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

"Nobody looks good with brown lipstick on" - Frank Zappa

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?

"Nobody looks good with brown lipstick on" - Frank Zappa

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.

"Nobody looks good with brown lipstick on" - Frank Zappa

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.

time to assess. now the nails have been driven.

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.

time to assess. now the nails have been driven.

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.

"Nobody looks good with brown lipstick on" - Frank Zappa

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.