THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS WAVE TO EACH OTHER

Thanks to the new line-up (Jackson is there) there is a significant change in the sound of the band in comparison with their first release. In 1969, their manager was a fed up with big labels, so he deicded to create one of his own. Charisma was born ! In 1970 VDGG (obviously) and Genesis were signed. Nothing less, nothing more. They will record this album in FOUR days (which is the double than for "the Aerosol...). I bought this album somewhere in 1974. It was my third VDGG (I worked backwards : the first one was "Pawn Hearts"). The opener "Darkness 11/11" set the pace to what VDGG will be known for : complex, intriguant, non-commercial music. This is a typical VDDG song (first period). It was written on November eleven (hence the title).

What comes next is, for me, one of the most beautiful song ever written. I bought this album a very long time ago, and still today after I don't know how many listenings, I always feel so deep in love with the track. The lyrics are so dramatic, Peter so intense. This song has passed the proof of time (I have been through quite a lot of musical experiences so far - almost forty years of music addiction, lots of genres involved).

Each time I listen to this song it is truely like an amazement. It is (for me) a shivering moment : I think of those millions of people for whom the West (or maybe the North now) is refugees'home. A song that really kicks your ass : not with the rythm of course but with the lyrics and Pete's interpretation and sincere emotion. WONDERFULL.

FYI, Mike & Susie (a future British actress) who are referred to in the song were old friends from Peter. They had shared a flat for about six months. When they were about to leave, Peter was full of melancholia that he wrote a song about people looking for a home. This nostalgia is magnificently rendered into this jewel.

"White Hammer" is another track in which Jackson's influence is truely noticeable. I usuallly do not like sax and related instruments but, boy ! David is really great. The scary finale is absolutely gorgeous (although difficult to access). Actually, I have never (and still don't) understood how I could love such a band as VDGG : they have everything that would usually make me run away from this : sax, very complex songs, cacophonic at times, tortured singer (great lyricist but not a great singer). I'll never know the answer but the fact is that I am a die-hard VDGG fan.

"Whatever Would Robert Have Said" is a weird track with strange lyrics ("I am the hate you still deny, though the blood is on your hands"). It is not very accessible. Quite experimental but so typical for VDGG. It switches often between very quiet accoustic moments to strong keys / sax.

"Out Of My Book" is a soft, fresh song, a bit like "Refugees". Very emotional and melodious. "After The Flood" is a great track. Heavy at times (keys & sax), jazzy & complex at others. But also melodious thanks to Peter's vocals. Jackson's work is really incredible here. Another highlight.

The directions for the future are all set. On the remastered version, there are two (short) bonus tracks : "The Boat Of Millions Of Years" (not bad) and the single version of "Refugees" which is substantially shortened. A very good album. Four stars.