Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14443 in Digital Music Album
• Published on: 2005-10-04
• Released on: 2005-10-04
• Running time: 0 seconds

Customer Reviews

The Tempest in My Mind
This disc easily earns 5 stars right out of the gate. It takes a bit of getting used to, as it is very eccentric, very British prog rock, but it is well worth the effort. The album starts off with "Lemmings" which features alot of sax from David Jackson, an excellent start I must say, it just rocks, the keyboard floating in the background is stunning. Next comes the anthem "Man-Erg" which features guitar work from Robert Fripp of King Crimson fame. It's a deep, introspective look at our worse and better natures. Peter Hammill does an outstanding job on vocals with this. Very good track, it goes without saying. Next is the epic "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers", clocking in at 23:05, it's time to take a deep breath and completely go over the edge. It's a long track, but holds together very well.

The bonus tracks are a real plus, unlike many times when they are not. They add to the dark, edgy feel of an already outstanding album.

If you've never heard Van der graaf Generator, this is an outstanding place to start, it's classic prog rock at it's very best, and well worth every penny. 5 stars!

solid
While it may appear like this album features a lot of songs, there's actually only three of them (three HUGE multi-part pieces).

I'd say Van Der Graaf Generator is a pretty tough band to get into (unlike Gentle Giant) because their musical ideas are pretty insanely OUT there, not to mention their lead singer is the definition of an acquired taste. More often than not, the guy reminds me of Alice Cooper the way he tries to sound serious and believable, but instead ends up sounding goofy thanks to some of his rather odd vocal reaches. Unlike Cooper though, he's actually singing most of the time instead of talk-singing (the main thing about Alice Cooper that drives me nuts).

But for every time the music rears in an insanely goofy direction, they are quickly taken back to a friendlier and more enjoyable melody. This is basically an album for people who prefer vocal melodies in their progressive rock, instead of lengthy jams and multi-part instrumental pieces and what have you.

Do I prefer vocal melodies over jams? No, not really. But I can't deny, with time and patience, you will find a highly enjoyable listening experience about lighthouses if you give Pawn Hearts an honest chance.

One the VdGG's best....ever!
Don't expect this to be a foot tapper-dinner-party-mixer. Yes, there are some beautiful passages and softer moments. But, put the kids to bed because the band jumps on it hard and it gets jagged, manic, vocals straining-splitting-piercing. Demonic organ blasts and double saxaphone passages all beautifully arranged and held together by exquisite drumming. So, If your a prog rock fan and you don't have VdGG in your collection. I'd say this album and "H to He who am the only one" are the places to start when considering VdGG's earlier albums. Later release's like Godbluff, World Record, Still Life, will make their way into your collection in due time.