Maida Vale Radio 1 Sessions

For reasons unknown, experimentalists Van Der Graaf Generator released only a single live album during their tenure as a band (and it didn't feature their most well-known and popular lineup). Of course, plenty of bootlegs of the classic four-man lineup (Peter Hammill -- vocals/piano/guitar, Hugh Banton -- organ/bass, Guy Evans -- drums, David Jackson -- sax/flute) have circulated, but no official live releases until now. The folks at Band of Joy have compiled eight tracks performed on BBC Radio from 1971 through 1976 by the above-mentioned lineup, and VDGG fans couldn't have asked for a better compilation. Although all the tracks on Maida Vale are long, thereby meeting "prog-rock" criteria, VDGG's music helped influence the whole late-'70s electronic movement (i.e., David Bowie, Brian Eno). VDGG stresses texture in the sound, as heard on the album's best tracks, "Darkness," "La Rossa," and "Masks." A worthy purchase for any music fan interested in hearing '70s experimental music at its most interesting. [Liner notes are done by VDGG founder Peter Hammill.] ~ Greg Prato|