Legendary band. As an italian, I'm very proud that Italy supported them very much at the beginning of their career.....giving them a further boost for carrying on !!
Yes, wonderfull song by one of the greatest band in rock history. Peter Hammill is one of the rare genius in music. This was their early stuff (very Procol Harum-esque). They later become the best progressive band in the world and Hammill began a 50 years solo career with many masterpieces. You really should listen to other songs by this man. Many intense emotion to experiment. I go to see them live next month since they are still touring and recording new material.
Peter Hammill, the lead singer with the band was born with perfect pitch, and although not displayed here had a powerful, angry kind of voice! They were a Prog band, who despite being utterly unique, had no success in their native England or the States, but were huge in Italy. Decent song to play, but there is so much better!
Really beautiful and timely. Their songs "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers" and "The Sleepwalkers" will show you different sides of the great band. Cheers!
Thanks for this Harri, Refugees is a song from "The Least We Can Do is Wave to Each other" which was VDGG's second album and was released in 1970. I have all the band's albums and many of Peter Hammill's solo albums too but this is the song that has been obsessing me recently. The band is usually very intense as you could see if you played "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers" or one of the band's other masterpieces but this, though unusual is a perfect song. You might have noticed that there was no lead guitar on this song, it wasn't often used by the band although they do have a bass guitar and the songs are usually heavy with saxophones (or two, David Jackson often played two at the same time) but here he plays the flute which plays the theme that defines the song. Guy Evans is, of course, magnificent on percussion as is Nic Potter on bass, but Hugh Banton on organ together with Hammill, the singer and composer on piano (and also the guest cellist). This old video has the sound dubbed onto it hence the sound quality and poor synching. The lyrics of the song are very dense and start with a (usually) positive comment about each of three of the four points of the compass. I think that you're right Harri that there's a sense of movement and rootlessness here which is resolved in the peaceful times in the second verse where people's thoughts turn to freedom and Hammill simply says, "and we moved together to the West." These days people often denigrate the West and run down the peace and freedom that we enjoy, but Hammill sees it as a kind of paradise that people aspire to, "where the colours turn from grey to gold" and utters my favourite line in the song, "the West is Mike and Susie." Mike (McLean) and Susie (Penhaligon) flat shared with Hammil and a subtext of the song is how it hurt him to leave them and the flat and become a "refugee" himself as he looked for somewhere else to live. Mike and Susie were and are his friends and this also has the meaning to me that our lives in the West are defined by our friendships and our relationships with others rather than by the dictators and politicians and bureaucrats in the lands people flee from. The penultimate verse talks about the blessings to the refugees arriving in the West: "There we shall spend our final days of our lives; Tell the same old stories: yeah well, At least we tried. Into the West, smiles on our faces, we'll go; Oh, yes, and our apologies to those Who'll never really know the way." The final verse looks back to the refugees, to the people: "carrying all we own In brown bags, tied up with string Nothing to think, it doesn't mean a thing But we can be happy on our own." It's almost like Pilgrim, in Bunyan's, "Pilgrim's Progress," leaving all behind him and fleeing the City of Destruction in his search for the promises he has believed. And at last, the refugees find their Desiderata in the West, as it says in the final four lines: "West is Mike and Susie West is Mike and Susie West is where I love West is refugees' home." Sorry to have been so long, rambling and tedious in my thoughts here. The song means a lot to me and I'm happy to be able to share it.
You know your stuff mate. I've just texted a huge fan of theirs to really give harri the big picture. Seems like you've already done that, but i hope he at least hears what the man thought. Cheers.
Just to add, I'm haunted by the video of the young woman on the banks of the canal in Manchester. Although she only walks slowly there is the vibrancy of youth about her. These shots are from the original promo and she was probably a student friend of Hammill's which would mean that she's about 73 now. But somehow she'll never grow old, she's preserved in the amber of film and as long as it exists she will always be a young woman, wandering and pondering about the world and everything that happens in it. By the way, if any of you get the chance, try reading some of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's books or those by Stephan Collishaw, all of them are on Kindle and all of them deal with repression and the lack of freedom in Eastern Europe in the war and the remainder of last century, then ask yourself why it's happening again.
@@Katehowe3010 Just watched - thx Chris. It's a good explanation by Paul - I can only add - it's a good thing he didn't request a song on Pawn Hearts - Paul would still be typing!
@@vdggmouse9512 You can't say that the season's over with 12 games to go, but it's looking grim when you can't score, and never look like you will! They either string a couple of back to back upcoming home victories together, or it's curtains!
One of those anomalies in music, where a Prog rock band as good and inventive as the names we've all heard of, but apart from Italy, they just fell through the cracks. Maybe the lack of an electric guitar, and Peter Hammill's cerebral take on lyrics had something to do with it, but i'm merely guessing!
And the voice is pretty much still there. Considering Peter's health issues. Incredible. More raucous parts in later years. Does the reviewer know how old the song is .? He needs to give Every Bloody Emperor a listen . So relevant to some of issues of today. Refugees has personal resonance for me, regarding the loss of a friend who was big fan of Van der Graff Generator & introduced me to their music.
Okay my dude positively nobody knew who they were when i was listening to them obsessively in 1972. Funny story, I used to hang out in the all night coffee shop with the guys from Plasticland and they turned me onto the band. You could go to the record store and every album they did was in the cut out section - literally they would nip a corner off an album cover if it wasn't selling well, and put it in the back room in the "cut out" section - all the best music was there. This was my heart, this song. You have just gained a number one fan for taking note!
One of my two favourite bands along with Soft Machine. Check out Jade Warrior, Embryo, Birth Control, Guru Guru, preferably their early seventies stuff. As for ballads try Sea of Love Phil Phillips.
The lead singer, Peter Hammill, has one of the most incredible voice in prog-rock. Listen to Arrow and you'll understand what i mean. He is writing almost all lyrics for the band and all his myrics are full of deep thoughts and influenced often by Sci-Fi.
This song, is basically a farewell, to a roomate and her boyfriend who moved away. A goodbye to friends, that will come up in our own lives. The line, Mike and Susie, in the song "Susie" , is British actress, Susan Penhaligon and TV celebrity comedian, presenter Mike Mclean.
For some reason the audio of this video was replaced by the audio of the studio version; Peter Hammill's lip movements are clearly not in sync, and there was no cello in this live version (but there was one in the studio version played by Mike Hurwitz).
HarriBest - just so you know - Van der Graaf Generator started in 1967 and are from Manchester, UK. They have many classics but for newcomers I'd suggest you listen/react to either 'Man-erg' - 'Arrow' or 'Darkness 11/11.'
Hi mate, I'm contacting you from this channel, as i believe Justin has blocked my comments. Could you respond to one my comments from today's Judas Priest song to see if i receive anything. Cheers!
@@vdggmouse9512 Well i've already sent one on the last video/Zappa- "Filthy Habits". I also fibbed slightly by claiming it was my only means of communication with your good self. It's not the end of the world, but if you don't mind trying without feeling like a dick, i would appreciate it mate.
Sadly appropriate for Ukraine today, but you are so correct that there are many refugees all around the world. But Putin's senseless war turning millions of children into refugees moving to the West away from those who do not know is beyond sad. “All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal.” John Steinbeck
on'e's life never really starts and one never really knows one self until without rhyme reason or cause you pack a bag , drop your keys on the door mat and walk off into the sunrise... i've done it twice. more over you'll never understand how it feels to be free.
It's been way too long 'bro , just thought I'd check to see if everything's alright. I'm not too bad myself, despite the fact that i still miss my dad like crazy. What prompted me to get in touch was Justin's choice last couple of song choices. The Stranglers for me and, Peter Hammill for your good self. Another guaranteed post season for your bloody Doyers and hopefully a screaming run of victories for the Giants. Last musical purchase was Van Morrison with his mid eighties belter 'No Guru, No Method, No Teacher'. How about you Scott? 😎
Any chance of you responding to my constant posts? I keep trying, but get nothing back. If you intend on ignoring me Scott, it was nice knowing you these last three years!
@@Owlstretchingtime78 Damn good match - too bad. Watching Copa now. Watched Wimbledon this morning - and saw The Dodgers lose in the bottom of the ninth AGAIN 😞. Hope you get these posts - I've been responding to all of them - I think. Put it this way - I haven't deliberately missed any. If I was busy - and I have been lately - I'm sorry if I didn't respond.
![Peter Hammill [Van der Graaf Generator] "A Louse is not a Home" (react episode 804)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MxplnytqAQ0/mqdefault.jpg)
Legendary band. As an italian, I'm very proud that Italy supported them very much at the beginning of their career.....giving them a further boost for carrying on !!
yeah , same with Genesis, thanks Italy, the great. Saluti desde Buenos Aires
Thanks Italy for supporting VDGG and Genesis in their infancy. Great taste in Music. ❤
@@philseida5238 You're welcome !.
Thank you for the Pink Floyd support too
Yes, wonderfull song by one of the greatest band in rock history. Peter Hammill is one of the rare genius in music. This was their early stuff (very Procol Harum-esque). They later become the best progressive band in the world and Hammill began a 50 years solo career with many masterpieces. You really should listen to other songs by this man. Many intense emotion to experiment. I go to see them live next month since they are still touring and recording new material.
Peter Hammill, the lead singer with the band was born with perfect pitch, and although not displayed here had a powerful, angry kind of voice! They were a Prog band, who despite being utterly unique, had no success in their native England or the States, but were huge in Italy. Decent song to play, but there is so much better!
Hi buddy - not the best start today - but on the positive side - Vale can't get much worse.
Really beautiful and timely. Their songs "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers" and "The Sleepwalkers" will show you different sides of the great band. Cheers!
I would add Arrow and La Rossa.
Peter Hammill is such an incredible poet and lyricist.
Thanks for this Harri, Refugees is a song from "The Least We Can Do is Wave to Each other" which was VDGG's second album and was released in 1970. I have all the band's albums and many of Peter Hammill's solo albums too but this is the song that has been obsessing me recently.
The band is usually very intense as you could see if you played "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers" or one of the band's other masterpieces but this, though unusual is a perfect song.
You might have noticed that there was no lead guitar on this song, it wasn't often used by the band although they do have a bass guitar and the songs are usually heavy with saxophones (or two, David Jackson often played two at the same time) but here he plays the flute which plays the theme that defines the song. Guy Evans is, of course, magnificent on percussion as is Nic Potter on bass, but Hugh Banton on organ together with Hammill, the singer and composer on piano (and also the guest cellist). This old video has the sound dubbed onto it hence the sound quality and poor synching.
The lyrics of the song are very dense and start with a (usually) positive comment about each of three of the four points of the compass. I think that you're right Harri that there's a sense of movement and rootlessness here which is resolved in the peaceful times in the second verse where people's thoughts turn to freedom and Hammill simply says, "and we moved together to the West."
These days people often denigrate the West and run down the peace and freedom that we enjoy, but Hammill sees it as a kind of paradise that people aspire to, "where the colours turn from grey to gold" and utters my favourite line in the song, "the West is Mike and Susie." Mike (McLean) and Susie (Penhaligon) flat shared with Hammil and a subtext of the song is how it hurt him to leave them and the flat and become a "refugee" himself as he looked for somewhere else to live. Mike and Susie were and are his friends and this also has the meaning to me that our lives in the West are defined by our friendships and our relationships with others rather than by the dictators and politicians and bureaucrats in the lands people flee from.
The penultimate verse talks about the blessings to the refugees arriving in the West:
"There we shall spend our final days of our lives;
Tell the same old stories: yeah well,
At least we tried.
Into the West, smiles on our faces, we'll go;
Oh, yes, and our apologies to those
Who'll never really know the way."
The final verse looks back to the refugees, to the people:
"carrying all we own
In brown bags, tied up with string
Nothing to think, it doesn't mean a thing
But we can be happy on our own."
It's almost like Pilgrim, in Bunyan's, "Pilgrim's Progress," leaving all behind him and fleeing the City of Destruction in his search for the promises he has believed.
And at last, the refugees find their Desiderata in the West, as it says in the final four lines:
"West is Mike and Susie
West is Mike and Susie
West is where I love
West is refugees' home."
Sorry to have been so long, rambling and tedious in my thoughts here. The song means a lot to me and I'm happy to be able to share it.
You know your stuff mate. I've just texted a huge fan of theirs to really give harri the big picture. Seems like you've already done that, but i hope he at least hears what the man thought. Cheers.
Just to add, I'm haunted by the video of the young woman on the banks of the canal in Manchester. Although she only walks slowly there is the vibrancy of youth about her. These shots are from the original promo and she was probably a student friend of Hammill's which would mean that she's about 73 now.
But somehow she'll never grow old, she's preserved in the amber of film and as long as it exists she will always be a young woman, wandering and pondering about the world and everything that happens in it.
By the way, if any of you get the chance, try reading some of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's books or those by Stephan Collishaw, all of them are on Kindle and all of them deal with repression and the lack of freedom in Eastern Europe in the war and the remainder of last century, then ask yourself why it's happening again.
@@Katehowe3010 Just watched - thx Chris. It's a good explanation by Paul - I can only add - it's a good thing he didn't request a song on Pawn Hearts - Paul would still be typing!
@@vdggmouse9512 You can't say that the season's over with 12 games to go, but it's looking grim when you can't score, and never look like you will! They either string a couple of back to back upcoming home victories together, or it's curtains!
Thank you Paul for these great explanations. I'm a VDGG and PH fan, but -didn't know these facts…
First time I've heard of this band & their music.
It's very 70s & thought provoking.
One of those anomalies in music, where a Prog rock band as good and inventive as the names we've all heard of, but apart from Italy, they just fell through the cracks. Maybe the lack of an electric guitar, and Peter Hammill's cerebral take on lyrics had something to do with it, but i'm merely guessing!
@@Katehowe3010 Big stars in Italy but not totally overlooked elsewhere. They are just an acquired taste, but once you got it, they're your fave.
I'll be watching - can't wait!
And the voice is pretty much still there. Considering Peter's health issues. Incredible.
More raucous parts in later years. Does the reviewer know how old the song is .?
He needs to give Every Bloody
Emperor a listen . So relevant to some of issues of today.
Refugees has personal resonance for me, regarding the loss of a friend who was big fan of Van der Graff Generator & introduced me to their music.
One of my two fav bands of all time😊
One of the few English "progressive rock" bands that I enjoyed immensely.
I always think about the pasning of time and its end, when listening to it . Fist time 51 years ago
Okay my dude positively nobody knew who they were when i was listening to them obsessively in 1972. Funny story, I used to hang out in the all night coffee shop with the guys from Plasticland and they turned me onto the band. You could go to the record store and every album they did was in the cut out section - literally they would nip a corner off an album cover if it wasn't selling well, and put it in the back room in the "cut out" section - all the best music was there. This was my heart, this song. You have just gained a number one fan for taking note!
They were brilliant live, saw them 4 or 5 times in 70/71
One of my two favourite bands along with Soft Machine. Check out Jade Warrior, Embryo, Birth Control, Guru Guru, preferably their early seventies stuff. As for ballads try Sea of Love Phil Phillips.
I've replied each time - Watching the match NOW - GO ENGLAND 😊
i was 18 when i heard this for the first time , i don't know why it is i could never put my finger on it but i fill up every time i hear it.
Vale/Barrow - GO VALE 🎉
The lead singer, Peter Hammill, has one of the most incredible voice in prog-rock. Listen to Arrow and you'll understand what i mean. He is writing almost all lyrics for the band and all his myrics are full of deep thoughts and influenced often by Sci-Fi.
This song, is basically a farewell, to a roomate and her boyfriend who moved away. A goodbye to friends, that will come up in our own lives. The line, Mike and Susie, in the song "Susie" , is British actress, Susan Penhaligon and TV celebrity comedian, presenter Mike Mclean.
Are you reading my posts? I've replied to all of them but you're apparently missing them - Go Vale!
For some reason the audio of this video was replaced by the audio of the studio version; Peter Hammill's lip movements are clearly not in sync, and there was no cello in this live version (but there was one in the studio version played by Mike Hurwitz).
Finally 😊
HarriBest - just so you know - Van der Graaf Generator started in 1967 and are from Manchester, UK. They have many classics but for newcomers I'd suggest you listen/react to either 'Man-erg' - 'Arrow' or 'Darkness 11/11.'
Hi mate, I'm contacting you from this channel, as i believe Justin has blocked my comments. Could you respond to one my comments from today's Judas Priest song to see if i receive anything. Cheers!
@@Katehowe3010 I went to today's Judas priest video - you have no comments on his thread
@@vdggmouse9512 That's confirmed it then. He's blocked me for accusing a run of videos as bullshit. How do i go about changing this?
@@Katehowe3010 You're blocked so you can't talk to him - I guess I can ask JP to unblock you - if you promise to be good - whatever that means.
@@vdggmouse9512 Well i've already sent one on the last video/Zappa- "Filthy Habits". I also fibbed slightly by claiming it was my only means of communication with your good self. It's not the end of the world, but if you don't mind trying without feeling like a dick, i would appreciate it mate.
Sadly appropriate for Ukraine today, but you are so correct that there are many refugees all around the world. But Putin's senseless war turning millions of children into refugees moving to the West away from those who do not know is beyond sad. “All war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal.” John Steinbeck
Harri, it's about time you listen to some King crimson.. unfortunately a lot of their music will be blocked by RUclips.
Timely or timeless? Which is more telling, tragic? Thanks for this. 8'>/
🌻
on'e's life never really starts and one never really knows one self until without rhyme reason or cause you pack a bag , drop your keys on the door mat and walk off into the sunrise... i've done it twice. more over you'll never understand how it feels to be free.
Have a listen to Pawn Hearts - make it more than one listen though....
3 - 2 We lost 😞
Try listening to emperor in his war room.
Oh no - wrecked by Wrexhan
It's been way too long 'bro , just thought I'd check to see if everything's alright. I'm not too bad myself, despite the fact that i still miss my dad like crazy. What prompted me to get in touch was Justin's choice last couple of song choices. The Stranglers for me and, Peter Hammill for your good self. Another guaranteed post season for your bloody Doyers and hopefully a screaming run of victories for the Giants. Last musical purchase was Van Morrison with his mid eighties belter 'No Guru, No Method, No Teacher'. How about you Scott? 😎
No bueno 😢
THE FIRST WIN OF 2024!!! Does this mean anything?
Any chance of you responding to my constant posts? I keep trying, but get nothing back. If you intend on ignoring me Scott, it was nice knowing you these last three years!
@@Owlstretchingtime78 Damn good match - too bad. Watching Copa now. Watched Wimbledon this morning - and saw The Dodgers lose in the bottom of the ninth AGAIN 😞. Hope you get these posts - I've been responding to all of them - I think. Put it this way - I haven't deliberately missed any. If I was busy - and I have been lately - I'm sorry if I didn't respond.