A masterpiece from one of the most progressive bands of all time.

It's great to see someone relatively new to this genre identifying how unique and great Van Der Graaf Generator are. One of the most overlooked bands. They scare people.

Man-erg is an anagram of German. The band toured Europe extensively in the early 70's, even Mannheim on a rainy Saturday. Hammill likes wordplay, and German Overalls on Chameleon alludes to Deutschland über alles. I always felt that this is in part his way of trying to deal with the cognitive dissonance that arises when you try to equate the ordered friendly people of Germany with the large scale horrors perpetrated during WWII. Bear in mind that in the early 70's, the war was still very much part of the British psyche. P.S. this is also my all time number one song.

In my opinion Man-Erg is a tiny smidge above Lighthouse Keepers, but both are pretty much perfect.

When the ‘slashing’ section from the middle of the song intrudes upon (and then swallows up) the brighter, main section....just a fantastic and creative move!

Arguably the best song on a 5-star album where every song is strong. That riff stays with you. Great arrangement. Banton's church like organ is beautiful. "Plague of Lighthouse Keepers" will be a lot to take in and comment on with a first listen. Robert Fripp is contributing texture to this album. VdGG and Hammill can be an intense listening experience. "Fools Mate", Hammill's first solo album, has some songs with rare humor. "Imperial Zeppelin" - check it out.

I was so happy when I saw this video drop! This song is where I fell totally in love with the band. When they played this at their first reunion concert in 2005, I almost broke down in tears!

Saw VdGG back in the early 70s and their last song of the set was Man-Erg and the audience (in Munich) was speechless at the end. That's how unique Peter Hammill and crew are.

If you like Pawn Hearts, then the Peter Hammill solo albums Chameleon in the Shadow of night, The Silent Corner and The Empty Stage,, and In Camera comes recommended. The other VDGG members also played on them.

For whatever reason - newcomers react favorably to Man-erg. The next song on the album (Plague) will be a more challenging song. Harder to fully appreciate on the first listen. Most people that I knew when first hearing VdGG back in the 70's - we needed many listens. And always know this - VdGG was played about NEVER on fm radio here in Los Angeles. It was just VdGG and our turntable. Well you finally did it! You and other fresh new ears have been exposed - Man-erg will once again draw new fans to this most enigmatic of prog bands. Hammill sings about real world/human issues not so much about elves and knights and fantasy. This album was released before Nursery Cryme - Genesis was at this time touring with VdGG - with VdGG being the headliner.

Van der Graaf have aged well. They were more interested in group dynamics, drama, and emotional rawness than just instrumental showmanship. It's fantastic. This one and "Sleepwalkers" are my favs.

also, yes Justin, A plague of lighthouse keepers is even better. it is, in my humble opinion, the greatest piece of music ever written.

This is probably the most insightful critique of a VDDG song I've ever heard, read, or watched. Especially with its being Man Erg, which is a hot contender for my favourite song ever. Great job, JP. I can't wait to watch more of your output.

I’ve been waiting for this one! The lines ‘But then his eyes will rise and stare through mine, he'll speak my words and slice my mind inside’ are truly terrifying, I knew you’d react to that and I wasn't disappointed! Great review of a great song. I've been listening to this album for years and it's good to see it still making an impact 50 years down the line.

Outstanding song. One of my favorites from them.

So good to see someone in a younger generation (with respect) being impacted by and appreciating Van Der Graff Generator as my friends and I were over 40 years ago. Well done and DO keep exploring this truly exceptional band.

I hear this in 71 when I was in grade 8 ordered it the next day form the" Record Shop" and it still ends up on my turntable today. Such a great example of Art not being recognized at it's time of conception.

When I saw your reaction to Firth of Fifth on the other channel, I thought if this guy digs it a little deeper into the prog and lands on Man Erg, his mind will explode! Then, I found your solo channel and followed you since and now, on this morning of grace, you arrived at this masterpiece. Your reaction moved me and comforted me in what I believe to be your musical sensitivity. Continue your awsome work and your explorations on the prog univers !

VDGG rules! Thanks for unearthing this criminally overlooked band!

WOW! I have heard this song so many times and it never ceases to amaze me. You have a gift of understanding music that takes many people several listens at least. Peter Hammill's solo work is still out there waiting. Keep up the good work Justin!

An awesome song from an awesome album. Best prog album ever?

Masterpiece indeed and closing in on the lighthouse keepers Awesome channel we are the lighthouse keepers

As you can probably tell, Peters lyrics tend to be not just philosophical but psychological too. I feel like those whole song is based on the voices in all of our heads. Whether they’re sweet or harsh. They’re voices that come up and confuse our sense of identity

If you want to stay in the same vibe on the path of VDGG, i suggest : Undercover Man !

Hi Justin. My name is Greg Davis, and for some reason I can only comment here through my wife's account. I'm a third shift custodian at Disneyland Resort and have been furloughed since mid March. I discovered your channel about a month ago, and, man, are you helping me deal with this pandemic! I'll be sixty in January, and while my musical tastes are all over the place, Seventies prog is my musical comfort food. I've watched a few other reaction vid people but I enjoy you the most because you aren't hitting the pause button every fifteen seconds. You are covering music that has been lifeblood to me for the better part of a half century, and I can't tell you how much joy I derive from watching your facial expressions when you are really clicking with it. My favorite part of the day right now is when evening falls, I have a favorite libation on hand and I check out your latest. I don't have to think about any of the myriad things that are driving me crazy, and it just feels like I'm hanging out with a friend. I absolutely cannot wait for you to do "A Plague Of Lighthouse Keepers". A couple songs I'd like to throw at you here are "The Porpoise Song" by The Monkees and "The Journey" by Mott The Hoople. No big hurry on my end. And an album I would love to see you tackle is Stevie Wonder's "Innervisions", which, in addition to being a flawless masterpiece (IMOHO), has one of the greatest album closers ever, including a gloriously extended fade out. Thank you so much for what you are doing here, it is greatly appreciated, and I'm glad to finally say hello!

Oh that voice. Veering from power to softness as only Hammill can.

VDGG! The heaviest in prog. So amazing! Keep the VDGG going!!

Thanks for choosing such masterpieces from all of the masters of prog. Really love what you do to introduce bands like VDGG, Gentle Giant, ELP, Genesis, Yes and others to a wider audience as they unfortunately remain largely unnoticed. Great channel, Justin!

This album is incredible This song is Incredible but A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers is even Incredible! Been waiting for u to do Man-erg since the very beginning.

Peter Hammill speaks to the human condition like few vocalists do. Combine that with his theatrical vocal delivery, and he's one of a kind. BTW, I *think* Fripp only played on "Lighthouse Keepers." Banton and Jaxon filled an incredible amount of sonic space all on their own...

You’re right perfect song! I feel the same way about this entire album.

An existential tour de force from Peter, who isn't just talking about himself, he's talking about us all. Your lyric source seems to have a typo: the line in the final verse should read "And killers, angels all are these". That way it rhymes with 'refugees' - and makes sense.

Man, i always skip van der graf generator for some obscure reasons. Maybe the Genesis, yes, gentle giant trinity left me to much satisfied in my rock prog appreciation and i left this band on the side road. Today you literaly open my eyes ( ears) to this wonderful band. Thank you for this Jp! This musical adventure is starting to give some serious loots 😂 Please continue! 😃

As a VDGG fan for over 40 years, this is one their best. A cerebral masterpiece of musical power and emotional intensity. Simply stunning!!!

One of my favorite songs from VDG too, even if Scorched earth comes before. Very interesting analyse again. I just think Peter Hammill talked not of “him” or of one specific person, but he speaks for every human person, because we all have all these sides inside of us. We all struggle to live with our angels and killers. And that's, for me, what makes this song so powerful. And Peter's lyrics, as you said, are also for me some of the most interestings (I even bought his two books which also contain some sci-fi novels), and he often talks about all humankind and what we all are (listen to Childlike Faith in Childhood's end).

Fripp doesn't solo on this one, but he is playing in the "astral jazz" section.

Loved your analysis of this. Can't wait to see your reaction to Lighthouse Keepers!

Great reaction! Very nice analysis, helps me to get into VdGG.

I've never clicked on one of your notifications so fast.

One of my favorite VdGG songs! I'm glad people are still discovering it! A few years ago, I went back to college and took a Public Speaking class... for one of the assignments, I spoke the opening & closing lyrics of this song.

Peter Hammill has been my favorite singer/songwriter since I was about 16 (in 1979). Few writers push themselves so deep, few singers stretch themselves so far. So nice to see younger people enjoying this underappreciated band of geniuses.

Such an amazing song

I've Seen Peter Hammil perform many times. But one of the most impressive moments was his encore in Paradiso. Sitting on the edge of the stage left corner. No microphone, the whole of Paradiso fell silent and his a cappella song was heard in the entire hall.

I can relate to some of your comments. When I saw the title, I thought, “Cool, first listen for me too.” As the song played, I realized I’d heard it on a KZfaq prog rock mix. At the time I wasn’t impressed but I trust you and decided to give it another listen. You’re right, it does take a couple tries to click. Perhaps also not listening to it within a prog mix helps. I enjoyed the song this time and your review and will watch for “Plague.” Thanks for your unique approach to these reviews and for the variety of artists you cover. Cheers.

This is my second fave VDGG track. Only Refugees beats it in my book. Absolute top tier stuff, not just in Prog but ‘Music’ in general. ❤️

This is my favorite musical work of art ever(the whole album, especially A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers), so glad you enjoyed and great review! Cannot wait to get my original pressing in the mail tomorrow!

I just discovered you’re channel man. Awesome and I just discovered this song it’s a gem. Peter Hamill is so good. I’m a prog freak and one of my friend said to me that Van Der is not for everybody well I just fell in love with that song. I like your song choice’s. Good work buddy.

You have to listen to Peter's solo album Over, which is the best album ever written about separation.

Another great review. Really enjoy your in depth analysis.

This song was my first introduction to VdGG. And the only one I liked from Pawn Hearts at that time. The other 2 needed more time. Lighthouse Keepers has parts that match Man-Erg but I wouldn't say it's better. Saw them live in Dresden, Germany in 2013. When Peter announced the tour on his website, he wrote that they planned to play Lighthouse Keepers or Flight (a solo song from Hammill) at every concert. Luckily they played both in Dresden and at the end of Lighthouse Keepers I thought "this is so great and if they play Man-Erg too, this evening is perfect". And then they played it as the final song and it was perfect.

One of the top ten of progressive songs ever.

Excellent Jason, you’re getting into all my fav bands. Good to see a young guy find appreciation for all these fantastic bands from late 60’s and early 70’s. Keep digging into those archives!

Great review! I love this song so much.

We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. When I listened I felt that VDGG and Procul Harum spent some time on the same shoulders at least part of the time. I had never heard of VDGG before and I enjoyed it. Thanks for covering it. Your mention of Genesis in this reminded me of Tony Bank's Curious Feeling lp. Obscure but worth the listen.

You don't often hear people singing "Aqualung" out loud to themselves... 🤨 Also, thanks for inspiring me to finally take the plunge on this band after waffling on them for many years (as well as Atomic Rooster and Wishbone Ash -- I probably will on Camel, too). 👍 Now bring on the "Plague"!

Unless I'm misremembering, in the late 60's, early 70's there were 3 locally popular bands touring England and the rest of Europe with each band rotating as the headliner. Those 3 bands were Van Der Graaf Generator, Lindesfarne & Genesis. I would give anything to have seen one of those shows live!

Having listened to this whole album regularly since it was first released, there were points during the track where I was watching for your reaction. You did not disappoint. And your summing up was most satisfying, I think you will find 'A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers' far more challenging. With 'H to He' and 'Pawn Hearts' listened to you really need to hear the one that came before, VDGG's first album (I'm not counting 'Aerosol Grey Machine' which, although interesting, was more of a Peter Hammill album named VDGG for contractual reasons). Please, give 'The Least We Can Do Is Wave to Each Other' a listen, start with 'Refugees' (or any other track of your choice, you'll want to hear them all).

Hi JP Love your reactions! Try out their "When she comes" My favorite!!

The other subs know VDGG much better than me. This is all first time hearing for me, every time you do one of their songs. I liked what I liked in the 60’s and 70’s and VDGG was not on my radar. I’m glad I get to listen to them now with you. I missed some great music. Looking forward to the next reaction. ☄️👌🔥😄.

In the Republic of Hamillia, Theme One is the National anthem, and In the church of Hammill Man Erg is listened to each Sunday.

I love the way you recognise the depth of thought and emotion in Hammill's lyrics, but for me I also love the way he evokes such wonderful images to go with these thoughts and emotions. Two of my favourites are: From Man-erg - "And solemn, waiting Old Man in the gables of the roof, he tells me truth" From A Louse Is Not a Home - "There is a lofty, lonely, Lohengrenic castle in the clouds I draw my murky meanings there" Can't wait for your reaction to Lighthouse Keepers and you peeing yourself. I know I've said this before, after Lighthouse Keepers you should listen to "A Louse is not a Home" on Peter's solo album The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage. The Wiki about it says Louse "was originally written for Van der Graaf Generator's album following Pawn Hearts, an album that because of the band's split never came to be." For me Man-erg, Lighthouse Keepers, Louse and Forsaken Gardens feel like linked songs examining Peter's mind, and the minds of others (of course he does that in many other songs too, but these four feel linked to me because they are on two albums that came out at about the same time). Man-erg covers how good and evil can exist together in the same mind, Lighthouse Keepers the loneliness we feel when we keep our thoughts (light) silent and within ourselves, Louse a nihilst losing of belief in anything or anyone else, and finally Forsaken Gardens the exact opposite - why we should share our ideas and beliefs with each other.

OK, this is easily the best song I've heard by VGG. It's got some great melody's, keyboard's are superb. Vocals are very moving imo. The bass, guitar and drums are sublime. This to me, as got focus.. Direction..purpose. 😊 Usually, I get distracted, lose interest on other songs you've covered Justin. Sorry, that's my opinion. This captures you, leads u, and music is so good.. It keeps you in it. ♥️ Superb stuff.. Absolutely awesome track butty. Great in depth review once again butty. 😊 Wow!! ♥️

Well, well, well... I watched this all the way through after it was posted in a Hammill group I'm a member of. At first, I commented that I'd love to sit down with you and share my knowledge and the history involved, band members, colabs (Fripp!!) and so on. Then you blew my away by summarising most of what I'd have loved to have shared with you. Looks like you don't need no teaching. Very good summary. Concise. Accurate. Honest. I spot a mutual fan. And I first heard it when I travelled into town just to buy it on the first day when I was about your age. I'm now looking forward to your other appraisals. Well done, matey!

Literally my vote for the greatest song of all time. (USA)

My favourite VDGG song

Love the climax, when all the human nature shades mentioned, try to come out mixed one by one illustrated by the music... Absolute musicianship. One of the most important rock music gems ever... Funny, with uncommon arrangement, no guitars, no solos... Unique.

Wow!

This is ART. MASTERPIECE!!!

Hey, wait a minute...I actually enjoyed that!!

I can tell you really like VDGG...Over 40 years of love for this album and others...As each part arrives; I can only smile know what you're in store for...Hammill was so far ahead of his time and Guy Evans is another drummer whose efforts are not appreciated... Not sure if you've done Plague of Lighthouse Keepers yet or Childlike Faith in childhood's end...VdGG is a lifetime pursuit.

I rarely comment, but I've been watching you for a while and man, your reflections and analysis of songs are so well thought out and expressed! What you said about VDGG being the most rewarding band once it clicks with you is very true for me. When I got into progressive rock they were the odd ones that made me go "huh, do I like this or not?" because I found their songs difficult to digest, but after some time I started to grasp that their music demand a certain kind of attention compared to the other essential prog bands, and once you get over that challenge, they're definitely a special treat. 4:48 is also some serious proto-extreme metal if you ask me, that riff with its decreasing tempo just fucking slays

It's easy to think of Lighthouse as VdGG's "big epic", but to me this is really their Magnum Opus. If they had done nothing else than this song their reputation would still be secure.

Yeah, go on, add it to the playlist, JP! Thanks for the review!

Such an awesome song that kind of resonated with me when I first heard the lyrics. Just gave me this intense feeling hearing this song for the first time. This was the first song that I had ever heard from VDGG on a compilation of prog rock songs. I don't even remember how I found out it was VDGG because all I remember is searching for a song with piano in the beginning played a certain way for days. I can't even find the compilation I found it on anymore. Plague Of Lighthouse Keeper is an amazing song that is next. Still waiting on Pantagruel's Nativity by Gentle giant though ;) Just kidding. Love all of the songs you are doing. I just comment on the songs that really hit me hard such as this one when I first heard them. Edit: Yes, in my opinion, Plague of Lighthouse Keeper is better.

Not a bad review at all, nice to see someone appreciating the genre. My favourite band since I was a youngster, probably my favourite song too. A giant of a group striding the halls of prog... and of course they're still going, still playing live. Met Peter at the Metropolis London gig, my life is complete. 😎

VdGG - Darkness 11/11 is still out there waiting for you...

FINALY!

It's a series of ever stronger contradictions/juxtapositions and resolutions. First the hymn music of the opening (church organ, descending bass line) is undercut by the words about the killer within. This is resolved by the verse about the angels, which better accords with the spirit of the hymn. The whole first section is then overthrown by the killer's music, leading to the tension and dark mood of the middle section. The last verses are an attempt at a grand synthesis, where the contradictory elements are acknowledged and accepted (killers, angels, all of these), but only in the text. When the conflicting musical themes, the killer's and the hymn, are put together just before the end, the killer's theme has the final word. In the end the synthesis is undone and darkness prevails.

Probably the best track on the album. "Plague of Lighthouse Keepers" is great, but I ding it because it has some parts that are just exercises in atmosphere, not fully integrated into a musical whole. If you love "Man-Erg", by the way (and who doesn't!) I highly recommend "A Louse Is Not a Home", written for the potential follow-up to Pawn Hearts that was never made due to the band's break-up. It was eventually recorded (with the full band) for Hammill's 1974 solo album The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage, and it very much deserves to be considered part of the VDGG canon.

Just what the doctor ordered, that was good wasn't it? Insightful review JP, I enjoyed that.

Very cool song I throughly enjoyed it..

GET THIS MAN TO 10K SUBS ALREADY!

Yes! Cerebral is the PERFECT word!

VDGG make me want to cry so much emotion. A sort of Dark prog Goth band.

vdgg is doing a uk tour in 2021 for the first time in like 7 years and im fucking so excited to see them ngl.

I have never got into VDGG but this did sound good. I must listen to more as it is like a first time listen for me too, even though I grew up with the most popular prog groups in the 70's. Anyhoo I'm not sure if you have heard of Porcupine Tree? A good start would be The Sky Moves Sideways. I do love your reviews and would love to see your reaction/review of Steven Wilson's projects.

❣

Oh man. What a great Brucknerian finale!

Speaking of VDGG - I recently bought an album with a track featuring VDGG keyboardist Hugh Banton. This is an LP I bought back in the 70s by the group Seventh Wave, and entitled Psi-Fi. It's progressive rock and soul - really good stuff! My favorite track on Psi-Fi doesn't have Hugh Banton on it, but it's great nonetheless. It's called "Camera Obscura", and I got a HQ link to it: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mdFzeNKc3829gHU.html

you should do In memory of Elizabeth Reed(live at fillmore east) by The Allman brothers band. it's one of the best blues songs i've ever heard(if not the best) i'm sure you'll love it.

A beautiful essay on sub-personalities with musical perfection for accompaniment

Спасибо тебе,дружище за эту песню) Привет из маленького городка России)

Hey JP - I am new to your channel and loving every minute. I'd bet I'm not the first one to suggest it, but try Peter Hammill's album A Black Box. If you don't have the time to put it on here just listen to it for yourself, just the sheer pleasure of it.. All killer but I'd stake my life on Fogwalking.

Robert Fripp is here playing the rotten guitars on the heaviest parts. Love it. This song is so good that Rammstein copies the main theme to do Seemann.

He's taking about ID, EGO and SUPEREGO. The killer is the impulse of his feelings. It's the Id. Go on and do It! The angel is the rein. It's the Superego. Wait before do It! ...and then he sings "I too live inside me." This is himself, the EGO. The sintesis of his choices.

Although this is the second track on the album, this holds the key to enter and understand pH (pawn hearts. Or Peter hammill, if you want). Pay attention, in this particular, to the recurrence of number 3. And I say no more. Until you ask me to explain. It took me two years to get the lyrics (the whole story) of this album. Two years.

So far, I have not heard anything better, to me, than Peter’s contributions to Fripp’s Exposure. That’s my opinion, pls, do not tell me to listen to this or that. Those songs are ingrained in me, it’s too late. You have your songs I have mine. Man-Erg: There are parts I liked a lot , it’s probably my favorite VDGG song so far. But... evil will not win. It just feels that way, bad is easy, good is hard. It is worth the struggle. Fight on. Take care everyone, it is worth the struggle, mask up pls, Peace and Exposure Music

love the shirt

Great job as always. How about a bit of Demon Fuzz?

Best version of this song is in Concert Rockpalast 2005 after their Reunion