PAWN HEARTS

What an album! I was very impressed by what VdGG had to offer on this pinnacle landmark in their career. The entire album being 3 songs, each hauntingly beautiful and agressive at the same time. Peter Hamill is a genious lyricist and a raspy, spine chilling vocalist that makes a point during his vocal lines. The saxophone is tasteful yet it tends to go in and out of agression and melody. Guy Evans does a terrific job on the drums, with quick and frenetic fills, and great timing. Hugh Banton also makes a moody atmosphere with his wide array of keyboards. Guest musician Robert Fripp is also a welcome addition to this already stellar work.

The album begins with Lemming (including Cog), a very up and down song that swings and struts witht the best of them. The saxophones really linger in my mind, the way they go up and down throughout the song. It all sounds so haunting, and so beautiful at the same time. The next track, Man-Erg, is along the lines of the first track, it has its up moments, and it has its down moments. A very fine track indeed. The album closer, A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers, is also along the lines of Lemming and Man-Erg. It starts off quiet, then the agression comes back and recedes after a few minutes.

For those of you who want to get into Van Der Graaf Generator, I recommend you start with this album. A very fine work indeed.