Record Reviews

PETER HAMMILL ~ A BLACK BOX (EXPANDED EDITION) VIRGIN 370518 (Barcode: 094637051825) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1979 - 1980 Released: 2006 9th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and the last to be released on the CharismaFind albums on this label label (well not really, as it was first released on Hammill’s independent label and only later licensed back to his old label). It is also the first “real” solo album, as by the time it was recorded Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist were no more. The only link to his band is saxophonist David JacksonFind albums by this artist present on one song only. All the rest of the music is played solely by Hammill, which of course makes this a truly personal statement. The work on this album took quite a while and he included here songs he has been working on for quite a while, which were postponed due to the VDGG usual havoc. Now free of any other obligations, Hammill was able to concentrate on his solo work. The music and the texts are as usual deeply expressive and personal, culminating in the multi-part 19+ minutes suite, which was side B of the original LP. In many respects this albums marks the end of en era, for Hammill and music in general, with the golden 1970s behind and the dreary 1980s ahead. From now on Hammill will be releasing his albums on his own label, affirming his independence as an artist. For Hammill and VDGG fans this is a must.

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PETER HAMMILL ~ SITTING TARGETS (EXPANDED EDITION) VIRGIN 503282 (Barcode: 5099950328222) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1980 - 1981 Released: 2007 10th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and his first true 1980s release. In contrast to the convoluted A Black BoxFind albums with this title, Hammill decided to take a more direct and concise approach to his songwriting on this album. He also adapted the new 1980s technology, using synthesized sounds and studio trickery. Old Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist mates: Guy EvansFind albums by this artist (drums) and David JacksonFind albums by this artist (sax) take part in the recording on several tracks. In retrospect this is still a very strong album, with many memorable songs Hammill will continue to perform over the years. His unique approach to songwriting and the dramatic, theatrical performances remain effective, losing nothing of their power over the years. Although somewhat neglected in comparison to his earlier work, this is still classic Hammill, something none of his many fans should miss in their collection.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

PETER HAMMILL ~ SKIN (EXPANDED EDITION) VIRGIN 503279 (Barcode: 5099950327928) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1985 Released: 2007 12th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and by far one of his more interesting releases, although criticized severely due to the extensive use of MIDI and sequencers, which give the album a distinctive 1980s “New Wave” sound. On the album Hammill returns to a group format, using old Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist mates Guy EvansFind albums by this artist and David JacksonFind albums by this artist on all tracks along with several other musicians. In a sense this might be considered a VDGG album of sorts. The music is mostly up-tempo and rocky, but Hammill’s clever lyrics and his unique vocal approach set it apart from other contemporary albums. The overall impression is quite similar to the work David BowieFind albums by this artist was doing at the time, but of course it is still very much Hammill. I haven’t listened to this album for a very long time, but hearing it again now made me realize how alive and fresh it still sounds. This is classic Hammill, something none of his many fans should miss in their collection.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

PETER HAMMILL ~ THE FUTURE NOW (EXPANDED EDITION) VIRGIN 370515 (Barcode: 094637051528) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1978 Released: 2006 7th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and also regarded as one of his strongest releases. It is more artistic and experimental than its mellow predecessor, with music going all over stylistically. Hammill is almost alone here, playing all the instruments and singing, with some occasional help form Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist cahoots David JacksonFind albums by this artist and Graham SmithFind albums by this artist. This is an album that requires repeated listening before it truly sinks in, with layers and layers musical and lyrical overtones that need to be assimilated in time. The effort pays off eventually and once hooked, it stays with you forever. Not recommended to Hammill beginners, but essential to his true fans. The song “If I could” is perhaps Hammill’s most memorable creations amongst the hundreds of songs he has written and although he revisits it on later album, the version included here tops them all.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR ~ TRISECTOR VIRGIN 9521030 (Barcode: 5099952103001) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 Three years after the original Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist reunited and surprised the wold with an excellent new album (PresentFind albums with this title); here they are doing it again. Alas, they are reduced to a trio (Peter HammillFind albums by this artist – vocals, guitars and pianos, Hugh BantonFind albums by this artist – organ and bass and Guy EvansFind albums by this artist – drums), having lost the great David JacksonFind albums by this artist on sax, who was the band’s integral ingredient and is much missed here. Nevertheless the trio manages to produce an excellent album, which will definitely delight the band’s fan base worldwide. Although the writing credits for the album’s contents are assigned to all the three members (except 1 track written by Hammill only), Hammill’s overall influence over the band remains dominant. He delivers his vocals with the usual theatrical abilities, remaining in excellent form. The music is much (and I mean much) rockier than any previous VDGG album, with the heavy organ riffs and energetic drumming driving the up-tempo tracks. But of course there is plenty of quiet contemplative material, typical of Hammill’s writing over the years. The overall sound, although excellent, is kept very retro, creating the illusion that the album was recorded sometime in the 1970s, which of course should delight the band’s fans as well. I can’t imagine any VDDG enthusiast being disappointed by this album, and I’d rather expect a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed it immensely, especially in view of the fact that it proves again that talent does not go away with age – these veterans can easily blow any of the contemporary Prog or Rock bands off the stage with one blast of their music. Hats off!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend