Search - Van der Graaf :: Vital: Van der Graaf Live

Not the vinyle version !

everibadinoz | 10/30/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This is a bad recording. There is not all the titles wich were on the double-live album on black-vinyl. This band deserved better than this commercial muck... wich rhymes with [you know what...]"

Not So

William Wood | Sydney, New South Wales Australia | 05/08/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I feel obliged to re-write this review as only one of seven people felt my original review was helpful maybe I was being unclear.
Van Der Graaf Generator where a fine band who emerged from the progressive rock scene in the UK to become a totally unique and singularly passionate vehicle for the songwriting of Peter Hammill.By the time of this release most critics either felt the band had outlived it's usefulness or that they were on the verge of greatness. This band have always provoked such strong viewpoints.
My original complaint with this disc was it's very poor reproduction,not the quality of the music.The original vinyl version was a rough and ready attempt to present us with what it would have been like to BE THERE at the Marquee club on those nights.In a sense this was a success,but the compact disc is almost claustraphobic sounding,there is no space around the individual instruments(and Nic Potter's bass sounds woeful compared to the wonderful ,warm ,overflanged monster of the vinyl).
Some of the highlights are the stunning version of "Still Life" where cello and violin replace the original gothic organ of Hugh Banton to create one of the high points of Peter Hammill's career so far.His voice here almost captures what it is like to be in the same room while he sings( If you have ever seen him live you will know what I mean)."Pioneers over C" features some hair raising group playing and features Nic Potter's monster bass to maximum effect, only John Wetton when he played in King Crimson even comes close to this level of power from a bass guitar.The medley of " a plauge of lighthouse keepers " and "sleepwalkers" is dark ,menacing and volatile.
Hopefully this review is more helpful to those of you thinking of buying this disc.I would recommend it because there is indeed some wonderful music on board,but I have to say that if you can find a vinyl copy you should buy it rather than this."

Details missing from the CD version....

Mark J. Moerman | Vancouver, USA | 05/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For those who are wondering, here are some details taken from the original vinyl edition.



Graham Smith: violin

Charles Dickie: cello, electric piano, synthesizer

David Jackson: saxes and flute

Nic Potter: bass

Peter Hammill: vocals, guitar, piano

Guy Evans: drums

Recorded live at the Marquee Club, London on January 16, 1978.



This recording is raw, primal, powerful, and unforgettable, and the band were as uncompromising then as they are with their surprise reunion album in 2005."