Present [Import]

Van Der Graaf Generator, Van Der Graaf Generator/Jackso | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 2, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Virgin Int'l
• ASIN: B0007VWRBC
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,531 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Most fans thought it would never happen. But Guy Evans, David Jackson, Hugh Banton and Peter Hammill have reunited as Van der Graaf Generator. This is not a nostalgic reunion to relive past glories, but a coming together of new experiences and fresh perspectives for the creation of new music as well as new live performances, the rebirth of a phoenix! During the studio sessions the muse was so generous that the result was 16 new Van der Graaf works spread out over a double CD. Present is being released by Virgin/EMI who have resurrected the Charisma label for the occasion. ''One CD consists of the songs/structured pieces which we consciously rehearsed - 'Every Bloody Emperor,' 'Boleas Panic,' 'Nutter Alert,' 'Abandon Ship!,' 'In Babelsberg' and 'On the Beach.' The second CD features an hour's worth of improvisations. These have always been a feature of Van der Graaf playing and are quite whacky.... I recommend taking these at about a half an hour at a time-it's really like being locked in the room with us.' - PH. EMI. 2005. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome back VDGG!!, July 6, 2005

By 

Chris J. Previti (Glenolden, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Present (Audio CD)

Aah, life is good. The most unique-sounding band ever is back and better than ever. Having been a fan of Hammill and company since 1970, it's so refreshing to hear new material. The first disc alone is worth the price of admission. Like others have said here, the opener "Every Bloody Emperor" has to rank up there with the best stuff ever done by the guys. This track would have been great even if Hammill had done it accapella. The words alone carry it. Add in the great arrangement behind it and you've got a new VDGG classic.
The rest of the first disc contains other high points, most notably "Nutter Alert" and "Abandon Ship". The second disc, devoted to improvisations, is, for me, a little harder to get into. I need a little more structure in the songs, but I'm not complaining. It's just great to have them back. Maybe this time around, they'll get the attention they so richly deserve.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Uncompromising Return, May 6, 2005

By 

r-devic-saint (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Present (Audio CD)

Nearly thirty years since their last studio project "World Record", the classic line-up of Van Der Graaf Generator have reuinited on this double disc release. CD 1 consists of new songs, CD 2 of jams and improvisations. From the opener "Every Bloody Emperor" Peter Hammill's take on the geo-politics of the day, it is evident that the classic sound of albums like 1971's "Pawn Hearts" has returned. The CD is recorded in lively under-produced manner that peserves all the energy of these songs. Hugh Banton's organ, Hammill's frantic vocals, Guy Evans propulsive drums and David Jackson's distorted saxes sound as if they are being played right next to your ear, the spirit and excitemant of the recording never leaves you. They liken it to being locked in a room with the band, those unacustomed to the unique sound of this band (that was both demandingly Progressive and a precurssor of Punk in the early seventies) might need to leave the room after small dosages but those of us who have missed the the conglomeration of these musicians will want to linger.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time..., August 1, 2005

By 

Software Maniac (Mill Creek, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Present (Audio CD)

Being a fan since the "H to He" days, it is wonderful that Peter Hammill and the original gang can still put out such a great collection of new material. As I've found with most of their past compositions, their new tunes take some getting used to. Unless you are a diehard VDGG fan their stuff isn't "many people's cup o'tea."

I'm pleased that the "Present" isn't a watered-down version of a PH set of slow ballads (jeez, the band is getting near 60 years old!). I only wish they knew how to market themselves so that they could justify trips to the USA and Canada.

The fact that Peter Hammill and VDGG aren't popular and can still take the time and generate gems like "Present" gives us all who don't care for popular pop music hope that music and talent can coexist! I'd suggest that VDGG/Sofasound improve their web site presence. Another suggestion is to publish a book on PH's lyrics with artwork since there is no doubt that Peter's words drive their musical direction.

Well, enough of these comments -- for those of you Mum, King Crimson, and Peter Gabriel fans DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND BUY "PRESENT."