couple with her withered body - my wife.

Hers forever,
hers forever,
hers forever
in still life.

The whole first side (three songs) is great. Not as good as Godbluff, but a great companion album. The two second side tracks are interesting, continuing the search for purpose in the cosmos theme.

Their following release, World Record, I found disappointing. I guess the end was near.

I have often wondered what kind of band they might have been had there been someone in the group to complement Hammill.

[spedblavio]

Still Life is great. None of the other later albums have grabbed me.
The cut "Childlike Faith in Childhood's End" is phenomenal.

[Duku]

Still Life is one of my favourite VDGG albums.
"La Rossa" is great: the feeling of lust placed on VDGG music and Hammils voice

[progdirjim(Admin)]

latest update - we have added Godbluff to the play list, and I am considering Still Life - it sounds good.