From Loudersound.
Gentle Giant have released a new video montage to celebrate the release of their fourth studio album, Octopus, which celebrates its 50th anniversary today. You can watch the video, created by singer Derek Shulman’s son Noah, in full below.
Octopus was originally released on this day in 1972. It was the band’s final album released with founding member Phil Shulman and the first with new drummer John Weathers, who had replaced Malcolm Mortimore, and who would remain with the band until their dissolution in 1980.
It was also the band’s second release of 1972, having released Three Friends in April of that year, and represents the band at the height of their impressive powers.
The album came housed in a sleeve designed by Roger Dean, although in North America, where the album wasn’t released until February 1973, the band’s label, Columbia, chose to use an illustration by artist Charles White, of an octopus in. ajar, the original versions of which were die cut.
Octopus would reach No. 170 in the US album charts.
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- Gentle Giant - The Power And The Glory + Insert - EX - UK - vinyl LP - £95.00, $127.30, €109.25 (New Item) (arrived 02-Apr-2026 16:00)
on April 9, 2026 at 3:24 pmGENTLE GIANT The Power And The Glory (1974 UK 8-track LP, the stunning sixth LP from the eclectic-prog masters, including the classic Giant opener & live set frequenter Proclamation, the beautiful Aspirations & the mind-boggling So Sincere, featuring the off-beat drum work of John Weathers, complete with lyric insert, fully laminated picture sleeve with rounded corners. The sleeve shows just a little light shelfwear & the vinyl remains in Excellent condition with few signs of playWWA010)
- Gentle Giant - Acquiring The Taste - 1st - VG - UK - vinyl LP - £195.00, $261.30, €224.25 (New Item) (arrived 02-Apr-2026 16:00)
on April 9, 2026 at 3:24 pmGENTLE GIANT Acquiring The Taste (1971 first UK issue 8-track vinyl LP on the Vertigo 'swirl' label. This album took the band into more experimental & darker areas but is still their own recognisable sound - a rich blend of hard rock & orchestration - with hints of influences from King Crimson & Van Der Graaf Generator, housed in a gatefold picture sleeve with the poly lined 'swirl' die-cut inner. The sleeve displays some minor general wear with some edge & corner scuffing, and hassome strange blank ink marks on the back, but still pretty damn good considering it was never laminated. The labels have a few light spindle marks and light signs of age, whilst the vinyl shows a few light signs of play (mainly to Side 1). Overall a Very Good example, making an ideal play copy)
- Gentle Giant - Acquiring The Taste - 1st - VG - UK - vinyl LP - £195.00, $261.30, €224.25 (New Item) (arrived 02-Apr-2026 14:10)on April 9, 2026 at 3:24 pm
GENTLE GIANT Acquiring The Taste (1971 first UK issue 8-track vinyl LP on the Vertigo 'swirl' label. This album took the band into more experimental & darker areas but is still their own recognisable sound - a rich blend of hard rock & orchestration - with hints of influences from King Crimson & Van Der Graaf Generator, housed in a gatefold picture sleeve with the poly lined 'swirl' die-cut inner. The sleeve displays some minor general wear with some edge & corner scuffing, and hassome strange blank ink marks on the back, but still pretty damn good considering it was never laminated. The labels have a few light spindle marks and light signs of age, whilst the vinyl shows a few light signs of play (mainly to Side 1). Overall a Very Good example, making an ideal play copy)
- Gentle Giant - The Power And The Glory + Insert - EX - UK - vinyl LP - £95.00, $127.30, €109.25 (New Item) (arrived 02-Apr-2026 12:44)on April 9, 2026 at 3:24 pm
GENTLE GIANT The Power And The Glory (1974 UK 8-track LP, the stunning sixth LP from the eclectic-prog masters, including the classic Giant opener & live set frequenter Proclamation, the beautiful Aspirations & the mind-boggling So Sincere, featuring the off-beat drum work of John Weathers, complete with lyric insert, fully laminated picture sleeve with rounded corners. The sleeve shows just a little light shelfwear & the vinyl remains in Excellent condition with few signs of playWWA010)
- Gentle Giant - Playing The Fool - The Complete Live Experience - 2025 Reissue - UK - 3-LP vinyl set - £75.00, $100.50, €86.25 (Back In Stock) (arrived 25-Mar-2026 17:00)
on April 9, 2026 at 3:24 pmGENTLE GIANT Playing The Fool - The Complete Live Experience - 2025 Reissue (2025 UK/EU 17 track 3 x 180g vinyl LP set . A cornerstone of live progressive rock, Playing The Fool by Gentle Giant returns in this stunning 2025 vinyl reissue—reviving one of the most intricate and exhilarating concert recordings of the 1970s with renewed clarity and presence. Originally released in 1977, the album captures Gentle Giant at the height of their formidable live powers, effortlessly recreating—and often surpassing—the complex studio arrangements that defined their sound. This reissue breathes new life into those performances, allowing every contrapuntal vocal line, sudden time shift, and virtuosic instrumental passage to shine with remarkable detail. From the explosive opener “Just The Same / Proclamation” through to the dazzling interplay of “On Reflection,” the band’s technical precision is matched only by their sense of sheer musical joy. Multi-instrumental wizardry abounds, with members swapping between violin, keyboards, percussion, and more, all executed with seamless finesse. The inclusion of live staples such as “The Runaway” and “Free Hand” highlights the group’s ability to balance complexity with groove—no small feat in the progressive realm. This 2025 edition elevates the experience further, with carefully remastered audio pressed onto high-quality vinyl, delivering a warmth and depth that perfectly complements the band’s richly layered sound. Subtle nuances—once buried in the original mix—now emerge, offering even seasoned listeners fresh insight into these masterful performances. Housed in a beautifully reproduced tri-fold picture sleeve that honours the original artwork and includes Double-sided poster, an exclusive booklet with photos and new band interviews and extended liner notes by Alan Kinsman plus obi strip. While enhancing its visual appeal, this reissue stands as both a tribute and a rediscovery. For longtime admirers and newcomers alike, Playing The Fool remains a dazzling testament to Gentle Giant’s unparalleled musicianship—now presented in a format that does full justice to their legendary live prowess. Both sleeve and vinyl carry minimal signs of wear/play-Essential)
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