H TO HE, WHO AM THE ONLY ONE

This had until the re-issued always been my least favorite of the First Three Charisma VDGG recordings. That's is not to say I didn't like the record I just rated its Third. Well that has certainly been changed by the additional material on the new CD. Squid/octopus is utterly awesome , and is the shining jewel in the collection of odd and sods. This record has always been a very strong set, starting with the monster that is Killer a track even those who didn't get VDGG at the time liked. House with no door is probably the closest this album gets to a throw away track but is very pleasant and sets the stage nicely for The Emperor In His War-Room , which is a brilliant example of art rock. Side two started with Lost which is the best cut on the recording and ends with the excellent Pioneers Over C.This is an unusual track from a lyrical point of view as it tells a Sc-fi story, this track has many different themes running through it and works very well. This is were this near faultless set used to finish but now we are treated to the awesome Squid 1 / Squid 2 / Octopus without a doubt this is the best unreleased extra on any of the reissues or the box for that matter and is essential showing as it does what a great song this had been live. The other version of emperor is also very good. The new re-issue is by far the most interesting of the first three recordings and the most consistently good. It gets all five stars and deserves more than 5 in reality a must buy for all VDGG fans and an important recording for prog heads. It is really nice to see that VDGG are now accepted as one of the most important prog bands and have finally started to attract the kind of following they always deserved. The Italians and the French got VDGG faster than the UK but better late than never as they say. Nic Potter left part way through this recording which is a shame in my opinion as his bass playing was (and is) a highlight of the tracks he is on, notably Killer in this case.