Van Der Graaf Generator-The Sleepwalkers

This is a recording of VDGG performing the track Sleepwalkers from the superlative album Godbluff. It was filmed in 2005 at the Forum in Leverkusen.
Godbluff was released in 1975 following a 3-year split in which band members had gone off to pursue other projects. As such, the labum could - and should - be considered as one of the great comeback albums.
Sleepwalkers was the last track on the album and is considered by many to be the weakest. I however, take completely opposite view and feel that it is the strongest track by some distance. The album was noted for the wild saxophone playing of David Jackson which lay on top of some brilliant organ work by Hugh Banton. But again and as ever with VDGG, it is Hammill that draws my attention. I find him quite mesmerising to watch and I always remain transfixed by his wordplay. As viewers will note, the song is split in the middle with a sort of Latin 'Cha Cha Cha' sequence that I cannot really explain. Possibly this is to lighten the mood of the song (and indeed the album which is quite dark and intense).
Godbluff is probably the album that I would recommend if I was trying to introduce somebody to VDGG. It is accessible but thought provoking. I would also - tentatively - suggest that The Sleepwalkers is the best introduction to the album.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Van Der Graaf Generator
• Godbluff
• The Sleepwalkers
• Peter Hammill
• Hugh Banton
• David Jackson
• Guy Evans

[laeluisgg]

Awesome piece, that´s right my friend, I don´t think it is Cha, cha, cha, seems like a Brazilian rythm, anyway its incredible to find this part of the piece, no doubt about it enhance the piece and provide diversity; it´s a introduction to the explosion of that hypnotic rithm that follows. Brilliant thanks for sharing.

[tirano072]

A master Piece !!!!

[broadaccent]

Great, thanks for sharing