Van Der Graaf: Vital (1978)

With punk over-running everything, 1978 was not the best time for a prog-rock band to release a double live album recorded at London’s famous Marquee Club. And VDG had broken up by the time the album appeared. Yes, it has plenty of wibbly guitar solos but it also arrives with hefty thump of bass and drums, Pete Hammill’s vocals are as out-there and demanding as any post-punk non-musician and the swirl of synths, violin and cello lifts this into a strange realm. Prog that was angry and explosive. And yes, sometimes a bit silly.

Next: Steve Hillage, Fish Rising and Live Herald; Yes, The Yes Album

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