FOOL'S MATE

A WONDERFUL ACQUIRED TASTE: The sound and the essence of Peter Hammill is not something that the casual listener usually takes to right away, and even in this almost pop context, it is not the easiest sound to digest upon initial listening. I have been an avid Van Der Graaf Generator fan for a few years now, ever since I first heard them. Having purchased most of their records, I thought I would venture out into Hammill's solo material next, to see how they compare and contrast.

I must say that I didn't like this record upon first listen. Or the second. It was only when I decided to put the songs on my rather robust iPod that I learned to enjoy the album. In one of my random shuffles one day, the song "Happy" came on, and I was immediately taken aback! I had to look to see who the artist was...imagine my surprise when I realised it was the Peter Hammill record that I had initially found rather lacklustre. I then went and listened to the entire record properly, and have really found some gems in there.

Now, I must conclude that this record stands among the best of Hammill's work...truly brilliant. But an acquired taste.