Record Reviews
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  | 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 ~ AND CLOSE AS THIS (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 503278 (Barcode: 5099950327829) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1986 Released: 2007
13th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and another complete about-face in comparison to its predecessor SkinFind albums with this title. Here we have Hammill alone, armed only with his piano (and some help from his MIDI and sequencers), singing his heart out and performing a great set of new songs. The passing years and the experience gathered over time only emphasize his immense talent and although such solo efforts are usually quite difficult to pull through, he manages to do so brilliantly. The material seems to be less dramatic than usual, almost calm and lyrical and as always deeply intimate and personal. The beautiful lullaby “Sleep Now” crowns the entire album. It is still unmistakably Hammill, showing yet another of his many faces and unveiling another layer of his complex personality. This is classic Hammill, something none of his many fans should miss in their collection.
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  | PETER HAMMILL ~ CHAMELEON IN THE SHADOW OF THE NIGHT (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 370435 (Barcode: 094637043523) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1978 Released: 2006
2nd album by Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist leader Peter HammillFind albums by this artist, who maintained a remarkable solo career in parallel to his work with the band. Although accompanied by his VDGG mates, his solo albums were quite different in sound and atmosphere from the band’s albums. Hammill is much more personal and expressive, with song lyrics being poetic and much more complex in nature. His vocal talents come to full exposure here and the atmosphere is passionate and bleak. The album is considered to be one of his strongest efforts and is often referred to as a concept album about old age, although formally never described as such. Definitely a must for all VDGG and Hammill fans.
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  | PETER HAMMILL ~ FOOL`S MATE (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 311395 (Barcode: 094631139529) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2005
1st album by musician / poet / philosopher Peter HammillFind albums by this artist, who became known not only as the creator and leader of the Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist but also as one of the most prolific and lasting figures on the Prog scene. The album was recorded around the time of the H To He Who Am The Only OneFind albums with this title VDGG album and includes material that was intended for that album but eventually not included there, being more personal and intimate. The musicians include of course the other VDGG members but also quite a few others, most importantly Robert Fripp on guitar. A classic.
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  | PETER HAMMILL ~ IN CAMERA (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 370512 (Barcode: 094637051221) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2006
4th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist, who was then still living a double life both as the Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist leader and a solo artist. The band members accompany him here as on all the early albums, but the music is quite different from the band’s material, surely more personal and poetic. A balanced mixture of up-tempo numbers and slow introvert songs makes this a most pleasant listening experience, especially in view of how well Hammill’s material ages, being completely relevant today as much as it was at the time of its release. It is quite apparent when listening to the album that Hammill was an extraordinary music maker, with completely unique palette of sounds and a personal thesaurus. In addition he was also remarkably prolific recording more that one album a year, something he continued to do for many years to come. Getting into Hammill’s music can take time, but I recommend the effort (is one is necessary), as the rewards are worth it. For VDGG and Hammill fans this is of course a must.
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  | PETER HAMMILL ~ NADIR`S BIG CHANCE (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 370513 (Barcode: 094637051320) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1974 Released: 2006
5th album by Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist leader Peter HammillFind albums by this artist, where he takes a bold move by dramatically changing his musical approach and trying to create a more straightforward rock music. Influenced by the early Punk movement, Hammill demonstrates a deliberate sloppy approach to the instrumentation, creating a noisy and jarring effect. He assumes the character of Rikki Nadir, a garage rocker, and treats the music and his vocals with vengeance, with the listener being unable to comprehend the lyrics properly. Although shocking at the time of its release, in retrospect the album shows simply another, more spontaneous side of Hammill’s many talents and the album remains an important document of his career.
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  | PETER HAMMILL ~ OVER (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 370514 (Barcode: 094637051429) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 - 1977 Released: 2006
6th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and a complete about face compared to the punkish predecessor. Back to his more customary lyricism and gloom, this is an album about end of relationships, a theme common in our lives and therefore more approachable. Hammill’s Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist buddies are back at his side, providing great instrumental support. His voice is stronger and pronunciation clearer then ever, so the lyrics are easily audible. The music moves between melancholic ballads and more up-tempo number. Orchestral arrangements are added on some songs, making this the most versatile Hammill album to date. Many of Hammill’s fans cite this to be their favorite album of all, which is quite understandable, as it includes some of his best songs and performances. In retrospect it looses nothing of its power and beauty over the years and remains a true classic.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PETER HAMMILL ~ PH7 (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 370516 (Barcode: 094637051627) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1979 Released: 2006
8th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and another about face compared to its predecessor. This time he comes up with a set of beautifully melodic tunes, almost conventional (mind you Hammill is never really conventional), which are more accessible than almost any of his previous material. Don’t misinterpret this as a put down, these are still great songs with many of Hammill’s characteristics, all beautifully sung and played. The overall atmosphere is just brighter and less tormented than usual. I haven’t listened to this album in a long time and upon hearing the remaster I was pleasantly surprised to rediscover this material, which stands the test of time beautifully. This is yet another face of Hammill’s multi-faced artistic portrait. Recommended as a Hammill starter for people who are not aquatinted with his or Van Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist work.
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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.
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  | 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 |
  | PETER HAMMILL ~ THE LOVE SONGS (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 503286 (Barcode: 5099950328628) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1983 Released: 2007
11th album by Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and the most unusual project to date, in which he takes a retrospective view of his entire solo career. Often mistaken as a compilation album, this is much more than a compilation of previously recorded songs. Hammill constructed here an extraordinary collection of his love-related songs from his previous 10 albums, but re-recorded all the vocals (except one), re-mixed and enhanced many of the instrumental tracks and added one completely new song. The resulting album is a beautiful and deeply lyrical look at the gentle side of Hammill’s music. Of course when the love songs are written and sung by him, one can never expect the conventional approach to the subject. Most of the songs are dark and sad, reflecting the author’s complex view of life and live. This has been my favorite Hammill album for many years and it’s a great introduction to his work for listeners not familiar with his previous recordings. This is classic Hammill, something none of his many fans should miss in their collection.
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  | PETER HAMMILL ~ THE SILENT CORNER AND THE EMPTY STAGE (EXPANDED EDITION)
VIRGIN 370511 (Barcode: 094637051122) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1978 Released: 2006
3rd album by Vand Der Graaf GeneratorFind albums by this artist leader Peter HammillFind albums by this artist and one of his best early albums, where he eventually finds his identity away from his band, although the band members continue to accompany him here again. The complex and deeply poetic lyrics require attentive listening and firmly place Hammill in the creative Avant-Garde, far away from the trivial dribble so often used as lyrics by less ambitious artists. Hammill’s vocal performances are electrifying and suit perfectly his convolute texts. Although often criticized a self-indulgent, this is timeless Art, worthy of repeated listening and admiration. A definite must to all VDGG and Hammill fans.
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | 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…
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  | 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!
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