Pawn Hearts by Van der Graaf Generator

Pawn Hearts by Van der Graaf Generator, Their 1971 album, one of the absolute masterpieces of progressive rock, is arguably the finest work of Van der Graaf Generator.

Along with the subsequent Godbluff, it's, in my opinion, Van der Graaf Generator's finest hour. It's an album that addresses the themes of alienation and desperation through both music and lyrics, as only the genius of  Peter Hammill could do, without sacrificing a sense of the absurd, which is evident right from the opening track, the visionary "Lemmings (including Cog)" (Lemmings are small Arctic rodents known for their mass migrations, often associated with a popular misconception of mass suicide).

An avant-garde style that may be difficult for non-fans of the genre, but which ultimately leaves a great sense of accomplished grandeur.

Peter Hammill's introspective lyrics, Banton's extraordinary piano, organ, mellotron, and synthesizers, Evans's immense drumming, Jackson's magnificent saxophone (without him, the band's sound wouldn't be the same) and his splendid flute parts. Not to mention the great  Robert Fripp , guest guitarist.

Lemmings, with a sound full of surreal figures, musically captures the corruption and fallibility of the leader and the absurdity of following him to his destruction.

Then comes the wonderful "Man-Erg," in my opinion one of the best songs on the album and the band. Poetic, touching, and captivating, it features a gigantic Hammill. A song whose lyrics and music should be taken to university for musicology and psychology courses, or rather, as part of a beautiful research project that brings both together.

And then there's their cavernous work, A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers, clocking in at approximately 23 minutes, with unique lyrics and a dark, intimate atmosphere, and a masterful vocal performance.
Van der Graaf Generator's "Supper's Ready"—or rather, the opposite should be said: Supper's Ready is Genesis's A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers, given that A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers came out a year earlier.

A song that is extremely moving from the first notes, with the fantastic opening "Eyewitness." Fripp's guitar and extraordinary mellotron work contribute to one of the most beautiful and important masterpieces of progressive rock.

It's not an easy listen, but it's a must-have for progressive rock lovers, and I recommend it without any doubt to anyone who hasn't yet had the chance to listen to it.

Tracks

1. Lemmings (including Cog) (11:39)

2. Man-Erg (10:21)

3. A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers (11.04pm):

- i. Eyewitness

- ii. Pictures / Lighthouse

- iii. Eyewitness

- iv. S.H.M.

- see Presence of the Night

- vi. Kosmos Tours

- vii. (Custard's) Last Stand

- viii. The Clot Thickens

- xi. Land's End (Sineline)

- x. We Go Now

Duration 45:04

Line-Up

- Peter Hammill - lead vocals, acoustic and slide guitars, piano, electric pianos

- Hugh Banton - Hammond (E and C) and Farfisa Professional organs, piano, Mellotron, bass and bass pedals, ARP synthesizer, special effects, backing vocals

- David Jackson - tenor, alto, and soprano saxophones, flute, special effects, backing vocals

- Guy Evans - drums, timpani, percussion, piano

Featuring:

- Robert Fripp - electric guitar