MAIDA VALE

BBC tends to deliver good prog rock live albums. The CARAVAN live recordings through BBC is excellent. BBC has given VDGG the same treatment. Which has enhanced VDGG's discography and reputation in my view.

The album opens with a haunting version of Darkness. Classics like Man-Erg, Scorched Earth and Sleepwalkers follows. The track selection is a bit strange after that. This is certainly not a "Best Off" compiliation. But VDGG pulls it off with gutso bravado. The songs are dark, haunting and beautiful. In other words; this album is pretty much hard-core VDGG. It showcase their sound and their live delivery of their material at it's best, despite of some sorely missed tracks here. VDGG is an enigma and they manage to bring the enigma across in this recording. I guess those not familiar with VDGG will like this album.

It is also my view that this is the best ever VDGG live album. This despite of having no public reactions or live feeling (no audience in the studio). It is a good addition to anyone's record collection. This is a much played and loved album in my home.

3.75 stars