Classical Composer Reacts to A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers (Van Der Graaf Generator) (Episode 157)

#VanDerGraafGenerator #APlagueOfLighthouseKeepers #ProgReaction
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers by Van Der Graaf Generator. This is my first listen to anything by this band, and I was floored by its uniqueness and scope. It's a long episode, so take the plunge and follow along!
Reference Video: • Van Der Graaf Generato...

[@NakiLogos]

This is not kindergarten music like Dream Theater, this is real deal!

[@HangingFreud]

Not only Peter Hammill was doing all those voices, but David Jackson was doing all the winds and Hugh Banton was doing all the organs AND basses. These guys were just a whole orchestra by themselves.

[@seghj]

Hammill is my favorite singer/songwriter ever but it's so sad that he is such an unknown name even among music nerds. He is the epitome of sincerity and integrity in music and he is completely fearless and uncompromising. Listening to this man (especially his solo stuff) is an almost religious and very intimate experience. And that VOICE!!!

[@ozricaurora6943]

Peter hammill uses his voice like an instrument. Growling, squeeling, shrieking, whispering, singing softly to provide whatever is necessary for that part of the song

[@jeffreygould101]

As a fan of both prog and metal (most of what you've been reacting to), Peter Hammill remains both my favorite vocalist and lyricist of all time. His 70's output both with VDGG and solo was astonishing, and he has continued to produce excellent album after excellent album up until today. Unfortunately many people may only have heard Peter screaming "Shock" on the chorus of Peter Gabriel's "Shock the Monkey and not be familiar with his work and his fantastic songwriting. Glad you've given VDGG a chance, Doug! There's a lot more out there that would warrant reactions.

[@clemsplace]

Fripp's contribution to this is so subtle and so intergrated you might miss it. A staggering piece of music. unique.

[@gewijdebehaeghel6935]

My all time favourite VDGG track. There's a second layer to the story which is the the lighthouse keepers' inability to save his marriage or relationship so that's one reason for the different voices, the other two being the lighthouse keeper's reaction to the horror that waits in the sea and the third the disassociation from reality and descent into madness.. There are sounds in this song when all instruments come together that are just eerie and awesome and totally unique. What a song, what a band. There is no comparison.

[@mfgobbi]

Hammill is the greatest lyricist ever.

[@3ggshe11s]

I think the foghorns in Part 2 are actually supposed to be the horns of two ships, trying to warn each other before they collide. The lighthouse-keeper sees the collision and can't do anything to stop it, and the rest of the song unfolds to tell us his reaction to the tragedy he was helpless to avert.

[@sebastiantorres2542]

Finally, to all the people who asked this song. Great work Doug. You're already like a friend to me, although you have no idea. I watch you nearly every day. God bless you.

[@GabrielVince]

"I love Van der Graaf cause they were a band that were on the edge, and although they had quite complex arrangements, they made some great sounds. An they were an incredibly depressing band, music to commit suicide to and that's why I loved it, because it was so out there."

[@Tyldenfilm]

This song is pure briliance. The whole album is totally unique and way ahead of it's time.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

That moment at

[@axolotl8694]

As one of the aging prog-heads who requested this song, a heartfelt thank-you! I'm well aware that this material can turn off many if not most listeners, so it was refreshing to see you engaging with a completely open mind and digging right in, and your reactions were priceless. "weird e minor"... nice. stepwise motion up and down representing the waves... I actually hadn't thought of that. And glad you dug the whole-step creep-up in the final section... it's one of my favorite techniques and I've used it in my own pieces.

[@o2bavr6]

Peter Hammill The Silent Corner and Empty Stage.. Absolutely incredible album. It is worth your time to listen to it.

[@jrusso4753]

I don't think one can find a more masterful, eloquent lyricist and composer than Peter Hammill in all of rock. Prog or otherwise. VDGG was huge in Europe. Still are. For a time Genesis was their opening act on tours. I had the pleasure of seeing Hammill live around 40 years ago in a very small club in Cleveland, OH. He performed solo. Just piano. He still covered many VDGG songs with just piano and vocals. Amazing! Thank you, Doug, for reacting to this. A deeper dive into more VDGG will not disappoint you.

[@Korlinath]

As a Floyd fan since Meddle, and a Yes fan since Fragile, I was recommended the album Pawn Hearts by a guy at a record store in 1976. I'll never regret buying it. One of my favorite albums. Thanks Doug for the episode!

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

Peter Hammill does all the vocals. (His solo work is amazing.)

[@erikeinmo8607]

I’ve recently learned that lighthouse keepers often were hit with mental problems due to exposure to vapours from the mercury used in the light-reflecting mechanism. They often had to rid the mercury of soot by manually pouring it through cloth. Kind of like mad hatters :)

[@boozefueledreviews6928]

I clicked this... and immediately thought to myself, "Who the actual FU*K is reacting to VDGG!??!!?!?" Man, this channel is sick!!!!!!!