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Van Gogh was released in December of 1998. Once again, critical acclaim was unanimously positive. One reviewer wrote, "I wasn't quite prepared for the diversity of sound… psychedelia, rock'n'roll, pop, funk ... it's all here." And, "An intricately produced CD… this is music formed with attention to detail - very fine detail indeed." The new album found Van Gogh once again exploring new musical terrain – as drum loops were employed on some songs ("Tangled"), and sampling incorporated into others ("Ready, Willing, & Able", and the McCartney Hofner bass sound used in "All The Time In The World"). They never lose their sense of humor, as evidenced in the bluegrass-polka-ragtime free-for-all "Maybe". Van Gogh was the first Van Gogh album produced entirely by Robby. Their drummer on this CD, Scott Robertson, was key in the sampling and loops Robby wanted to add. The release was celebrated with a performance at a downtown Atlanta hotel ballroom. Seven hundred people showed up to help celebrate. Throughout '98, Van Gogh performed at numerous high schools and middle schools in support of VSAarts GA's efforts to eradicate stereotypes of people with disabilities. They wowed audiences with their music, and scared them with their sharp, irreverent sense of humor during the Q&A after each show.
In 1999, Van Gogh was asked to perform at the closing ceremonies of the International Art & Soul Festival in Los Angeles. They put on an incredible show, playing to a raucous, standing-room-only crowd, as attendees from around the world rocked, danced and celebrated late into the night. That summer, Van Gogh was invited to perform in front of the New York Stock Exchange, where the street was blocked off and a stage erected. They played two rousing sets for the crowds of people, who were eager to spend their lunchtime outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather. The second set ended up being twice as long as originally planned because the organizers kept asking them to "play a couple of more songs". They later explained that they wanted to keep it going as long as possible, because the crowd was so into it – which was fine with the band. Later in '99, Van Gogh took part in SLAB Fest, a two-day music festival held every year to raise money for a chosen non-profit organization. Van Gogh's performance was a complete success, made all the more sweet because they refilled the club which had been emptied by the previous band, and won over people who admitted to being totally prepared not to like their music.
By the end of '99, Van Gogh was averaging 50,000 performance miles per year; acquired an intelligent light show; was featured in two national ad campaigns; self-released four full-length albums; wrote and recorded songs for numerous tribute CDs, anthology CDs, and film soundtracks; released a 40-minute video; recorded an unreleased Prince song – and all without an agent, manager or any support from the entertainment industry whatsoever. Robby always handled the business side of things, as well as most other aspects of the band, and by late 1999, he was ready to take a break from touring. It was time for Van Gogh to consider what (if anything) to do next. But the best was yet to come… In 2000, Van Gogh headlined the FSU home game street party — held in front of the state capitol in Tallahassee, FL — and played to the biggest crowd ever to attend. Thousands of people filled the streets, dancing and partying. Prior to the concert, Van Gogh appeared in a live interview on the local 6 o'clock news broadcast and filmed a segment for a documentary film crew.
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Recorded at: Van Gogh Studios, Atlanta, GA Steve Stone appears courtesy of the Atlanta Rhythm Section. We would like to thank "The Artist" for the song "Van Gogh". Simple Cinderella The World In A Nut Shell All The Time In The World Almost Too Real Ready, Willing & Able Van Gogh Tangled Lift Me Up Maybe My Telescope All That Glitters Waiting For A Revolution |
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