GODBLUFF

After Van der graaf generator's fourth studio release "Pawn hearts" the band toured extensively in Italy from 1970 to 1972 (they did three Italian tours in six months). Pawn hearts, which among fans is considered to be the best Vdgg release, was really popular in Italy and held number 1 for 12 weeks in 1972. However, many factors such as the bad financial condition of the members, the lack of support from the record company as well as rioting audiences by different extremist organisations, from Red Brigade to neo- fascists lead Hammill to leave the band and continue his solo career. He recorded three albums on Charisma records, "The silent corner and the empty stage" (1974), "In camera" (1974) and "Nadir's big chance" (1975).

The other Vdgg members (Guy Evans, David Jackson and Hugh Banton) apart from appearances as session musicians in Hammill's solo releases, started a project named "The long hello". They released an album in1974 featuring among other musicians the ex-Vdgg member, bassist Nic Potter.

In 1975 Van Der Graaf Generator reform again with their classic line-up (Peter Hammill, David Jackson, Guy Evans and Hugh Banton) after numerous requests by enthusiasts and promoters. Vdgg left in May of 1975 in May for a tour in France. When they came back to Britain they recorded Godbluff. Songs from this album were played live before being recorded. Hammill once said "After Pawn Hearts the attitude was, There's nowhere else to go that's of greater academic interest, so let's just play. An act against the massed ranks of keyboards and cloaks and pomp around at the time."

-About the cd

This album was my introduction to Vdgg and I guess it couldn't have been better. After having read so many good things about them I decided to buy this cd and I have to say I'm really happy I did.

The title is really a word the band invented in response to the perennial question: "What type of music do you play?" Godbluff consists of four songs and the total time is less than 40 minutes. On the other hand all four songs are amazing. The songs are flooded with dark, powerful and memorable melodies. All four members do an amazing job. Each member has such a unique sound and at the same time such a good chemistry with each other.

Godbluff is in my opinion the best cd to get started with. It's a cd that either you love at first listen or you hate (could be for many reasons the most common of which is not being able to stand Hammill's voice). Thankfully the music attracted me from the first time and every time I listen this album I happen to enjoy it even more. One of my favourite Vdgg albums. Pure perfection!

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