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progbethyname 
Forum Senior Member 
Joined: July 30 2012 Location: HiFi Headmania Status: Offline Points: 7849 |
 Posted: June 03 2014 at 21:04 |
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^ Sounds absolutely great, Steve. I'm so glad we are now 3 pages into your passions in Prog and in life. It's an honor.
 It's sounds like you are getting a ton out of your musical library these days (older and new) and I have to say I feel deeply every little bit of the joy you are feeling. I recently picked up a brand new stand alone DAC player from the UK greats, ARCAM. I cannot believe the heightened resolution that I am hearing even with my already stellar audio equipment. Just when you think things can't get better, they do. Anyway, I feel a little like you these days where a sense of rebirth and reflection had been done on my part because I am now re listening/revisiting all my Prog and non Prog favourites because there is so much in the music that I just couldn't hear before. It feels truly wonderful and I felt it would be a good idea to share it with you and others on here.
Have a good day my friend and looking forward to your next list because its very inspiring. As you know I relistened to English Electric pt2 because of the kind, thoughtful words you had to say about the track 'judas Unrependent.' 
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Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣
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lazland
Prog Reviewer 
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: June 02 2014 at 14:28 |
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Today, I listened to the new Mostly Autumn cd, Dressed In Voices, on the Amazon Cloud player during my lunch hour, having pre-ordered it on the self same site. Yes, I know I should probably have ordered it from the band directly on their website, but it is better than those old illegal downloads, isn't it? At least the band get their royalties. Yes, I know that Amazon are a bunch of tax avoiders. Actually, I do know a little bit about this, given my work. Amazon, whilst acting in a morally questionable way, to say the least, are not doing anything illegal whatsoever. It is their right to base themselves in Luxembourg, and if governments around the world do not have the guts or gumption to start charging corporate tax to income earned in a particular country at the point of sale, rather than allowing these complex residency and transfer pricing rules as they do now, what is a cozy large corporation to do, eh? Actually, I am not supposed to comment on such things, really, so let us all forget what I wrote above, and state for the record that The Infernal Revenue are right in all things they do, Amazon are fantastic, so are the government, and we can all carry on with this hypocrisy.....sorry......corporate friendly tax regime without any semblance of shame whatsoever. Yes, dear friends, I do, indeed, get a tug of moral regret whenever I click on that old Amazon button to buy something. I spent over £200 on there this weekend. If there were a UK built alternative, as efficient, as cheap, and with a marvellous, super cloud thingy which allows me to listen to a new purchase before the cd even arrives in my letter box, then I would use said service. However, there isn't, so I can't. Also, I learnt, some time ago as a fairly politically active creature, that pointless protests are just that.....pointless. Is the entire UK population going to boycott Amazon because of their tax arrangements? No, only a very small proportion, certainly not enough to make a difference. Why? Well, half of the people probably do not even know of those arrangements, and, if they did, most would blame the government, which wouldn't be that far off the mark, really. Also, more to the point, Amazon gives us what we want. A huge range of shopping, easily accessible, delivered quickly and cheaply, and, as with today, the chance to listen to something before I actually have it. If only they had decent competition, eh? The album itself, on first listen, might just be the finest released by this great band. Very dark, certainly in the subject matter, it hopefully might herald a springboard for greater commercial success. It would certainly be deserved. I did speak to Bryan Josh at a gig in Cardiff, and a really pleasant bloke he is, too. The marriage to Olivia would seem to have sparked a massive creative spark for them both, because she sounds magnificent. |
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 31 2014 at 17:20 |
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Quick postscript to the evening:
Froch put Groves on his bum in the eighth, and thoroughly deserved his win. Good fight, and a very good and worthy champion. All off to bed, and all happy
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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Finnforest
Special Collaborator 
Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 03 2007 Location: The Heartland Status: Online Points: 16913 |
Posted: May 31 2014 at 15:59 |
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Thanks Steve
 I like to quote the composer when possible, esp on an important album like that one. Probably makes it more on an "article" than a review but I'd rather learn something about the album than just get an opinion, so I try to write that way when I have time to dig. |
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 31 2014 at 15:39 |
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A good day today. I spent a fair bit of money on the boy, who needed a new hard drive for his X Box, and a new game as well. On PA, a groupie who goes by the name of Matthew Gill started a thread entitled Cheeky Genesis. As the first to respond to it, I stated I didn't have a clue what he was on about. Well, it transpires that Phil and the boys, in addition to being responsible for the death of prog as we know it (copyright 1976 et seq all knowing proggers) are, apparently, secret perverts as well. Yep. ATOTT is full of secret sexual messages. A Fist Full Of w**kdom. Those beautiful lyrics, full of humanity, are, it seems, merely the deepest fantasies of perversion. And you thought it was just Rolf on trial, eh? My friends, over the years I have been guilty of many things. It was not, in my younger days, unknown to have a quiet toss over the image of a gorgeous woman. Or, indeed, women. I am, though, innocent, of one thing. I have never tossed over a copy of Trick Of The Tail. Honest........ Anyhow. As I write this, I am watching boxing with my father in law. I purchased the Froch v Groves rematch on Sky PPV, as we had watched the first fight. John was a very good amateur fighter in his day, and still loves the sport, and we are both looking forward to the main bout. Earlier, the music was entirely non prog. Deep Purple Burn and In Rock (I know they are on the site. But prog?? Nope) whilst working outside this afternoon. Then, before dinner doing some ironing, I put The Tansads live LP, Drag Down The Moon, on. The Tansads formed in 1990 and came from Wigan. If you think The Levellers, or Chumbawumba, you would be close. Punk folk, with an attitude, they came near to success, but never really made it. The heart of the band were the Kettle brothers, and the gorgeous Janet Anderson. I am not sure how to post a You Tube link, but if you put Tansads in the search tab, you will see them. I saw them live three times, including the 20th anniversary reunion gigs that are definitely on YT. A great band, whose attitude was forged by the Thatcherite destruction of the industry of the North West where they lived. Two fingers up to a sh*te society, and never mind the bollocks. True working class punk, not the plastic cobblers of McLaren and co. For those of you going to see Pendragon at The Citadel in St Helens, that was this great band's spiritual home. After that, a compilation of Housemartins and Beautiful South tracks. I love Paul Heaton's voice, and this was another band who started off rooted in Northern England working class music and culture. The first two albums had a real edge to them, although this diminished as they became more popular. I was, tonight, thinking of my Best Man, Nashy, who died of prostate cancer a few months ago. We saw Heaton and co, and The Tansads, a few times. His favourite track of all time, though, was Starless by King Crimson, which is also rather topical with Dylan's 100th birthday. We spent many a happy night blasting out great music, prog and non prog. It would always, though, end with the greatest Mellotron Moment of all time shaking the speakers. God rest and bless, Chris. Too soon. A glass us being raised now. You old sod
 Always happy, his memory demands happiness, not maudlin. Methinks more wine is, then, required |
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 31 2014 at 14:36 |
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Jim. That Quadrophenia review of yours (I remember sending you a PM at the time) is the best and most knowing on the site. The irony is that Townsend always said upon returning to tour in the UK from the US that it was nice to come back to where people could understand him Scenes are always best at the start. Once the media latch on, and make it into a mass popular thing, the magic goes. Mods, rockers, hippies, prog, punk, indie. The list is potentially endless. I will investigate a book for you re the scene and get back to you. That Lazarus video is my absolute favourite, and my wife's as well, evocative, emotional, and in keeping with the lyrics perfectly. Just love it
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 31 2014 at 14:24 |
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Absolutely. One has to keep up standards, one knows!
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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Finnforest
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 03 2007 Location: The Heartland Status: Online Points: 16913 |
Posted: May 31 2014 at 09:32 |
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Steve, I'm always interested to hear what you guys (Brits) think of that whole Mod scene and your comments remind me of all I've read about the San Fran Haight scene. There was a "summer of love" but it wasn't much proclaimed '67, it was 65-66 when the true magic happened. The magic being of course, an innocent youth awakening, multi pronged across various culture and art themes. By the time the press latched on and the legions of kids started showing up for the "let's get wasted" party, the true magic of the "scene" was over and it just became self-propelled fabrication. I imagine "swinging Londons" early moments were far superior to the late ones as well.
I do want to find a good book about the early Mod scene though, I'd love to read about it. Also, I love that Lazarus video....reminds me of watching my grandparents old home movies. |
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progbethyname
Forum Senior Member
Joined: July 30 2012 Location: HiFi Headmania Status: Offline Points: 7849 |
Posted: May 31 2014 at 03:25 |
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Na Jośe. Steve would serve quality English Tea and Crumpets and you know it.
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Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣
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Roj
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator Joined: July 02 2008 Location: Manchester, UK Status: Offline Points: 3126 |
Posted: May 30 2014 at 03:13 |
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That's what I like to hear Steve  enjoy!! |
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Catcher10
Forum Senior Member
VIP Member Joined: December 23 2009 Location: Emerald City Status: Offline Points: 17847 |
Posted: May 29 2014 at 17:13 |
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I told you so!!! Great blog my friend......will keep stopping by. Can you put out some fresh chips and dip?? The last serving was a bit...stale! |
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 29 2014 at 16:52 |
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Short little blog tonight. Wifey, son and I have been out to a quiz night to raise money for the drama group he belongs to, a fantastic hobby for him very well run by a really nice local teaching assistant, who is a talented amateur actor in his own right, and his wife. Last year, we won the quiz, but tonight only third. We had fun, though. Home, and said wifey has insisted upon watching bloody Britain's Got Talent, so earphones on for me, and firstly Nick Magnus' N'Monix, which I will definitely review over the weekend. To finish before bed, the finest Porcupine Tree album, IMHO, Deadwing. The highlight for me is the exceptionally beautiful Lazarus, but, in truth, there is barely a weak moment on it. No blog tomorrow, as it is the Laz Friday night out.
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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progbethyname
Forum Senior Member
Joined: July 30 2012 Location: HiFi Headmania Status: Offline Points: 7849 |
Posted: May 29 2014 at 00:32 |
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Oh great! I'm glad VAST sat well with you. I must tell you that their debut album (Audio visual sensory theatre) is just a charming in every we sense of the word. :) Also. I got inspired by one of your previous playlists, so i fired on English Electric pt. 2 and very much enjoyed. My gosh does Longdon sound like Peter Gabriel. Wow. But, I very much enjoyed East Coast Racer. A very good epic. And of course, Judas Unrepentent. The emotional story of art fraudulence. Anyway. Have a great day...in progland no less. ;) |
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Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 28 2014 at 15:41 |
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In last night's blog, I said I was going to watch a BBC documentary about Mods and Rockers. Well, actually, my paper had its tv listings wrong, and the show was on Monday, so I downloaded it last nights to the iPad, and have just finished viewing. It was BBC social history at its best. It was fascinating seeing a bunch of 60 and 70 odd year old's reminiscing about their yoof experiences. Theirs were the first generation to break free from the shackles of being like their mums and dads. An interesting point was made that the end of National Service was a huge catalyst behind this freedom. Also, the fact that we had virtual full employment in those days. The rockers liked to ride quick. The mods slow and look smart. Of course, there was not really a great deal of difference in them as kids, excepting the fascinating study of the mods who originally loved American r&b, and had enough money to spend on looking smart, dressing to thrill, pulling birds, and taking (then legal) drugs to stay up all night dancing and ganging around the "scene". The rockers hung out at thier venues, typically open roads and special cafés. The most interesting aspect, though, was when they moved onto the beach fights of 1964, as immortalised by Quadrophenia. This was the year I was born. By this time, bands like The Small Faces and The 'Oo had burst onto the scene, fuelled by a massive commercialisation of the scene, so much so that the said fights were as much a product of media manipulation and far removed from the individuality of the original "tribes". As they grew up, the original members of the gangs became disillusioned, and the first inklings of modern youth culture, fuelled by mass media, manifested itself. The Who were not original Mods. They were, rather, a product of the commercialisation of the later scene. Before tonight, I never really knew that. I really enjoyed the show. If you live in the UK, go into the iplayer, and take a look. After such a show, there is only one LP to put on, really. What? You think Quadrophenia? Nah, that would be too predictable. I shoved Tommy on, instead! You know, when they were "original" psychedelic rockers!
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 27 2014 at 14:14 |
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Tonight, in about an hour, BBC Four are showing a documentary on Mods and Rockers bashing each other up, with the inevitable social commentary on what it all entailed, I expect.
A must view for me, if only for the expected Who tracks and Quadrophenia clips that surely must form a part of any such documentary As for the social commentary, I hope they come to the inevitable, and correct, conclusion that it was just a bunch of kids knocking ten barrels of sh*t out of each other, without any regard to a legacy or social psychiatric issues whatsoever. They were kids being kids, end of. Anyhow, we will see. To prepare, I am listening to one of my great finds of this year, the gorgeous Over by Frequency Drift. A fantastic album to chill too after an intense day's work and physio session, accompanied by a rather lovely Argentinian red wine I am in a remarkably relaxed and happy mood tonight, which is perhaps a lot to do with seeing my son perform on stage with members of Carmarthen Mini Players at a show held to mark the Commonwealth Games Baton procession in the town. He, and all the kids, did us proud
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 27 2014 at 14:04 |
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I just love listening to new music, so here is my take on Vast. I have played three tracks. The Last One Alive left me a little bit cold. A Better Place is an expansive, extremely superior piece of modern rock, which I adored. Free I just found great fun, especially with the 50's b movies homage video. So, thanks Nicholas. I will explore this outfit more.
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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progbethyname
Forum Senior Member
Joined: July 30 2012 Location: HiFi Headmania Status: Offline Points: 7849 |
Posted: May 27 2014 at 02:53 |
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I know you will. Hey. This is a lovely album I'd like to share with you. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A4B64E9D75A41AD This album simply put is 'beautiful.' Easy going, heart felt and sophisticated music with quite a bit of lighter, poppier moments. The album is VAST: Music For People and I feel it's one of the very best albums in the 21st century thus far. Please enjoy when you have some time. Hope you like it. Tracks like "Lady Of My Dreams" "Free" "The Last One Alive" and the massively heart felt "A Better Place" should put you a ease. Anyway. Great playlist today!! Love the underrated, fun track "the Brazilian" and Arena's The Visitor. ;) I spun "Pepper's Ghost" by them today and just loved it. It never gets old for me. ;) |
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Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣
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lazland
Prog Reviewer
Joined: October 28 2008 Location: Wales Status: Offline Points: 13627 |
Posted: May 27 2014 at 00:57 |
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That's a great article, and she seems to genuinely appreciate the music and history. Led Zep III is my favourite Zep album, in much the same way that Tull's folky phase is my favourite from them. There are, of course, a number of these isolated cottages dotted around North, Mid, and West Wales where you can become virtually completely isolated from the mainstream of society. It suits a certain kind of hardy folks. Whilst I love countryside living, I'm not sure I could be that away from it all.
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Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org
Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
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Finnforest
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 03 2007 Location: The Heartland Status: Online Points: 16913 |
Posted: May 26 2014 at 19:05 |
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Finnforest
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 03 2007 Location: The Heartland Status: Online Points: 16913 |
Posted: May 26 2014 at 19:00 |
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Good for you Steve, I wish you the best in where things go from here. And ultimately I bet whatever happens his wife will eventually be grateful for what you all have done, even if she is angry at the "bad cop" decisions of present.
Thanks for telling me about Wales, maybe one day I will get to see it too. I hope so.  |
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Finnforest wrote: