Beginning as a Peter Hammill solo effort following the dissolution of the first Van Der Graaf Generator, this quickly recorded album brought Hammill together with producer John Anthony and caused the reformation of the band (which immediately thereafter shifted personnel once again). A raw, energetic effort that sometimes did little to show off the young Hammill's talents, the album nevertheless has some fine moments that hint at the possibilities for future releases. The fact remains, mind you, that the second album, The Least We Can Do Is Wave to Each Other, is far superior. [CD versions of this album appeared in 1996 and 1997, both including additional material such as the first (and very rare) Van Der Graaf Generator single, and the previously unreleased VDGG recording of "Ferret and Featherbird."] ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide
Peter Hammill (Guitar (Acoustic)), Peter Hammill (Guitar), Peter Hammill (Keyboards), Peter Hammill (Vocals), Peter Hammill (Liner Notes), Peter Hammill (Vox Continental), Van der Graaf Generator (Main Performer), John Anthony (Producer), Hugh Banton (Organ), Hugh Banton (Bass), Hugh Banton (Guitar), Hugh Banton (Percussion), Hugh Banton (Piano), Hugh Banton (Keyboards), Hugh Banton (Vocals), Hugh Banton (Vox Continental), Robin Geoffrey Cable (Engineer), Keith Ellis (Bass), Keith Ellis (Vocals), Keith Ellis (Vox Continental), Keith Ellis (Wah Wah Bass), Guy Evans (Percussion), Guy Evans (Drums), Guy Evans (Talking Drum), Jeff (Flute), Gordon Troeller (Cover Photo), Andrew Hammill (Guitar (Acoustic)), Andrew Hammill (Vocals), Andrew Hammill (?), Andrew Hammill (Promotional Director), Peter Joseph (Guitar (Acoustic)), Peter Joseph (Vocals), Peter Joseph (?), Peter Joseph (Promotional Director), Barrie Wentzell (Photography)
The album was originally intended as a solo album by the band's lead singer and main songwriter, Peter Hammill, but due to a deal with the record company, it was released under the Van der Graaf Generator name.
These additional tracks (comprising the two sides of the band's first single) were included on a CD version of the album released in 1997 by the German company Repertoire Records:
"People You Were Going To" – 2:44
"Firebrand" – 4:08
These additional tracks were included on the CD release of the album from Peter Hammill's own UK record label, FIE! Records, also in 1997:
