World Record: Excellent album by Van der Graaf Generator, from 1976, here in a recent remaster.
The latest, featuring David Jackson on saxophone and Hugh Banton on organ, has a harder, rockier sound than their wonderful predecessors, Godbluff and Still Life.
Spectacular jams and improvisations, sudden variations, typical of this great band.
Great energy and creativity in the first three tracks, "When She Comes," "A Place to Survive," and "Masks," followed by a fantastic suite, "Meurglys III," just over 20 minutes long, with immense complexity that transitions into a reggae rhythm at the end. A groove that few other bands can pull off.
It closes with a fantastic "Wondering," which, in my opinion, is one of Van der Graaf Generator's most beautiful songs ever. It features gothic organ, exceptional flutes and saxophones, and a memorable performance by Hammill, in my opinion.
A very mature and concrete album, perhaps normal given that it's the sixth album with the same members (except for "The Last We Can Do...", which also featured Nic Potter on bass), but not predictable. An album I adore and a must-have for any prog collection.
Great album,
Tracklist
1. When She Comes (7:58)
2. A Place to Survive (10:00)
3. Masks (6:55)
4. Meurglys III, The Songwriter's Guild (20:47)
5. Wondering (6:33)
Running Time 52:13
Line-Up
- Peter Hammill - vocals, guitar, piano
- Hugh Banton - organs, bass pedals, Mellotron
- David Jackson - alto, tenor, and soprano saxophones, flute
- Guy Evans - drums, cymbals, percussion
