Search - Van Der Graaf Generator :: Vital (Mlps)

Least I can do

Dr. W. Martin James | Arkadelphia, AR USA | 01/05/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I own this as an album. The only reason I purchased it was for the so-called 7 minute version of "Nadir's Big Chance." That cut, despite what the cd package says, is only 3:30, similar to the tune on Hammill's solo work of that title. As a VDGG fan, this was always the my least favorite recording in their catalog. I don't think the recording is that well done. Although when I first purchased the album, anything by VDGG was welcome. VDGG has better offerings such as "Godbluff" or "Pawn Hearts." If, like me, you want to hear an "extended version" of "Nadir's Big Chance," buy Hammill's solo work of the same title which is better than "Vital" anyway."

Well, I Disagree . . .

Zachary A. Hanson | Tallahassee, FL United States | 08/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD rates with the best live CD packages out there (_Yessongs_, ELP's _Welcome Back My Friends . . ._, Mars Volta's _Scabdates_). Take a world-class pack of musicians and have them play selections from a world-class catalog, insert some intriguing production values and, most important of all, rock hard at the concert you're recording, and you've got something very worthwhile.



I'm not a VDGG completist (Yet! I'm working on it!), but for sheer energy, this release ranks up there with their classic _Pawn Hearts_. On their other studio releases, they play it a little safe sometimes. Here, there are abundant moments of reckless energy and daring musicianship. Foremost in these regards is the amazing Graham Smith on violin. He adds just the right blend of virtuosity, harmony, and schizophonia to every song here. The seventeen-minute "Pioneers Over C" is perfect in these regards, switching from epic lament to out-of-control to melodic dirge at the drop of a dime, all within the space of a minute.



"A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers/ Sleepwalkers" is also amazing for the aplomb with which the band is able to add life to the original by throwing in what seem to be on-the-spot improvisations. This furthers my belief that VDGG were the best improvisers of all the prog giants of the '70s. Other bands could do it, but they couldn't make you FEEL the tension of the tightrope walk they were doing. You seem to feel VDGG's vertigo with them as they make their material new.



Besides earlier VDGG material like these songs, the lineup also treats some of Hammill's solo work and the later-'70s VDG. This stuff stands up great! I especially love the punkish "Nadir's Big Chance" with Guy Evans progifying it by making the drum part one big fill!!! The studio version is great and this is just as great in its own way.



Another beauty of this CD is Nic Poter's ur-bass on every song. They've got grunge prefigured by about 12 years here with the so-thick-you-can-spread-it, ultra-distorted, way-up-in-the-mix fuzz grounding every song firmly in the muckety muck of existence that Hammill is so superb at expressing lyrically.



Despite what the snobs say below, this CD is a must-own for every lover of challenging music. I think you'll agree with the crowd that cheers enthusiastically and loudly in between every song. VDG choose what's best out of their catalog, rock it silly, and renew it at every turn. Only the best bands can do that and VDG show why they are in this category with this superb release."