Record Reviews

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

VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR ~ A GROUNDING IN NUMBERS ESOTERIC 1001 (Barcode: 5013929710184) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This is a new (2010) studio album by the legendary Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist – who really needs to add anything more here? The trio: Peter HammillFind albums by this artist (vocals, piano, guitar), Hugh BantonFind albums by this artist (keyboards and bass) and Guy EvansFind albums by this artist (drums) have done it all already and we all know exactly what they are capable of, so the only question remains: did they do it right again this time? As far as I can tell, they sure did. Some critics whine about this being a new Hammill solo album and not enough of a group effort; hey this is the usual nonsense critics whine about. If you like VDGG, you’ll love this album, I assure you, all the rest is irrelevant. We are all getting old, but we can still kick ass…

CD 1 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