Recently, there was an overabundance of Peter Hammill’s archive solo material released, with a new multi-disc collection in the pipeline, but the same can’t be said about VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR, the band he masterminded and found fame with. The situation is to be remedied soon, as April 26th will see the deluxe reissue of “The Aerosol Grey Machine”I: their debut album, released in 1969 and celebrating its 50th anniversary in September, turns into a box set. There’s a remastered version of the record in it, with “Giant Squid” reinstated, alongside another CD with rare cuts, an LP and a 7-inch single – originally planned yet withdrawn – plus book containing photos and Sid Smith-written essay, and a replica of 1968 poster designed by Hamill. Of course, it’s not the greatest album by the ensemble, but that’s where their route to greatness began… and possibly, that’s where a new reissue programme starts.
Sure, with not a lot of previously unheard material, this limited edition box is aimed at collectors, and there’s no word as of now about a standalone CD release. As a souvenir, it’s as good as it gets, though, so here how it runs:
The Aerosol Grey Machine
CD 1 – The Album:
1. Afterwards
2. Orthentian Street (Parts 1 & 2)
3. Running Back
4. Into A Game
5. Ferret And Featherbird
6. Aerosol Grey Machine
7. Black Smoke Yen
8. Aquarian
9. Giant Squid
10. Octopus
11. Necromancer
CD 2 – The Rarities:
1967 demos – previously unreleased:
1. Sunshine
2. Firebrand
BBC session, November 1968 – previously unreleased:
3. People You Were Going To
4. Afterwards
5. Necromancer
6. Octopus
Single versions:
7. People You Were Going To
8. Firebrand
LP – The Album:
180 gram gatefold LP in unissued UK sleeve
Side One:
1. Afterwards
2. Orthenthian Street
3. Running Back
4. Into A Game
Side Two:
1. Aerosol Grey Machine
2. Black Smoke Yen
3. Aquarian
4. Necromancer
5. Octopus
7” single:
Side A:
People You Were Going To
Side B:
Firebrand
