1st Generation - Van Der Graaf Generator

Advantages: Glimpse Into early Brilliance
Disadvantages: Not as Great as What Was To Come

...Yet another Van Der Graaf Generator re-issue from the newly resurrected Charisma Label. This Album is considered by the band and fans to be the 1st Van Der Graaf Generator album, the pervious album "The Areosol Grey Machine" was a Peter Hammill solo album and was only released under the VDGG name in order to free them from Mercury records, before they even started they had already been F***ed over by record companies, the question on my mind being how many artists and bands have never had their music see the light of day as a result of such record company shenagins. Anyhow this progressive rock gem sitting my grubby mits is the wonderfully remastered (by Peter Hammill) version, which features the original artwork lovingly restored and a 16 page booklet. The booklet has the original sleeve notes by Peter which must make the poor man... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: 3 monster CD's of some of the best prog rock bands ever, and CHEAP
Disadvantages: Alot of songs that you wont have heard and wont again

...THE best prog rock album in the world...ever seems to live up to its name. Although my main music taste is in the mainstream rock, i delve into the depths of 60's/70's prog rock and this album will teach any prog deprived person what its all about. As it claims to be the best, it has to deliver. It comes with 3 cd's, which in anyones book is a large amount of tracks, coming in at 12 on CD1, 12 on CD2 and 11 on CD3. On these Cd's are some of prg rocks greatest bands ever, including Yes, Deep Purple, electric light orchestra, Van der graaf generator and Caravan (MY ultimate favorite band, still writing awesome songs, highly recommended even if you dont like prog) and many more. The up ide of this CD is alot of great tracks and bands that have shaped the world of music all the songs seem to work well together and there doesnt seem... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great Twisted Exestentalist Songs
Disadvantages: Piano Balladry

...By the release of this album in September 1977 Van Der Graaf Generator had undergone a fairly radical change in line up. Organist Hugh Banton was the first to jump ship due to financial pressures, he was replaced by former bass player Nick Potter rejoining the fold and Violinist Graham Smith (String Driven Thing) had been drafted to replace him. Then Saxophonist David Jackson left as he could not see a place for him within the new material without Hugh. They also dropped the Generator from the name so they just known as Van Der Graaf which is kind of fitting as this is a totally different band. I always though of this album as being either a solo Peter Hammill album or a completely different band to VDGG, both assumptions have an element of truth in them. The other difference in sound here is the predominance of Hammill's electric guitar... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful