New Van der Graaf Generator album
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog News, Press Releases
Forum Description: Submit press releases, news , new releases, prog music news and other interesting things happening in the world of progressive music (featured in home and artist page)
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=73028
Printed Date: February 01 2025 at 17:35
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New Van der Graaf Generator album
Posted By: bucka001
Subject: New Van der Graaf Generator album
Date Posted: November 09 2010 at 10:23
|
From Sofa Sound: "The deal's done. The next VdGG album, "A Grounding in Numbers", will be released on 14th March 2011 on Esoteric/Cherry Red. Naturally, more info about this will be incoming in due course.... " ------------- jc |
Replies:
Posted By: Tony R
Date Posted: November 09 2010 at 10:53
| Post in the correct area please. It ain't rocket science... |
Posted By: bucka001
Date Posted: November 09 2010 at 16:37
|
Confirmed dates for VdGG in 2011
Dec 12 at Metropolis Studios TV taping info http://www.metropolis-group.co.uk/events.php?p=1&id=53 - here March 24 Leamington Assembly 25 Glasgow ABC 26 Manchester Academy 3 27 London Barbican 28 Cambridge Junction 30 Utrecht, Netherlands, Tivoli April 2 Praha, Czech Republic, Akropolis 4 Roma, Italy, Auditorium Parco della Musica 5 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, Palariviera 7 Milano, Conservatorio 8 Vicenza, Italy, Teatro Comunale 9 Cesena, Teatro Carisport ------------- jc |
Posted By: M@X
Date Posted: November 09 2010 at 17:45
Canada, Canada, Canada !!!  ------------- Prog On ! |
Posted By: DisgruntledPorcupine
Date Posted: November 09 2010 at 17:51
|
THE EXCITEMENT! |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: November 09 2010 at 21:47
|
Oh yes.
This is excellent news. 2011 has gotten better.  ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: esotericarts
Date Posted: November 10 2010 at 11:01
|
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10/11/2010 VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR “A Grounding in Numbers”
Cherry Red records and their imprint Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the signing of VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR to the label for their new studio album “A GROUNDING IN NUMBERS”. Released globally on 14th March 2011, the stunning new album is the 12th studio record by the band and is their first since 2008. The album will be backed up by a short tour of the UK and some dates in Europe. The tour dates are as follows:
UK:
March 24: Leamington Spa Assembly
NETHERLANDS:
March 30: Utrecht Tivoli
CZECH REPUBLIC:
April 2: Prague Akropolis
ITALY:
April 4: Rome Auditorium Parco della Musica April 5: San Benedetto del Tronto, Palariviera April 7: Milan Conservatorio April 8: Vincenza Teatro Comunale April 9: Cesena Teatro Carisport 4 The Peter Hammill website: http://www.sofasound.com/ - www.sofasound.com The Van Der Graaf Generator website: http://www.vandergraafgenerator.co.uk/ - www. vandergraafgenerator.co.uk
|
Posted By: tuxon
Date Posted: November 10 2010 at 11:17
|
March 30th will be a nice evening ------------- I'm always almost unlucky _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Id5ZcnjXSZaSMFMC Id5LM2q2jfqz3YxT |
Posted By: Harry Hood
Date Posted: November 10 2010 at 19:45
|
Shame there aren't any US dates. But the prospect of a new album (and a new live DVD) is very exciting. ------------- 
|
Posted By: The Hemulen
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 05:05
| I found Trisector to be rather disappointing overall, but I still have high hopes for this album. |
Posted By: Tuzvihar
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 06:34
No Poland?  ------------- "Music is much like f**king, but some composers can't climax and others climax too often, leaving themselves and the listener jaded and spent." Charles Bukowski |
esotericarts wrote:Posted By: The Sleepwalker
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 06:58
Fantastic, the show in the Netherlands is very close to where I live.  ------------- 
|
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 07:18
I'll be happy to pay for your ticket in Belgium in Verviers (that's in the negociation process as we write and should be between the Utrecht and the Prague shows) if you're around!!!  ------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: The Truth
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 17:47
|
OHMYGODYES.
Can't wait for it boys.  ------------- http://blindpoetrecords.bandcamp.com/" rel="nofollow">  
|
Posted By: UndercoverBoy
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 17:51
| A new CD, live DVD, and tour? This is epic beyond comprehension. |
Posted By: Epignosis
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 18:10
The only thing that would make this better is if it were Kansas.  ------------- https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays" rel="nofollow - https://epignosis.bandcamp.com/album/a-month-of-sundays |
Posted By: M@X
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 18:31
Well, thank you for the invitation Mr. Trane  Now let's shop for airplane tickets  ------------- Prog On ! |
Posted By: Kestrel
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 18:35
| I wish I could be excited for this :/ |
Posted By: WalterDigsTunes
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 18:44
|
Looks like the album of 2011 has been announced
|
Posted By: Lark the Starless
Date Posted: November 11 2010 at 22:03
You lucky b*****d
 Wish they could come to the US (specifically Los Angeles )------------- 
|
Posted By: SMSM
Date Posted: November 12 2010 at 12:35
|
Great to know, however like all recordings, I won't automatically assume it will be great just because of the name (I been burned by this before).
I've made mistakes on where to post with limited time on computer, so I understand.
P.S. Most likely VDGG will come across the pond in the summer where the weather is better on the travel and playing, espcially if playing outdoor venues like certain jazz or bluesfests
|
Posted By: jean-marie
Date Posted: November 12 2010 at 14:06
| No date in france , so sad!! i'll go to the nederland, isaw them several times on stage in france in the seventies |
Posted By: Evolver
Date Posted: November 12 2010 at 14:56
------------- Trust me. I know what I'm doing. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: November 12 2010 at 15:11
|
NETHERLANDS:
March 30: Utrecht Tivoli This admin is gonna get a nice birth day present, I reckon... ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Rune2000
Date Posted: November 13 2010 at 06:46
| Van der Graaf Generator are fulfilling their tradition of recording 4 studio albums with every reunion. The big question for me is whether "Present" should count as one or two albums? |
Posted By: Bonnek
Date Posted: November 14 2010 at 10:01
Eh 12th ?! Is there a secret VDGG studio album no one knows about? And without David Jackson again? Doesn't that count as only half an album? |
Posted By: Rune2000
Date Posted: November 14 2010 at 11:24
|
Way ahead of you there, buddy!
|
Posted By: groonrikk
Date Posted: November 15 2010 at 14:55
Me too on both counts. To me the absence of David Jackson is just too problematic. Just *gotta* have those saxes or it ain't really VdGG to my mind. But I'll give the guys one more chance and get the new one anyway. I'll even be terribly oldschool and pay for it. (BTW I recently created a page on the recorded works of PH/VdGG that some people might find interesting and useful. I'd greatly appreciate any feedback anyone might have on it. http://rateyourmusic.com/list/groonrikk/pete_van_der_hammill___users_guide - http://rateyourmusic.com/list/groonrikk/pete_van_der_hammill___users_guide
|
Posted By: Harry Hood
Date Posted: November 15 2010 at 16:00
|
I actually don't mind Jackson's absence at all. the base of the music has always been guitar/piano, drums, and organ, even on the earlier albums. Jackson's contributions were more of a dressing than anything. And while they could have easily hired Theo Travis or someone else to replace him, I kind of like the idea of stubbornly letting a severed limb remain severed, rather than get an artificial one. -------------
|
Posted By: groonrikk
Date Posted: November 15 2010 at 16:11
I think your opinion is probably the majority one, which is a big reason the band carries on - and I'm glad they do. But for me Jaxon wasn't mere dressing, he was absolutely essential/core, especially when he'd play the two saxes simultaneously in chorus with Hugh's organ - just a massive wall of unique sound for which there's no substitute. But that's my own opinion and there's no right/wrong about it.
 |
Posted By: Antennas
Date Posted: November 16 2010 at 20:52
 VDGG at about 300 meters from my own doorstep!!! I can hardly believe it. Be sure I'll be there!  ------------- 
Jesus never managed to figure out the theremin either |
Posted By: The Hemulen
Date Posted: November 17 2010 at 06:50
I actually agree with you there - better to have no Jackson at all than some hired hand doing a poor imitation (take note, Yes). My main problem with Trisector was that I found the songwriting to just be somewhat lacking. Sure, Present was patchy but it still had some real stand-out songs which have gone on to be an essential part of VDGG's repertoire. If I went to a VDGG and they neglected to play either Every Bloody Emperor or Nutter Alert I'd be just as gutted as if they didn't play anything from Pawn Hearts! Everything on Trisector was pretty forgettable by comparison. |
Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: November 17 2010 at 08:24
Couldn't agree more  ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
Posted By: ProgBob
Date Posted: March 06 2011 at 09:50
|
Had a scan through the new issues of Uncut and Mojo in the supermarket yesterday and both review the new album. Mojo gives a very positive 4* review. I can't remember what it said exactly but I'm sure it said something about the album being very melodic. Uncut gives a more guarded 3* 'for fans only' type of review. Anyway, nice to see some mention of it at all. ------------- Bob |
Posted By: ProgBob
Date Posted: March 09 2011 at 16:24
|
In case anyone is interested, there are some samples on amazon.com.
------------- Bob |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: March 09 2011 at 19:23
|
Awesome
If Hammill ever sees this can you play the following:
Pawn Hearts - whole album
Killer Lost Every Bloody Emperor Nutter Alert Godbluff – whole album Cats Eye Darkness 11/11 La Rossa Still Life Masks Scorched earth Necromancer Theme One Plus heaps of new tracks from new album not asking much ------------- 
|
Posted By: omri
Date Posted: March 10 2011 at 02:50
There are some great tracks missing in your list :
After the flood
The emperor in his war room
Pioneers over C
When she comes
Murglys III ------------- omri |
Posted By: The Coastliner
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 13:57
|
Anyone gotten a hold of the album yet? What does everyone think? I just posted my first review on the site for it!
------------- 
|
Posted By: The Hemulen
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 17:34
| I heard four tracks from the new album on Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone last night and they just blew me away. If those four are anything to go by then this is a huge step up from Trisector. Nothing forgettable about those songs - chunks of them have been rattling around in my head all day! |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 22:23
|
If you have a Zune Pass...its available for download on the Zune Marketplace, if not you have to pay for it. I just downloaded....will listen later this evening.
Seems like everyone thinks its a step up from Trisector?? -------------   
|
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 22:33
Its too bad you'll never listen to it.........
-------------
|
Posted By: Gooner
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 22:46
| ...got it pre-ordered. VDGG must tour Canada again. I saw them in Hamilton, Ontario last time around. About 120 people showed up. They played their hearts out for such a small crowd. |
Posted By: WalterDigsTunes
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 23:30
Don't be daft, I always approve of pre-89 heroes (particularly when they stand up for what's right in this degenerate age). |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: March 14 2011 at 23:37
True...according to the internet this degenerate age will end on May 21, 2011. -------------
|
Posted By: The Coastliner
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 00:22
I was at this same show and it was fantastic. I couldn't believe how many people weren't there and they still put on a hell of a show. I'm still glad they played The Sleepwalkers, as I don't think it was originally on their setlist! ...Does anyone else think that "Smoke" sounds like it could have gone on David Bowie's Low?
-------------
|
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: March 15 2011 at 11:12
|
I like the album.....had a good listen last night while finishing up my taxes, it was appropriate album to listen to with all the math references .
Favs are Your time Starts Now, Embarrasing Kid, 5533 and All Over the Place........a good comeback from Trisector.
-------------
|
Posted By: ProgBob
Date Posted: March 16 2011 at 18:35
|
Currently on my second listen and very much enjoying it. My avatar suddenly became very apt! I'm actually a relatively new fan of VDGG. I had only H to He and the 1 disc compilation for many years and although I thought bits were OK I was never all that inclined to explore further. Then over Xmas I dug out the compilation and something clicked for me. A couple of further purchases later and I had bought myself a ticket for the Barbican gig! I now have all studio albums except 'Aerosol' and have been in 'cramming' mode all year but thoroughly enjoying most of what I am hearing. Still a bit of a blind spot with H to He though... ------------- Bob |
Posted By: Krodis
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 02:20
|
First post, and I have to say I really quite like it. Not as good as their four best (The span from H To He to Still Life), but I think I like it more than The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other, making this my fifth favorite VDGG album. Favorite song is probably Embarrassing Kid. This really is some great prog fit into bite sized pieces(I wouldn't characterize this as "pop", unless we're going to start using prog pop rock as a genre). I really don't have a single complaint about it, other than it could theoretically be better.
|
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 03:05
|
Wow, so far all glowing reviews and praises here. Dare I say I will be getting this next month?
I am glad it is better than Trisector. I found that a bit cumbversome and forgettable. Well moreso than Present in any case. -------------
|
Posted By: ProgBob
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 07:03
|
First negative review - one star - has appeared.
------------- Bob |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 07:17
|
LINKS?
actually I dont want to read it at this stage. -------------
|
Posted By: ProgBob
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 07:25
I meant on this site. ------------- Bob |
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 08:09
|
Oh, well that is disappointing.
You have to respect the progenitors of prog.
They receieved a 5 star review and 2 4 star reviews, none from colloborators.
I would dare to say that 1 particular review could be dismissed as a mere farce, written by someone who does not understand the direction of the music or the album.
I checked the particular reviewers others, who rated Rush's debut 1 star, King Crimson's Beat and Three of a perfect pair both 1 star and VDGG's Pleasure Dome 1 star. Thats enough to lose credibility for me. Furthermore there are 1502 ratings only and 1 review for VDGGs latest.
Entitled to his opinion of course but it won't stop me from getting the album.
-------------
|
Posted By: harmonium.ro
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 08:54
| Just listening to it right now... Highly Strung was a lolwut moment... |
Posted By: Bonnek
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 10:07
|
On first impression it's like an average Hammill solo album for me. Luckily VDGG and Hammill albums tend to improve with listening. EDIT: After 3 listen, I've decided to skip the first 3 tracks from now on, especially Highly Strung is ouch-y. From track 4 onwards it's a fairly nice album. |
Posted By: The Hemulen
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 11:43
| On first full listen there are plenty of strong, memorable melodies which wasn't true of much of Present or Trisector, and the whole thing sounds so much BIGGER than Trisector. Not sure if that's down to overdubs, increased use of guitar, mixing/production or a combination thereof, but the tunes themselves seem more in line with that big, melodramatic VDGG sound than any of Trisector did. I don't agree with that "Hammill solo album" accusation at all. Banton's unmistakable organ gives it that unique Van Der Graaf quality, IMO. |
Posted By: bucka001
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 11:49
Hear, hear. I think it's much better than the other two studio releases of this millenium.
I'm probably an idiot, but are there any reviews of this album on progarchives? Looking at the front page (and even with some searching) I couldn't find any. ------------- jc |
Posted By: bucka001
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 12:19
Never mind, found the reviews (thereby proving that I am an idiot... glad that's settled!) ------------- jc |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: March 17 2011 at 13:38
Hey but at least you are a smart idiot and solved your own problem....
-------------
|
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: March 18 2011 at 06:46
|
For listening purposes at least youtube has a few
here they are
Track list:
1. Your Time Starts Now 2. Mathematics 3. Highly Strung 4. Red Baron 5. Bunsho 6. Snake Oil 7. Splink 8. Embarrassing Kid 9. Medusa 10. Mr. Sands 11. Smoke 12. 5533 13. All Over the Place -------------
|
Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: March 18 2011 at 07:05
|
oh another i missed
full on excellence -------------
|
Posted By: earlyprog
Date Posted: March 19 2011 at 13:35
|
Sounds like they are returning to the classic era but unlike other bands actually succeed in doing so - If it had to be this direction I am genuinely impressed by the youtube samples. I am a bit disappointed though that the music is not more forward pointing like "Present".
Anyway, sounds like classic VDGG.
|
Posted By: FunkyM
Date Posted: March 25 2011 at 19:28
It was the same at Bluesfest 2009 in Ottawa. But those 100ish people got a hell of a show. I know I'd see them again, anytime. |