"The Least We Can Do Is Wave to Each Other" is the second album by the English progressive rock band Van Der Graaf Generator, released in February 1970. As the very first album on the Charisma label, it was also the first to be credited solely to Van Der Graaf Generator, after their previous album had been credited to "Peter Hammill and Van Der Graaf Generator."
Produced by John Anthony, the album consists of a blend of progressive rock, folk, and heavy rock with occasional elements of jazz. This marked a departure from their first album, which had a more psychedelic and experimental feel. However, the approach to this album leaned more towards dark, introspective, and complex compositions, characteristic of the group's subsequent works.
The album contains eight tracks, including two of their well-known songs, "Darkness (11/11)" and "White Hammer," which, like several others on the album, show strong influences from the literary, philosophical, and psychological themes that are commonly associated with the band.
"The Least We Can Do Is Wave to Each Other" was well-received, both by critics and fans, with its distinctive sound and lyricism said to be ahead of its time. It was instrumental in solidifying the band's unique place in the landscape of progressive rock. Hammond organ and saxophone prominently feature in the band's sound on this album, alongside Peter Hammill's distinctive and emotional vocal style.
In terms of the record's commercial success, the album reached number 47 in the UK Albums Chart, marking their first appearance on this chart and making it one of their most successful albums. Over the years, its significance and influence have only continued to grow, further securing the album's place as a classic in the progressive rock genre.
