Punk Prog Revival - Van der Graaf
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Artist:
Don't venture beyond the text if you're looking for anything conventional or mainstream. You've been warned.
I don't recall when I first heard these guys, but I think it was during a time when their style was not accepted by any other than those who frequented smoky basements and other safe getaways on a University campus.
They are genius, and have produced 14 albums, including three live. After reviving this song here tonight from one of the three albums I own, I think it's time for a trip to the thrift stores record department. 50 cents can buy you so much these days.
Here's a short bio from Wikipedia:
"Van der Graaf Generator, sometimes known by the shorter Van der Graaf, are an English progressive rock band. They were the first act signed to Charisma Records. The band achieved considerable success in Italy during the 1970s. In 2005 they embarked on a reunion, which continues to the present day.
The signature Van der Graaf Generator sound in the 1970s was a combination of Peter Hammill's distinctive and dynamic voice and David Jackson's electronically-treated saxophones, generally playing over thick chordal keyboard parts (such as Hammond organ and/or clavinet).
Van der Graaf Generator albums tended to be darker in atmosphere than many of their prog-rock peers (a trait they shared with King Crimson, whose guitarist Robert Fripp guested on two of their albums), and guitar solos were the exception rather than the rule.
Hammill is the primary songwriter for the band, and the line between music written for his solo career and for the band is often blurred.
The group was named after a piece of electric equipment designed to produce static electricity, the Van de Graaff generator. The name was suggested by early member, Chris Judge Smith. The two misspellings are accidental."
Locating MOG account...
Comments (4)
Another band I always heard of but never actually heard, good stuff. Great Stuff, really! They do have a kind of punk swagger to them. What is it about English Art College's that breed bands?
Ah, VDGG--one of the harshest bands you will hever hear, screeching, wailing, and kicking your tail, and all without a guitar. That's simply amazing to me.
I did a post on them once where I think I posted a video of their sax player playing two saxophones at the same time. For "Killer" I think. VDGG is definitely not for the faint of heart. This album is one I've had for a while, and it's taking some time for me to get into it. I know I will, but I have to be in just the right mood for VDGG ya know?
I know what you mean. When I posted this, I had just finished just such a mood. I've "tried" them many times, but this was the first time they actually made me go "wow!"
They have a very unique sound. I can say that I like it but I can't say I dislike it either. Interesting post.