Pawn Hearts [IMPORT] [LIMITED EDITION]

Van Der Graaf Generator

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 27, 2008)
• Original Release Date: August 30, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Limited Edition
• Label: Caroline
• ASIN: B00140GXQA
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (50 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #135,640 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Limited Edition Japanese "Mini Vinyl" CD, faithfully reproduced using original LP artwork including the inner sleeve. Features most recently mastered audio including bonus tracks where applicable.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hurts At First, But It Grows On One, November 1, 2001

By	Solo Goodspeed (Granada Hills, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pawn Hearts (Audio CD)

Pawn Hearts was a challenging listen on its release back in the early 70s, and it is no less today.

Though they are generally associated with the Euro-Prog camp, Van Der Graaf Generator were definitely (and definedly) their own sort of group. Unlike Yes, Genesis, ELP, etc, the emphasis was more on expression than instrumental virtuosity. Musically they did employ a unique approach to song structure, but the execution was more loose, more raw, maybe not so pleasing much of the time. Given the nature of Peter Hammill's agonized lyrical visions, as well as the conflict-ravaged history of the group itself, these dark, chaotic elements somehow work in this release's favor, producing a most extraordinary and unforgettable listen ..... if you can take it.

Closer to the aesthetic viscera of King Crimson (but not as blatantly experimental), the album even features a brief appearance by Robert Fripp (on "Man-Erg"), lending sonic divergence to a lineup that otherwise features no lead guitar to speak of. The themes of the songs mostly concern death, societal ruination, personal duality, self-doubt and neurosis, with maybe a dim shimmer of hope breaking through. Songwriter/vocalist Hammill sounds almost like a tortured David Bowie (not a criticism), fluctuating between tender melodic mastery and shamelessly baring his inflamed tonsils to the world in performance. The words themselves are introspective, emotional, mostly dark and cut very deep, betraying a vulnerability few singers would want to reveal. As stated earlier, not the easiest listen at times, but a damn good exorcism in its own way.

This band nearly broke up before their very first studio release, "The Aerosol Gray Machine", and by all reports was in constant danger of dissolvement all through their career. The fact that they managed to release what they did (some 7-8 albums) is a testament to their determination to overcome adversity as well as to the support of just enough hard-core enthusiasts. Though later releases exhibited a tad more polish, I would have to call Pawn Hearts the defining VDGG work, in terms of both vision and execution ..... one of the most musical primal screams you could squeeze from your speakers. Brace yourself and enjoy.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ultimate Progressive Rock Experience, March 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Pawn Hearts (Audio CD)

I first bought this album about ten years ago. It blew me away then and it still blows me away today. I have followed the band's leader, Peter Hammill, religiously ever since.

Along with King Crimson (Robert Fripp makes a guest appearance), VdGG sits on the darker edge of the Progressive Rock musical spectrum. This explains the noted influence of Peter Hammill/VdGG on Johnny Rotten. Minor keys certainly prevail.

"Lemmings" has got to be one of the most violent rock compositions ever written both musically and lyrically ("young minds and bodies on steel spokes, impaled"). The song, however, ends with a glimmer of hope - "What cause is there left but to live in hope of saving our children's children's little ones?"

"Man-Erg" is more orchestral with a shocking, stark middle section of staccato sax and organ that is truly jarring. In a good way!!

The second side of the album "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers" is widely regarded as VdGG's finest moment. A journey through the mind of a lonely, isolated human (Hammill himself?), the piece is equal parts beautiful and disturbing. Brilliantly, the piece never truly resolves, again, both musically and lyrically ("All things are apart/a part") over a fading, baffling choice of a chord.

As a musician and songwriter, this album had a huge influence on me and I have turned many young listeners onto Hammill and Progressive Rock, in general, with this album.

All in all, very extremely recommended!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHERE IT ALL STARTED...FOR ME, December 8, 2000

By	Larry L. Looney (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Pawn Hearts (Audio CD)

I know, this isn't their first album -- it isn't even the one I heard first. A few months before I heard PAWN HEARTS, a friend of mine who was already a huge fan play H TO HE for me -- I guess I just wasn't ready yet. When I heard PAWN HEARTS for the first time, it all came together -- the music, the arrangements, the incredible lyrics of Peter Hammill, his one-of-a-kind voice. I think, after years under the bridge, that this is their first really mature album. The earlier ones have their moments, but this one is complete -- they had found their sound and, with the able help of producer John Anthony (also responsible for several early Genesis albums, their best work), managed to get it across to the listener in all its power and glory. Every member of the band contributes such strength and taste to the whole -- Hugh Banton's surging keyboard work, David Jackson's alternately whispering and snarling saxophone spirals, Guy Evans supplying the heartbeat, and Peter's songwriting/vocals (as well as some fine piano). Guest Robert Fripp's guitar lines at the end of 'Plague' is some of his most stirring work -- it never fails to bring tears to my eyes to hear it. The album can be both delicately beautiful and frighteningly jarring -- always to perfect effect. The last lines of 'A plague of lighthouse keepers' are permanently etched into my musical soul: 'All things are apart/all things are a part...' This theme of the unity of all things in the universe came back to me again recently upon my first reading of THE ALCHEMIST by Paolo Coelho. Inspired, I sent the author a copy of Peter's lyrics, which he replied, 'are truly magical'. Nuff said.