MAIDA VALE

This is a fantastic live album with a rare performance of Van Der Graaf Generator live and in fine form. It sounds very different than Vital that had a booming bass. This concert was clearer recorded with good equipment from the BBC and the set list is terrific classic VDGG.

'Darkness' is the perfect opening, an incredible eerie track with Jackson brilliant on sax, followed by quintessential 'Man-Erg' from "Pawn Hearts" and dark and brooding 'Scorched Earth' from "Godbluff". All three are killer classics and never bettered live. The version of 'Sleepwalkers' is a 10 minute zombie outbreak of prog with epic proportions. 'Still Life' may be the best live version available, so powerfully moving and Hammill convicting and emotional. 'La Rossa' is a colossal beast of 10 minutes with pounding drums and killer guitar. Hammill's piano cries in agony and this is a definitive highlight with a tour de force of Evans and Banton's rhythms. 'When She Comes' is a strange choice but still good to hear and we end with a wonderful version of 'Masks'. I would have preferred 'Killer', 'Pioneers Over C' or 'Arrow' but it was interesting to hear these live versions.

The Maida Vale BBC Radio One Sessions is a must for Hammill and VDGG fanatics that never fails to please and is of the highest quality. The crowd are low key, and it is more like a Radio session than a concert. And it is all the more enjoyable as a result. Hammill, Evans, Banton and Jackson are a force to be reckoned with and here they are captured in all their glory at the peak of their powers.