PAWN HEARTS

What else can be said of this album that has not already been said? Not only the pinnacle of VdGG's career and recorded output, but one of the defining moments of progressive music, period. Classic rock radio material this will never be, but who cares? Yes, for all their virtuosity, would never produce a single album of this magnitude. VdGG may not have been the most technically gifted musicians in the world at that time, but no one could touch them for atmosphere and dynamics. For me the standout is still "Man-Erg", in all its "bare your soul to the world" brilliance.

This is, however, not an easy album to evangelize to others. In almost 30 years of (occasional) trying, I have not been able to find one other soul for whom this album does anything. I guess those of us who have found this album to be such a rewarding experience are hearing something no one else does. Pity for them!