Interactive Tracks Poll: Goodbye 2023, Hello 2023!

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Posted: January 04 2024 at 08:09

Frets N Worries wrote:

https://youtu.be/3watGSUqtL8?si=TYNkY-cXZzdMRnwI

Logan advised no songs longer than 10 minutes.

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https://youtu.be/3watGSUqtL8?si=TYNkY-cXZzdMRnwI

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Posted: January 04 2024 at 08:08

The Wheel of Time Turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time...

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Posted: January 04 2024 at 07:41

Squeaky Feet - Little Bit Further

Some of the Sea Of Tranquility gang were picking this in their top five prog albums of the year, not a single mention on PA that I've seen.

Edited by richardh - January 04 2024 at 07:42

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Posted: January 04 2024 at 07:15

Cristi wrote:

richardh wrote:

I've heard that Riverside track so much I probably know it off by heart.

If the song was not great, you would not have known it by heart.

I'm not even done with posting songs, let alone choose a final song.

guilty of not reading my full comment LOL

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Posted: January 04 2024 at 07:10

eMolecule - The Architect

the remnants of Sound Of Contact this has a more metal feel but keeps the sci-fi theme going. (and the singer does bare resemblance to Phil Collins, can't imagine why..)

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Posted: January 04 2024 at 07:08

richardh wrote:

I've heard that Riverside track so much I probably know it off by heart.

If the song was not great, you would not have known it by heart.

I'm not even done with posting songs, let alone choose a final song.

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Posted: January 04 2024 at 07:01

I've heard that Riverside track so much I probably know it off by heart.

Another track I love is Uriah Heep's - Hail The Sunrise. Makes me think of Spinal Tap but I do love them!

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Posted: January 04 2024 at 00:48

Three songs, for now... LOL

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Posted: January 03 2024 at 22:52

Logan wrote:

Goodbye 2023, Hello 2023!

That's true. Since 2020 every subsequent year has been "2020: the expansion pack"

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Posted: January 03 2024 at 19:38

Yeah, I started listening and notating today. Just made it through Greg's tracks, and noted yours, Christian's, and Kees into my word doc. Busy week this week, but I find time here and there, scrinching up bits as my time allows. Might be best to listen that way, anyway. It's kind of funny to put forward "favourite albums," but have them represented by a song (although that is exactly what I do a lot of), and not have time to hear the whole albums. However, the impetus to listen to more of those that catch my ear will certainly come out of this!

Edited by Snicolette - January 03 2024 at 19:38

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Posted: January 03 2024 at 19:30

I have started listening to the suggested tracks and I am enjoying the variety.

On Greg's suggestions, sponsored by the letter S, Sprain is intriguing. I am still undecided on the vocals as that style often depends on my mood. I have in general been liking that arty post-punk style/sound that seems to getting some favor these days.

I am not that familiar with Susanne Sundfør's work. Her track is enjoyable but not standing out.

I have enjoyed Sufjan Steven's music over the years and this track holds up nicely. My favorite among Greg's suggestions as of now. I would like to hear it and the others within the scope of their respective albums if I have time. So much good music out there.

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Posted: January 03 2024 at 19:15

My second suggestion is also an instrumental. Go Go Machine Orchestra are from Taiwan. I suggested them for PA a few months back and it looks like they just cleared over at Awesomeprog.

They have two tracks on their album with a second version featuring Taiwanese saxophone player Minyen Hsieh. This is one of them.

Go Go Machine Orchestra - Atom (feat. Minyen Hsieh)

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Posted: January 03 2024 at 04:39

Nice to start off the new year with an IA-poll! Thumbs Up

My first track is from my top album of 2023 (although I must admit that any of my top-8 could be on the top spot, but I sometimes prefer to put forward lesser known acts): La théorie des cordes - 4U-9525. I've plugged some tracks before on these boards, but it can't be enough.

La théorie des cordes - BCN - Terminale envolée:

Second suggestion, again an instrumental piece, by a well known artist but not that much talked about: Phil Manzanera with Andy Mackay and their album AM PM. An overall rather laid back album with wonderful instrumental tracks that combine some sonic experimentations with Manzanera's wonderful guitar work and Mackay's sax. Very accessible and very rich (and great production).

Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay - Blue Skies:

Third suggestion, a new band from Belgium with - thus - a new album, with an interesting fusion between chamber rock and post rock and some other things, from their album La mémoire des orages.

OGIVES - Mighty Pumpkin:

Edited by suitkees - January 03 2024 at 05:03

The razamataz is a pain in the bum

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Posted: January 02 2024 at 19:37

Logan wrote:

^ Thanks all, and great to see the descriptions, Nicky. By the way, I have not yet taken the chance to listen to more than the first two suggestions not my own properly, and aside from really liking that Aksak Maboul track, I really like that Pixie Ninja track. Both I must admit, when I saw the name Tim Smith above I had a moment of unreasonable hopefulness. It's a good track not by the Tim Smith I think of when I think Tim Smith.

Yes, won't have a chance to listen until tomorrow, Tuesdays are very busy music days here, and don't want to listen while needing an ear palate cleanse!

"Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp

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Posted: January 02 2024 at 18:29

^ Thanks all, and great to see the descriptions, Nicky. By the way, I have not yet taken the chance to listen to more than the first two suggestions not my own properly, and aside from really liking that Aksak Maboul track, I really like that Pixie Ninja track. Both I must admit, when I saw the name Tim Smith above I had a moment of unreasonable hopefulness. It's a good track not by the Tim Smith I think of when I think Tim Smith.

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Posted: January 02 2024 at 17:06

I'll post a song from each of my top three, as shared with the Awesome Prog site, of favourites of the year. I write mini-reviews on Bandcamp of the artist's whose material I purchase, choosing a "favourite track," as Bandcamp suggests, with the review. I then play the material once a month on my Nickie's Niches show, there's a forum thread here on ProgArchives dedicated to the show under Prog Tribute Bands and Prog Radio. I do also play non-Bandcamp artists. That all being said, I will post my mini-review with each entry as well, and in reverse order of my favourites this past year.

As fate would have it, two of my actual favourite tracks are long, so found shorter tracks to represent those.

Secret Sky "Opium" A collaboration of fine musicians I’ve had the pleasure of hearing for years with Loreena McKennitt.The electric guitar, in particular, is immediately recognizable in Hughes’ signature style and Lavelle’s rich cello and sultry voice are a perfect pairing. Rounding out the sound are violin, drums & percussion, bass, and lyra. This is an epicurean’s blend of world music, with the emphasis on Middle Eastern and Celtic, along with some jazz for complex flavour. A favourite release of the progressive folk/world genre this year. Favorite track: Opium (chosen for brevity, actual favourite is the 7+minute Fear a Bhata):

Edenya "Another Place" Edenya: “Another Place” Very excited to bring this one to the poll, it’s just magnificent. Just the kind of thing I always hope I’ll find, something that sounds really only like itself. To categorize, this is Progressive/Symphonic/Folk with more than a hint of psychedelia. The soaring, majestic vocals of Clélia Lenoble are joined by the singularly named Marco on guitars and keyboards, creating a sound which is at once ancient, yet new again. The music is mostly cloudy in feel, dark and enchanting, and is quite unlike anything else I’ve encountered lately. There is a delicacy to it, however, they don’t hesitate to get heavy when it's called for. One of my favourite progressive releases of the year so far. Favourite Track: Inside Your Walls

Harp “Albion” Former Midlake singer, Tim Smith, has released this gorgeous debut. Like Midlake, the music is haunting and layered, but here, even more so. There is an underwater and dreamlike feel to all of the pieces, as if Smith is perpetually drowning in the depths of his interior reflections. The prominent use of 12-string increases this effect, along with the hushed, achingly beautiful vocals. It would seem as if he lived and was reincarnated during the journey of this recording, judging by the lyrics of the first song to the last. A strong contender for my favourite release of this year, no matter what it is labeled. Best heard in it's entirety, I feel as though every track is the best one. Like a great book, I can't put this one down. But choosing Seven Long Suns here.

Edited by Snicolette - January 04 2024 at 20:45

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Posted: January 02 2024 at 15:31

Oh thanks Cristi! I just read the intro so far, lol.

"Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp

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Posted: January 02 2024 at 15:24

Snicolette wrote:

Excellent, Logan! I will love hearing these, and will be participating. Just have to think. Please confirm whether this is open to both Prog and non-Prog or not?

yes, both prog and non-prog, i asked the same thing. Smile

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Posted: January 02 2024 at 15:21

Excellent, Logan! I will love hearing these, and will be participating. Just have to think. Please confirm whether this is open to both Prog and non-Prog or not?

"Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp

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