My New Blog

Okay, after last night's Lazland debut on the radio on the wonderful Progzilla.com The Progressive Rock Show with Graham Harfleet, the host, and Caron Jones, we are back to business as usual. You can still listen to the show if you take yourselves over to Progzilla.

SteveG wrote: Hi Steve, as long time Dunnery fan I'm thrilled and surprised to see him immersed in the blues. Love the video. I always knew that he had it in him. One album definitely on my radar! Thanks for the great review. Cheers.

^ Thanks Steve, that's really nice to read. By the way, I have long wanted to make my own website, I know the arts/ creativity site for music, painting, writing, performance arts etc. that I want to make, but it's so much work and a lot to learn, so I would be more inclined to encourage others to follow that dream (I live life quite vicariously). That said, I am more of a collaborative type despite being something of a loner, and I rather like doing things by consensus commonly, and so whatever online project I do I would want to have others really involved.

^^ I don't want to hijack this thread or really draw this out, but Pedro, I'm wondering if you mean that you think that I don't consider folk to be progressive and that is not at all what I was implying. Some folk is more progressive than others, and some folk would sooner be linked to Prog at this site than others. Would you mind explaining and how it fits with my thoughts on Troika (have you listened to the album?) I think you know how much I like progressive folk, acid folk, and acts like ISB, Harper, and folk generally, so I'm confused. I compared Troika to CSNY, and I really like CSN and CSNY too (and do find progressiveness to CSN and CSNY). I think you may have missed the context of what I was saying by focusing on few words, or I just am not getting you in the least.

Edited by Logan - September 27 2023 at 18:01

^ Sorry, but I'm not following you.

Regarding D'Virgilio, Morse and Jennings Troika, I would not have expected it in a Prog category as it did not strike me as Prog at all. And while it ended up being evaluated by Prog Related, I voted no because the only Prog relations I found were personnel, but being from a Prog band is not enough for inclusion.

One of the policies for Prog Related is:

"Side projects and solo albums by members of Bands listed in the ProgressiveArchives will only be accepted for Prog Related if a) they cannot be placed in an wholely Prog subgenre and b) the music has some relationship to Progressive Rock/Metal."

"Some relationship" is vague. Troika reminded me of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, which are not in PA. I was not compelled by the case that was presented, was not compelled musically, and do not think it would have been suggested were it not for who was involved. I try to see how many boxes something will tick.

Of course not everyone will agree, and that should be fine, it's not an exact science but there are expectations that I try to observe. I have had ones turned down despite my arguments that i thought were strong, and I thought he music was appropriate. With my last suggestion and addition, it was included, but to another it was not appropriate.

If the next album seems sufficiently a Prog category worthy, I suggest it be suggested again. I think if in doubt, especially with modern one-offs, maybe it is best to see if something comes later that is more appropriate.

And there always are other sites like rateyourmusic to review such albums:
https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dvirgilio-morse-and-jennings/troika/

Progressive folk is mentioned as a secondary label there, by the way, but it did not strike me as progressive.

It's a sometimes frustrating thing dealing with accepting and rejecting artists, as people/ teams get complaints from some for both accepting and rejecting artists. Can't please everyone as the saying goes, but hopefully we do our best and people don't hold those differences of opinion against others and can still respect and appreciate the efforts made.


Edited by Logan - September 27 2023 at 13:15

SteveG wrote: A wonderful run of albums lately Steve. Strangely for me, I've been drawn to the experimental sounds of Data Noise Floor! I suppose that one is never too old to break out of the mold and get his freak on. Cheers.

Grumpyprogfan wrote: Haven't stopped by your website in awhile. Yet when I do, I'm blown away. Your reviews are engaging, funny, detailed, and worth reading. But, where the hell did the Ale's of the week go? Right now I'm indulging in Dale's Pale Ale, from Oskar Blues Brewery (Colorado). Full flavor. Cheers 🍻.

A new album review posted this evening, and it is a fine work. Quadrivium by master guitarist Nick Fletcher, which also features his collaborator, a fine drummer, Anika Nilles, Dave Bainbridge, and Tim Harries.

It has been a busy night in www.lazland.org 

I'm still playing catch up but read the Built for the Future interview again, and it's amazing how many key points Mr. Laz hits upon in the so called "brief" discussion with Patrick. Excellent work as usual, Steve.

Edited by SteveG - September 09 2023 at 05:54