Forum Home Forum Home > Progressive Music Lounges > Top 10s and lists
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - PA AOTY 2024 (Deadline extended until Feb 2)
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

PA AOTY 2024 (Deadline extended until Feb 2)
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <12345 10>
Author
Message Reverse Sort Order
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Offline
Points: 45622 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 29 2025 at 03:19
28. Sunburst - Manifesto [AP Prog] [BC] [SPO]
38. After Lapse - Pathways [AP Prog] [SPO]
Back to Top
MikeEnRegalia View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator

Joined: April 22 2005
Location: Sweden
Status: Offline
Points: 21578 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote MikeEnRegalia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 28 2025 at 00:45
List update:

1album cover
Devin Townsend
Links: AP BC SPO RYM
2album cover
Ihsahn
Links: AP SPO RYM
3album cover
Links: AP BC SPO RYM
4album cover
Pure Reason Revolution
Links: AP BC BC SPO RYM
5album cover
Links: AP BC SPO RYM
6album cover
Links: AP BC SPO RYM
7album cover
Links: AP BC SPO RYM
8album cover
Blood Incantation
9album cover
10album cover
Richie Kotzen
11album cover
Oranssi Pazuzu
12album cover
13album cover
14album cover
15album cover
King Gizzard [...]
16album cover
Geordie Greep
17album cover
18album cover
19album cover
Kingcrow
20album cover
Caligula's Horse
21album cover
Big Big Train
22album cover
23album cover
Sykofant
24album cover
25album cover
Toehider
26album cover
Amskray
27album cover
28album cover
Job for a Cowboy
29album cover
30album cover
Slift




Edited by MikeEnRegalia - January 28 2025 at 01:36
Release Polls

Listened to:
Back to Top
richardh View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 29402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote richardh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 27 2025 at 23:41
Updated (and likely finalised now)

1. A Swarm Of The Sun - An Empire [BC] [SPO] 2. Weather Systems - Ocean Without a Shore [BC] [SPO] 3. Mdou Moctar - Funeral for Justice [AP Non-Prog] [BC] [SPO] 4. Jupiter Fungus - Garden Electric [BC] [SPO] 5. Geordie Greep - The New Sound [BC] [SPO] 6. Beardfish - Songs for Beating Hearts [BC] [SPO] 7. Tom Penaguin - Tom Penaguin [BC] 8. Slift - Ilion [BC] [SPO] 9. Azure - Fym [BC] [SPO] 10. Orange Blossom - Spells From the Drunken Sirens [AP Non-Prog] [SPO] 11. Izz - Collapse The Wave [BC] [SPO] 12. The Bardic Depths - What We Really Like In Stories [BC] [SPO] 13. Big Big Train - The Likes of Us [BC] [SPO] 14. Magick Brother & Mystic Sister - Tarot, Part I [BC] [SPO] 15. Focus - Focus 12 [SPO] 16. Plantoid - Terrapath [BC] [SPO] 17. Monkey3 - Welcome To The Machine [BC] [SPO] 18. Infringement - Black Science & White Lies [BC] [SPO] 19. Rendezvous Point - Dream Chaser [BC] [SPO] 20. Beak> - >>>> [BC] [SPO] 21. Mangrove - Bridge To Fiction [SPO] 22. Klone - The Unseen [BC] [SPO]
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Offline
Points: 45622 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 27 2025 at 23:29
.


Edited by Cristi - January 28 2025 at 01:38
Back to Top
richardh View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 29402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote richardh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 27 2025 at 22:19
^yep certainly true. I have to be especially intuitive about the Azure album Fym. Was not on my radar until about 2 weeks ago but I think could become a firm favourite in years to come. 2 weeks is just nowhere near enough for a new band I've only just discovered producing a near 80 minute fantasy concept album with a style that is not easy to pin down (ie very eclectic). I agree it's a lot of fun though!

Edited by richardh - January 27 2025 at 22:22
Back to Top
MikeEnRegalia View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator

Joined: April 22 2005
Location: Sweden
Status: Offline
Points: 21578 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MikeEnRegalia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 27 2025 at 14:36
^^ Thanks! This year I did not have to implement a lot, the heavy lifting was done last year. 

^ Yes, just as humans are generally mixing fast and slow thinking (intuition and intellect), rating and/or ranking releases is a mix between gut feeling and rational assessment. And both rating and ranking can be useful exercises for each of us to really tease out our favorites. It's easy to just give really high ratings to everything you like, but once you have to really rank the releases it gets more difficult. I have listened to nearly 300 releases of 2024, and I put almost half of them in the A tier (or higher). One one hand it's not surprising, since I selected them carefully - I didn't just pick new releases randomly. But on the other hand I clearly do not like them all equally. It's challenging to pick 20 of them as my real favorites, but very rewarding as well. You get to listen to a lot of great music in the process Cool
Release Polls

Listened to:
Back to Top
richardh View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 29402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote richardh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 25 2025 at 02:31
Originally posted by BrufordFreak BrufordFreak wrote:

Originally posted by MikeEnRegalia MikeEnRegalia wrote:

^ Yes, the "which one would I like to listen to again the most" approach is interesting. Sometimes it's in conflict with the ratings I assign, I often feel an urge to listen to something again which I gave a low A-tier rating while other releases which I rated higher seem less appealing. It's difficult to properly account for the "mood factor", but maybe in the end a ranking based solely on the number of plays would be the most trustworthy one.

This is one of the reasons I choose to use a "more objective" metric ranking system to contrast to my "favorites" list: the music I like and want to hear is NOT necessarily the music that I appreciate/understand to be of superior creativity, innovation, skill level, and overall consistency. This year's best example would be Viima's Väistyy Mielen Yö--what I propose is the "best prog album" of the year--as opposed to the Plantoid, Bent Knee, Midas Fall, and Magic Brother & Mystic Sister Tarot, Part 1 albums, which I like (and choose to listen to) far more than Väistyy Mielen Yö. To me, there is a difference between trying to be an objective critic/reviewer and an emotionally-driven chooser of preferences.  


You have to balance both don't you? It's never going to be an exact science. For instance I'm not putting BBT anywhere near my top 5 for the year because as much as they are my favourite band of the moment, and it's a strong album, I still can hear that other bands are doing more interesting music , perhaps more unique things. I never try to compartmentalise music. I just assess as best I can and then make a decision. Ultimately this poll is just a 'for fun' thing. I take the actual reviews and ratings and the lists generated on the database a lot more seriously. As long as you can provide a flavour of your tastes for the year that is the most important thing IMO.
Back to Top
omphaloskepsis View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: October 19 2011
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 6794 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote omphaloskepsis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 24 2025 at 08:34
Originally posted by MikeEnRegalia MikeEnRegalia wrote:

^ AP actually enables me to track both: I can assign ratings to releases and add a playlist entry whenever I'm listening to a release. I'll make the latter available on the polls page (a list of my most played releases), I'm curious to see the difference Smile


You are doing an amazing job, Mike.  I admire your efforts and skills. Clap
Back to Top
MikeEnRegalia View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator

Joined: April 22 2005
Location: Sweden
Status: Offline
Points: 21578 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MikeEnRegalia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 24 2025 at 07:58
^ AP actually enables me to track both: I can assign ratings to releases and add a playlist entry whenever I'm listening to a release. I'll make the latter available on the polls page (a list of my most played releases), I'm curious to see the difference Smile

Edited by MikeEnRegalia - January 24 2025 at 07:58
Release Polls

Listened to:
Back to Top
mathman0806 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: June 06 2014
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 6812 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mathman0806 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 24 2025 at 07:52
I agree about the difference, which is why I choose not be a critic/reviewer. It's tough to be that and have much respect to you and others who review releases year after year. Reviews help me to decide what releases I should try.

At the same time, I appreciate forums and polls where you get a sense what differe t people like to listen to, which also helps to inform me of what music I should try.
Back to Top
BrufordFreak View Drop Down
Collaborator
Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator

Joined: January 25 2008
Location: Wisconsin
Status: Offline
Points: 8422 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BrufordFreak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 24 2025 at 07:01
Originally posted by MikeEnRegalia MikeEnRegalia wrote:

^ Yes, the "which one would I like to listen to again the most" approach is interesting. Sometimes it's in conflict with the ratings I assign, I often feel an urge to listen to something again which I gave a low A-tier rating while other releases which I rated higher seem less appealing. It's difficult to properly account for the "mood factor", but maybe in the end a ranking based solely on the number of plays would be the most trustworthy one.

This is one of the reasons I choose to use a "more objective" metric ranking system to contrast to my "favorites" list: the music I like and want to hear is NOT necessarily the music that I appreciate/understand to be of superior creativity, innovation, skill level, and overall consistency. This year's best example would be Viima's Väistyy Mielen Yö--what I propose is the "best prog album" of the year--as opposed to the Plantoid, Bent Knee, Midas Fall, and Magic Brother & Mystic Sister Tarot, Part 1 albums, which I like (and choose to listen to) far more than Väistyy Mielen Yö. To me, there is a difference between trying to be an objective critic/reviewer and an emotionally-driven chooser of preferences.  
Drew Fisher
https://progisaliveandwell.blogspot.com/
Back to Top
Lewian View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: August 09 2015
Location: Italy
Status: Offline
Points: 15146 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lewian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2025 at 17:10
Originally posted by Mellotron Storm Mellotron Storm wrote:

I completely missed that Thelen record that Lewian is showing on his list. I'm so into these guys and this has Torn on it! But it also looks like it's just the two of them? Not sure about that. Got the Fractal Sextet though, and it might be my most anticipated release of 2024, but we'll see how good it is.
There are three Rothko Spaces volumes now. I haven't heard the third one yet and it's released January 2025. I like Vol. 1 with Torn quite a bit more than Vol. 2, and also I have enough Thelen on my list, so Vol. 2 doesn't appear.
Back to Top
Mellotron Storm View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: August 27 2006
Location: The Beach
Status: Offline
Points: 14044 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mellotron Storm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2025 at 07:53
I completely missed that Thelen record that Lewian is showing on his list. I'm so into these guys and this has Torn on it! But it also looks like it's just the two of them? Not sure about that. Got the Fractal Sextet though, and it might be my most anticipated release of 2024, but we'll see how good it is.
"The wind is slowly tearing her apart"

"Sad Rain" ANEKDOTEN
Back to Top
Lewian View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: August 09 2015
Location: Italy
Status: Offline
Points: 15146 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lewian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2025 at 03:13
Originally posted by moshkito moshkito wrote:

Originally posted by Lewian Lewian wrote:

I've got to say that this is not exactly flattering for PA - out of the top 10 only 3 are on PA, on ranks 4, 8, and 9... anyway, here we go:
...

Hi,

Nice list ... and I have enjoyed listening to a few things. Just glad to see a list that is not full of the old standbys to bore us with ... some nifty stuff ...

I enjoyed Frost* but that rookie/highschool drumming, kinda ate up half the tracks in my mind, other than that I listened to the whole thing. The Goodspeed album is nice also. 

The Thelen album is nice and the 2nd one is out already ... will try to hear that first album asap.

Kinda weird seeing Einsturzende Neubauten listed ... been hearing their stuff for 40 years ... some far out stuff and plenty weird, and Blixa has a few albums, and the stuff with Teho Teardo is alright with me.

Happy New Year ... to everyone, btw.

Thanks for this. I actually rate the Cassiber and Frith albums much higher, but didn't want them to win album of the year points because it's old material on them.

The best Stephan Thelen album in my view is the first Fractal Guitar album from 2018 by the way.


Edited by Lewian - January 20 2025 at 03:16
Back to Top
richardh View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 29402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote richardh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2025 at 03:08
^ ok got it! Smile
Back to Top
MikeEnRegalia View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator

Joined: April 22 2005
Location: Sweden
Status: Offline
Points: 21578 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MikeEnRegalia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2025 at 02:42
^ You might be looking at the polls in "AP" mode: 

This happens when you open the polls from the AP main navigation. Notice the "/ap/" in the url. This is how to access the "PA" mode:

I'll add a better way to switch between the two modes for PA users Smile
Release Polls

Listened to:
Back to Top
richardh View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 29402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote richardh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2025 at 02:31
Something seems to have happened as I can only see a combined chart and it looks weirdly out of date (I'm sure there were a lot more votes). Might be a 'me or my computer issue or maybe Mike updating the site!
Back to Top
richardh View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 29402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote richardh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2025 at 02:25
Originally posted by MikeEnRegalia MikeEnRegalia wrote:

^ I added the artwork. The easiest way to do that is to add the bandcamp link, if it exists, then we automatically import artwork and tracklist. 

cheers!
Back to Top
richardh View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: February 18 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Status: Offline
Points: 29402 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote richardh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 20 2025 at 02:24
^ I'm glad I'm not the only one that doesn't rate Craig Blundell that highly. I went to a Steve Hackett show a few years ago (Foxtrot at 50) and he murdered Suppers Ready quite honestly.
Back to Top
moshkito View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 04 2007
Location: Grok City
Status: Offline
Points: 18061 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote moshkito Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January 19 2025 at 10:10
Originally posted by Lewian Lewian wrote:

I've got to say that this is not exactly flattering for PA - out of the top 10 only 3 are on PA, on ranks 4, 8, and 9... anyway, here we go:
...

Hi,

Nice list ... and I have enjoyed listening to a few things. Just glad to see a list that is not full of the old standbys to bore us with ... some nifty stuff ...

I enjoyed Frost* but that rookie/highschool drumming, kinda ate up half the tracks in my mind, other than that I listened to the whole thing. The Goodspeed album is nice also. 

The Thelen album is nice and the 2nd one is out already ... will try to hear that first album asap.

Kinda weird seeing Einsturzende Neubauten listed ... been hearing their stuff for 40 years ... some far out stuff and plenty weird, and Blixa has a few albums, and the stuff with Teho Teardo is alright with me.

Happy New Year ... to everyone, btw.
Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told!
www.pedrosena.com
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <12345 10>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down



This page was generated in 0.156 seconds.
Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.