THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS WAVE TO EACH OTHER

"The Least We Can Do." is a very good offering from the seminal prog rock band, Van der Graaf Generator. This 1970 LP can really be considered the first true VdGG LP, as it is the first with the prominent sax and flute player David Jackson, and the first to embrace a fully progressive sound. It is much less psychedelic than 1968's "Aerosol Gray Machine", which initially began as a Peter Hammill solo album. From the first song (aptly named "Darkness") we immediately can see the path VdGG will take for the rest of the decade, dark atypical saxophones, crawling Hammond organs, and intense vocals from Hammill, all building up to a final chilling emotional climax. The next song is one of the most beloved in the VdGG catalog. "Refugees" is a song which defies description. It is a piece which features some of the most beautiful vocals and lyrics ever sung by Hammill on a VdGG record. This song never fails to evoke intense emotions in me, and most people that listen to it. It is both optimistic and melancholic at the same time, a truly gorgeous track. (Note: this was also VdGG's only chart hit, albeit in Italy, where they were very popular). The next track, "White Hammer", is a bit of a let down after the masterpiece that is "Refugees", and is overly long for its material. Things improve with "Whatever Would Robert Have Said?", which features very good lyrics (typical Hammill), but also typical VdGG music which does become a bit repetitive after repeated listens due to lack of instrumental variety. The next song is the weakest song on the album, which is a bit too gentle for VdGG, which thrives on abrasiveness. This song kind of meanders without purpose before ending, giving way to the album's epic, "After the Flood". This is another album highlight, a track full of social conscious and foresight. It speaks of impending global warming disaster, back in 1970. Quite impressive. Here they are able to construct equally ominous music for their message. Hammill, both lyrically and vocally is at his best here. They manage to inject quite a bit of variety into this 12 minute track, making it gripping through its entirety. It even has acoustic guitar alongside the ever present sax and organ, a nice addition. Of course this album is essential to any fan of VdGG or dark, gothic prog, but the fact is it is uneven and is only good, but it is an omen of great things to come from a very talented band - 3 stars.

(I am tempted to give it five stars simply for "Refugees", but that is not quite fair).

[i]After some review, I am bumping this album up a star. It is a bit better than I let on, but it takes time. A slow-burner. White Hammer in particular is a more powerful (if still stretched track) than I initially let on. Take this as you will...[/i]