STILL LIFE

I know a lot of VDGG fans like to talk about Pawn Hearts, Godbluff, and even H To He... when considering their best work; but for me, Still Life is their absolute zenith. Everything VDGG had done before was preparing them for this magnum opus of an album.

It starts out with the pensive and very catchy "Pilgrims", causing us all to reflect on our journey through life. The interplay between Hugh Banton and Hammill is what makes this song work so well.

Next comes perhaps the greatest piece VDGG ever produced - "Still Life". This has everything - Peter Hammill doing all he does best. I find the lyrics quite uplifting, even though it deals with a somewhat depressing topic of death. Very beautiful and poetic treatment of our relationships in death, and the music takes one through all the emotions one might experience through the trial of losing a spouse or other loved one. Screaming, yearning, grooving, rejoicing, understanding, acceptance, peace. Just stunning.

"La Rossa" - sheer brilliance. Absolute power. Hard to find words to describe the majesty of this music.

"My Room" - wow. the greatest jazz ballad not about love ever? Absolutely beautiful. David Jackson shines brightly.

"Childhood's Faith In Childhood's End" is an epic close. Much has been written about this piece and so I need not hash out the same.

5+ stars!!