PETER HAMMILL: TOP 10 ALBUMS
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- Опубликовано: 28 июл 2024
- Peter Hammill has been making music for well over fifty years, and as leader of Van der Graaf Generator, a true icon of progressive rock. But his albums are far from belonging to only that genre. Releasing over thirty studio albums, the variety of which is broad, he's maintained a standard of songwriting and performance that is unsurpassed in British popular music.
This is my extensive review of Peter Hammill the artists, and my selection of his Top 10 albums.
A bit of a marathon, this one. Thanks for watching.
![Peter Hammill [Van der Graaf Generator] "A Louse is not a Home" (react episode 804)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MxplnytqAQ0/mqdefault.jpg)
![Peter Hammill [Van der Graaf Generator] "A Louse is not a Home" (react episode 804)](/img/tr.png)
Peter Hammill is definitely not a "Sitting Target" when it comes to the task of nailing down a Top Ten. He is such a complex artist that listening to his music has different effect on you depending on the time and place. Overall I feel you came close to my personal favs and I really enjoyed your presentation of his catalogue. Thanks for this.
PH is not an artist. He is a force of nature💥🎶👊
An excellent rundown of his best albums. But it is also impressive that we could create a Top 10 list that is equally viable but looks very different. That’s the genius of Hammill.
Hammill is the greatest musical genius. Fullstop.
Thank you for doing this! Hammill's solo work is rarely brought up so this was epic - almost as epic as A Louse Is Not a Home, hahah. Yes, I agree with your #1 completely. There are now a few more recent albums I really need to check out!
Thank you!
Fantastic video! Thanks for taking the time to cover Hammill!
Thank you David. One of the best presentations of PH. To choose 10 out of 38 studio albums of such a giant can result as many lists as his fans. I prefer his early work and you only chose 4 albums from that era
Thank you very much. As you saw, I'm appreciative of Hammill's work right up to the present day. I think it's amazing that he's retained that creative urge (or spark) throughout his career. The opposite of complacency.
Fantastic list David, thanks for posting. I've been a huge PH & VDGG fan since 1972, when I heard "Theme One" on Junior Choice. Bought the single on the Monday after school - it had a picture sleeve and on the back were images of four albums, 3 by Van der Graaf, plus "Fool's Mate". That was my gateway to the band, and it would be no exaggeration to say that it changed my life. I completely agree with your first choice - "Silent Corner" is, indeed, an astonishing and epic piece of work. But no place for "Chameleon"? That's always been my second favourite by PH.
Thanks! Appreciate your comment. As regards 'Chameleon', I've always found it a bit undercooked, but perhaps its proximity to 'Silent Corner', for me, always put it in the shade.
David, thank you. This was really interesting. I have several Peter Hammill albums, but your ranking has given me some other ones to look for. - Chris
J'ai découvert Peter Hammill durant mon adolescence, il y a de cela 35 ans. Il a été, et est toujours, l'artiste le plus important que j'écoute. Son indépendance envers la machine commerciale, son écriture musical insufflé par sa voix et le choix de ses instruments musicales en fond un artiste qui m'a profondément touché. Merci David pour une relecture de son catalogue. Me revoilà parti à le réécouter.
I'm glad you're inspired again to listen to our old friend Peter. Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Atkinson for a very insightful episode of one of my favorite artists. Always discovering new sounds and expanded lyrical meanings from Mr. Hammill’s work. Cheers, Sal Randazzo.
You're welcome Sal. I've long had it in my head that I must share my enthusiasm for Hammill and VDGG, and it's lovely to know that there are others out there who love his stuff too. Having said that, I'm glad my own video is now done!
In Camera is my nr1 and my desert island album of PH
Just finding this video today. I’ll be digging in over the next few days, but thanks for taking the time to run through this - I’m sure many will disagree but you’re taking a great amount of time to talk and explain your choices, and this serves as a great introduction.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
To be fair, after all the pre-listening to Hammill ahead of making this video, it was a while before I had him back on the turntable!
Thank you for the video David. It has been an interesting journey, indeed. I became a fan of Peter Hammill in 2004 via VDGG and also have seen him live for the first time back then. I aquired his catalogue over the years and I would say my personal favourite phase is the new wave phase but he did a lot of great albums over the years. His singing is captivating, his lyrics are intelligent, I love his experimentation. My Top-10 would look like this:
10. ph7 (1979) - very experimental and diverse album, new wave experiments meeting singer/songwriter stuff. Handicap and Equality is probably my favourite here. I really like how he delivers this difficult subject matter and love the piano melody.
9. In a Foreign Town (1988) - I really love this album. True, it has a poppier approach but it has a lot of great tracks with memorable melodies. "Hemlock", "Invisible Ink", "The Play`s the Thing" (again a Shakespear Theme), the epitaph to Tony Stratton-Smith "Time to Burn" and "This Book" which I knew as a Miguel Bose track.
8. A Black Box (1980) - Flight alone makes this a Top-10 album for me. The ride through live to death is a tour de force. "Fogwalking" has a creepiness that makes for a dark atmosphere. Maybe his most intense work of the 80s.
7. Fireships (1992) - Like you have said, great producton by David Lord, sonically a very warm album with a band feel, some classics. My favourite track has to be the title track but I enjoy every song. Definitely his best album of the 90s.
6. Enter K (1982) - First album by the K-Group with Nic Potter, Guy Evans and former Peter Gabriel guitarist John Ellis. A lot of classics on that record like "Happy Hour", "Unconscious Life" or "Don't Tell Me". There also a lot of New Wave kind of guitar tracks like the opener but my favourite is probably the electronical experimantal "Accidents" with a guest appearance from David Jackson on saxophone.
5. Patience (1983) - Second album by the K-Group. Another highlight in Peter's carrer. A lot of classics with "Just good Frinds", "Patient" and "Labour of Love". My favourite here is probably "Traintime" which to me is a story of time travel.
4. In Camera (1974) - I love the experimental nature of the album, the synth sounds, the musique concrete sounding Gog/Magog. The whole album is experimental, dense and has a gothic kind of vibe that is perfectly captured in the cover shoot of ph.
3. Nadir`s Big Chance (1975) - great band sound, fine songwriting. Not all the songs have a punk vibe, "Been alone so long" by Judge Smith is probably my favourite and I really enjoy the rocking "Two or Three Spectres" which has kind of a stadium rock vibe a la VDGG.
2. Over (1976) - probably the ultimate break up album that really defines him as one of the finest songwriters of his generation. "This Side of the Looking Glass" has a wonderful orchestral arrangement and I wish he would record a whole album with orchestra.
1. Sitting Targets (1981) - A precursor to the K-Group albums containing a lot of classics with "Sign", "Stranger Still", "Ophelia" and the title track which he plays live a lot. The ending of "Stranger Still" gave me goosebumps hearing him screaming it live. A mindblowing album.
Some great insights and recommendations there. Thanks for posting. I think your comment is really helpful. I can see where our tastes diverge, but still we're both obviously deep in the Hammill camp! I just wish there were more of us.
Thank you for this remarquable video. Here are my own preferences in Hammill catalogue :
1. In camera
2. Silent corner
3. Chameleon
4. Thin air
5. Over
6. Nadir's big chance
7. Consequences
8. A black box
9. Fireships
10. Loops and reels or PH7or THIS....
I love all these albums so much...and many others.
But not so much "From the trees" except two or three songs (The descent!).
Well….I cannot fault your list (even though I have a weakness for The Future Now). Especially number 1 and 2 are phenomenal 💥🎶😍
As close as this
fantastic video David. Thank you. Am a big VDG fan and have a smattering of Hammill's solo catalogue. Loads here I was not aware of.
A lifetime of discovery!
Hi David, I have been waiting on your Peter Hammill video for a while. You had indicated previously that you would cover PH in some way. I was introduced to his music in the late 1970s, with PH7. I was a voracious devourer of music back then and, with a friend with similar taste we started collecting the back catalogue of Hammill and VdGG. I loved it. I found it rich and rewarding music and thought him an incomparable lyricist. I got to see him perform live three times in the early 1980s.After “In a Foreign Town” (1988) I just seemed to lose the habit of buying his records. Inspired by your video I will explore the later records starting with “Fire Ships”. Over, A Black Box and Silent Corner... remain my favorites. Like you I am the father of a daughter and “Sleep now” is an all time favorite. It ha an emotional affect just thinking about it so you can imagine how I react when I listen to it.
Always room for more Hammill in the collection. Enjoy. 😀
'Sleep Now' gives me a lump in the throat just thinking about it.
Great unexpected selection of albums, which cover all eras of Hammill's career! (Unexpected omission of 'Chameleon in the shadow of the night, too').
Excellent selection & far from the norm which is very refreshing. I had to giggle though when you said a few hundred songs.. Its probably in excess of 1500 & thats not even including collaborations + a full blown opera!
I know. It made me chuckle too, although I'm not sure he's done more than 1500. It's a great question regardless!
Thanks for this video. I love Hammills eloquence in his lyrics. I have to listen to him when my wife and son are out the house because they complain "Oh not that melodramatic screecher again!" (I dont like headphones). My collection is mostly early stuff but now youve given me some "homework" to listen to some of the later albums.
Hope you're making progress on discovering some new favourites. I'm no fan of headphones either!
Even though I'm not a fan of PH, I really appreciate your knowledge of all these great artists that you present to us. Your comments are detailed and you talk about them with passion. Nice job Mr Atkinson.
Thank you! I'm trying my best. There's not so many artists left that I'm familiar enough with to do a career review, but I'll continue to select key albums that have meant a lot to me. 👍🏻
Thank you for the excellent video. Very glad that you put "Fireships" so close to the top. I love Hammill's production as a whole (he has been hugely influential to my musical thinking), but Fireships is a definite favorite. Another one is "Nadir's Big Chance", which is odd, considering I am a classical violinist. It has an insouciant, tongue-in-cheek almost Pythonesque feel to it that I find irresistible. Cheers!
Thank you. I loved your description of 'Nadir's Big Chance'. Spot-on. Good to know that 'Fireships' has another admirer.
My Top Ten:
Silent Corner
A Black Box
Chameleon
In camera
Over
Sitting targets
Nadir's Big Chance
Patience
Enter K
Skin
Yeah, those are universally regarded as the classic canon. I’d put The Future Now over Skin though.
@@AlbertoVO5 best non cannonical?
@@nicolasbascunan4013 sorry, can you please clarify?
@@AlbertoVO5 best non "classic canon" albums by PH?
Excellent video,sir
I saw VDGg in Edinburgh in 2022, one of their last gigs.
I also saw them in Amsterdam in 2007 (perhaps) and saw Hammill solo supporting Marillion in 1983...I was about the only person applauding.
Thanks. Reminds me when I saw hammill support Brand X (without Collins) in the 70s at Newcastle City Hall. I think I too was the only one applauding!
Thanks David for your PH assessment! I struggled with VDGG from 1974 through 1992. I couldn't "get" his muse for years- maybe the Stentorian voice replused me!
After 1996, I was on board!
My fave PH is " Cross My heart" 1995 the voices were sublime! 51:49
Good to see you back in top form David.
I am not ashamed to admit I have actually never heard of this guy, probably because I also never listened to VdGG. But it was a fascinating presentation, nonetheless. I will give a listen to a couple of your highlighted selections to get more of a feel for his music, maybe It will click. Cheers!
Thanks for sticking with it Mike. It was a long one!
Despite my enthusiasm for Hammill's music, I feel some trepidation in recommending it to the newcomer, as he's so different from the norm. But if you're going to dip your toe in the water, tread carefully and give it time. Probably also best to have access to the lyrics as you listen. I'd also suggest starting with his more gentle material, before diving into his more dissonant tunes or VDGG's catalogue, although the latter's 'Refugees' or 'Wondering' are good entry points. Thanks for commenting, AND watching!
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 No thanks needed David. It was an absolute pleasure, as always. I am a big fan of disssonance in music. Lou Reed, the Velvets, early Roxy Music all do it for me. Thanks for your recommendations, I will dive into Refugees first, probably with headphones on. Once again, I really appreciate these deep dives that you do - and good to see you looking in fine fettle.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 I actually started with Fireships, I think that was your number two choice. Reason: I liked the album cover. After one complete play I am intrigued. Also, the production on ‘Oasis’ is incredible…amazingly lifelike percussion. Good choice 👍
@@mike_burke I'll never get tired of that album, and you're right, the percussion on 'Oasis' is fabulous.
Better late than never Mike, but it's a travesty that many have not heard of PH (or VdGG) despite 49 albums, when he should be revered as highly as Bowie or Bush regardless of album sales. As David said in the video, 'PH's music doesn't make for easy listening' (neither do Van's or Rod's IMO!) but that's the point- it's unique. Over 50 years of esoteric song writing, dramatic performing and thought provoking lyrics. Melodic it rarely is, but powerful it usually is.
I started listening to VDGG in 1974, and couldn't get into the band. I started in 1992- somebody lent me Fireships, and gradually started understanding Peter's work.
In 1996 I bought the double CD " Eyewitness: tribute to Vander Graff Generator, an excellent 2 CD tribute album with tracks by Progressive rock bands.
It is available on RUclips for listening! After listening to that, I have been listening to Peter Hamill/ VDGG ever since!
I saw 2 solos and VDGG - excellent performances!
VDGG get a special mention in my '1976' video. Love them.
Genius is often overused but Peter Hammill surely warrants that description. His amazing voice, questing intelligent lyrics and that mixture of drama and beauty in the music marks him as one of the greatest artists. Inimitable, uncompromising.
Thank you for such a stimulating video. It makes me want to go straight to the records.
In Camera was my first Hammill album too and what a journey it has been ever since…
Thanks Howard. It's so good to see that you and others appreciate Peter so much. It's understandable, given his style, but it's a crime he isn't as well known as he could be.
An appreciably literate note, always refreshing on You Tube.
Nice one man! A really exciting countdown with some surprises! I actually yelped out 'Yeaaaah' when you revealed the Number One to be the HOLY Silent Corner. Extremely difficult to narrow it into ten...for example, with Silent Corner as your Number one, I would have expected 'Chameleon' to have been in there, but then you would have ha to drop one...like...which one?!!! Interesting what you said about 'And Close As This'...I always loved this one but think of 'Silver' and 'Confidence' as wholly part of it, though you put it into an interesting perspective. I agree about your 'ambient' choices like 'The Light Continent' and the beautiful 'Gaia'....I know there are so many 'What abouts'...but what about 'A Black Box'? (FLIGHT!') and a particular fave of mine, though not so popular it seems, 'Incoherence'. I spoke to David Jackson about this...he likes this one and says it was very intense getting it together, and they were all really pleased with it. Thanks again!
Thanks Marc. Appreciate the feedback. I set out to try and complete the impossible task of accurately ranking Peter's albums, and thought about it for ages before doing it. As you can tell, I love his work, and every bit of it is interesting (at the very least) but, like you suggest, it's no easy task. I also wanted to do my bit and try and encourage a few others to try-out his music. A lifetime of enjoyment awaits for those that have the curiosity and 'Patience'(!).
Nice that you spoke with Jaxon about the music. Wouldn't it have been amazing to have been able to sit-in on some of those sessions?
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826...Yeah! To have sat in on 'Pawn Hearts' or 'Silent Corner'...or any really! As a music maker it would be fascinating. (the production etc). You do a great job with your list! I have managed to 'convert' a few people to the music of PH / VDGG...but none have becomes as...'obsessive' as myself...though an ex girlfriend got quite into it once things 'clicked'...her favourite song is 'Shell'! (She got to see him perform this live ha ha!)....listened to 'A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers' on shared headphones which took a bus journey from Porthcawl to Bridgend! Keep on Hammilliizing man!
Nice review. I did not get into all albums after 1990. I will look into your selections.
1) Over
2) Silent Corner
3) Chameleon
4) In Camera
5) Nadir's
6) PH7
7) Fools Mate
8) Skin
9) Patience
10) And Close as This
''Love'' all the above & order can change for me over time. Enjoy the others also. PH was my fav artist during college years in the 80's. Still own all his LP's up to & including Out of Water. Saw Peter in 1986 with a guitar and piano nothing else. Brilliant !
You seriously need to give Fireships a chance if you haven't already, it's fantastic.
If you take out Patience and put Fireships in instead then we'd have the same top ten (but with a completely different arrangement).
Thank you!
I love your insight. I discovered PH when 12 years old.
Finally!
Collected what I could in NYC.
I have seen every show of VdGg and showing during a solo show in NYc.
Skeleton of Songs tour as a single performer in the US.
Prefer when PH picks up a guitar.
Raw and real to my ears.
I like “Skin “ very much.
“Nader” was important to me.
I commend your attention to “Over”.
My punk family of musicians love that album.
Love the amazing psychedelic of the early years .
He wrote at 17. Raised as a Jesuit.
Not surprised.
I hated ZP.
To your point.
Hard to listen too and at the time late 60 to 70 it about girls.
It takes a person with a big intellect and a deep understanding to cover hammill music.
Regarding "As close as this": the sleeve notes (or maybe it was PH's remarks in his old newsletter) say that this was 'one pass on the keyboard, one vocal take'. That probably explains the intimate nature of the sound. I was a bit disappointed in that the computer possibilities weren't used very much - although taken possibly to excess on "Confidence". The opening and closing songs are first class, as you noted.
I wouldn't rate the albums in the same order as you, but I think that this is a given and everyone has their own preferences.
My preferences:
1) In Camera
- The Silent corner and the Empty Stage
3) Nadir's big Chance
4) Over
5) The Future Now
6) Ph7
7) Fools Mate
8) Chameleon in the Shadow of Night
9) Enter K
10) A Black Box
Largely agree, though I missed In Camera. Nevertheless, I can live with this choice.
Peter is marmite, I have never in 50 years managed to turn anyone onto him. He has always stuck to his artistic principles (like Bill Nelson and Graham Parker), which is admirable but not gonna sell many records. I started liking him during the post-pink period so those albums have always stuck with me most from Over to Sitting Targets. I agree Silent Corner is probably the best. Nice work mate.
I've had the same experience Dave. I have a good friend whose musical taste overlaps with mine quite a bit, but he can't stand Hammill. I put it down to listening styles - Hammill demands attention and concentration to get the most out of his music. Most people don't have the patience (pardon the pun).
This was a joy to watch. But leaving out "A Black Box"? Seriously?
Nadir's Big Chance is in my top ten lps of all time. I bought a used copy in Berkeley California in 1980 or so,at the suggestion of a store employee.
Thanks for this nice breakdown!
I think Peter Hammill is a victim of his own talent, introspection and versatility as far as being popular. I love what you said about his music leaving you a little bit wiser. I thought I was well educated in psychology and philosophy and then I heard his music and had to think again. How he can say in some songs what entire textbooks can't convey properly baffles me!
It is hard to pick a favorite album but I have to agree with your number one choice.
The song Sleep Now gets me every time also!
If you aren't afraid to shed tears or face your fears he is the artist to listen to.
Thanks again! 🎷🎹🎻🎸👏
Thanks, and well said. I wonder if he knows the impact his music has had on so many people. I can imagine him so focused on his artistry that he doesn't put himself in the shoes of the long-time fan. It's not like he's an enthusiastic public figure, but it would be nice to hear him speak of fan encounters over the years. Just a thought.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 From asking a few people who have met and spoken with him at length they say he is a very modest, introspective and well-learned man. No surprise there. He has been so fearless in baring his most personal feelings so eloquently in his songs I don't know what I would ask him he hasn't already answered in his music but it would be a privilege to get a chance. Maybe he could write a song about conversations with his fans over the years:-)
@@markmaxwell1013 I think he did....'Nutter Alert' on the VDGG album 'Present'!!
When I briefly met him in the 70s (once, when he performed solo, and then backstage with VDGG) I recall him being very approachable and respectful. But I was just a youth (!) without a clue what to say to him. Now that I'm older, and like you say, it would be lovely to spend a bit of time with him, for me to try and understand the what and how of his inspiration and creativity, and how keeps going.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Nutter Alert is a classic! I should have clarified I meant something more seriously appreciative of the fans who have had nice respectful conversations with him. He is a brilliant man and must have at least clue at what a profound effect his music has had on so many of us. Making the tough times easier and the beautiful times more profound is not an easy task for an artist but he seems to nail it easily.
Backstage at a concert must have been awesome and intimidating for a young man! Yes, I would also want to ask him about his creative process. I know long walks to clear his mind are part of it. The same as Beethoven and so many other great minds in history. Beyond that is a mystery to me. Would be nice to know more.
Take care and keep cycling!
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826
The closest thing I’ve seen to him addressing fandom is within the short story Audi in his first book Killers, Angels, Refugees. And, of course, in German Overalls. In terms of Hammill commenting on his experiences and personal life it seems pretty clear he took a major cue from the playbook of Brando who left us with the memorable quote, “there is nothing so upsetting to the stomach as actors talking about their personal lives on television.” I met him very briefly after a show at WDC’s Bayou (to give him a piece of art based on Door). This was a few years post Lennon murder in NY and I imagine performers were wary of mingling after shows but he was incredibly gracious.
I have that same book of lyrics, also autographed by himself after a show in Toronto. And even though I do not have kids, "Sleep Now" would invariably make me tear up, for a long while there. No major grievances with your choices, though my list would probably be quite different. "Consequences" would be one I would not leave out.
I'll tell you Bob. It was a hard choice what to leave out. 'Sleep Now' demonstrates such tenderness, doesn't it. An unknown classic. The perfect lullaby.
I agree. Consequences is a very powerful raw album, dealing with our own actions and how they impact on others. I reviewed it on Amazon when it came out. Who could forget the "sharpened scissors". Very Hitchcock.
I've been a big PH fan for decades and buy each album automatically, but between 1994 to current there are only a couple of albums that stand out to me (Thin Air and Singularity). The others aren't exactly poor, just none stand out particularly. I tend to listen to each new release 5 -6 times then shelve them. Picking the albums apart, there's no particularly bad songs/lyrics (apart from Curtains - makes me cringe every time I hear it!) but they seem to be 'Hammill by numbers'. I'd love to hear a good 'band' album, but I don't think that will ever happen now.
I tend to agree about the later albums. I used to think that after 'Fireships' and the David Lord co-production, his albums began to sound 'thinner' and 'samey'. But I keep coming back and staying on the Hammill train. He's too good for you not to give his new releases time and attention.
Peter hammill is a understated genius...not a duff album....gog Magog ....just insane . looooooooove it
Thank you. A black box is a master piece. 😉
And The Noise! 😊
Thank you so much for the reviews. PH is my god of music and therefore I am an unconditional admirer. Unfortunately I only saw him live once, in Lisbon on the 17th of June 1992. I still have the ticket with me.
Great video, Dave. Like you I got hooked on Hammill's music in the mid 70s after blindly buying 'Still Life' followed by 'Silent Corner...' I can now proudly say that I own all of his albums plus hundreds of bootlegs including the excellent 'Tides' CD, collected over the years. I agree with your No.1 choice but I would have included 'Sitting Targets', 'Chameleon' and 'Out of Water', but that's what's great about Hammill's music, so many excellent albums. I'm sure you changed your mind once or twice in your selection.
I posted a few Hammill videos on here, check them out if you like. ;)
Thanks so much Rikki. And I will be checking out your videos on Hammill. I'm finding it remarkable that, after all these years, real fans are still paying attention to Peter's music. He'll be sorely missed when he's gone.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Your mention of the song The descent on From the trees is very reminiscent of the story of Sergei and Francys Arsentiev who died in the descent after climbing Everest without bottled oxygen. Apparently Sergei was killed while trying to rescue his wife in the worsening conditions. Francys was referred to as the sleeping beauty by other climbers who passed her body. I think the meaning of the song is that the descent is the most treacherous part of the journey. PH wrote more songs on the subject of the transience of life since his near fatal heart attack. The lyrics "only yesterday, you were pegging out your tent" is a reminder of that impermenance.
Thanks for the presentation. There are so many PH albums that could have made to No1 spot, though I was surprised by your inclusion of Roaring 40's in your top 10. I still struggled with it having listened to it a couple of weeks ago. Others that could have made it to a top 10 are Chameleon in the shadow of the night, A black box, Sitting targets and Patience. One of my personal favourite is Everyone you hold, with its lush soundscapes and intuitive lyrics. It doesn't get much mention in discussion; however, I consider it to be close to perfection. Singularity is another that is up there with his best. The quiet zone and the pleasure dome is on that escapes discussion since it's neither a VDGG or PH album, yet it's his best collection of songs on one album in my estimation.
Anyone who listens to PH and VDGG is sensible enough to know that there are no absolute best albums in his catalogue, I think he deliberately set out to avoid such an outcome. It might even be wiser to evaluate which albums DON'T make it into a top 10 rather than the ones that do. Even then it would only amount to around half a dozen albums.
I also absolutely love "Everyone you hold", such a beautiful, calm album and his voice is perfect on these songs
@@seghj That's it! I'm off to listen to it . I've got a bottle of wine and" the time is right now". I'll get back to you later.
I wouldn't argue with you Tom, although I suspect we might differ on 'Quiet Zone/Pleasure Dome'. At the time of its release it was such a jarring listen. Easier for me to admire some years afterwards. Thanks for your considered comment. It's always good to hear from longtime fans.
An unusually considered comment. Thanks for the great points.
Loving Enter K, Patience and Over. What you recommend next?
'Sitting Targets' and 'PH7' would be where I'd go next, but there's so much in his catalogue to explore.
I loved this review. I am a fan for some 35 years now. I have seen PH live many times and VDGG as from 2005. My top ten would have been 1 Nadir's Big Chance. 2 Fool's Mate. 3 Over. 4 The Silent Corner and the empty stage. 5. The Margin. 6 The fall of the house of Usher. 7 In a foreign town. 8 A black box. 9 Sitting Targets 10 Fire ships. I also own everything from the last 30 years. But I don't listen it a lot like I did with the top ten I mentioned.
Aaah I forgot "In Camera" should have been on number 5 so unfortunately Fireships falls of the list. I like a thin man sings ballads a lot too. My pick of the 90ies. I like it more then Love Songs
You might like my '1976' video, in which VDGG gets a special mention.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Thank you. I will certainly watch it.
I just stumbled upon this video, and really enjoyed it. Hammill is definitely an acquired taste. His way of interpreting his own melodies and rhythms to convey the proper emotion in a dramatic way is a big part of it, I think. The first record of his I bought was "Godbluff," when it first came out. I played about half of side one and took it off. It eventually became a favorite, though. I'd also be interested to know the story behind Jaxon's departure from VDGG. My understanding is that Hammill fired him. It's too bad. I agree that his woodwind sounds were a perfect addition to Hammill's songs. My own list differs substantially from yours with one big, predictable similarity:
10. Loops and Reels
9. In Camera
8. Roaring Forties
7. Nadir's Big Chance
6. Fall of the House of Usher
5. Skin
4. Sitting Targets
3. Patience
2. A Black Box
1. The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage
Isn't it a wonderful demonstration of an artist's worth when long-term fans like us can make very different selections from the catalogue, and yet still pick great works?
And 'Godbluff'....fantastic.
@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Yes, Godbluff is fantastic. Its beauty, if you could call it that, is that it was recorded virtually live in the studio, giving it a rawness unmatched in other albums. It was released after the PH solo album Nadir's big chance which was for the most part a protopunk album. PH knew that punk was going to make a massive impact on music with prog being doomed to die. The resulting Godbluff is an unholy mixture of punk meets prog with truly unique results.
Very memorable review.Thank you so much for this.
I agree fully that Silent Corner is PH best album by far. I bought when it was released. PH made so many great albums like In Camera, Over, Future Now, Fireships, Nadir's etc and a few duff ones. Peter Hammill educated my lifelong appreciation and taste in prog music and his deep thoughts and emotions on life.
He'll always be one of my favourite artists. He's given us so much great music and insightful lyrics, it's a bloody shame that he's not appreciated as much as he deserves.
Hi David, fellow Geordie here. First saw VDGG on the six bob tour at Newcastle City Hall and was hooked. Great video. My take on what happened between David Jackson and the other band members, piecing together what little they have said about the matter, is that he felt unable to commit the time required to make the reunified band work and there was a falling out. Over the Hill on Trisector contains a clue - "..... no passengers come on this ride, civilians, the broken-hearted need not apply...." savage stuff!
I don’t know. It would be very uncharacteristic of Hammill to emote about his long time band mates in his lyrics. I’ve met him - fleetingly - but enough to know he’s a gentleman through and through. I just don’t think he commit a critical word about Jackson in his public work.
I love this kind of video as it expands my music knowledge and collection. Someone that had again passed me by but I will definitely give a go. I have looked on Apple Music and not many albums on but a few more on Spotify. Can’t find “This” on either so will have to get a hard copy as I like melodic music. Can you recommend a good compilation album as a starter for a PH beginner?
Good Compilation on vinyl only: Vision...look for it
Tony, I think one of his best compilations is 'Past Go'. It's a brilliant selection of his later years, and it includes 'His Best Girl', the superb 'The Gift of Fire' and many others I mentioned in the video.
I would recommend “Love Songs”
@@MrDanielphenix thank you for the advice, I will get a copy.
@@markfirth3204 thank you also for your advice, I can see many copies on EBay so I will get this also
Really original choice but in my opinion it lasts Fools Mate, Nadir's Big Chance, Sitting Targets and the 2 lives : Room Temperature and Skeletons songs...Brgds YL PS Thanks I didn't know From the Trees !
I listen to Peter Hammill more in the fall and winter for some reason.
Yes, I do too. Isn't that strange?
That's strange because I do exactly the same, never listen to him in summer.
I would put them in different order, but all are top notch PH albums - no arguments
Silent Corner is my favorite album of all time.
I see hammill……i click
Peter Hammill-Fireships 1992 ... perfect and amazing album !!! (Czech fan.)
I'm a big fan of A Black Box.
David Jackson. It is my understanding that DJ has a huge commitment to his work with music therapy for mentally handicapped children. I do not believe that there has been any falling out with VdGG members. He continues to provide sax & flute support to PH recordings.
I'm not so sure, given that the band refused to discuss Jaxon's departure publicly. I know about his commendable work with handicapped children, so he has good reason to focus on something perhaps closer to his heart and more aligned with his domestic circumstances.
Just little notes on your great video: PH7 is the seventh album because Peter doesn't count FM as a solo album.( He told me that )..so the equation between his carreer's solo album and his love of chemistry is here perfect.. Handicap and Equality have been getting a lot of reactions (negative) thanks for the positiveness of your critic. What is never said is that on some people like me (and i guess on others) it change my perspective on those people for ever and make me walk towards them and never turn a side...just for that it is a great song on a subject that was never sung about in the 70's.. And that's the mark of a great artist indeed. On THIS , which i agree with your critic , is good to know that it is the 40th album of Hammill on his 50th birthday. Lots of numbers involved on that album . The last of the century too and the last tour in North America with Gordon. Your running order has no real importance for me , people will never agree anyway, specially me, on your list of best top 10. What is interesting are your comments on each album. Great job ! ( i agree that Fireships though is fantasticaly co-produce by David and his playing is uplifting...i remember the Bath concert in 94 (i flew from Quebec to see it) and he was great. ) PS: A Way out is indeed a song for his brother who phoned him on Peter's birthday and then suicided...that's why the last line before hanging up he wish he said it... very traumatic...(there is a live version on You tube where he brokes in tears at the last line). TXS
Daniel, It's a genuine pleasure reading your heart-felt and informative comment. A true fan, truly committed. Wonderful to see, and it's also helpful to others to see such knowledge passed-on.
It's sobering too, when you clarify the reality behind 'A way Out'. Peter performs it so reliably well, yet it must be heartbreaking for him to do.
my favourite album are ...silent corner.....chameleon....in camera
PETER HAMMILL albums??? NON saprei stilare una classifica precisa anche perché il materiale da luì composto è veramente MOLTO e di grande qualità un po' come il discorso di FRANK ZAPPA per mettere un termine di paragone!!!!!!! Quindi siamo di fronte ad un AUTENTICO GENIO musicale senza dubbio!!!!!!! E quindi sceglierne almeno 10 è un impresa ardua. Però va bene ci provo, quindi questi che citerò NON li metterò secondo una classifica ma come i 10 che più mi sento a PELLE quando li ascolto Ok??? IN CAMERA 1974, THE SILENT CORNER & THE EMPTY STAGE 1973, CHAMELEON IN THE SHADOW OF THE NIGHT 1973 , FOOL 'S MATE 1971 , NADIR'S BIG CHANCE 1975, IN A BLACK BOX 1980, OVER 1977, THE FUTURE NOW 1978, PH7 1979 , AS CLOSE AS THIS 1986 .
I think our favourites overlap quite a bit! Thanks for commenting Massimo. Google Translate helped me out!
Great talk, David. Engaging, natural and inspiring. It's fine to use notes - better than getting stuck when you forget your point.
You've enthused me to check out those albums. Here's the song that drew me to Peter: ruclips.net/video/ZHpBEGkGFGo/видео.htmlsi=L_Uo0DfljE0EIQ0Z
You're right about his enunciation - you can hear every word. Where are you from? Can't place your accent.
Keep up the good work, Robert.
Hi Robert, Thanks for your comment (and apologies for the late reply - I've been off YT for several weeks). 'Refugees' was the one that grabbed me first too. VDGG's '68-71' compilation was my entry point.
By the way, I'm from Newcastle. I left 35 years ago though and my accent softened a bit, mostly due to the work I used to do. A day or two back 'home' and the full Geordie comes out again!
What makes a great song writer: Listen to A Louse Is Not A Home.
I’ve heard of Marc Almond’s covers of Hammill but have never heard them. I’ve rarely heard a Hammill cover that didn’t make me wince. The ones I’ve heard (most seem to come out of Eastern Europe or Russia) are too imitative in embarrassing ways, or musically too thin. Obviously his songs are challenging and it takes major guts to even show up. At the channel of Señor Don Usted is a heartfelt acoustic cover of Birthday Special and an imaginative and awesome cover of A Ritual Mask. Check them out here:
ruclips.net/video/zbBv1niirEY/видео.html
btw: By the way, it should also be mentioned that PH was way ahead of the punk era on his epic concept album Nadir's Big Chance (recorded 1974!) with his fictional character Rikki Nadir.
How is it possible to do a top-10 of PH albums without In Camera in it? That being said, I agree with the high ranking of Fireships. Sonically this album is one of the best Hammill did. I don't understand why he did not continue in that vein.
'In Camera' IS in it! Glad you enjoyed the video and my mention of 'Fireships'. 👍🏻
In camera is I would say is on a par with Pawn hearts . Truly wonderful
I am envious of yourself and others who started listening and/or attending shows close to the beginning of his career. As a long term fan (since '92) I am quite sad about his recent dumpster fire covers album 'In Translation' , I doubt that will be making anyone's Top 10.
Too much talking, share your sentiments, Sir, but for mr it drags. But thanks for highlighting pHs uniqueness
Barry, when I make these videos I'm trying to sum-up my experiences in relation to the artist or band. The videos are my way of securing my memories as best I can, and not simply a quick rundown of my faves. Glad that you appreciate hammill though. 🤝
Thanks!
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Please, buy some bifocals🙏🙏🙏!!!