From djacques@csulb.edu Fri Feb 06 07:34:08 2004
Subject:Van de Graff Generator and Pink Floyd

Yesterday I received and viewed my latest two DVD acquisitions, the live Van
der Graff Generator Godbluff and the Classic Albums Dark Side of the Moon.

First, these are two "must haves" for fans of these bands. Hugh Banton's
keyboard work on the VDGG is amazing. The DVD contains two live
performances, the first from 1975 performing the Godbluff album in front of
a live audience, the second from 1970 in a TV studio performing Theme One
and Curse of the Lighthouse Keeper. Hugh performs with a C3 for the first
part, then, I believe, a Hammond E console piped through some amazing
effects (if anyone has any idea what these electronics are, I am all ears.)

Although Godbluff does not spend a great deal of time on Hugh's hands, the
second part does! He is an incredibly precise player and is definitely
underrated. I have always loved the sound that he coaxed out of the Hammond.
Truly distinctive! The band performs brilliantly, with intense syncopated
playing. I always put these guys miles ahead of other prog rock artists, and
this live performance just proves this... It is interesting to watch Peter
Hammill perform after all these years just hearing his distinctive voice.

Now the Dark Side of the Moon showcases all the members of Pink Floyd. One
rock critic comments how the musicians leave "space" between what they play,
which is a perfect description of Richard Wright's playing. We could all
learn a lesson from him.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]