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Van Der Graff Gentle Giant Camel

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Topic: Van Der Graff Gentle Giant Camel
Posted By: Dellinger
Subject: Van Der Graff Gentle Giant Camel
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 20:26
3 bands that are usually considered 2nd tier, perhaps the main 2nd tier bands, and for those who know them and love them, perhaps even on par with the Top british prog bands. Which one do you like better?



Replies:
Posted By: Fox On The Rocks
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 20:29
I think this has been done before. Just sayin. Big smile

Close call between GG and VDGG. I'll go with GG though - the most consistent discography, a lot of classics. And Camel, not a big fan.


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Posted By: HolyMoly
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 20:34
I don't love all their albums, but I've been a Camel fan for most of my life, so I've got to vote them.  I really like GG and VdGG too, but they don't hit me as deeply as a lot of the Camel stuff does.

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It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.

-Kehlog Albran


Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 20:36
GG, not VDGG, OK?

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Posted By: TrevRockOne
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 20:36
VDGG is most definitely not "second tier". They're not as widely popular as Yes or Genesis, but they mean the world to those who love them.


Posted By: thellama73
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 21:11
I love all three, but I think my favorite is Camel.

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Posted By: hellogoodbye
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 21:26
I prefer the bad giants VDGG !


Posted By: Eria Tarka
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 21:29
I love all these bands VERY much.. but i have to vote Camel, their first two albums are perfect IMO. They are also the ones who get the most plays by me these days.


Posted By: Progosopher
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 21:40
Camel, followed by Gentle Giant.  I have a great deal of respect for Van der Graaf Generator, but I have not been able to get into them much.

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The world of sound is certainly capable of infinite variety and, were our sense developed, of infinite extensions. -- George Santayana, "The Sense of Beauty"


Posted By: MFP
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 22:03
VDGG


Posted By: Raccoon
Date Posted: October 31 2012 at 22:03
Originally posted by HolyMoly HolyMoly wrote:

I don't love all their albums, but I've been a Camel fan for most of my life, so I've got to vote them.  I really like GG and VdGG too, but they don't hit me as deeply as a lot of the Camel stuff does.

Same here. The Snow Goose and The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway are my favorite albums of all time.

I love VdGG and GG, don't get me wrong, but Camel has an emotional connection with me. Beautiful music.


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https://distantdynasty.bandcamp.com/


Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 01:56
VDGG

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Dig me...But don't...Bury me
I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive
Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect.


Posted By: Pekka
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 01:58
Originally posted by TrevRockOne TrevRockOne wrote:

VDGG is most definitely not "second tier". They're not as widely popular as Yes or Genesis, but they mean the world to those who love them.

Popularity is the keyword here. Any band means the world to anybody who loves them.

Camel is my favourite from these, and yeah pretty much from all prog bands ever. VDGG is close behind and I like GG too.


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http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=42652" rel="nofollow - It's on PA!


Posted By: dr prog
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 02:14
How are they 2nd tier? I like them all more than genesis, crimson and yes. Better vocals and melodies than genesis and crimson. Camel, giant and graaf are probably in my top 5 bands with Tull. The fifth band is either caravan, oblivion express or magma


Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 02:34
Originally posted by dr prog dr prog wrote:

I like them all more than genesis, crimson and yes. Better vocals and melodies than genesis and crimson.

Oh, the music to my ears. ... Dead

As of now, GG. They are more accessible ... much better at forging melodies than the other two acts. On the level of emotional resonance ... none of them work for me big time so far.


Posted By: gents
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 03:17
For me there will always be Gentle giant on top, before any band. They always make me jump no matter in what state i'm in.
But VDGG is very very close behind. Probably my second best band along with Genesis.
Camel is a really good band and I like them but I wouldn't  consider them a equal here.


Posted By: Moogtron III
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 03:18
1. Camel is definitely my favorite. I only like Yes better than Camel, and only just a bit.
2. Gentle Giant is my nr. 2: wonderful band. So eclectic and original.
3. I like Van der Graaf too, even visited them in concert, but it's not one of my top favorite bands.


Posted By: antonyus
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 03:33
camel....second vdgg


Posted By: someone_else
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 03:56
I was more a Camel fan in earlier years, but turned to GG and VdGG recently. That's always a tie. I voted for VdGG today.

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Posted By: HarbouringTheSoul
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 04:46
What is this "Van der Graff Generator" band you're talking about? Confused

...In all seriousness, I prefer Gentle Giant over VdGG but haven't really listened to Camel.


Posted By: Hercules
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 05:15
Camel, closely followed by GG.
 
I would argue that VDGG were not really even second tier in the 70s (the others were right at the top of that section) as they did not have remotely the fan base/album sales of the other two (at least not in the UK). Indeed, the few people I knew who liked them were always slightly strange people who didn't fit in (ironically one was called David Jackson!!!) or maths/computer geeks and they would listen to nothing else, such was their devotion. However, VDGG's longevity has undoubtedly elevated them into that second tier.
 
Ironically, I used to loathe GG and VDGG, but after many years GG "clicked" and I now appreciate their genius. And I gave Pawn Hearts another listen the other day and began to really enjoy some of it, so perhaps after 40 years, VDGG are about to do the same. I just have to learn to love Hamill's vocals.


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A TVR is not a car. It's a way of life.


Posted By: tamijo
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 06:13
Gentle Gaint with quite a few miles
 
Camel by a hair
 
Then VDGG 


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Prog is whatevey you want it to be. So dont diss other peoples prog, and they wont diss yours


Posted By: yanch
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 06:22
Gentle Giant by a lot. Never have cared for VDGG. Camel is good, but don't like them any where near as much as I like GG.


Posted By: irrelevant
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 06:41
Gentle Giant, then Camel, then Van Der Graaf Generator. 

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https://gabebuller.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - New album!
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Posted By: digdug
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 07:11
GG  >>   Camel  >>>>>  VdGG

but that's just me  Wink


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Prog On!


Posted By: Morningrise
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 08:27
Voted VdGG. Could have gone with Camel as well. I love GG but they are not in the same league as the other two.


Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 09:31
A very close call between Camel and GG. I'm going with Camel since they are still releasing some top notch albums ( 10 years have past since the last one but anyway...) 


Posted By: The-time-is-now
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 09:55
Camel.

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One of my best achievements in life was to find this picture :D


Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 10:46
Originally posted by dr prog dr prog wrote:

How are they 2nd tier? I like them all more than genesis, crimson and yes. Better vocals and melodies than genesis and crimson. Camel, giant and graaf are probably in my top 5 bands with Tull. The fifth band is either caravan, oblivion express or magma


You mean YOU like Latimer more than Lake, Belew, Gabriel and Collins, right?  Because I cannot see how he is a better singer than them.  I don't know that he is better than Wetton, for that matter, but I can at least relate to that, being that I don't like Wetton as much as this website seems to.

On topic, voted GG, comfortably my favourite from these three.  Love their approach of compressed prog as opposed to epic and lengthy tracks and to me their compositions simply brim with inventiveness.


Posted By: Earthmover
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 10:51
VdGG>=GG>>>Camel
thought I love them all.


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http://www.last.fm/user/Bequeathed" rel="nofollow">


Posted By: Mellotron Storm
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 12:34
Originally posted by Morningrise Morningrise wrote:

Voted VdGG. Could have gone with Camel as well. I love GG but they are not in the same league as the other two.

My feelings as well.


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"The wind is slowly tearing her apart"

"Sad Rain" ANEKDOTEN


Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 13:54
Like all three considerably, and counted each band as favourites at different tines in my life.  I voted for Van der Graaf Generator over Gentle Giant over Camel (though the Snow Goose is a very long-time  favourite album of mine).

I do disagree with our most excellent friend Johnny's ( http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=27688" rel="nofollow - FenderTramp ) ratings for both VdGG and GG, as well as Camel.  Of course he's entitled to his opinion, and I don't respect him any less because of it.

1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1419" rel="nofollow - Godbluff (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1416" rel="nofollow - H To He, Who Am The Only One (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1417" rel="nofollow - Pawn Hearts (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1420" rel="nofollow - Still Life (rating only)

1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1149" rel="nofollow - Free Hand (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1147" rel="nofollow - In A Glass House (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=616" rel="nofollow - Octopus (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1148" rel="nofollow - The Power And The Glory (rating only)


1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=50" rel="nofollow - CAMEL http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=328" rel="nofollow - Mirage (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=50" rel="nofollow - CAMEL http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=330" rel="nofollow - Moonmadness (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=50" rel="nofollow - CAMEL http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=329" rel="nofollow - The Snow Goose (rating only)

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Just a fanboy passin' through.


Posted By: Wanorak
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 14:01
VDGG.

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A GREAT YEAR FOR PROG!!!


Posted By: Earthmover
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 14:09
Originally posted by Logan Logan wrote:

Like all three considerably, and counted each band as favourites at different tines in my life.  I voted for Van der Graaf Generator over Gentle Giant over Camel (though the Snow Goose is a very long-time  favourite album of mine).

I do disagree with our most excellent friend Johnny's ( http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=27688" rel="nofollow - FenderTramp ) ratings for both VdGG and GG.  Of course he's entitled to his opinion, and I don't respect him any less because of it.

1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1419" rel="nofollow - Godbluff (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1416" rel="nofollow - H To He, Who Am The Only One (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1417" rel="nofollow - Pawn Hearts (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1420" rel="nofollow - Still Life (rating only)

1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1149" rel="nofollow - Free Hand (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1147" rel="nofollow - In A Glass House (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=616" rel="nofollow - Octopus (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1148" rel="nofollow - The Power And The Glory (rating only)
Ouch.
Well, most of his album ratings are below 3 stars, which seems weird to me. Not that I'm objecting, it's just that I find it interesting. Of course, everyone can rate as they think they should.


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http://www.last.fm/user/Bequeathed" rel="nofollow">


Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 14:13
Originally posted by mister nobody mister nobody wrote:

Originally posted by Logan Logan wrote:

Like all three considerably, and counted each band as favourites at different tines in my life.  I voted for Van der Graaf Generator over Gentle Giant over Camel (though the Snow Goose is a very long-time  favourite album of mine).

I do disagree with our most excellent friend Johnny's ( http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=27688" rel="nofollow - FenderTramp ) ratings for both VdGG and GG.  Of course he's entitled to his opinion, and I don't respect him any less because of it.

1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1419" rel="nofollow - Godbluff (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1416" rel="nofollow - H To He, Who Am The Only One (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1417" rel="nofollow - Pawn Hearts (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=343" rel="nofollow - VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1420" rel="nofollow - Still Life (rating only)

1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1149" rel="nofollow - Free Hand (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1147" rel="nofollow - In A Glass House (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=616" rel="nofollow - Octopus (rating only)
1 stars http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=118" rel="nofollow - GENTLE GIANT http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=1148" rel="nofollow - The Power And The Glory (rating only)
Ouch.
Well, most of his album ratings are below 3 stars, which seems weird to me. Not that I'm objecting, it's just that I find it interesting. Of course, everyone can rate as they think they should.


I then noticed that he gave Camel's one star too.  I wish he was posting here, cause I'd love to pick his brain about his rating system.  I know that when I rated I went too much the other way -- give most everything fives (mind you, I only rated what I loved). 


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Just a fanboy passin' through.


Posted By: HarbouringTheSoul
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 14:25
Seems like somebody either doesn't understand how the rating system works or deliberately tries to abuse it. I have a hard time believing that he finds that many albums to be worthless.


Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 14:42
I don't mind different opinions of course but this is an abuse!



Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 14:46
^ These thoughts belong to a different thread. 

Back to topic


Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 14:48
No vote from me. These acts are far too different from one another for me to choose. That wouldn't be a problem, if I only loved one of them, but I happen to love all three for entirely different reasons. I prefer Van Damme in the evening, Camel in the mornings and Gentle Giant for dancing. 

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“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams


Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 14:54
^ And RPI for romantic dinner with the wife. Wink


Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 15:11
Originally posted by sagichim sagichim wrote:

^ And RPI for romantic dinner with the wife. Wink


Wife? What's thatConfused

LOLLOLLOL

I can't afford a woman in my life at the moment. I use up money for my own shoes...


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“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams


Posted By: frogbs
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 15:20
I take issue with VdGG being called "second rate".  In my opinion they're the best proggers in the land!


Posted By: deckard33
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 15:21
I like these 3 bands.
Maybe I'll vote for VDGG, because I listen to Pawn Hearts and Godbluff more often than Octopuss/Glass house and Mirage/Goose/moonmadness.


Posted By: Earthmover
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 15:26
Originally posted by Guldbamsen Guldbamsen wrote:

No vote from me. These acts are far too different from one another for me to choose. That wouldn't be a problem, if I only loved one of them, but I happen to love all three for entirely different reasons. I prefer Van Damme in the evening, Camel in the mornings and Gentle Giant for dancing. 
I love dancing to Knots!


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http://www.last.fm/user/Bequeathed" rel="nofollow">


Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 15:56
^ Classic case of Gentlegiantitis. LOL I can imagine myself dancing to the intro hook of "The Face"


Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 15:59
Originally posted by Dayvenkirq Dayvenkirq wrote:

^ These thoughts belong to a different thread. 

Back to topic


Okay, sorry to Dellinger for the diversion into related avenues.  You should become a moderator, I hear there's an opening. ;)

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Just a fanboy passin' through.


Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 16:02
LOL

Originally posted by frogbs frogbs wrote:

I take issue with VdGG being called "second rate".  In my opinion they're the best proggers in the land!

Since, in all due honesty, I haven't charted all of VdGG's classic prog territory, what is their most melodic record? And I don't mean a lot of noodling, but melodies that are actually mesmerizing ... or catchy at the very least?


Posted By: HarbouringTheSoul
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 17:31
Originally posted by Dayvenkirq Dayvenkirq wrote:

Since, in all due honesty, I haven't charted all of VdGG's classic prog territory, what is their most melodic record? And I don't mean a lot of noodling, but melodies that are actually mesmerizing ... or catchy at the very least?

You have chosen the wrong band for that. VdGG are rarely if ever catchy. Some of their melodies are indeed brilliant, but they unfold over a long period of time. That said, I would start with Godbluff, but beware: The first track is arguably the least memorable track melody-wise.


Posted By: The Bearded Bard
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 18:46
Gentle Giant, second only to Tull in terms of my favourite prog bands.
 
Camel and VDGG I both like, but I'm still quite new to their music.


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Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 20:19
As a matter of fact, I'm just getting into this bands. The one I know better so far is Camel, and have been listening to Van Der Graff Generator for the last week or two. About Gentle Giant, I have only heard the live album "Playing the Fool" once. As far as I have heard, I really like Camel a lot, but it seems mainly the original line-up period (plus "A Live Album"). As for VdGG, I was trying to choose what to buy to check them out, but they had so many high ratings that I chouldn't choose the "best 2 or 3 albums", so I ended up buying all from "The least we can do..." up to "Still Life". Now, I did my first listening at house with my wife, all the album one after another, and at first I was a bit nervous that I might have made a big waste of money and that I might have found a band that was too much for me (and the fact that my wife kept on complaining about me buying such horrible music didn't help at all). However, I've been listening to them more and I have found many songs I am really digging a lot; I still think some songs are a bit too much for me, but others I am really loving and just want to listen to them again and again. As for the one Gentle Giant album I got, I didn't like it so much, but only heard it once, so I hope I can make more sense out of it later on. I might ask for help here about which albums I should try after Playing the Fool. So far, I don't dare to vote. And indeed, I only called this bands 2nd tier because that's the way I have seen them refered to here, but I don't think they below Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, etc in any way. I was also thinking about including Renaissance on this poll, which I also love a lot, but I haven't seen such a cult praise for that band in the site, so I thought this 3 bands are the real "close followers" to the 1st tier bands.


Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 01 2012 at 20:47
^ I wouldn't mind spending one post here for such purpose. GG are not usually a very accessible act to listen to, but me personally, I find their debut, Three Friends, and Free Hand to be the albums where they are at their most accessible. But if you enjoy craziness and accessibility 2-in-1, I would highly recommend The Power and the Glory, my personal favorite. Approve


Posted By: HarbouringTheSoul
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 03:32
Yeah, I would go for Free Hand as the one that mixes accessibility and complexity the best. Honestly, I seem to be the only one who has always found Gentle Giant very accessible. Confused


Posted By: Sumdeus
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 03:52
Gentle Giant are simply one of the most unique and innovative bands ever.  Love Camel and VDGG though. and yeah these are all top tier prog bands for me


Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 09:32
Originally posted by HarbouringTheSoul HarbouringTheSoul wrote:

Honestly, I seem to be the only one who has always found Gentle Giant very accessible. Confused
What are you so confused about? You really think the weird vocals on and the sound of tape rolling at the end of "Valedictory" is something a girlfriend of a fellow progger could put up with?


Posted By: Prog Sothoth
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 09:43
VDGG for now, especially for H to the He, although I dig Camel's Mirage and GG's Acquiring the Taste.


Posted By: The Bearded Bard
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 12:03
Originally posted by HarbouringTheSoul HarbouringTheSoul wrote:

Honestly, I seem to be the only one who has always found Gentle Giant very accessible. Confused
I thought I was the only oneConfused

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Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 12:52
Originally posted by Dayvenkirq Dayvenkirq wrote:

Originally posted by HarbouringTheSoul HarbouringTheSoul wrote:

eah, I would go for Free Hand as the one that mixes accessibility and complexity the best.  Honestly, I seem to be the only one who has always found Gentle Giant very accessible. Confused
What are you so confused about? You really think the weird vocals on and the sound of tape rolling at the end of "Valedictory" is something a girlfriend of a fellow progger could put up with?


Chalk up another who found Gentle giant very accessible.  I started with two downloaded  tracks rather than a full album: "Free Hand" and "In a Glass House".  It was "Free Hand" that really hooked me.  GG bec ame my favourite band almost immediately (it;s not any longer).  And I listened to it on my mp3 player via headphones at that time, so I did not get the wife's reaction to it.  I don't expect her to like the same music as me, but she tolerates my music as long as I don't play it too loud (she's not a liker of rock music generally).  I used to play Gentle Giant a lot in the car, not very loudly, and that's actually one band that she never complained about.  She loved Think of Me with Kindness and Black Cat, and enjoyed all of Three Friends.  She also liked "On Reflection" a lot.  She liked the whole Three Friends album, and much of the first two albums.  My first full album was Acquiring the Taste, and that remains my favourite.

I've been lucky with my wife.  She doesn't complain or make fun of most of the music I listen to, and a lot of it has been a lot stranger than Gentle Giant.  As long as its not metal or really hard rock (though she quite liked Hoyry-Kone which can be quite metally, but more in a fun way) she will generally tolerate the music. 

Not to get side-tracked, but if pleasing a significant other is a concern, since it was brought up, I like to make playlists with songs/ music that I knew would be easier on the wife.  Some Gentle Giant and some VdGG were easy sells.  I suggest using, say, youtube to smaple various songs first before getting a whole album.  Although I don't like GG's final three studio albums, Civilian may not be a bad choice for Dellinger.  Other than that, I think I would suggest Three Friends and The Power and the Glory.


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Just a fanboy passin' through.


Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 14:07
Originally posted by HarbouringTheSoul HarbouringTheSoul wrote:

Originally posted by Dayvenkirq Dayvenkirq wrote:

Since, in all due honesty, I haven't charted all of VdGG's classic prog territory, what is their most melodic record? And I don't mean a lot of noodling, but melodies that are actually mesmerizing ... or catchy at the very least?

You have chosen the wrong band for that. VdGG are rarely if ever catchy. Some of their melodies are indeed brilliant, but they unfold over a long period of time. That said, I would start with Godbluff, but beware: The first track is arguably the least memorable track melody-wise.


Yeah, Godbluff is a pretty easy/ melodic album on the whole.  I find the opening track very memorable melody-wise. Still Life is another.  I actually find a lot of VdGG very catchy -- like GG it was pretty much a love at first listen band for.  Like GG, I also started with just two tracks: House With No Door and Man-Erg.  Pawn Hearts was my first VdGG full album, and it did take me a while before I fully liked/ then loved it.  Despite loving lots of moments, and finding some great melodies in it, Hammill's histrionics I found off-putting and even rather embarrassing at first, and found bombastic noodlings in parts hard going, but there were more than enough pay-offs in the music to keep listening..  As said, I loved Man-Erg even before I heard the whole album, but Lemmings was really tough going.  Plague of Lighthouse Keepers didn't take long to really mesmerise me.  I find parts of it so catchy.  Nowadays my palette is much wider than it was even eight years ago, and I don't need to approach music in quite the same way.  If I could find "moments" that I loved, and I've long appreciated contrast in music, then that was enough to bring me back to the music.  And I found lots with VdGG.  So much of a Plague is very catchy for me, and has a tension and contrasts that I love.  ""All things are apart".  I do love the way the melodies with VdGG unfold over time.  It's a band that may require some patience on the whole, and some elements may take a while to accept as part of the musical tapestry, but I found that it wasn't that long before I could appreciate all of the aspects of VdGG (mind you, I've long been attuned to both consonance and dissonance in music and commonly appreciate elements of both in music.  Contrast is so important to me commonly as it engages me more).


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Just a fanboy passin' through.


Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 16:20
Originally posted by Dayvenkirq Dayvenkirq wrote:



^ I wouldn't mind spending one post here for such purpose. GG are not usually a very accessible act to listen to, but me personally, I find their debut, Three Friends, and Free Hand to be the albums where they are at their most accessible. But if you enjoy craziness and accessibility 2-in-1, I would highly recommend The Power and the Glory, my personal favorite. Approve


I listened to "The Power and the Glory" some time ago on YouTube, and remember not liking it much, not being particularly interested in it. I also heard Octopus at about the same time and I thought it had more promise. As for Playing the Fool, the only song I really liked at first listen is Funny Ways, which I believe comes from the first album, so I may just as well check that out once I have fully digested Playing the Fool; this also makes me think that I may like better the albums from befor Phil Shulman left the group. However, I do will give a listen to the albums you suggested, next week or the one after, perhaps. I guess I'll give another listen to "The Power and the Glory" too (which, as a matter of fact, is the only GG album that is in stock in my local music store). I guess I'll post again if I need help again with them. Thanks.


Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 16:27
^ For what zero value it's worth, and despite my echoing the Power and the Glory sentiments, I found the Power and the Glory one of the weakest of GG's first eight albums.  I like the earlier ones much more.  I really like the first three albums.

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Just a fanboy passin' through.


Posted By: tamijo
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 16:31
Originally posted by The Bearded Bard The Bearded Bard wrote:

Originally posted by HarbouringTheSoul HarbouringTheSoul wrote:

Honestly, I seem to be the only one who has always found Gentle Giant very accessible. Confused
I thought I was the only oneConfused
None of you are the only one (plural)

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Prog is whatevey you want it to be. So dont diss other peoples prog, and they wont diss yours


Posted By: The Bearded Bard
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 16:41
Funny Ways! One of my favourite prog tunes ever! Check out this one, Dellinger, if you haven't already. This is mind blowing stuff, IMO:
 


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Posted By: tamijo
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 16:45
Regarding GG i would recomand Octopus - Im not sure it the best album, but it represents very well what they can do, stands out for me as the album that best shows typical GG at their prime, like Wish You Were Here or Selling England. 

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Prog is whatevey you want it to be. So dont diss other peoples prog, and they wont diss yours


Posted By: geneyesontle
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 17:20
GENTLE GIANT!!! Smile

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Poseidon wants to Acquire the Taste of the Fragile Lamb
- Derek Adrian Gabriel Anderson, singer of the band Geneyesontle


Posted By: irrelevant
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 17:26
I think the whole 1st tier and 2nd tier thing is merely to do with popularity. I wouldn't get too upset about it. 

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https://gabebuller.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - New album!
http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385


Posted By: Federico95
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 17:50
Absolutely Camel. I love Gentle Giant and Van der Graaf Generator (even if I don't know them as well as the other two), but Camel wake up some emotions that I can't find anywhere else in music.

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Posted By: The Bearded Bard
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 18:20
Originally posted by irrelevant irrelevant wrote:

I think the whole 1st tier and 2nd tier thing is merely to do with popularity. I wouldn't get too upset about it. 
Yeah, actually, I think it's about nothing but popularity. Saying they're second tier doesn't mean that they're not as good as the first tier bands, 'cause if you think they are, they are. It's an individual thing, and it's all about preferences.

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Posted By: HarbouringTheSoul
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 20:37
Originally posted by Dayvenkirq Dayvenkirq wrote:

Originally posted by HarbouringTheSoul HarbouringTheSoul wrote:

Honestly, I seem to be the only one who has always found Gentle Giant very accessible. Confused
What are you so confused about? You really think the weird vocals on and the sound of tape rolling at the end of "Valedictory" is something a girlfriend of a fellow progger could put up with?

Well, you picked an example that I actually think is among their least accessible songs, but as far as the "girlfriend of a fellow progger" thing goes: Very little prog passes that test anyway, and I think it's irrelevant because accessibility to someone who is familiar with prog is often a different than accessibility to someone who isn't. Gentle Giant are a group that carry a certain 'weirdness' and 'density' with them in their sound. If you can't deal with that, you will find them very hard to get into, that much is true. But if you can, then you will find that GG can be extremely catchy. As someone who has been listening to Frank Zappa albums from the age of four, the sound of GG didn't shock me and I gobbled up their entire discography in no time. By contrast, it can take quite a long time for me to get accustomed to a VdGG song because their melodies are usually rather longwinded and harmonically complex. I can memorize a GG melody in no time, but I needed to listen to, say, "Undercover Man" about five times before I could actually remember anything. Even today that I'm familiar with much of their output, I find it hard to assimilate new songs of theirs because many of their melodies are not immediately memorable.

In short: Accessibility depends very much on whether you're new to the general sound of the artist or not. You may find it hard to get into the catchiest band if their sound is new and radical to you. If you're familiar with Ramones albums, you might find Never Mind the Bollocks quite accessible. If you're completely new to punk, you might think it's a lot of noise.

Originally posted by Logan Logan wrote:

and found bombastic noodlings in parts hard going, but there were more than enough pay-offs in the music to keep listening..

I still find the album too be too harsh and noisy for my liking, and I doubt it will ever change. A lot of the arrangement for "Lemmings" for example is made up of lots of gratuitous noises that seem to be there for no other reason than to irritate. I can appreciate short bursts of chaos for the purpose of contrast, but this goes too far. Which is sad because I like the 'main' parts "Lemmings", but the noisemaking ruins it for me. The same holds true for Plague. I like quite a few of the moments, but there is just so much noise and so little coherence in the track. I vastly prefer the 1975-1976 albums, which are a lot cleaner instrumentation-wise.


Posted By: rogerthat
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 22:45
I find VDGG rambling and that, combined with Hammill's somewhat overwrought style of delivery, doesn't make it very enjoyable for me.  I love chaos and dissonance in music but only when it's both memorable and when there is some underlying method in the madness.  The combination of dissonance and theatrical rock doesn't work for me, ultimately.


Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 02 2012 at 23:07
^ Same here.


Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: November 03 2012 at 13:00
Originally posted by Logan Logan wrote:

^ For what zero value it's worth, and despite my echoing the Power and the Glory sentiments, I found the Power and the Glory one of the weakest of GG's first eight albums.  I like the earlier ones much more.  I really like the first three albums.



Given my short experience with this band, I may check out just this 3 albums, plus Octopus, first.


Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: November 03 2012 at 14:00
Originally posted by The Bearded Bard The Bearded Bard wrote:



Funny Ways! One of my favourite prog tunes ever! Check out this one, Dellinger, if you haven't already. This is mind blowing stuff, IMO:
 


Indeed this is the very song I liked best from "Playing the Fool" on my first listen, though is this version still with Phill on the line-up? I think I liked this one just a bit better than the one on PtF. Any other music similar to this by GG, that I may try to check out next?


Posted By: irrelevant
Date Posted: November 03 2012 at 14:02
^ That's from after Phil left. I'd say try out the debut and go from there. 

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https://gabebuller.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - New album!
http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385


Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 03 2012 at 14:31
^ Yes. Go for the first three albums.


Posted By: ole-the-first
Date Posted: November 03 2012 at 14:54
Van Der Graff Generator

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This night wounds time.


Posted By: Nash
Date Posted: November 03 2012 at 22:40
my rank would be

1. VDGG
2. Camel
3. Gentle Giant

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http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/191/sydbarrettg.jpg/" rel="nofollow">


Posted By: trackstoni
Date Posted: November 03 2012 at 23:52
that's not fair   !   i'm voting Camel to make some equivalence , VDGG & GG  , cannot be listed with  Camel in the same poll , different styles & different mood ! the three of them are amazing & perfect !

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Tracking Tracks of Rock


Posted By: Prog Geo
Date Posted: November 04 2012 at 11:42
Camel!

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Sonorous Meal show every Sunday at 20:00 (greek time) on http://www.justincaseradio.com


Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: November 04 2012 at 12:37
Yesterday I had a listen to Camel's Mirage, Van Damme's Alt and Gentle Giant's Three Friends. I am happy to say, that I still can't choose between the three of them...

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“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams


Posted By: Dayvenkirq
Date Posted: November 04 2012 at 12:44
^ So you think Alt is that good (contrary to the opinion of the many), eh?


Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: November 04 2012 at 12:52
Originally posted by Dayvenkirq Dayvenkirq wrote:

^ So you think Alt is that good (contrary to the opinion of the many), eh?



When I am in the mood for it, yes. But like we talked about yesterday, numbers aren't everything. I rated it 3.5 in my review, and I'd probably award both the others with a masterpiece rating, yet I don't think I will ever review them - they receive their fair share of attention, and part of the attraction for me has to do with helping out artists who don't normally get any accolades.
Regarding the three albums, for me it's about how the music makes me feel in the moment, and sometimes Alt sounds better than the others - or better yet: it fits better with my frame of mind.

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“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams


Posted By: irrelevant
Date Posted: November 04 2012 at 13:02
Originally posted by Prog Geo Prog Geo wrote:

Camel!

Good to see you 'round these parts again George. Smile


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https://gabebuller.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - New album!
http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=7385


Posted By: The Bearded Bard
Date Posted: November 04 2012 at 13:36
Originally posted by Dellinger Dellinger wrote:

Originally posted by The Bearded Bard The Bearded Bard wrote:



Funny Ways! One of my favourite prog tunes ever! Check out this one, Dellinger, if you haven't already. This is mind blowing stuff, IMO:
 
[TUBE]Gentle Giant - Funny Ways - 16mm Film - 1974[TUBE]
Indeed this is the very song I liked best from "Playing the Fool" on my first listen, though is this version still with Phill on the line-up? I think I liked this one just a bit better than the one on PtF. Any other music similar to this by GG, that I may try to check out next?
Yeah, I read that. Glad you liked that version. It's my favourite one, of the ones I've heard anyway. I started out with the first two and Octopus. A good place to start, IMO. 

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Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: November 06 2012 at 07:08
VDGG vote bringing them into the lead, but this is cruel as other bands are awesome too

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Posted By: frogbs
Date Posted: January 10 2013 at 10:19
Originally posted by HarbouringTheSoul HarbouringTheSoul wrote:

Originally posted by Dayvenkirq Dayvenkirq wrote:

Since, in all due honesty, I haven't charted all of VdGG's classic prog territory, what is their most melodic record? And I don't mean a lot of noodling, but melodies that are actually mesmerizing ... or catchy at the very least?

You have chosen the wrong band for that. VdGG are rarely if ever catchy. Some of their melodies are indeed brilliant, but they unfold over a long period of time. That said, I would start with Godbluff, but beware: The first track is arguably the least memorable track melody-wise.
late response but H to He has a lot of great melodies on it.  Godbluff too.  But start with H to He and go forward.


Posted By: Kirillov
Date Posted: January 10 2013 at 11:10
This is a tough one... VdGG, no Camel, no VdGG, no Camel...VdGG by a gnat's whisker.


Posted By: N-sz
Date Posted: January 12 2013 at 01:20
The one that I've heard! So I didn't vote, of course.
I love Gentle Giant and I can't wait to here the other bands. I finally ordered my first CDs of each of them: Pawn Hearts and Mirage. Oh boy, oh boy :D
And now I play the waiting game.


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https://blankspacerecords.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow - Blank Space Records


Posted By: ProgMetaller2112
Date Posted: March 15 2013 at 02:35
I'll vote GG but I like them all!

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“War is peace.

Freedom is slavery.

Ignorance is strength.”

― George Orwell, Nineteen Eighty-Four



"Ignorance and Prejudice and Fear walk Hand in Hand"- Neil Peart





Posted By: The Mystical
Date Posted: March 15 2013 at 04:05
Close call between VdGG and Camel. I am going with Camel because I am very connected to Mirage.

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I am currently digging:

Hawkwind, Rare Bird, Gong, Tangerine Dream, Khan, Iron Butterfly, and all things canterbury and hard-psych. I also love jazz!

Please drop me a message with album suggestions.


Posted By: HackettFan
Date Posted: March 15 2013 at 07:23
Camel


Posted By: Dellinger
Date Posted: March 15 2013 at 23:22
Originally posted by The Bearded Bard The Bearded Bard wrote:


Originally posted by Dellinger Dellinger wrote:

Originally posted by The Bearded Bard The Bearded Bard wrote:



Funny Ways! One of my favourite prog tunes ever! Check out this one, Dellinger, if you haven't already. This is mind blowing stuff, IMO:
 
[TUBE]Gentle Giant - Funny Ways - 16mm Film - 1974[TUBE]
Indeed this is the very song I liked best from "Playing the Fool" on my first listen, though is this version still with Phill on the line-up? I think I liked this one just a bit better than the one on PtF. Any other music similar to this by GG, that I may try to check out next?
Yeah, I read that. Glad you liked that version. It's my favourite one, of the ones I've heard anyway. I started out with the first two and Octopus. A good place to start, IMO. 


I already bought the first four albums. So far I have heard enough times the first two and I really liked them a lot. I just gave a few spins to Three Friends, and it seems to me I won't like it as much as I liked the first ones. I'll get to Octopus later on (I already heard it once a few weeks ago, but don't really remember it so well). I feel Three friends is already getting closer to the sound I heard and disliked on Playing the Fool.


Posted By: elbownut
Date Posted: March 16 2013 at 08:35

Gave it to Camel as I have slight preference for mellower, symphonic prog

But the other two are great also
 


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"Music was my first love and it will be my last" - John Miles "Music"


Posted By: Ruby900
Date Posted: March 16 2013 at 11:22
VDGG all day long. Camel are pretty dull to me.......

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"I always say that it’s about breaking the rules. But the secret of breaking rules in a way that works is understanding what the rules are in the first place". Rick Wakeman


Posted By: Horizons
Date Posted: March 16 2013 at 12:35
I voted for Van der Graaf, i listen to them the most and absolutely love Hammill. Camel is a very close second - GG, not so much.

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Crushed like a rose in the riverflow.


Posted By: Metalmarsh89
Date Posted: March 16 2013 at 13:20
I'm torn between VDGG and Gentle Giant, but I do know I like Camel more than bothmof them.


Posted By: Larree
Date Posted: March 16 2013 at 13:37
Love all three but I am voting for Gentle Giant.  I saw them live a bunch of times and they were amazing every show.  Especially the run of four nights at the Whiskey A Go Go.  Or was it five nights?  However many nights it was, I was at all the shows.  Two a night.  And I saw them tape for one of those late night network TV shows, too.  

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