Search - Van Der Graaf Generator :: H to He Who Am the Only One (Mlps)

WORTH PICKING UP IF ONLY FOR THE FIRST SONG

Tariq | Bahrain | 10/06/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is not the first Van Der Graaf Generator album you should buy. That would be World Record, which is probably their most accessible album. Once you've listened to that (and hopefully liked it), pick up Pawn Hearts (which is generally considered their masterpiece) and then come here. H to He Who Am The Only One is difficult to get into, except for the brilliant opening track Killer, which is perhaps my favourite Van der Graaf song ever. Its about a killer fish, of all things.
The other tracks slowly grow on you. They contain some of Peter Hammil's best lyrics and some great music. Its not as complex as other progressive rock bands, but Van der Graaf generator is a tight band that stretches its capabilities.My second favourite song is Pioneers Over C. because I love space epics. Emperor in his War Room has Robert Fripp as a guest guitarist but he doesn't turn in an overly impressive performance. Still, its a pretty good song as are House with No Door and Lost."

The best of the VDGG Catalog

swriter7 | New Jersey | 09/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What an emotional journey, this takes you across all feelings and you wind up exhausted and content. Van Der Graaf Generator is not progressive rock in the same vein as Yes, Genesis, and Jethro Tull but have defined their own category. The band features intense vocals and crazy sax in a progressive way. It does take a few listens to get used to Peter Hammil's vocals but once you get it, what can I say???
The lead track is Killer, and a very upbeat, intense, crazy, and wonderful track. The sax is frightning at times and I believe features Robert Fripp on guitar. The year is 1970 and heads above anything done in this time period. The second song, House with no Door, calms things down in the musical department with Hammil's emotional vocals turned down a bit but the lyrics may bring a tear to the eye, the first two are the highlights of the album. The Emperor and Lost are also amazing at around 10 minutes per song. These feature the same intense vocals, sax, and great keys, I believe a Hammond sound as well as some piano and synths. Van Der Graaf is a darker type of prog that is heavy at times and again, the vocals have to be heard to witness the full experience of the band. Be prepared for a roller-coaster of emotions. Then get Still Life and Pawn Hearts."

Responding to Jeffery

Vunder | Atlanta, GA USA | 04/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm glad you like the band and this ablum, but as far as Guy Evans being just moderatly competent your showing very little knowledge of drumming. While he may not be as tight as Bill Bruford, he makes playing in odd meters with multiple changes look effortless in the DVD. Just being able to play this music is worth more than that. Also Jackson plays some of the most creative sax and devices I've ever heard. Your review just seemed like a backhanded compliment to me.

"