The Aerosol Grey Machine
Encyclopedia
The Aerosol Grey Machine is the first album by the British
progressive rock
band Van der Graaf Generator
. It was released in September 1969.
The album was originally intended as a solo album by the band's lead singer and main songwriter, Peter Hammill
. When the band was signed to Charisma Records
, a deal was worked out whereby The Aerosol Grey Machine would be released under the Van der Graaf Generator name, in return for Mercury Records
releasing Hammill from his earlier contract with them.
:
These additional tracks were included on the CD release of the album from Peter Hammill's own UK record label, FIE! Records, also in 1997:
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band Van der Graaf Generator
Van der Graaf Generator
Van der Graaf Generator are an English progressive rock band, formed in 1967 in Manchester. They were the first act signed to Charisma Records. The band achieved considerable success in Italy during the 1970s...
. It was released in September 1969.
The album was originally intended as a solo album by the band's lead singer and main songwriter, Peter Hammill
Peter Hammill
Peter Joseph Andrew Hammill is an English singer-songwriter, and a founding member of the progressive rock band Van der Graaf Generator. Most noted for his vocal abilities, his main instruments are guitar and piano...
. When the band was signed to Charisma Records
Charisma Records
Charisma was a record label founded by former journalist Tony Stratton-Smith in 1969. Manager for The Nice, the Bonzo Dog Band and Van der Graaf Generator at the time, Stratton-Smith was unable to find a record company willing to release an album by one of his favourite groups so he founded his own...
, a deal was worked out whereby The Aerosol Grey Machine would be released under the Van der Graaf Generator name, in return for Mercury Records
Mercury Records
Mercury Records is a record label operating as a standalone company in the UK and as part of the Island Def Jam Motown Music Group in the US; both are subsidiaries of Universal Music Group. There is also a Mercury Records in Australia, which is a local artist and repertoire division of Universal...
releasing Hammill from his earlier contract with them.
Side one
- "Afterwards" – 4:55
- "Orthenthian St., Pts. 1 & 2" – 6:18
- "Running Back" – 6:35
- "Into a Game" - 6:57
Side two
- "Aerosol Grey Machine" – 0:47
- "Black Smoke Yen" (Hugh BantonHugh BantonHugh Robert Banton is a British organist and organ builder, most widely known for his work with the group Van der Graaf Generator in the 1970s.-Career:...
, Keith EllisKeith EllisKeith Ian Ellis , was an English bass player. He is known for his associations with The Koobas, The Misunderstood and Juicy Lucy. He was also a member of Van der Graaf Generator from 1968 to 1969...
, Guy EvansGuy EvansGuy Randolph Evans is an English progressive rock drummer, percussionist and composer, and a member of Van der Graaf Generator....
) – 1:26 - "Aquarian" – 8:22
- "Necromancer" – 3:38
- "Octopus" – 8:00
Bonus tracks
These additional tracks (comprising the two sides of the band's first single) were included on a CD version of the album released in 1997 by the German company Repertoire RecordsRepertoire Records
Repertoire Records is a German record label from Hamburg, Germany, specialising in reissues of classic pop and rock albums originally issued in the 60s and 70s. The chairman is Thomas Neelsen....
:
- "People You Were Going To" – 2:44
- "Firebrand" – 4:08
These additional tracks were included on the CD release of the album from Peter Hammill's own UK record label, FIE! Records, also in 1997:
- "Giant Squid" - 3:20
- "Ferret And Featherbird" - 4:34
Personnel
- Peter HammillPeter HammillPeter Joseph Andrew Hammill is an English singer-songwriter, and a founding member of the progressive rock band Van der Graaf Generator. Most noted for his vocal abilities, his main instruments are guitar and piano...
- vocals, acoustic guitar - Hugh BantonHugh BantonHugh Robert Banton is a British organist and organ builder, most widely known for his work with the group Van der Graaf Generator in the 1970s.-Career:...
- piano, organ, percussion, backing vocals - Keith EllisKeith EllisKeith Ian Ellis , was an English bass player. He is known for his associations with The Koobas, The Misunderstood and Juicy Lucy. He was also a member of Van der Graaf Generator from 1968 to 1969...
- bass - Guy EvansGuy EvansGuy Randolph Evans is an English progressive rock drummer, percussionist and composer, and a member of Van der Graaf Generator....
- drums, percussion - Jeff Peach - flute
- Chris Judge SmithJudge SmithChristopher John Judge Smith , is a songwriter, composer and performer, and a founder member of progressive rock band Van der Graaf Generator. Initially working under the name Chris Judge Smith, he has been known simply as Judge Smith since 1994.- Early years :In 1967, with Peter Hammill, Judge...
- vocals on "Firebrand"