Grade: B | Genre: Prog-Rock Summary: If you are looking for classic background music to play at your next party, try The Moody Blues. If you want to wake up your party, maybe even send some of the more timid ones fleeing into the night, put on some Van Der Graaf! Following their 1975 release, Godbluff, one of England's most severely serious proponents of progressive rock, Van Der Graaf Generator used the momentum of that dark vision to create a more hopeful set of songs. Still Life, though characteristic of Van Der Graaf's usual "Sturm und Drang," rests a little easier on the ears. Eventually, like all things Van Der Graaf, the lions are let out of the cage and the listener must bolster himself for the fangs to come.

The album opens with one of the band's best songs both lyrically and musically. Crowned with a lovely bit of horn blowing from sax-man David Jackson, "Pilgrims" addresses the common bond everyone shares, the mortal coil. "I climb through the evening, alive and believing in time we shall all know our goals..."

The title cut follows, shifting the mood to one of sneering cynicism, a snub to marriage and the entrapments that society uses to promote it. It is a scathing piece, which begins quietly, almost reverently, and shifts to full growl by the third verse. "Take away the threat of death and all you're left with is a round of make-believe..."

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"La Rossa," one of the record's longest cuts, is a tale of unrequited love. Hammill proceeds to beat himself up metaphorically for allowing his love interest to slip away. The fact that he continues to long for her fuels his creativity. Perhaps a little verbose at times, Hammill's lyrics allow for many twists and turns for a band capable of such moves. Above all, it is a showcase for one of rocks unappreciated vocal acrobats.

"My Room (Waiting For Wonderland)" is a much softer piece. Piano and sax dance lightly upon a meandering bass and drum line. Drifting along the surface are Hammill's subdued vocals. He warbles about being "forgotten" and then about being "forsaken." His problem seems to be that he "sees too much and too deeply," a common enough ailment among sensitive artist types. Once again, Jackson steps forth to offer more expressive saxophone licks.

Fleshing out the final twelve plus minutes of the album is "Childlike Faith In Childhood's End." Hammill, Jackson, Banton and Evans pull out all the stops as they rail against the depths of "time and space." No stone in the galaxy is left unturned as Hammill's lyrics search for some kind of answer. In the end we are left only with his conjecture. Thought-provoking though it is, this is basically a primer for nihilists, existentialists, agnostics and atheists; in fact, anyone who has ever questioned the status quo of religious thought.

One question that may arise from all of this seemingly overblown pomp-rock is, "Where's the enjoyment?" But one can choose to delve into the lyrics or just let the music play as the song simply unfolds. In the end, it is the overall sound of the band that has captivated the fringe element's attention and raised VDGG to cult status.

Perhaps these guys take themselves too seriously, but there is plenty on their records to enlighten and entertain. Yes, Van Der Graaf rocks! They can also soothe, disturb, provoke, frighten, and even surprise those who take the time to sit through their complex compositions.

As on Godbluff the re-issue of Still Life contains an extra from one of their live shows in 1975. "Gog," stretches over ten minutes and is a fair example of their power on stage. For an even better example of their concert persona, check out "Vital," their live album recorded at The Marquee in 1978.

If you are looking for classic background music to play at your next party, try The Moody Blues. If you want to wake up your party, maybe even send some of the more timid ones fleeing into the night, put on some Van Der Graaf!

Reissue Date: June 27, 2005