Camel, Gentle Giant or Van der Graaf Generator?

Blacksword wrote: VDGG for me. They are the most interesting and the darkness in their music appeals to me. The first four Camel albums I can appreciate, and some of their much later albums. Their jazzy/Canterbury phase was awful IMO. I never really got into GG.

Blacksword, wasn't there a prog act named Broadsword? Your name reminded me of them, but I only saw one CD of theirs at a used record store once and can't find any other trace of their existence. Maybe it was all a dream, but it's still ponderous. An interesting observation of yours of the three bands (and I agree with your top pick), but 'Giant deserves another go round listen. Definitively in my Top 10.

HackettFan wrote: Camel. Then VdGG. Then a whole bunch of other second and third tier bands. And then maybe Gentle Giant if I have aspirins on hand.

The "Golden Triad", as I call it, in terms of best three groups of the prog rock, would be made of:
Gentle Giant, King Crimson and Van Der Graaf Generator, mentioned her in alphabetic order, as each of them is total genius especially in their peak periods during 70's.
If you want to compare them, good luck, as they developped such particular and unique styles and interpretations.
They are so great, as the following trio (Genesis, Jethro Tull and Yes), even though are coming close in value, couls never quite reach the Golden Triad's amazing musicianship and inspiration.
As about Camel, even though pleasant and good band, they are on the edge of prog rock, towards easy listening and by far not of the same calibre within the first 20 rock bands.

GG

Well, being a newbie to the forum does not mean I am a newbie in prog rock.
Actually my first reviews were in 2004, when Yes and Gensis had under 100 reviews each for their best albums.
I stopped reviewing, as I found it just an opinion based site, not quite to be taken as reference; Still a good site, as there is no other to compare with.
What exactly is preposterous, the fact that I included KC, or the fact that I eliminated Camel?
My musical education, practice (I play 4 instruments, since I was 6 years old) and continuous prog rock listening since 70's (yeah, I am 59) help me understand and know where to look when I apreciate sound.
And, in fact, everyone is entitled of their own opinion.


Edited by oqpi - January 03 2018 at 14:23

Don't give up my friend.. it took me 6 auditions of RED (by KC) to actually get it, then like it, then love it to this day.... After that I went to investigate all the KC albums and I love all of them today.
As about VVDGG, it took me years of neglect and tryouts until I realised what fantastic group it is. I enjoy their contradictory style and questioning atmosphere, makes you think while listening.
Gentle Giant was an easy one for me, as they cover my soul like a glove.
Camel is simple and sometimes put fillers in place to complete a musical passage. They are good, but not great.

I agree with the "Golden Triad" (Triforce?!) statement.

Gentle Giant – VDGG ----------------------------------------------------------- Camel

Edited by YESESIS - January 04 2018 at 17:07

Camel but with VDGG breathing down their neck.. :-P