Van der Graaf Generator (UK)H to He who am the Only One (1971)Genres: progressive rock, dark progressiveWith David Jackson (and his saxes) fully integrated and stronger song material, Van der Graaf Generator came up with their first classic album. The first side contains three good tracks. “Killer” is a rocking track built on a catchy sax riff and “House with no Door” is a calm track driven by flute and piano. The next track, “The Emperor in his War-Room”, has alternating calm and energetic moments and Fripp contributing with a guitar solo.
On the second side things really improve from good to great. It consists of two long tracks; “Lost” and “Pioneers Over c.”. Both are brilliant. “Lost” is a melancholic piece with superb and moody sax work from Jackson (just listen to that ominous baritone sax hissing in the background). It also features some quirky instrumental parts that abruptly breaks the pace of the song. I don't know what they are supposed to symbolise; it sounds great but it sure does not sound like a “Dance in Sand and Sea” or “Dance in the Frost”, as suggested by the subtitles of the song.
“Pioneers Over c.” is an attempt to write a science fiction story about space travellers getting lost in space. It wouldn't surprise me if it is intended to be yet another allegory about isolation and loss, though. If that is the case the lyrical themes of the five songs on the album would be; (1) isolation, (2) isolation, (3) isolation, (4) loss, (5) isolation and loss. You decide if that is good or bad. Personally, I have no problem with depressing lyrics, nor do I mind the children’s tale lyrics of “Killer”. Anyhow, back to “Pioneers Over c.”. As a science fiction story it is rather dated (“Left the Earth in 1983...”), but musically it is Vdgg at their best. The track creates an eerie atmosphere with a desperate sounding Hammill over music that offers no comfort. My favourite part is Jackson's sax solo where the initial melody disintegrates into dissonance. Very striking.
Van der Graaf Generator comes at us at full speed here, starting with ”Killer” an extraordinary track full of life with saxophone and organ all over and the drums riding along between ‘em. On top of that some really nice acoustic guitar playing in the background, I guess by Peter Hammill, whom besides this give a very strong vocal deliverance here and elsewhere. It has come to my understanding that folk either love or hate his voice. I count myself in with the former.
Well, five lengthy tracks on this one and “House With No Door” serves as the quiet song here, the “ballad” of the album with plenty of piano and soft playing although there are many quiet passages on most songs. Anyway “House With No Door” is probably the song I like the least, though I don’t think it’s bad. But then we are off again with three classic VdGG tunes in the same style as “Killer”. A very strong album indeed, highlights for me being “Killer” and “Pioneers Over c.”. But again all songs are good.
This album is to me one of the most accessible VdGG record, not that hard to get into (certainly no “Pawn Hearts”) and it is also one of their best.
