RARE 1970 VAN der GRAAF The Least We Can Do PROG PSYCH
$
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Description
1970 MONUMENTAL BRITISH PROGRESSIVE TRIUMPH!
VAN der GRAAF GENERATOR
"The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other"
\ USA - ABC PROBE CPLP 4515
SCARCE original 1970 U.S. release first press with different & unique cover art top the British copy (front & back) ... Their second album is also their most accessible and very best Lp's, filled with wonderful melodies and complex progressive rock arrangements...of course vocalist Peter Hammill in full glory ...
While this is the second album in the Van der Graaf Generator catalogue, it is really the first proper album by the band. Their previous album, The Aerosol Grey Machine had been written and recorded as a solo record by singer and main songwriter Peter Hammill. When the band was signed to Charisma Records, a deal was worked out whereby the earlier album would be released under the Van der Graaf Generator name, in return for Mercury Records releasing him from his earlier contract with them. The title is taken from artist John Minton: "We're all awash in a sea of blood, and the least we can do is wave to each other."
With this album, we plunge into the fantastic world of Van der Graaf Generator without any hope or resurfacing or even finding an exit. So with the first album of the classic era, Van der Graaf Generator with its almost definitive line-up (only bassist Nick Potter will make an exit) strikes for gold with this album.
Right from the first seconds, can we tell the difference with the wind noises of the opening track Darkness (written on a Nov 11 hence the second part of the title), do we hear Jackson's first growls on his sax sounding like a mist/fog horn -- the sound of dark atypical saxophones, crawling Hammond organs, and intense vocals from Hammill, all building up to a final chilling emotional climax. The next song is one of the most beloved in the Van der Graaf catalog. "Refugees" is a song which defies description. It is a piece which features some of the most beautiful vocals and lyrics ever sung by Hammill on a Van der Graaf Generator record. This song should never fail to evoke intense emotions in the listener. It is both optimistic and melancholic at the same time, a truly gorgeous track. The next track, "White Hammer" is an epic with an scary, harsh ending part, interestening lyrics and dark atmosphere throughout the song. Then comes "Whatever Would Robert Have Said?", which features very strong lyrics (typical Hammill), a piece with relaxed intro but a wild, progressive middle-part, great guitar-work in the ending part. Variation in a nice way that leads to "Out Of My Book" the second ballad on the album, with once more personal lyrics by Peter Hammill. The instrumental work is simple, but very effective, especially the acoustic guitar is very good, also the organ. Peter Hammill's voice is very sentimental and shining too. Nice... "After The Flood" the closing track is a fascinating epic. The song is about over eleven minutes long and isn't as aggressive as "White Hammer", but very beautiful, a nice fluttering flute, then the rhythms get faster after more than five minutes and the saxophone of David Jackson takes a big part in duality with Hugh Banton's volcanic organ playing -- a track full of social conscious and foresight. It speaks of impending global warming disaster, back in 1970. Quite impressive. Here they are able to construct equally ominous music for their message. Hammill, both lyrically and vocally is at his best here. They manage to inject quite a bit of variety into this 12 minute track, making it gripping through its entirety. It even has acoustic guitar alongside the ever present sax and organ, a nice addition.
Overall this album is essential to any fan of Van der Graaf Generator or dark, gothic progressive.
Peter Hammill - Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals, PianoHugh Banton - Organ, Piano, Backing Vocals
Nic Potter - Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar
Guy Evans - Drums, Percussion
David Jackson - Tenor and Alto Sax, Flute
1. Darkness (11/11) (7:28)
2. Refugees (6:23)
3. White Hammer (8:15)
4. Whatever Would Robert Have Said? (6:07)
5. Out of My Book (4:08)
6. After the Flood (11:29) Condition: The cover -- the front cover has some very light shelf wear, small, not bad, VG++. the back group cover photo is clean "EX" (excellent) the seams are strong, overall acceptable collectible keeper The vinyl is mostly all clear/clean VG++ having a few very minor, stray scuff lines. Superficial, so plays EXcellent from beginning to end. Play graded.
A cool addition to anyone's music library!
SEE: SELLERS OTher items for similar cool sounds for "head" people...
EFFICIENT/CAREFUL GRADING
All imperfections are noted both cover & record
NOTE: All Items backed by money back guarantee! IF you have a problem PLEASE let us solve for you BEFORE leaving ANY negative feedback. Thanks! GRADING SCALE: M, M-, EX, VG++,VG+, VG, VG- M Completely clean, no marks M- Carefully used, looks clean, plays clean, shiny gloss, no marks EX Faint scuff or superficial mark, near M-, high gloss, plays clean VG++ Glossy with minimal scuffing or light mark playing very nice, clean VG+ a bit more scuff or markls still plays well with very minimal surface at worse VG more marks/scratches only minor, nothing deep, no loud clicks or pops this grade is abused by many, VG here does not mean "trashed" VG- surface noise present, will not have skips or jumps SHIPPING: (Attention: Items are sent out every Friday of each week) USA: $4.00 = Media Mail = U.S.A / delivery confirmation included (add 1.00 each additional LP/disc) $8.50 = Priority = U.S.A. /delivery confirmation included. (add $1.00 each additional LP) CANADA shipping is $8.50 AIRMAIL ...please add $1.50 for each additional LP MEXICO shipping is $9.95 AIRMAIL ... please add $1.50 for each additional Lp NOTE: Please wait until receipt of OUR invoice for proper shipping charges ***To our international OVERSEAS customers*** Due to the increase in U.S.A. postal shipping rates, we are forced to restructure shipping charges. Please see chart below. It is our hopes to provide you with our best possible service and keeping your shipping costs as low as possible. We have had problems with many international shipping orders costing us more than actual (higher) charges; The more Lp's you get in one parcel, the better the shipping costs, so we urge you to take advantage that we will HOLD your purchases to save YOU on shipping costs. IMPORTANT: Pay each invoice you receive, and, if you wish, ask us to HOLD your order reach lowest shipping costs. We value ALL our customers and will continue to list MANY interesting "rare" 60's & 70's Lp's that we obtain in our constant search and travels over all parts of the U.S. Thank you for your continued interests. International AIR MAIL shipping charges (all countries apply): 1 Lp = $14.00 2 Lp = $18.00 3 Lp's = $24.00 4 Lp's = $30.00 5 Lp's = $36.00 6 Lp's = $42.00 7 Lp's = $45.00 8 Lp's = $48.00 9 Lp's = $51.00 10 Lp's = $54.00 11 Lp's = $57.00 12 Lp's = $60.00 13 Lp's = $63.00 14 Lp's = $66.00 15 Lp's = $69.00 MULTIPLE LP SETS COUNT EACH DISC FOR SHIPPING COST (double Lp count as 2-Lp, etc.) Items In All Parcels Are Well Protected = The disc of an LP will always be separated from its cover (avoiding seam splits,etc) ALL PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE WITHIN 5 DAYS Of AUCTIONS END Appropriate Feedback Is Left AFTER Yours Is Left BIDDERS PLEASE = Do Not Bid If You Are Not Serious About Following Through The Transaction! ALL ITEMS GUARANTEED FOR WINNING BID - LESS SHIPPING!
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