Gentle Giant

Chronologically wouldn't be a bad approach.  I got hooked on The Power And The Glory and was fortunate enough to become a fan when they were still active.  Saw them on the Civilian tour in Atlanta and I think they only did five more shows on that tour after that.  Civilian doesn't get a lot of respect around here but I like it.  Not as much as their earlier stuff and Giant For A Day was pretty much the band hitting bottom with regards to prog.  I hated it at the time but have warmed up to it some. heheheheh 

I suppose you could start with the worst rated one and work your way out.  That might be rather interesting.

Do be aware that there are DVDs of them live.  Perhaps start there.  Or if you want a good old live assortment when they were at their proggy peak - Playing The Fool.


Edited by Slartibartfast - February 22 2014 at 07:24

 I would actually start with the live album, Playing The Fool, Gentle Giant sounded much better live than on record (where they could sound a little stiff sometimes, with some stale production on some albums) and you get an overview of most of their best material on that album. It's a great album to start with, it's Gentle Giant at their peak playing their best material.

^ Pick any of the first 8 albums, you pretty much can't go wrong. 

Get every album chronologically and listen to how one of the most incredible bands ever evolved. Even at the end when they tried to conform a bit with the new wave & punk revolution they were far and beyond better songwriters than their contemporaries. I wish I was back at the beginning learning & listening to the genius that is Gentle Giant!

npjnpj wrote: Chronologically would be best. I agree that both Missing Piece and Giant for a Day are both not worth listening to, they are quite weak by any standards, but if you forget your GG expectations, Civillian is a very good album in a straight forward rock sense. If they had gone on like that, I for one would continued getting their LPs.

Edited by BarryGlibb - February 28 2014 at 01:58

For Nobody is a great track. I love GG in that mode.

Octopus was the one I got into first, but, oddly enough, it's my least favorite of the GG 8.

Kentucky_Hawkwindage wrote: Well still can't make my mind up with which Gentle Giant LP to start with.I see a Best Of on Ebay called Gentle Giant Giant Steps The First Five Years 2 CD compilation.It has the cool song Wreck on it which i like.Maybe i should start with this? But my god i hate the cover of it,couldn't anyone come up with a better cover than that? Any thought or suggestions appreciated. Any other best of or anthologys out there i don't know about? Thanks Jeff

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentle_Giant#Compilations

^ Sounds very reasonable.

Dayvenkirq wrote: geekfreak wrote: I've never listened too Gentle Giant. So which album should i start listening to first Isn't that the OP's question? Read the replies.