Still Life [Japan CD]

• Artist: Van der Graaf Generator
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1976
• Genre: Rock

Review

VDGG's second step on the mid-'70s comeback trail saw Peter Hammill attempting to meld the introspective and the cosmic throughout, though this did not stop him from taking a dead run at a grandiose concept or two -- the consequences of immortality on the title track, and the grand fate of humanity on the epic "Childlike Faith in Childhood's End." The theme of humane cooperation informs the opening "Pilgrims," while "La Rossa" is an epic tale of desire fulfilled (a story that would be concluded on Hammill's solo album, Over). The true highlight, however, is the beautiful, pensive "My Room (Waiting for Wonderland)," with its echoes of imagination and loss. Hammill did not achieve such a level of painful beauty again until "This Side of the Looking Glass" on Over. [A Japanese reissue of Still Life was released in 2005.] ~ Steven McDonald, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Pilgrims	Peter Hammill	Van der Graaf Generator	(7:11)
Still Life	Peter Hammill	Van der Graaf Generator	(7:24)
La Rossa	Peter Hammill	Van der Graaf Generator	(9:52)
My Room (Waiting for Wonderland)	Peter Hammill	Van der Graaf Generator	(8:03)
Childlike Faith in Childhood's End	Peter Hammill	Van der Graaf Generator	(12:38)
Gog [Live][*]	Peter Hammill	Van der Graaf Generator	(10:29)

Credits

Hugh Banton (Consultant), The Pat Moran Quartet (Engineer), Peter Hammill (Vocals), Peter Hammill (Guitar), Hugh Banton (Bass Pedals), David P. Jackson (Sax (Alto)), David P. Jackson (Flute), Hugh Banton (Guitar), Guy Evans (Percussion), Hugh Banton (Mellotron), Peter Hammill (Piano), Hugh Banton (Piano), Kathy Bryan (Transfers), David P. Jackson (Sax (Soprano)), Guy Evans (Consultant), Peter Hammill (Digital Remastering), David P. Jackson (Consultant), VanDer Vord, Mike (Photography), Hugh Banton (Organ), David P. Jackson (Sax (Tenor)), Guy Evans (Drums)