Van Der Graaf Generator conclude a trio of masterful releases from the mid Seventies. Cherry Red offer a new Abbey Road cut.

Release Date: 28th March 2025

Label: Cherry Red Records / Esoteric

Format: 2LP / 2CD+Bluray box set

A PROLIFIC PERIOD

Originally released in October 1976, World Record was the last VdGG album from the line-up of Peter Hammill, Hugh Banton, David Jackson and Guy Evans until their 2005 reunion. It marked the end of a period when the run of albums that form a sort of holy triumvirate – Godbluff, Still Life and World Record – confirm Peter Hammill’s talk of being prolific.

Against the might of Still Life and Godbluff, a pair regularly ranked as amongst the fan favourites, World Record could pale. It doesn’t. Viewed on its own merits, the five song collection is a worthy piece in the Van Der Graaf jigsaw. One that’s possibly more accessible and melodic yet with no less of the cutting lyrical observations and delivery.

Side One sneaks in with When She Comes. Hammill on top form lyricising away, Jackson providing a winding tune before and grinding organ riffs abound as the piece gathers pace and the “lady with a skin so white!” line heralds the reassuringly familiar. You can appreciate how the band and Hammill in particular made such an impression on the fledgling Marillion. First impressions are a sonic clarity and separation to the new mix explored in the staccato jazzy inflections of A Place To Survive. The latter increasingly urgent as it heads towards its ten minute climax

There’s a leisurely pace to Masks with grand keyboard chords peppering the piece. A pace that recalls an early King Crimson ambience. Again, the grand keyboard chords fill the dynamic range. A rtack justifiably resurrected for their 2022 tour and immortalised on the Bath Forum release.

EPIC

Side Two is dominated by the epic might of Meurglys III, the Songwriter’s Guild that kicks off with the iconic opening line:”These days I mainly just talk to plants and dogs.” One that sets off a series of observations on the nature of isolation alongside a descending organ riff. The jury may be out on the lengthy reggae section. The song comes to an almost natural conclusion before it heads off for an eight minute ska shuffle; easily faded into an edited form for those of us averse to the departure.

The fanfares and majesty of Wondering, following the Strawberry Fields opening, mirrors much of the grandeur of World Record. One could justifiably imagine the finale with trumpets a-parping, played on church organ, accompanying some newly weds down the aisle!

This new edition benefits from a new stereo mix and has been cut at Abbey Road Studios and fully restores the original album artwork.

Here’s When She Comes:

Van Der Graaf Generator online: Website / Facebook

Peter Hamill at Sofa Sound

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