In terms of musicianship, VDGG are up there with the very best. Peter Hammill's vocal theatrics don't enthrall everyone, but as a lyricist he has few equals. The three albums they released in 1970-71 - The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other, H To He (Who Am The Only One) and Pawn Hearts - aren't always easy listening, but you will find no more cutting insight into the mental landscape that allowed British progressive rock to thrive during those years.
For me VDGG and Peter Hammill are the ones that helped go through my dark periods. In a way their music saved my life. Each time I feel depressive I go back to VDGG, I can't explain exactly why, but knowing and hearing them makes me understand I'm not alone, and I can feel better at last. I'm so glad you get to discover this amazing band. And what a love song this one is, I got through those feelings, thanks for following our suggestions. Hammill has one of the most incredible voices in early prog, and one of the most interesting lyricist (aside with Neil Peart from Rush).
@@Rowenband I'm really glad to hear that such music helps take you out from dark places ❤. I'm grateful to my subscribers for suggesting all these wonderful bands that have impacted their lives in so many ways!
My favourite Van Der Graaf album the title track is outstanding. Peter Hamill one of the great vocalists a voice to tickle a lamb then rip slates off a roof.
The way back machine! Have not heard them much. They are early Progressive Rock and remind me of Jethro Tull. We can hear a little of the Canterbury sound. Phil Collins liked this band and mentioned how their lyrics were some of the 'darkest' of any band of that era. He also mentioned also really liking 'The Nice' band.
You mention Genesis 9 to 10 minute songs. Genesis supported VDGG (and Lindisfarne?!) in 1971. Imagine the conversation when Peter Hammill & Gabriel shared a beer!
Off the VDGG album H to He Who Am The Only One - Killer and the longest track...Lost. A Van Der Graaff Generator (the band dropped one f) is a machine that generates statis electricy and creates an electrical storm within a glass sphere. We had one at school. They are fun to touch and watch hair stand up!
In case you want to do another piece from VDGG, I advice you Childlike Faith In Childhood's End, but read the lyrics first. They are so immense, at least to me. And if you want to hear Hammill on top of his vocal prouesses, I advice Arrow, but also from his solo album The Fall Of The Usher House (1991), the song Architecture (accapella with only vocals), or if you want something really agressive try Disengage from Robert Fripp's album, Exposure. And if you want a quiet piece by VDGG try Refugee, this one could have been a hit IMHO.
@@RowenbandI appreciate the recommendations! I'll jot them all down for sure. There was that recent horror program on Netflix called fall of house usher, I wonder what the connection is to Hammills 1991 album?! 🤔
@@MusicForTheSoulReactions The Fall of The Usher House is a novel by Edgar Allan Poe from 1840 that Hammill wanted to put in an Opera. His version is dark and creepy, he sings a few characters in it but has other singers joining him, amongst which some other great voices from rock scene like Lene Lovich, Andy Bell or Herbert Grönemeyer and Sarah Jane Morris. So the Netflix program must be based on Poe's novel too, a really creepy story.
I'm a big prog head, but I never gave these guys a real try. I know the critics love them. I'm listening to your reaction as I'm typing this. Shades of Crimson, Jethro Tull, and Marillion. Wow, Peter Hammil was Fish before Fish (Marillion's first singer). Not bad! Glad I listened. When are you gonna do Tull? And don't do Aqualung, it's so played out. Do the song that embodies Ian Anderson (the main driver of the band), Minstrel in the Gallery. Just a suggestion. US Roadie 1 signing off...
Never hit me until I read your comment, but Fish does sound very much like Peter Hammill. Also like your Tull suggestion Minstrel, but the band are so varied you could go anywhere, Too old to rock and roll too young to die maybe an easier in to Tull.
@@cookiedom5938 Peter Hammill opened for Marillion on the 'script' tour and Fish has described him as a good friend. Hammill was probably a big influence.
I said that before: why compare ! VDGG are in such a different kind of musique and expression. Yes is so aerial, VDGG has its roots deep in the ground.
Shame that you talked all the way through this and missed the most poetic lyrics ever written. Peter Hammill wrote incredible lyrics. Would be better if you stopped the music, discussed the song, then rewound a bit. Do listen again and pay attention to the words. Guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Peter Hammill is my favorite vocalist. Van der Graaf Generator has a lot of epic songs that take you on a journey. very jazzy and groovy!
In terms of musicianship, VDGG are up there with the very best. Peter Hammill's vocal theatrics don't enthrall everyone, but as a lyricist he has few equals. The three albums they released in 1970-71 - The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other, H To He (Who Am The Only One) and Pawn Hearts - aren't always easy listening, but you will find no more cutting insight into the mental landscape that allowed British progressive rock to thrive during those years.
Every cut on this album (Still Life 1976) is an absolute banger/masterpiece ❤
Then try the previous "Godbluff" 1975
For me VDGG and Peter Hammill are the ones that helped go through my dark periods. In a way their music saved my life. Each time I feel depressive I go back to VDGG, I can't explain exactly why, but knowing and hearing them makes me understand I'm not alone, and I can feel better at last. I'm so glad you get to discover this amazing band. And what a love song this one is, I got through those feelings, thanks for following our suggestions. Hammill has one of the most incredible voices in early prog, and one of the most interesting lyricist (aside with Neil Peart from Rush).
@@Rowenband I'm really glad to hear that such music helps take you out from dark places ❤. I'm grateful to my subscribers for suggesting all these wonderful bands that have impacted their lives in so many ways!
@@MusicForTheSoulReactions I like your way of getting into prog music. Hammill is a unique singer and lyricist. See my other suggestions above.
My favourite Van Der Graaf album the title track is outstanding. Peter Hamill one of the great vocalists a voice to tickle a lamb then rip slates off a roof.
Can't wait to see your reaction to Plague of Lighthouse Keepers! You may not live to hear the climax!
@@stephenvarty191 well this has certainly peaked my interest!!!
The way back machine! Have not heard them much. They are early Progressive Rock and remind me of Jethro Tull. We can hear a little of the Canterbury sound. Phil Collins liked this band and mentioned how their lyrics were some of the 'darkest' of any band of that era. He also mentioned also really liking 'The Nice' band.
You mention Genesis 9 to 10 minute songs. Genesis supported VDGG (and Lindisfarne?!) in 1971. Imagine the conversation when Peter Hammill & Gabriel shared a beer!
Yep....that will do for me....cheers bud
Off the VDGG album H to He Who Am The Only One - Killer and the longest track...Lost.
A Van Der Graaff Generator (the band dropped one f) is a machine that generates statis electricy and creates an electrical storm within a glass sphere. We had one at school. They are fun to touch and watch hair stand up!
@@tonybaker55 oh I remember those! Never knew that was their name though. I wonder why they chose that particular item as their band name!
Pay attention to the bleedin lyrics for chrissakes.
In case you want to do another piece from VDGG, I advice you Childlike Faith In Childhood's End, but read the lyrics first. They are so immense, at least to me. And if you want to hear Hammill on top of his vocal prouesses, I advice Arrow, but also from his solo album The Fall Of The Usher House (1991), the song Architecture (accapella with only vocals), or if you want something really agressive try Disengage from Robert Fripp's album, Exposure. And if you want a quiet piece by VDGG try Refugee, this one could have been a hit IMHO.
@@RowenbandI appreciate the recommendations! I'll jot them all down for sure. There was that recent horror program on Netflix called fall of house usher, I wonder what the connection is to Hammills 1991 album?! 🤔
@@MusicForTheSoulReactions The Fall of The Usher House is a novel by Edgar Allan Poe from 1840 that Hammill wanted to put in an Opera. His version is dark and creepy, he sings a few characters in it but has other singers joining him, amongst which some other great voices from rock scene like Lene Lovich, Andy Bell or Herbert Grönemeyer and Sarah Jane Morris. So the Netflix program must be based on Poe's novel too, a really creepy story.
@@Rowenband That explains it! Thanks for the informative background. ❤
@@MusicForTheSoulReactions Its the novel by Edgar Allan Poe...was made into a film starring Vincent Price in the 60s ✌️
I'm a big prog head, but I never gave these guys a real try. I know the critics love them. I'm listening to your reaction as I'm typing this. Shades of Crimson, Jethro Tull, and Marillion. Wow, Peter Hammil was Fish before Fish (Marillion's first singer). Not bad! Glad I listened.
When are you gonna do Tull? And don't do Aqualung, it's so played out. Do the song that embodies Ian Anderson (the main driver of the band), Minstrel in the Gallery. Just a suggestion. US Roadie 1 signing off...
@@Pcrimson1 not had anybody recommend tull, I'll pop in on the list, cheers US roadie
Never hit me until I read your comment, but Fish does sound very much like Peter Hammill. Also like your Tull suggestion Minstrel, but the band are so varied you could go anywhere, Too old to rock and roll too young to die maybe an easier in to Tull.
@@cookiedom5938 Peter Hammill opened for Marillion on the 'script' tour and Fish has described him as a good friend. Hammill was probably a big influence.
Not yes, but yes is better imo
I said that before: why compare ! VDGG are in such a different kind of musique and expression. Yes is so aerial, VDGG has its roots deep in the ground.
Shame that you talked all the way through this and missed the most poetic lyrics ever written. Peter Hammill wrote incredible lyrics. Would be better if you stopped the music, discussed the song, then rewound a bit. Do listen again and pay attention to the words. Guarantee you will not be disappointed.