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Dragon Phoenix 
Forum Senior Member 
Joined: August 31 2004 Status: Offline Points: 1475 |
 Topic: Introduc me to Van der Graaf Generator...Posted: September 04 2004 at 08:26 |
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I have been introduced to progrock some decades ago, mainly with the music of Genesis, Pink Floyd, Kayak, Camel, and Yes. One of the first "new" bands that this site (which I love) introduced me to last week was VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR . I listened to the listed MP3, and I like this group a lot. So... those of you who love this band, which album(s) should I start on? I have seen that Pawnhearts and Godbluff were recommended in the article, but maybe some of you have other ideas.
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diddy
Prog Reviewer 
Joined: March 02 2004 Location: Germany Status: Offline Points: 1117 |
Posted: September 04 2004 at 08:43 |
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Indeed, Van der Graaf is a terrific band. One of my favorites and unfortunately, very underrated.
I started with Pawn Hearts and it worked for me...but in general I think it's not the best album to start with because it's maybe the most exertive album, it isn't a slight fare you know, not easy to get into.
I think that the best starting point is "H to He" or "Goldbluff". Try "H to He" first and continue with "Goldbluff". If you really like it you can go on with the masterpiece "Pawn Hearts"...
That's what I consider to be the best introduction...
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If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear...
George Orwell |
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Dick Heath
Special Collaborator 
Jazz-Rock Specialist Joined: April 19 2004 Location: England Status: Offline Points: 12802 |
Posted: September 04 2004 at 08:46 |
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Another thread recently is treading this path - to repeat from there: I started with The Least We Can Do Is Wave ......... had it for 33years (got the CD version in the last 3 years) and it is still a favourite
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gdub411
Forum Senior Member
Joined: August 24 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3484 |
Posted: September 04 2004 at 10:12 |
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I dissagree with Godbluff.....I LOVE it, but it was very hard to get into at 1st. I feel that way about all their albums from Godbluff and on. All very hard to get into, but worth the effort. The early stuff is where it is at. Not as mature as their latter period but far more what you expect from a prog band...experimental,.spacey,trippy and quite bizarre at times. Their latter stuff is more jazzy and free form and Hammill's voice isn't as good as it is in the early stuff....AND HAMMILL IS THE MAIN REASON TO LISTEN TO THIS BAND IN THE !ST PLACE!!! So go with 1. Pawn Hearts 2. H to HE Who Am the Only One 3. The Least We Can Do is Wave to Each Other Avoid the Aerosol Grey Machine for now and if you find...like myself...that these guys are amazing then buy it..it is really an album for competionists...I like it.,but it is definately their worst one |
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Bryan
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator Joined: April 01 2004 Status: Offline Points: 3013 |
Posted: September 04 2004 at 13:00 |
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I started with Pawnhearts, and while it almost turned me off from them, it eventually managed to sink in and win me over. I'm not sure that there's really an easy intro to VDGG though.
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Joren
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 07 2004 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 6667 |
Posted: September 04 2004 at 16:44 |
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Pawn Hearts is dark, complex. I think H to HE Who Am the Only One is a better introduction to the band (dark too, but more easy to get into).
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gdub411
Forum Senior Member
Joined: August 24 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3484 |
Posted: September 04 2004 at 21:43 |
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I think I changed my mind. I introduced a friend to VdGG by playng Pawn Hearts to him and when it was done he seemed a tad disoriented and perhaps even a little frightened...... I still stand by my other 2 choices though agreeing there is no easy intro to these guys |
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The Prognaut
Prog Reviewer
Joined: April 14 2004 Location: Somewhere Else Status: Offline Points: 1492 |
Posted: September 04 2004 at 22:43 |
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"Pawn Hearts" did it for me... I think it will do the same for you Enjoy!
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break the circle
reset my head wake the sleepwalker and i'll wake the dead |
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Ivan_Melgar_M
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator Joined: April 27 2004 Location: Peru Status: Offline Points: 19535 |
Posted: September 04 2004 at 22:56 |
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Thanks for posting this request, it's useful for me also because to be honest I know nothing about Van Der Graff Generator. There's a DVD just released, Is it worth for a VDGG newbie? Iván |
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gdub411
Forum Senior Member
Joined: August 24 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3484 |
Posted: September 05 2004 at 09:49 |
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I have the DVD and if you are new I would urge you to STAY AWAY from that purchase as the sound quality is horrible. They sounded like a garage band in the Godbluff concert and I just don't think it does the band proper justice. This DVD is for their most dedicated fans who can enjoy it for a great piece of nostalgia. If you are new to their music stick with their studio albums
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Introduc me to Van der Graaf Generator...
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I have been introduced to progrock some decades ago, mainly with the music of Genesis, Pink Floyd, Kayak, Camel, and Yes. One of the first "new" bands that this site (which I love) introduced me to last week was