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Pawn Hearts

by Van Der Graaf Generator

Released: November 12, 1971

Progressive rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Pawn Hearts" is the fourth album by English progressive rock band Van der Graaf Generator, released on November 12, 1971, under Charisma Records. The album's compositions were developed during the band's 1971 tour and further refined at manager Tony Stratton Smith's house in Sussex. Originally conceived as a double album, Charisma Records opted for a single LP release.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Despite the album's success in Italy prompting lucrative…

Despite the album's success in Italy prompting lucrative tours, the band disbanded in August 1972 due to the pressure and internal conflicts stemming from their intense schedule.

The non-album single "Theme One" was included on…

The non-album single "Theme One" was included on some US and Canadian releases.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Van Der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts

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Then

Reception

The album is structured around three lengthy tracks, notably the side-long epic "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers." While it didn't achieve commercial success in the UK, it surprisingly reached number one in Italy. Over time, "Pawn Hearts" has garnered critical acclaim and was reissued on CD in 2005 with additional material.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Pawn Hearts" is the fourth album by English progressive rock band Van der Graaf Generator, released on November 12, 1971, under Charisma Records. The album is structured around three lengthy tracks, notably the side-long epic "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers." While it didn't achieve commercial success in the UK, it surprisingly reached number one in Italy. Over time, "Pawn Hearts" has garnered critical acclaim and was reissued on CD in 2005 with additional material.

The album's compositions were developed during the band's 1971 tour and further refined at manager Tony Stratton Smith's house in Sussex. Originally conceived as a double album, Charisma Records opted for a single LP release. The non-album single "Theme One" was included on some US and Canadian releases. Despite the album's success in Italy prompting lucrative tours, the band disbanded in August 1972 due to the pressure and internal conflicts stemming from their intense schedule.