Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill

You are now in the House Of Van Der Graaf. The door is bolted shut. There will be no escaping.
 
 

ORIGINAL: Salmacis

You are now in the House Of Van Der Graaf. The door is bolted shut. There will be no escaping.

 
LOL.
 
Thanks to this forum, I've been turned on to alot of different bands, VDGG, TMV, PT, Pinnacle, Saga, The Tangent, and rediscovered SB, Genesis, Maiden, KC,  and ELP.
 
But what I enjoy the most is getting turned on to bands that I've never heard of before like it was with TMV and VDGG.  I love it when a band I've never heard of makes me do this........
 
Keep the suggestions coming. 

A bad DT album (as if such a thing will ever exist) is 100x better than anyone elses good album.

ORIGINAL: Salmacis

You are now in the House Of Van Der Graaf. The door is bolted shut. There will be no escaping.

Actually if we could open it for an hour or so, with Christmas rapidly approaching we should probably at least pick up some tinsel to throw over the Gog and Magog statues...plus we're out of toilet paper.
 
 
 
 
 

I was doing some searching this morning, and I read that VdGG got back together a couple of years ago and did a show and they said they were going to be recording/releaseing a 2CD of new material.
 
Did that ever happen?

A bad DT album (as if such a thing will ever exist) is 100x better than anyone elses good album.

ORIGINAL: musicfan

I was doing some searching this morning, and I read that VdGG got back together a couple of years ago and did a show and they said they were going to be recording/releaseing a 2CD of new material.

Did that ever happen?

Yes.

Present was the result.  1 CD songs, 1 CD improvs.  There's also a 2 or 3 CD live set, Real Time, and they are workingon new material at this time in a trio format sans Jaxon.  They played about 18 shows this summer, and debuted two new songs over the tour, "Spex" and "In a Lifetime," IIRC.

Bill K
@>}-`-`----------------------
'in death's garden all the roses are blue...'

So are the new VdGG remasters any good? When they first appeared I read that they
weren't necessarily an improvement over the original CDs, what do you guys think?

ORIGINAL: Kyo

So are the new VdGG remasters any good? When they first appeared I read that they
weren't necessarily an improvement over the original CDs, what do you guys think?

I don't have the originals, but the remasters sound good, and the bonus tracks are real neat.

Yes, the remasters are an improvement. I don't have all of them yet, but one of the most improved is The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other.
 
 

Hey Salmacis, I think it was you in another thread where I told you about a little record store in NJ and the owner is a really big VDGG fan. I asked him if he had anything out of the odinary and he says he would be very surprised if you had this one DVD.
Pictured below on the left. Enjoy the rest of the pics. The Peter Hamill CD is a Boot. If there's anything here you want, let me know and I'll either get you in touch with Lloyd at Rock & Groove records or I'll pick it up and send it out for you.
 
I just picked up the full Jeff Beck performace on CD from the Crossroads 2007 festival from him!! Sounds like a soundboard recording!!!
 

 

 

 
Sorry i could get a cleare pic was using my crappy kodak Digital Camera

 

 

 

 
 

STRAT - I have audio copies of both of those shows, but not the dvds. I also don't have that particular Hammill boot but I do have several. If I were a rich man....
 
That's a great selection of official titles he provides too! Very rare to see that many.
 
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't tempt me right now.  I just spent 90 bucks on Marillion dvds, and after Christmas shopping, my credit card bill is going to be astronomical. I don't have the PH solo remasters yet and it's killing me!!!!!
 
 

ORIGINAL: Salmacis

STRAT - I have audio copies of both of those shows, but not the dvds. I also don't have that particular Hammill boot but I do have several. If I were a rich man....

That's a great selection of official titles he provides too! Very rare to see that many.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't tempt me right now.  I just spent 90 bucks on Marillion dvds, and after Christmas shopping, my credit card bill is going to be astronomical. I don't have the PH solo remasters yet and it's killing me!!!!!

 
When ever you're ready, just let me know

@ STRAT:

Looks like those first two VDGG DVDs are boots.  The Forum Leverkusen one has been circulating on dimeadozen for a little while...great quality.  If that Royal Festival Hall DVD is what I think it is, then it's an audience shot DVD.

The Godbluff Live dvd is cool as well...too bad the band doesn't get any money from that one since it's one of those Classic Rock Productions things.

ORIGINAL: STRAT

I just picked up the full Jeff Beck performace on CD from the Crossroads 2007 festival from him!! Sounds like a soundboard recording!!!

 
Don't mean to hijack the thread, but does he have that performance on DVD as well?  On the last "Audiophile Imports" e-mail update, I was told to e-mail a guy who's supposed to have the whole Beck (11 songs) and McLaughlin (3 songs) sets on DVD, but he's never e-mailed me back.  I don't know if this is the same guy or not (?).  You can PM me if you want so we're not getting too far off the subject within this thread.
  

"Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid." -- FZ

^^ Never mind about that.  He just e-mailed me back with his whole catalog.  A fusion fan's wet dream.....
 

"Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid." -- FZ

PH is coming to the USA!!!!!!

NEARFEST PRESS RELEASE
December 19, 2007

Peter Hammill to perform at NEARfest X!

We are extremely honored to announce that Peter Hammill will perform
as a solo artist on the Saturday slate of NEARfest X. Over his nearly
forty year career, Hammill has recorded numerous solo albums featuring
his unique and emotive vocal style and thoughtfully penetrating lyrics
probing all aspects of the human condition. Whether performing solo or
with his famed group Van Der Graaf Generator, Hammill presents an
emotional depth and range that is unparalleled in contemporary music.

Hammill's 100-minute set will be sure to feature songs from the
breadth of his vibrant and iconoclastic career. With hundreds of songs
in his repertoire, no two shows are ever alike. As it has been ten
years since Hammill has graced a stateside stage, be sure not to miss
his performance at the tenth anniversary NEARfest!

* Peter Hammill's performance is pending an expected successful visa
application.

Bill K
@>}-`-`----------------------
'in death's garden all the roses are blue...'

^^ Oops, just found that here after posting a new thread.

Hmm...no pressure, Paramenter.

Well that'll be fun. I wonder if I shouldn't look into that Hartford>Trenton train schedule after all...

Edit: Hartford>Trenton>Bill's car schedule.

ORIGINAL: Noware

Hmm...no pressure, Paramenter.

Well that'll be fun. I wonder if I shouldn't look into that Hartford>Trenton train schedule after all...

Edit: Hartford>Trenton>Bill's car schedule.

Bingo.

Bill K
@>}-`-`----------------------
'in death's garden all the roses are blue...'

Updates from PH! http://www.sofasound.com/latest.htm  and  http://www.sofasound.com/nlnow.htm

New VDGG album Trisector in March!!!

Awesome

I won't shiver in the cold
I won't let the shadows take their toll
I won't cover my head in the dark
And I won't forget you when we part

 
Bring on the new one!!!

 Only the three of us are on it. It contains nine tracks; shock, horror, five of these come in at under five minutes long.

 
Don't mean to sound like the 'never enough' guy when it comes to VDGG, but hopefully the Rockaplast DVD is released as well in the new year.

Flixster

My Blog

ORIGINAL: Oblivion86

Don't mean to sound like the 'never enough' guy when it comes to VDGG, but hopefully the Rockaplast DVD is released as well in the new year.

There's no further news at present of the Rockpalast 2005 DVD, but footage does exist of the trio and we are hopeful that we will be putting something out within the next few months. Further back from the archive, release is imminently expected of the "k group" Rockpalast performance in Hamburg Markthalle.

I probably wouldn't count on the 2005 DVD anytime soon, but hopefully we'll get some trio footage released!  It would be nice to have an official copy of that K Group Rockpalast performance as well to upgrade my boot.

Great news and thankfully it's relatively soon. Hopefully I'll catch a show around Europe

Nice. I just hope the trio version of the band works.

-> my music collection

ORIGINAL: LeChuck

Nice. I just hope the trio version of the band works.

Based on hearing just about every 2007 performance, I'd say yes, it does.

Bill K
@>}-`-`----------------------
'in death's garden all the roses are blue...'

Double post...heh 

Got this in my e-mail this AM:

"Hi Bill,

Rikki Nadir would like to be added to your MySpace friends list."

LOL!

Bill K
@>}-`-`----------------------
'in death's garden all the roses are blue...'

ORIGINAL: Project2501

ORIGINAL: LeChuck

Nice. I just hope the trio version of the band works.

Based on hearing just about every 2007 performance, I'd say yes, it does.

Haven't heard those. I'm just a little skeptical because Jackson has always been an integral part to the VdGG sound for me.

-> my music collection

ORIGINAL: LeChuck

ORIGINAL: Project2501

ORIGINAL: LeChuck

Nice. I just hope the trio version of the band works.

Based on hearing just about every 2007 performance, I'd say yes, it does.

Haven't heard those. I'm just a little skeptical because Jackson has always been an integral part to the VdGG sound for me.

More than understandable.  I was skeptical as well.  And I do know that for some people, his absence is a major stumbling block.  But I find that the trio is riskier, takes more chances, and pushes things more.  I like that.

Bill K
@>}-`-`----------------------
'in death's garden all the roses are blue...'

This is great news!!
 
 

ORIGINAL: LeChuck

ORIGINAL: Project2501

ORIGINAL: LeChuck

Nice. I just hope the trio version of the band works.

Based on hearing just about every 2007 performance, I'd say yes, it does.

Haven't heard those. I'm just a little skeptical because Jackson has always been an integral part to the VdGG sound for me.

http://www.fabchannel.com/van_der_graaf_generator_concert

Check it out yourself

ORIGINAL: drumline0671

ORIGINAL: LeChuck

ORIGINAL: Project2501

ORIGINAL: LeChuck

Nice. I just hope the trio version of the band works.

Based on hearing just about every 2007 performance, I'd say yes, it does.

Haven't heard those. I'm just a little skeptical because Jackson has always been an integral part to the VdGG sound for me.

http://www.fabchannel.com/van_der_graaf_generator_concert

Check it out yourself

Oh, good link

Forgot about that one...

Bill K
@>}-`-`----------------------
'in death's garden all the roses are blue...'

The following dates are confirmed and others will follow in due course...

Van der Graaf Generator:

29th March Rosignano, Livorno, ITALY

3rd April Queen Elizabeth Hall, LONDON

6th April GOUVEIA festival, Portugal

20th April B2, MOSCOW, Russia

PH solo:

Nearfest festival, Bethlehem, PA, USA, 21st June 2008 (subject to work visa).

I won't shiver in the cold
I won't let the shadows take their toll
I won't cover my head in the dark
And I won't forget you when we part

Taken from progarchives.com
 





Phil Smart emailed me with the news that he posted the press release for the new VdGG album on his website:

 

Van der Graaf Generator's new album Trisector will be released on Monday 17th March 2008...

"There are nine pieces on the album, one of them instrumental. Unusually for VdGG, only one of these is more than ten minutes long - indeed, five come in at under five minutes. There are, of course, passages of great complexity but there's also a confidence about the group at the moment which allows them to leave some simple things as they are. These are songs which dictate their own terms, often with a healthy dose of gallows humour, always with a measure of invention.


"It's far from an over-manicured record. For the most part it is the sound of the three musicians both stretching and enjoying themselves in locked-on sympathetic playing. As ever, it doesn't sound like anyone else - even past versions of VdGG.
"But as ever, there isn't another group quite like Van der Graaf Generator."

I won't shiver in the cold
I won't let the shadows take their toll
I won't cover my head in the dark
And I won't forget you when we part

Uhh...yeah...I'm excited!
 
On the other hand, I'd be interested to read an actual review when the time comes...not that PH's press releases don't cascade like a clear brook from his computer to our screen.

http://www.sofasound.com/latest.htm

Just preordered.

Tracklisting: http://www.sofasound.com/vdgcds/trisectcd.htm

Can't wait for this!!!   Cool cover, too. I like how the triangle is a kind of nod to the old logo, which they have apparently scrapped for this album.

Just found this: http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=180074

Thanks for the tip drumline.
 
Just pre-ordered this and the new one from The Tangent.  How much was yours from the link you provided?  Amazon has it for $13.99.

A bad DT album (as if such a thing will ever exist) is 100x better than anyone elses good album.

ORIGINAL: musicfan

How much was yours from the link you provided?  Amazon has it for $13.99.

It was 12.50 pounds...however much that is.  I saw Trisector on Amazon...and noticed that the release date said April 1st.  I figured I'd get it a little early and give more money to PH (sofasound is his site).

Samples are up: http://www.amazon.com/Trisector/dp/B0014MQR8M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1204674539&sr=8-2

Cool, thanks. Tough to get a read on a lot of those, but I like what I'm hearing on at least the last two.
 

Maybe I should....delouse this place....

....maybe I should....deplace this louse....

The album is out today.

And the album hasn't arrived yet...but I suspect any day now...

I know! I can't wait to check it out! 

I'm waiting for your impressions guys when you get it.

Present was good, but not great IMO, so this is not an instant buy, but I'm quite tempted to press the order button on Amazon right now. Just waiting for a favorable review and there will be 20$ less in my pockets.

So has anyone received and heard the new album yet? I think I'll order it after easter, but I'm excited to know what you guys think about

I could get the mp3 album from Napster for 10 bucks, but don't feel like spending that today. Thanks for pointing out that its hit, though.

2112: And the meek shall in-harriet the Earth...

I couldn't decide whether to download this or the Black Tide album from iTunes ... so I ended up downloading Middle Eastern guitar phenom Michel Sajrawy's Yathrib instead. Oy.

I'll probably end up with both Van der Graaf and Black Tide by Sunday night anyway.




-- Jeff

For a nameless dreamer - One thought can change it all To fly and not to fall - Unlimited And for the restless sleeper - There's still one reason why Far beyond impossible - Limitless

I'm just now getting into this band. I think it's my recent interest in older King Crimson and ELP that's pushed me here. It's fantastic stuff. And by buying used, I've got Still Life, Pawn Hearts, Godbluff, and H to He on the way for about thirty dollars. Whoo. Next week. I'm pretty excited. Hammill's voice, which apparently is an acquired taste, really struck me as amazing on my first listen. So yeah. Here's to blowing more money on music that I wasn't around for in the 70s. And, I mean, I still only have one Yes album and one Genesis album and one ELP album and no Gentle Giant and good Lord there is no happy ending for a college student who refuses to download music...

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

ORIGINAL: Chen Zen
And, I mean, I still only have one Yes album and one Genesis album and one ELP album and no Gentle Giant and good Lord there is no happy ending for a college student who refuses to download music...

See that's totally cool, tho. I got into VDGG in college myself, before there was such a thing as downloading music. Really forces you to immerse yourself in the album experience, rather than just the instant gratification that downloading sometimes provides...and really PH/VDGG require your full attention anyway, so good on you.

Ah, yes, it's partly a moral thing, and it's partly an OCD thing. Oh well. The tracks posted on progarchives have been kicking my butt in lieu of the actual albums for the last day or two, and will have to suffice likely into next week. Yep. I'm really excited.

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

I have Trisector in my hands.

Time to go listen.

Done listening.

Very interesting.  Going to need a few more spins for it to grow on me probably.  Hammill's voice sounds incredible...you would never guess he had a heart attack a few years ago.  Banton is great as always, and I haven't heard Guy Evans play like this since GOG.  Some songs sound like they could be Hammill solo material.  The epic Over The Hill wouldn't be out of place next to Childlike Faith.  Yes, I typed that correctly.

I'll reserve more specific comments for after a few more listens, but I really enjoyed the first time through.

Can't wait to get this in a few weeks. 

A bad DT album (as if such a thing will ever exist) is 100x better than anyone elses good album.

About the dvd "Inside VdGG"... is it any good? There are some mixed reviews on amazon. According to wikipedia it consist of their two previous dvds. Is this correct?

ORIGINAL: Devnoy

About the dvd "Inside VdGG"... is it any good? There are some mixed reviews on amazon. According to wikipedia it consist of their two previous dvds. Is this correct?

This is what Hammill has to say about it: http://www.sofasound.com/nldec05.htm

On the other hand, an expensive and (to my mind) unrewarding item is Classic Rock's "Inside VdGG" DVD. This purports to be a "critical review" but is in reality a sub-cable TV talking heads type show which will reveal nothing new to anyone who knows anything about the group. Mysteriously it comes to a grinding halt after "Godbluff"; doubtless this was in order to get it out in time to cash in on the reunion. The interview DVD is coupled with - yet again - the Belgian TV and "Godbluff" footage. They also put on stuff from "Beat Club" and this was clearly the carrot with which they hoped to lure the punters in. This move was both cynical and a breach of their (retrospective from release) agreement with us relating to the other video material. To be avoided by all but the most avid completists, I would say....

I have the Godbluff DVD and it's alright.  I say download it or watch the videos on Youtube (they're all on there I believe).  The band won't get any money from your purchase anyway...

so drumline im still waiting for a full Trisector review.... 

ORIGINAL: the musta

so drumline im still waiting for a full Trisector review.... 

Gimme a sec!

ORIGINAL: drumline0671

ORIGINAL: Devnoy

About the dvd "Inside VdGG"... is it any good? There are some mixed reviews on amazon. According to wikipedia it consist of their two previous dvds. Is this correct?

This is what Hammill has to say about it: http://www.sofasound.com/nldec05.htm

On the other hand, an expensive and (to my mind) unrewarding item is Classic Rock's "Inside VdGG" DVD. This purports to be a "critical review" but is in reality a sub-cable TV talking heads type show which will reveal nothing new to anyone who knows anything about the group. Mysteriously it comes to a grinding halt after "Godbluff"; doubtless this was in order to get it out in time to cash in on the reunion. The interview DVD is coupled with - yet again - the Belgian TV and "Godbluff" footage. They also put on stuff from "Beat Club" and this was clearly the carrot with which they hoped to lure the punters in. This move was both cynical and a breach of their (retrospective from release) agreement with us relating to the other video material. To be avoided by all but the most avid completists, I would say....

I have the Godbluff DVD and it's alright.  I say download it or watch the videos on Youtube (they're all on there I believe).  The band won't get any money from your purchase anyway...

Okay thanks Kev. Won't buy it since the band doesn't get anything from it. I'll probably download it then.

I suck at reviewing stuff, but here are some thoughts as I listen to Trisector.


The Hurlyburly - Opening instrumental track.  Pretty different from anything VDGG has done before.  Straightforward and catchy.  Has sort of a Theme 1 vibe to it.

Interference Patterns - Starts off with a quirkly little key riff from Banton.  Very wordy lyrics.  Strange chorus...I'm getting a big Gentle Giant vibe from this tune.  Seems cut a little short.  They should've developed this song a little more.

The Final Reel - This song screams Hammill solo material, but that's not a bad thing.  Tells the story of two people named Jack and Gillian.  Very much in a similar vain to Curtains and Friday Afternoon.  Banton creates a somewhat melancholy atmosphere with his key playing.

Lifetime - You've all probably heard this one before, as they played it live on their last tour.  The album version seems pretty similiar, not sure if anything's different.  One of my favorites from the album.  Very personal lyrics from Hammill.  His voice sounds great here as well.

Drop Dead - This tune wouldn't be out of place on pH7 or Nadir.  Sounds more like a Hammill solo rock tune than a VDGG tune.  Not bad.  Banton plays a neat little solo near the end.

Only In A Whisper - Another low key song like The Final Reel and Lifetime.  Hammill's vocals are showcased in the forefront on this one.  Very different for VDGG.

All That Before - The other song that was played on the previous tour.  Rocking, energetic, and Hammill's crunching guitar fills a nice place where Jackson's sax would've been.  This is VDGG of 2008 right here.  If anyone had any doubts on whether or not they've still "got it," this is the tune to play them.

Over The Hill - Here we go...the epic of the album...dare I say Childlike Faith 2008?  Probably the closest thing on this album to "classic VDGG."  I can't get enough of this tune.

(We Are) Almost Here - Powerful vocal and key performance.  Similar to All That Before.  Nice strong way to close the album.


This album is a major improvement to Present...VDGG of the new millenium, instead of a reunion band that started out almost 40 years ago.  The departure of Jackson seems to have sparked new life into them.  Hugh Banton seems more in the forefront (or maybe I haven't paid that much attention to his playing before), Guy Evans plays with the energy of a 20 year old, and Hammill still sounds like a beast unchained.  Sure, the album is a bit uneven...there are some clunkers, but the strong tracks more than make up for it.  If you guys have been reading Hammill's updates on SofaSound, you can tell he's really excited about everything that has been going on with the band...and it shows in the music.

I'm really excited for the tour (even though they're not playing here), and hearing some boots.  The future for the band looks promising (I can't believe I'm saying that).

Oh, and bring back A Louse Is Not A Home!  It would be perfect for the trio lineup.

Oh, I don't know. It does sound pretty used up and dated, sometimes even tired.

-> my music collection

The first two VdGG CDs I ordered came in yesterday, being H to He and Godbluff. Is it weird that I listen through both and then put on King Crimson's songs Starless and Lizard, and then rotate back to the Van der Graaf? I've done it about three times already. It just seems to work so well... Fantastic music. Still Life and Pawn Hearts should be in any time now, and I'm really excited.

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

For any of the none of you that care, Still Life came in this afternoon. I just listened through it, and I must say, La Rossa and Childlike Faith are amazing. The other three have a bit of growing to do, I guess. But yeah, good stuff. And the one I've been the most excited for, Pawn Hearts, gets saved till at least tomorrow.

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

ORIGINAL: Chen Zen
And the one I've been the most excited for, Pawn Hearts, gets saved till at least tomorrow.

Was a life-changing experience for me, anyway. Then again I may have been drinking...don't love it any less, tho!

Ha, right, me being the stereotypic prog nerd and all, the fact that it has a twenty three minute song demands that it is the best album VdGG put out. 

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

ORIGINAL: Chen Zen

Ha, right, me being the stereotypic prog nerd and all, the fact that it has a twenty three minute song demands that it is the best album VdGG put out. 

It's a full album listen for sure. It's not just about "A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers". It's all about "Lemmings", "Man-Erg" and "A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers".

As for Still Life, I agree that "La Rossa" and "Childlike Faith" are amazing. I also love "Pilgrims" and "Still Life". Never been able to get into "My Room", one of the only songs from that whole period that doesn't appeal to me. Other than that song, the album is incredible, really. On par with Godbluff (indeed, "La Rossa" and "Childlike Faith" were originally done for that album) and World Record. A wonderful trio of albums from the second period of the mighty VDGG.

Edit: Oh, and I echo drumline's opinion on Trisector being an overall more solid album than Present. And "Over The Hill" is fantastic!

I've listened to Man-Erg off progarchives. And that is why I keep thinking APOLHK will be even more awesome, because it's twice as long.

Yeah, I'd heard that two Still Life songs were from Godbluff, and I'm not at all surprised it's those two. Godbluff is spectacular.

This is a pretty neat band. I'm thinking, though, that it might be wise to play it safe for a while and avoid Hammill's solo work, as I have less money than I think I do...

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

ORIGINAL: Chen Zen
This is a pretty neat band. I'm thinking, though, that it might be wise to play it safe for a while and avoid Hammill's solo work, as I have less money than I think I do...

Sure, let the VDGG albums you have sink in for awhile before worrying about more. Early Overkill Syndrome has struck me on more than one occasion, and hurts the wallet. But when the time does come, Silent Corner And The Empty Stage and In Camera are both essential albums!

Do you have The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other? That's also a great album: "After The Flood", "Darkness", "White Hammer" and the gorgeous "Refugees" (also a single, which was a different recording). While you're into this VDGG discovery, you may want to get that album before the PH solos. Yeah, okay, I'm not helping your money situation here!

Ah, I only ordered their five highest ranked from progarchives: H to He through Still Life. However, the two before and after that are working their way onto the list. I'll give it time, though. There's no real huge rush as of yet. And there are lots of other great old bands who I need to buy from. You know, Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Camel, and so forth. A lot of work have I to do.

But I definitely know what you mean about Overkill Syndrome. I'm trying to be careful, but amazon makes it difficult...

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

ORIGINAL: Chen Zen

Ha, right, me being the stereotypic prog nerd and all, the fact that it has a twenty three minute song demands that it is the best album VdGG put out. 

As good as APOLHK is, Lemmings and Man-Erg are superior in my opinion.

Oh, and I think Godbluff's VdGG's best album. It's just extremely intense from the first to the last second.

-> my music collection

Does anyone have any VDGG merchandize. If so where have you bought it? Their official site links to this place called bandmad.com Has anyone bought anything from them? They have some real nice shirts.

Well I got Trisector today and I'm through track 7 so far. It's pretty good. As always it will take a few spins to settle
in but at this point in the bands career I didn't have any expectations so I guess I'm pleasantly surprised so far.
 
Track 6 - Only In A Whisper is really nice.

If I were to become interested in modern VdGG, would you all say it would be wiser to try out the three albums in between Trisector and Still Life first? Or does the music still stand nicely without a necessary progression?

And I'm still waiting on Pawn Hearts. This is getting ridiculous.

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

ORIGINAL: Chen Zen

If I were to become interested in modern VdGG, would you all say it would be wiser to try out the three albums in between Trisector and Still Life first? Or does the music still stand nicely without a necessary progression?

I don't think you need to get them in order.  I would probably get World Record, Trisector, then Present.  I don't have Quiet Zone/Pleasure Dome or Vital yet, so I can't comment on those.

BUT

If you haven't checked out Hammill solo material yet, I would go there before anymore VDGG.  Silent Corner, In Camera, and Over are what you need.  I prefer those three albums to about half of the VDGG catalog.

You're being very helpful. Except to my bank account and my purchase planning... 

The problem is, or rather one of the problems, for there are many, a sizable number of which are continually clogging up the civil, commercial, and criminal courts in all areas of the Galaxy, and especially, where possible, the more corrupt ones, this.

If you haven't checked out Hammill solo material yet, I would go there before anymore VDGG. Silent Corner, In Camera, and Over are what you need. I prefer those three albums to about half of the VDGG catalog.

THIS.

The Quiet Zone/The Pleasure Dome has its moments but is not essential. Definitely get Silent Corner and In Camera next!

Wish my concert budget wasn't blown to smithereens.

This would have been nice.

Van De Graaf Generator Front-man  Peter Hammill Thursday, June 19, 2008
8:00pm - $22.50 at the Sellersville Theater in Sellersville, Pa.

I'm going to be seeing him at nearfest, does anyone know if does any VDGG at his solo shows?  I'm guessing not since he has so many solo albums out.
 
I got Trisector in the mail this weekend, listened to it about 4 or 5 times already.  The only song I didn't really care for right away was Drop Dead.  Now when I'm listening to the album, I can't wait to get to that song.

A bad DT album (as if such a thing will ever exist) is 100x better than anyone elses good album.