My New Blog

Good stuff, as usual Steve! But where do you find the time? I 'm beginning to think that you have a ghost writer. Mrs. Laz perhaps? 

Tonight, I have published reviews of the new Big Big Train, the first featuring new vocalist Alberto Bravin, and an interesting instrumental from Australia, Inner Cosmos by Matt Goodluck.

Okay, a couple of updates this evening.

Edited by lazland - April 03 2024 at 13:35

lazland wrote: After all the video channel stuff, it is back to the Lazland day job, with a review of an album which is pretty much essential - Inner Prospekt, with Unusual Movements. Pop along to www.lazland.org and take a look. Strike a blow for anti-corporatist music!

This was one of best interviews yet, Steve. I love how Pete and Dave went into their influences and how humble these chaps are for such talented musicians. I agree with you that they have a mix of classic British prog, jazz and American prog ala Kansas (as an example), which somehow works incredibly well without sounding the least bit like a clone The album is a real treat. 

It is fair to say that there have been a few technical issues since Lazland launched its YouTube video channel. Indeed, the chap writing this post is now extremely sensitive to the reasons why the BBC and such like pay a bunch of clever spotty yoofs up to £40k a year to engineer videos and podcasts instead of getting the likes of Emily Maitlis to do it herself.

I am grateful to friends, artists, and a couple of Prog Ears forum participators for not just feedback, but some very helpful hints that have enabled me to see what I have been doing wrong and how to fix it. Artists, especially, have been very kind in forgiving some of the glitches encountered.

With this all in mind, the Ruminations vlog last week was not really fit for purpose, so I have now uploaded “Ruminations 1 – The Final Cut” to YouTube at

On this, you can finally hear me in glorious stereo and listen to the music hopefully without having your wig blown off! The music is by Nova Cascade, Big Big Train, Dim Gray, Ana Patan, Orphans of the Ash, For All We Know, and The Patchwork Alliance from Guy Manning. It all looks and sounds rather good, even if I do say so myself! The next one will follow at the end of the month.

Oh, incidentally, those of you who follow me in Russia (and there are a couple of you, I know) are not able to view this video because of, I think, sanctions. I don’t think it was I who insulted Uncle Vlad, but something to do with Inside Out records, who BBT are with now.

In the meantime, my review spot on the brilliant Progressive Rock Show hosted by Graham Harfleet on Progzilla Radio also features Big Big Train, with one of the epics from The Likes of Us – jolly good stuff it is, as well. From 8.00 p.m. UK BST.

Lastly, my grateful thanks to all of you who follow me here and view the website and the video channel. I love you all, each and every one of you!

lazland wrote: It is fair to say that there have been a few technical issues since Lazland launched its YouTube video channel. Indeed, the chap writing this post is now extremely sensitive to the reasons why the BBC and such like pay a bunch of clever spotty yoofs up to £40k a year to engineer videos and podcasts instead of getting the likes of Emily Maitlis to do it herself. I am grateful to friends, artists, and a couple of Prog Ears forum participators for not just feedback, but some very helpful hints that have enabled me to see what I have been doing wrong and how to fix it. Artists, especially, have been very kind in forgiving some of the glitches encountered. With this all in mind, the Ruminations vlog last week was not really fit for purpose, so I have now uploaded “Ruminations 1 – The Final Cut” to YouTube at On this, you can finally hear me in glorious stereo and listen to the music hopefully without having your wig blown off! The music is by Nova Cascade, Big Big Train, Dim Gray, Ana Patan, Orphans of the Ash, For All We Know, and The Patchwork Alliance from Guy Manning. It all looks and sounds rather good, even if I do say so myself! The next one will follow at the end of the month. Oh, incidentally, those of you who follow me in Russia (and there are a couple of you, I know) are not able to view this video because of, I think, sanctions. I don’t think it was I who insulted Uncle Vlad, but something to do with Inside Out records, who BBT are with now. In the meantime, my review spot on the brilliant Progressive Rock Show hosted by Graham Harfleet on Progzilla Radio also features Big Big Train, with one of the epics from The Likes of Us – jolly good stuff it is, as well. From 8.00 p.m. UK BST. Lastly, my grateful thanks to all of you who follow me here and view the website and the video channel. I love you all, each and every one of you!

Glitches are no problem for me, Steve. I believe that Pete of The Bardic Depths was blacked out when I watched your zoom interview of Dave and Pete, and it didn't bother me in the least. Then again, being as old as dirt, I was just thrilled to listen to radio as a young lad. Who said that the old things don't come around again? But I'm glad for your sake that these problems were all straightened out. And to see you enjoying yourself so much. Cheers mate.

Edited by SteveG - April 10 2024 at 08:45

First album review of the week is up, something heavier than the usual fare, this being Hosts of a Vanished World from Bob Saliba. 

lazland wrote: Busy, busy, busy at www.lazland.org with the second review of the week, Neranotte from Italian outfit Juglans Regia. A really fine album which should excite all fans of Italian rock music. Simply go along to my homepage and click on the album review button!

I see that the reduced work schedule has turbo charged your output, Steve. Fantastic!

2024 is proving to be another spectacular year in terms of the quality of the music being released. Tonight at www.lazland.org I have another two class new albums reviewed for you to enjoy.

The latest Lazland Ruminations video has now been published. Featuring music from TangleJack; Hats Off Gentlemen, It's Adequate; Inner Prospekt; Tom Penaguin; Juglans Regia; Age of Distraction; and Amarok, it is a rollercoaster ride of sheer goodness. Enjoy!