genre: psych
country: uk
quality: lossless (flac, cue, log, scans)
time: 54'43" size: 342 mb
misc.: 2005
From ProgressiveRock :
Led by the indefatigable Peter Hammill here begins the musical quest of Van Der Graaf Generator. Over the next decade, he would divide his time between leading VDGG and a prolific solo career; though where those lines crossed would at times be difficult to identify. The band had already been through iteration or two by the time it got around to recording this debut album. Hammill and co-conspirator Chris Judge Smith formed the band with organist Nic Pearne in 1968 while still at University in Manchester. Moving to London, the duo spent the next year attempting to record, having already secured a recording contract with Mercury. More fruitful was the assembly of a full band, with Hugh Banton on organ, Guy Evans on drums, Keith Ellis on bass, and a relationship with Charisma impresario Tony Stratton Smith. However, Judge left after they recorded their first single "People You Were Going To" b/w "Firebrand", and after a few gigs, their equipment was stolen and the band split up. Their debut then was originally conceived as a solo album. Hammill rounded up the others in July of 1969 to record what eventually became the first VDGG album. "Afterwards" opens and immediately reveals the promise: a gentle, indeed, beautiful song that introduces Hammill’s voice, as distinct as his songwriting. However, the following "Orthenian St" and "Into A Game" offered the first glimpse of what band could offer. Evan's delicate drumming and Banton's monstrous Hammond would remain the hallmarks of VDGG, while the thick, rhythmic bass Ellis would only propel this album. Both "Necromancer" and "Octopus" further demonstrate the band's virtuosity, and in true VDGG fashion close in a chaotic finale. Oddly, the album was released only in the US. Careful manipulation from Strat would release the band from their contract with Mercury and allow them into the Charisma stable.
Side A:
01 Afterwards 4:55
02 Orthenthian St 6:19
03 Running Back 6:36
04 Into A Game 6:58
bonus:
05 Ferret & Featherbird 4:31
Side B:
06 Aerosol Grey Machine 0:50
07 Black Smoke Yen 1:25
08 Aquarian 8:20
bonus:
09 Giant Squid 3:20
Side B:
10 Octopus 7:55
11 Necromancer 3:33
Peter Hammill - vocals, acoustic guitar
Hugh Banton - piano, organ, percussion, backing vocals
Keith Ellis - bass
Guy Evans - drums, percussion
Jeff Peach - flute
Chris Judge Smith - vocals on "Firebrand"
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