Van der Graaf Generator (UK)Still Life (1976)Genres: progressive rock, heavy progressiveThe follow up to the magnificent “Godbluff” is a more uneven record. The opening “Pilgrims” and the closing “Childlike Faith in Childhood’s End” are both good songs, but they cannot match the three songs in between. “Still Life” starts out quietly with Hammill's vocals accompanied by Banton's eerie organ. Then Evans and Jackson join in to emphasize Hammill's words when he expresses his dismay with man's dream of immortality. “La Rossa” is a proggy piece with intense playing from all band members and equally intense vocals. The next track, “My Room (Waiting for Wonderland)”, is one of my favourite tracks ever. I simply cannot get tired of it. Imagine Hammill trying to write a cosy lounge jazz piece. Of course he fails (thank god!) and instead comes up with this soft and wonderful piece, with pessimistic lyrics, a restrained (!) vocal delivery and tasteful instrumentation. I love it.
Still, this is not as good as “Godbluff” as a whole. Banton is great throughout and his organ sound gets closer and closer to that of a real pipe organ (without getting too close). Jackson (saxes) and Evans (drums) are however not as great. Both seem to rely more on conventional playing on this record than on previous efforts. Evans keeps time, but not much more, while Jackson has replaced some of his dissonant outbursts with melodramatic playing. He is nowhere near the cheese of E-Street Band’s sax player, but he is not as brilliant and versatile as we have gotten used to. On top of that Hammill is more melodramatic than ever on some parts, especially on the closing track which I sometimes find a bit “too much”.
Enough complaints. Van der Graaf Generator is one of my favourite bands and I might thus be too fussy when it comes to them. This is a great (and quite accessible) album.
Another fine album from the Graafers with a different approach than ”Godbluff”. Gone are much of the darkness and much of the heaviness, leaving room for Van der Graaf Generator to create one of their most melodic records ever. “Still Life” offers songs that sometimes feel remarkably stripped from excesses like the title track and the jazzy ballad “My Room (Waiting for Wonderland)”.
Although if I were to compile a single “best of” VdGG record there wouldn’t be that many songs from this album – I guess “La Rosa” would be the only one – it’s still a very good and tight album with five good songs, highly enjoyable. They sort of take the well-known road to destination instead of trying an unknown path to the same destination, so it’s VdGG doing what they are best at doing in a comfortable way without any real surprises. Especially if you’re a long time fan familiar with their back catalogue this one can feel a little “safe”.
Nevertheless, another good album that you simply must have if you like VdGG. Newcomers may want to start somewhere else.
