Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill

RE: new David Jackson collaboration! (deceiver)

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 08:10:04 GMT

Just wanted to let the vdgg/ph fans (like me:) know that the album "distress signal code" by Lüüp is out worldwide from Musea records! the album features saxophonist/flautist David Jackson (ex-van der graaf generator)
take care

www.myspace.com/steliosromaliadis
www.musearecords.com
www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Noware)

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:08:57 GMT

Glad to hear it!

Ironically, the VDGG Massey Hall show from 1976 (32 years ago tonight) was upped to Dime last night:
http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=218505

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Morte)

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:14:55 GMT

The Toronto show was great...
To be honest I have very limited exposure to VDGG and Peter Hammill, but that is going to change after this show.
I can't tell you what the setlist was, but man, the guy can sing.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Noware)

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:22:30 GMT

Hmm...gotta be about over in Toronto....

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Noware)

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:25:41 GMT

He certainly seemed pleased to be there...wasn't PARTICULARLY chatty, but very warm and gracious as always from the stage (at least in my experience seeing him). He had a clever comeback when asked who he supported for the next U.S. president, but it escapes me now. When introducing the material from Singularity he noted that it was time to "push the product".

I sorta wish now I would have stuck around afterwards as he said he'd come out and have a drink, sign some stuff or whatever, but Kevin and his charming girlfriend wanted to go eat, and I think my pal Brian may have soiled himself if face to face with PH. Might have heard some much better stories then, anyway.

We did learn that the "seeds were planted" for the song "Sign" at the Kent State show here in 1979. He claims that certain areas bring back certain memories and in turn influence the evening's set list...so god knows what the likes of Montreal or Toronto might bring out.

"On Tuesdays" fjooking ruled, what do you think?

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Salmacis)

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:07:57 GMT

Interesting set. Was there a lot of banter? Stories? Humour? How was "On Tuesdays"?

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Noware)

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:58:22 GMT

Kicking myself for leaving the minidisc recorder at home; would have been a whale of a recording with such an attentive audience. I don't enjoy myself nearly enough when I'm fiddling with the machine, though, so I'll get by.

I still think he played "Your Tall Ship" from Roaring Forties in there somewhere, though...I guess we'll just have to see if that video surfaces.

Get ready, Canada.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (drumline0671)

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:45:38 GMT

The Winchester Tavern, Cleveland
October, 10 2008

Don't Tell Me
Nothing Comes
Meanwhile My Mother
Mirror Images
Unrehearsed

Amnesiac
Driven
Sign
Like Veronica
(On Tuesdays She Used To Do) Yoga
Ship Of Fools

Four Pails
(In The) Black Room
Friday Afternoon
Stranger Still

Encore:
Again

Very very good show. PH sounded great. The encore was interesting. He started out singing "Again," then stopped and said that wasn't what he wanted to play, but since he started it already... he then continued and did the rest of the song a cappella. Who knows what he meant to play....I was thinking Shingle Song. The ending to "Stranger Still" was great. Surprised to get "Mirror Images," "Yoga," "Again," and "Ship Of Fools."

Turnout was better than expected. My guess is about a hundred.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (drumline0671)

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:58:24 GMT

September 30 Great American Music Hall, San Francisco CA
October 2 The Rhythm Room, Phoenix AZ
3 The Soiled Dove, Denver CO
4 The Cashew, Kansas City MO
5 Shank Hall, Milwaukee WI
7 The Abbey, Chicago IL
9 The Magic Bag, Ferndale MI
10 The Winchester Tavern, Cleveland OH
11 Club Cafe, Pittsburgh PA
14 Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, CANADA www.ticketweb.com
15 Palais Montcalm, Quebec City, CANADA
16 Le Gesu, Montreal, CANADA
17 Pepper Jack Cafe, Hamilton, CANADA

Has anyone seen him yet this tour? I'll be catching him in Cleveland on Friday...can't wait.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_2ss-2UTOY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjJXO-7f51A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgHdXtk8pEc

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (drumline0671)

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:28:52 GMT

Just looking at videos on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTtLBFp-SgY

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (drumline0671)

Tue, 06 May 2008 22:54:23 GMT

New Hammill newsletter up: http://www.sofasound.com/nlnow.htm

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Noware)

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:21:33 GMT

ORIGINAL: Chen Zen
Who's seen them in concert? Better question, who saw them live in the 70s?

Hmmm...do we have anyone on the forum who has managed to see the reformed band yet? I had tickets one of the first London shows, but I'll be damned if the plane/hotel/etc. wouldn't have cost a few weeks pay.

As for the 70's...nobody that I can think of here, unless it's their dad, uncle, or much older sibling...and they are from various parts of Europe.

Unless someone knows someone who was at any of these shows:

06 OCT 76 Canada, Sherbrooke, Centre Culturel de l'Univ de Sherbrooke
07 OCT 76 Canada, Quebec, Centre Municipal des Congrès
09 OCT 76 Canada, Montreal, Arena Paul Sauvé
10 OCT 76 Canada, Trois Rivieres, Centre Sportif UQTR
11 OCT 76 Canada, Chicoutimi, Auditorium Dufour de Chicoutimi
13 OCT 76 Canada, Rimouski, Centre Civique de Rimouski
15 OCT 76 Canada, Toronto, Massey Hall
18 OCT 76 USA, New York, The Beacon Theatre

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Chen Zen)

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:05:26 GMT

That mid section in Lemmings is tough to digest, but the main melody is oddly catchy.

I get the impression that VdGG is a pretty cool live band, but the live songs on my albums sound really bad. Who's seen them in concert? Better question, who saw them live in the 70s?

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Devnoy)

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:36:39 GMT

ORIGINAL: Chen Zen
Is that Robert Fripp on Man-Erg around the 3:00 mark? Sure sounds like him...

Since he plays electric guitar on the album and you hear an electric guitar I assume it's him

And yeah Pawn Heart is utterly fantastic. Funny enough Lemmings were the one I had the hardest time getting in to.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Chen Zen)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:09:46 GMT

Lemmings and Man-Erg are already really hitting the sweet spot, but it'll take a little longer for A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers to really sink in any. That's one thick song. I look forward to getting to know it.

Is that Robert Fripp on Man-Erg around the 3:00 mark? Sure sounds like him...

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Salmacis)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:30:39 GMT

Glad to hear it Chen Zen! The three epic pieces that comprise Pawn Hearts are all undisputed classics of prog.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Chen Zen)

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:19:17 GMT

Pawn Hearts finally showed up. I only ordered it a month and a half ago...

But this stuff is awesome! I'm absolutely stunned by what I'm hearing. I don't know yet if it's going to unseat Godbluff as my favorite, but it just may. It's all so weird and exciting. Perfect music for me.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Devnoy)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:09:49 GMT

ORIGINAL: drumline0671

As for Interference patterns, I was reminded of Gentle Giant, but I see whatcha mean.

Guess your right since Spock's practically is a modern version of Gentle Giant. It was just that the particular keyboard line reminded me of something I had head before, not just that it was in the same style.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (emtee)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:44:43 GMT

Only In A Whisper is killer.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (drumline0671)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:36:14 GMT

ORIGINAL: Devnoy

Been listening a lot to Trisector lately. It grew on me easily and I know enjoy the whole think. Is it me or does The Hurlyburly have the wildest Dire Straits feel to it? And the keyboard melody line in Interference Patterns is very Spock's Beard like? Not that it does anything, just instantly noticed it.

The Hurlyburly did remind me of Dire Straits when I first listened to it too. As for Interference patterns, I was reminded of Gentle Giant, but I see whatcha mean.

That album has been kicking my ass quite a bit lately.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Devnoy)

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:45:06 GMT

ORIGINAL: ytserush

$22.50

God damn the ticket prizes are low over there. If Peter played here it would minimum be 50 bucks or so.

Been listening a lot to Trisector lately. It grew on me easily and I know enjoy the whole think. Is it me or does The Hurlyburly have the wildest Dire Straits feel to it? And the keyboard melody line in Interference Patterns is very Spock's Beard like? Not that it does anything, just instantly noticed it.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (musicfan)

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:42:49 GMT

Just got Present in the mail today.

Listening to disc 1 now, really enjoying this. Actually, I'm enjoying it alot more that Real Time.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (ytserush)

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:08:54 GMT

ORIGINAL: Salmacis

Aaaaahhhh! ytserush, are you SURE you have to skip that? I'd never in a million years skip a local PH show for 22 bucks. I know what you mean, though. I've spent far too much on concerts in the last six, seven years.

I had to cut this from my Nearfest a la carte package. I'm seeing Fish Friday and Saturday and Liquid Tension Experiment on Monday that weekend. You can't beat that price, but I have to turn the faucet off. Harvey Bainbridge is going to be at the Proghouse in Metuchen April 19 for $20. Can't do it.

Then I have Rush three times so far -- more if I like the set better this time (I'm only flying solo for Liquid Tension Experiment and one of the Rush shows.) It adds up. This year is crazy. I've had to miss Dream Theater, Live, Joe Jackson, The Mars Volta, Coheed, Unexpect, Return To Forever, Tommy Emmanuel and a cast of dozens.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Salmacis)

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:07:22 GMT

Aaaaahhhh! ytserush, are you SURE you have to skip that? I'd never in a million years skip a local PH show for 22 bucks. I know what you mean, though. I've spent far too much on concerts in the last six, seven years.

musicfan: I also like "Drop Dead", one of my favs from Trisector.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (musicfan)

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:04:16 GMT

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.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (ytserush)

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:00:54 GMT

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.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Salmacis)

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:17:44 GMT

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!

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Chen Zen)

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:15:30 GMT

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

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (drumline0671)

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:10:16 GMT

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.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Chen Zen)

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:06:11 GMT

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.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (emtee)

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:44:11 GMT

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.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Devnoy)

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:43:09 GMT

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.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (LeChuck)

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:26:58 GMT

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.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Chen Zen)

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:26:55 GMT

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...

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Salmacis)

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:16:30 GMT

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!

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Chen Zen)

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:09:00 GMT

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...

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Salmacis)

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:42:28 GMT

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!

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Chen Zen)

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:20:41 GMT

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.

RE: Van Der Graaf Generator/Peter Hammill (Noware)

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:31:33 GMT

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!