GODBLUFF

One of the first times I listened to Van Der Graaf Generator was when I went down the "PA Top Prog Albums" list in search for good music. I came to Godbluff, and after listening to the first minute of the "Undercover Man", I moved on to the next album. It's hard to explain what exactly it was that hadn't made me appreciate the album, but it is now one of my favorites, and Van Der Graaf Generator is currently one of my favorite bands. I guess it was Hammil's voice that was a turn-off for me, but it definitely was something that I acclimated to. It's music that I wasn't used to hearing. But I love it now for its sophistication and intelligence, and most importantly and simply---for the enjoyment of listening to. They have a really jazzy sound. To me, one of the jazziest progressive bands that I know. I mean, you can say that King Crimson is a jazzy band, but there were many other influences involved in Crimson's music, including classical. VDGG for me, was heavily jazz influenced.

Van Der Graaf Generator is recognizable. I don't notice too much guitar involved in the music (mainly saxophones and piano related instruments). The musicianship is great. What I enjoy when listening to them is how they compose their songs, and how they transition from one part of a song to the next part. One instance, they'll be playing mellowly and the next it is aggressive, powerful, and groovy. Also, I enjoy when they introduce a subtle rhythm and then later, they'll progress to a point where they'll play the same rhythm, but it will be more powerful and reminiscent of what they previously played (Example: "Scorched Earth" when Hammil sings,"This latest exponent of heresy is goaded into an attack". You can hear the beginning melody of what they'll repeat as they progress in the song). Now that I have brought up a lyric, I want to add that Peter Hammil did some brilliant writing for their music. I would say that the writing is one of the stronger features of the band, next to the singing.

I strongly recommend people to give VDGG's Godbluff a shot. It might take getting used to for some people, but after a while try it again for another listen and your opinion could change, just like it changed for me.

When you've finished Godbluff, listen to Still Life.