Interactive Poll #-50 Lesser Known Prog
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Topic: Interactive Poll #-50 Lesser Known Prog
Posted By: Snicolette
Subject: Interactive Poll #-50 Lesser Known Prog
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 11:38
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PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FIRST, THIS POLL HAS IT'S OWN EXTRA PARAMETERS. PLEASE DO NOT VOTE UNTIL POLLING IS "OPEN." POLL TOPIC IS LESSER KNOWN PROGRESSIVE ARTISTS, THEY SHOULD HAVE LESS THAN 50 RATINGS IN PROGARCHIVES TO QUALIFY. In hope that we find some new progressive acts to enjoy, please present some favourites of yours for whom you would like to boost the signal.
For those that are new to these interactive polls (they are open to everyone), here are the rules, this one varies slightly from the usual way we conduct these, and how other polls are conducted here, so please read carefully: 1. Post (only) two songs/pieces by artists listed in ProgArchives that have less than 50 ratings (for that recording alone) that you enjoy. This would not mean new heavy hitters with not many reviews yet. I know 2 is hard for some to stick with, but many prog pieces are longer and take more time to consider. 2. Listen to the songs posted by the other participants and, if you want to, post comments. 3. From the 2 songs/pieces that you posted, pick one that you want everyone else to vote on and tell us all which one you picked. Usually it is a good idea to wait and see if any comments may spur you to select the "in competition," song/piece. 4. After about a week, we will open up voting. At this time, vote on your favorite three (3) songs/pieces nominated that are not your own and preferably not songs/pieces that you were already familiar with. 5. List the songs/pieces that you voted for and leave a comment if you want about why you voted for them. 6. Keep all your comments polite and non-personal. It's the music we're voting on, not the members. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Everyone is invited and we are always happy to have newcomers join in. It's been a long time since we've done a prog poll, and I'm sure many of you know artists who are under-appreciated and would like to give them a bit of a boost. This is the place to do it. My first selection is from Aesthysis' "Marea," from their Achromata release. The recording has acquired 13 ratings on PA. My second selection is from Charlie Cawood. "Flicker Out Of Being," features Marjana Semkina of iamthemorning on vocals and appears on Blurring Into Motion, which has achieved 20 ratings on PA. Listen up, have fun, and I'll open up the poll for voting on Friday, October 1, to allow a full weekend from this first post for everyone to listen. Again, please refrain from voting until advised. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Replies:
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 12:11
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Just to be sure, do you mean less than a total number of 50 ratings across the discography (assuming there are multiple albums) or just for the album itself? I went for two that combined have a grand total of three ratings across the discographies included in PA. Also, is it okay to include one in Prog Related? If not, I will change from the William Sheller. These are my two songs from albums that qualify for low ratings (both I added to PA). William Sheller (included in Prog Related) has a total of one rating (I only added the Lux Aeterna album): William Sheller - Hare Krishna Changing, I have mentioned this a number of times in the forum, but I adore this: Perry Leopold - The Journey (has 23 album ratings with Christian Lucifer) ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 12:13
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 12:34
I've updated the original post with clarification. Thanks for the question. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Logan wrote:Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 12:43
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^ While I sometimes take The Prisoner maxim that questions are a burden to others; answers are a prison for oneself, and tend to appreciate answers more than questions, you're welcome. Thank you for taking the time to respond to it. I actually preferred it with the less than fifty across the discography policy, but we're not all old time Proggers here with lots of obscurities to choose from, so I get why you would want to open this up to more potential people to make it pretty accessible. I have a huge number of albums included in PA with less than fifty ratings (fifty ratings is even a lot for a great deal of what I like since my tastes tend to be less Prog mainstream). That said, I might now change a choice and this would have met the overall less than 50 ratings discography policy anyway. Changed mine and then changed it back and then again changed one (bit worried too many who have followed my topics will know it). I am so fickle and even more feckless.
------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 12:49
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I post only one song because it's a suite long 18 minutes and 31 seconds. It's a Psychedelic folk suite taken from the second album published by Claudio Ricchi, ex Stormy Six (37 ratings). Claudio Rocchi was a real freak. My nomination is: Claudio Rocchi: Volo Magico N. 1 (1971) ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: JD
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 13:37
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Well, this is one that satisfies the criteria...from Duncan Mackay - Score 1977 (30 Ratings) Although I sort of feel like Duncan Mackay isn't really 'Lesser Known'. But maybe I'm wrong. My first offering : Duncan Mackay - Jigaloda ------------- Thank you for supporting independently produced music |
Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 14:05
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OK, I'll play... 1. Yôkaï - Plutonia (from their debut album Yôkaï released in 2019) [PA has 0 ratings] 2. Artús - Faust (from their 2020 album Cerc) [PA has 2 ratings] If I had to pick between the two for the overall poll, I would pick Artús. But if anyone listens and feels strongly for the other one, I'm OK if you want that in the poll. I enjoyed both of these bands' albums. The Yôkaï album just came in the mail the other day from Belgium (ordered directly from the band's Bandcamp page).
------------- ---------- i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag that's a happy bag of lettuce this car smells like cartilage nothing beats a good video about fractions |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 14:06
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Lots of work and other stuff going on this week, but I can't stop myself from posting something here the moment I see this poll... maybe one more later... .O.rang is a project of Harris and Webb after the end of the great Talk Talk, and they prove that there was more creative force than just Mark Hollis behind them. Love this. 12 ratings this album, 15 for the band overall. .O.rang - Mind on Pleasure |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 14:44
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Using microtones not only in their instruments, but also in their vocals (in the melodies and the harmonies), The Mercury Tree released the album "Spidermilk" in 2019. What should be a cutting edge album has gone woefully ignored, mostly because it's different, but in a good way. It's strangeness is what makes it so great. The Mercury Tree - "Disremembered" Released in 2013, this one only has 2 reviews and 7 ratings, yet deserves to be heard. Featuring Clodaugh Simonds who sang on Mike Oldfield's albums "Tubular Bells", "Hergest Ridge" and Ommadawn, she has a voice that will captivate you as you get lost in her minimal music. Fovea Hex - "Every Evening" (Listed under Progressive Electronic, but has elements of Neo-folk) ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow">  |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: September 19 2021 at 19:40
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From the album Duel (15 ratings on PA) Onségen Ensemble - Think Neither Good Nor Evil From the album Vyakhyan-Kar (16 ratings) Art Metal - Art Metal Art Metal is Jonas Hellborg (bass) with Mattias IA Eklundh (guitar), Jens Johansson (keyboards), Anders Johansson (drums), and V. Selvaganesh (kanjeera) |
Posted By: someone_else
Date Posted: September 20 2021 at 00:54
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I post only one song because a length of 18:51 asks enough of your time. This is "El Infierno de los Buenos" by Alejandro Matos, hailing from Argentina. The album off which this track is taken (Freak, 2009) has 18 ratings (none of this albums has more than 20 ratings to this day): ------------- 
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Posted By: I prophesy disaster
Date Posted: September 20 2021 at 09:15
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For my first offering, I present a track from Snakefinger - Greener Postures, an album with 10 ratings: Snakefinger - The Picture Makers Vs. Children Of The Sea For my second offering, I present a track from Various Artists - Golden Miles: Australian Progressive Rock 1969-1974, a compilation album with 6 ratings: Daddy Cool - Make Your Stash ------------- No, I know how to behave in the restaurant now, I don't tear at the meat with my hands. If I've become a man of the world somehow, that's not necessarily to say I'm a worldly man. |
Posted By: Mirakaze
Date Posted: September 20 2021 at 16:01
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I was surprised by how many albums that I considered to be reasonably well-known turned out to have less than 50 ratings, so I tried to expressly select songs I like from albums with the fewest amount of ratings that can still be found on YouTube, and I ended up with these two, both of which I discovered by chance a year and a half ago from browsing through TCat's list of every prog album added to the database in 2019: Rascal Reporters - Egos Explode (From Redux, Vol. 1 [6 ratings]) Louis De Mieulle - Discoteak (From Side$how, Vol. 1 [2 ratings]) ------------- https://mirasnelder.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow - Freelance composer, accepting commissions | https://mirasnelder.bandcamp.com/album/altered-acuity" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp page |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 20 2021 at 16:51
 ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 20 2021 at 17:04
Yes, it is the second one. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 20 2021 at 17:26
Yes, it is the second one. [/QUOTE] Excellent! That was much easier to do that way.  ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Grumpyprogfan
Date Posted: September 20 2021 at 18:04
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Deleted |
Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: September 20 2021 at 21:32
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A great band ,,,the first 3 lp's are very good....from the first...the whole lp is good. Another gem imho..... ------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 10:53
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Here are some comments on what I have heard so far: Nickie: Aestysis – “Marea” – Lovely post rock with some great guitar, violin and hammered dulcimer. It flows along beautifully allowing the violin and dulcimer to take the lead throughout, I wish the ending weren’t so quick though. Charlie Cawood – “Flicker Out of Being” – Nice and shimmery, it feels like watching a mountain lake sparkle and Marjana’s vocals are perfect for the style, almost feeling like an instrument in itself. Glockenspiel, violin and chimes gives this a nice, folky feel. This is my favorite out of your selections. Greg: William Sheller – “Hare Krishna” – Opening with a reverential organ that puts me into a contemplative mood. It then turns into a dark symphonic feel that reminds me of Orff’s “Carmina Burana” especially with the choir that joins in. The sudden appearance of the lonely guitar was unexpected, but then it mixes in a bit of the Mike Oldfield vibe with that haunting choir singing along. No reviews? What a shame. I’ll be checking it out. Perry Leopold – “The Journey” – A nice, relaxing folk style with an acoustic feel, guitar and flutes keep this pastoral track a nice, unrushed and relaxing feeling. The vocals are not what I would call exceptional, but they fit well with the music. Even though this is very nice to listen to, I’ll go with your 1st selection as my favorite from your contributions. Cristi: Bucium – “Frunză verde foi mărunte” – Has that folk sound that almost continues from Greg’s 2nd entry. Nice and relaxing feel from the flutes and the lovely picked string instrument, then it picks up the pace with a rhythm section, violins and vocals. It ends in an ambient and pensive way. Experimental Quartet – “Spre Univers” – I like the proto-vibe this one has, sounding very late 60’s era with the amazing organ, the heavy bass and the busy drums. The vocals are a little “iffy”, but not bad, plus the instrumental section more than makes up for that with it’s changing tempos and rhythms, yet never going over the top which is a good thing. Very enjoyable and my favorite out of your selections. Lorenzo: Claudio Rocchi – “Volo Magico N. 1” – Acoustic guitars
strumming and being plucked with some improvised percussion for a long
introduction before the vocals come in, with arpeggio piano coming in later and
then a choral section. It all remains
quaint and simple however, and has a strong eastern vibe to it while also
remaining true to its Very nice and trippy, this track also has a vibe like Mike Oldfield’s early works. The piano solo coda is a nice ending. JD: Duncan Mackay – “Jigaloda” – A nice array of keyboards and synths come together to make some lovely music. The piano is shimmery, the synths are full and almost symphonic. The beat is a mid-tempo that continues through most of the piece as it moves smoothly along. It seems to be well produced and reminds me a lot of Wakeman’s solo works. The best part is towards the end when the keys are more “playful”. Ken: Yôkaï - “Plutonia” – I was sure I had reviewed this one. Somehow, I had forgotten about this one among all of the great music that was released in 2019, but I do remember hearing it when it came out and was quite impressed. It’s a cool, conglomeration of instruments and sounds that plays against a regular beat, but it’s the instrumentation of it that makes it so intriguing. In that regard, it’s quite complex and fascinating. Thank you for reminding me of this one. Now I have to go back and review it again. Love it! Artus – “Faust” – (For some reason, I can’t seem to find them in PA. Probably my own oversight) Nice, trippy and full of mid-eastern musical influences. I like the way the percussion plods along making it sound almost like a drunken march of sorts. The vocals are cool and fit the entire mood of the track. It’s cool and interesting, and I like the way it switches everything up around the 6 minute mark, but personally, I like the 1st selection a bit better. Both are great selections, however, and have a great chance of being contenders for my top 3. Lewian: .O.rang – “Mind on Pleasure” – I absolutely love the later and post-era “Talk Talk” music of Harris and Webb. This one is a definite personal favorite, but its music I’m already quite familiar with. I love the beat of this one and the experimental vibe that is freely used among both the instruments and vocals. It’s complex with layer upon layer of melodies and riffs all washed together in a wonderful piece that still ends up making perfect sense. Love it, but I’m afraid it’s out of the running for me because I’m already familiar with it. That’s as far as I’ve gotten so far. I hope to comment on the rest soon. There is some excellent stuff here and it’s going to be tough to pick favorites. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 11:21
Thanks for joining in, and with two excellent pieces! It is actually up to you to choose, we usually spend time listening, some of us write mini-reviews, or first listen impressions (me), take in what others think, and then begin nominating which one of our individual selections will be up for final voting (this time, starting on Friday, 1 Oct). It is not a requirement to give detailed impressions, but they are fun to read/write for many of us, so please feel free to join in on that. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Grumpyprogfan
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 12:56
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Couple of comments. I am familiar with Charlie Cawood and The Mercury Tree so I shouldn't vote for either one. Experimental Quartet, and Daddy Cool do not appear on PA. There is listing for Experimental Quintet on PA - different band. Anyway, Experimental Quartet sound like an Egg clone to me. So far, Yokai, Art Metal, and Aesthesys stand out. Cool stuff. Just my personal preference, but I prefer the lesser know prog bands that started less than 25 years ago. Those from the 70's through 90's don't appeal to me.
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Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 13:06
Experimental Quartet (later Quintet, also known as Experimental Q, Q2 for a while) sounds nothing like Egg, let alone an Egg clone.  You can participate in the poll, with prog from whatever decade you want (with less than 50 ratings), once the poll is created with all final nominations, you listen to them all and choose three favorites.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 13:12
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As per my usual, my first thoughts, about halfway through Page One to begin, as it is always the most populous. Wow! So much great music! Of course, we are all fans of prog here, so it should be no surprise that there will be much to love. Thank you all so far for your participation!  Cristi: Bucium
- Frunză verde foi mărunte - cu Dora Gaitanovici (Miorița) A recorder sort of sound and lots of shimmers
begin the piece, with some string swells, then going to a strummed acoustic
guitar, at a goodly pace. Drums and then
a sort of chorused female vocal does a ladadadadada part. Violin and then a male vocal takes the lead.
There is a stridency in his voice, not overly so. Great feeling in this one, no idea what it’s
about, but I like it. Aha, there is a
translation on the video, I was listening while not looking. Is it violin or bagpipes that come in around
5:10? There is a bridge of washy sound,
with some plinkies. Very moving
piece. The video reminds me much of a
book I read recently, “A Thread of Grace,”
by Mary Doria Russell, about a refugee girl and her father in 1943
Italy, crossing the alps. Experimental Quartet “Spre univers” Starts off with Hammond organ sound and drums
at the fore, then a male singer joins in.
This has a 70’s feel to me.
Heavyish guitars punctuate into the steady organ and drums. Organist plays an engaging riff, very fluidly,
then a lead electric guitar pops in for a bluesy jam. The piece slows down for a bit and the
guitarist heads into a repetitive segment, with an almost raveup nearing the
end, then back to the organ and concludes with a punchy ending. Really interesting piece, for it’s time,
especially. I do prefer your first one,
but also recognize the historical value of this after getting more information. Lorenzo: Claudio Rocchi “Volo Magico N. 1” This one starts with acoustic chitarra and
bass, then some percussion comes in. The
chitarra reminds me much of Bert Jansch’s style of guitar playing. The percussive elements have lots of echo,
which is a psychedelic hallmark sort of sound for acoustic drums. There is a sense of the piece being a
story-telling. Light, pretty piano
enters the scene and choral vocals, very shimmery. Effected plinky chitarra comes along, with
the choral parts becoming more phantasmagoric.
The chorus now includes some childlike voices, as they enter after the
next verse, and they have a more ecstatic feel.
Piano returns for a bit of a jam with the bass and drums, with
interspersing from the chorus, and some tasteful electric guitar lead, with a
fair amount of tremolo. The piece
becomes more emphatic, in much the way that many psychedelic jams did, such as
early Quicksilver Messenger Service.
Back to the choir, then some deep bell-like sounds and lead guitar
again. It would seem that the story may
be entering a darker place, from the subtly shifting sound of the choir, a
little over halfway in. Another
repetition of the verse to the chorale with piano. There is a bridge with very quavery guitar
and the keyboards playing chords, then a very pointed and impassioned lead
guitar as a crescendo begins. At the
very end, piano solos, softly, walking off down the road the minstrels go. JD: Duncan
Mackay “Jigaloda” This one starts out pretty snappily, with whirly keyboards
and a merry little marchlike underpinning.
It picks up a the pace a little, with asides of circus-y (in a fun and engaging
way) interjections. Synths come along
with a little bit of regality. Straight
keyboards enter from time to time, very capably. About 2/3rds in, some whirlies show up and
the lead instrument is a marimba-like one (quite possibly on keys, I’m
guessing), then back to the semi-comic sound before it ends. Very enjoyable, upbeat piece. If you decide on a second, feel free to bring
it! 😊 progaardvark: Yôkaï
“Plutonia” Begins with some keyboards,
quickly joined by very angular electric guitar.
A flute comes along, and something kind of comb-ish (you know the sound
when you run your fingers down the teeth of a comb?), is the only way I can
describe it. There are punctuations of more sharp guitar. Some horn-type sound, almost klezmer sounding
enters the steadily layering of the piece.
The angular guitar returns, then more horn adds in. The angular guitar comes to the fore, with
whangles here and there, that eventually become the most prevalent in the mix. Ends a bit abruptly, with a final whangle on
that guitar. Artús “Faust” Love
the start, has a Balkan feel to me, with discordant strings, then drums enter
the fray. Sounds like they have mizmars or the like as well (possibly). More discordant horn sounds (l love this kind
of stuff!) prelude the singer’s entry.
Also has a lovely eastern feel to me.
Singer becomes very strident and uses ululations and tremolo in his
voice, then back to the Balkan cacophony (again, not derogatory, it’s very
cool). There are occasional washes of
sound and some echo-y choral sorts of sounds.
The singer continues on, but there is a sense of distance in the mix,
perhaps done with echo, also, sound drops back a bit, and electric guitar
becomes prevalent for a moment, then repeat of the basic melody. Now the singer is joined by several (or
perhaps several tracks of himself). Drops
to bass and drums, then some feedback-y electric guitar, very space/trance-y. The sound becomes a wash of all of the
instruments, with a repetitive section. It all drops back to the discordant strings
and slowly, slowly, slows. This is my
favourite of yours. Christian:
.O.rang “Mind on Pleasure” Echo-y
sonar sounds and some percussive something-or-others with whanging keys? Or guitar?
Or both? Whongs and whizzles show
up, subtlely. Very discordant guitar, I
think enters the fray, with a sort of maybe vocal that repeats, and layered in,
a lead sort of female vocal, wailing.
Deep whong-whongs provide an almost yin-yang energy to the female
voice. Sense of perhaps a bad dream (in
a good way), with some horn-like entry, also repeating, then it comes to the
fore in the mix. Goes to a space echo
section about halfway in. There is also
a feeling, to me, as if this is underground somewhere. An almost indiscernable male vocal enters, very
effected and repeats several times, then is front and center, just once. Percussion keeps on percussing, with a bit of
bass, then pokes of keyboards, or perhaps some kind of guitar effect. Sound gradually fades, with what sounds like
a young girl speaking indecipherable words.
Feel free to bring another (although you’re used to these and know you
can). I am glad you brought this, even
with being busy this week. Mike: The
Mercury Tree “Disremembered” Love the band
name and the song title…not so sure about the cover art, lol. A repeating guitar run, joined by percussive
elements starts this one out, a high-ish voiced male quickly vocalizes. There are discordant guitar and bass sounds,
sort of a string sound enters, behind the male vocalist again. I’m not sure what he’s saying, it’s way back
in the mix. Then whangling guitars, barred
chords, in a slid-y and still discordant way start up. Then back to the main theme, with some maybe
synths and the vocalist becomes more strident, almost in a punkish way. It all drops back for the vocals to softly
continue, with strumming guitar, washy, watery effect on the guitar. A sort of Fripp-ish section commences. There are some heavy hits on something, not
sure how they are doing this, then the piece moves into a more driving section,
then abruptly slows again, with space sounds and falsely ends, before the true,
abrupt end. Fovea Hex “Every Evening” Whongles of keyboard sounds, accordionlike,
at the beginning. Lovely, pristine vocal,
this has a melancholy feel to it. This
vocal is completely enchanting, and, fittingly is at front and center. Angelic choral enters about halfway in,
keyboards create a sonic backdrop, with it’s gradually becoming more weighty. The lead vocal also become a bit more full,
in a very subtle way. The piece fades.
Chills and obviously my favourite of your two, if you can’t guess. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 13:14
Thank you, Cristi! ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 13:34
Bucium is a new(er) band, formed in the early 2000s. they are on bandcamp, I can post the link if you want. They are a prog-folk basically, although they flirt with metal here and there. No bagpipes, just violins. The Experimental Q song is from the 70s (not just a feel |
Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 14:05
I apologize about the name. They are listed on PA under the name Familha Artús: https://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=6576" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=6576 They have been using the name Artús, at least since 2012, based on album covers. I actually discovered this band from a colleague and friend at work who has similar interests in avant-prog bands (particularly French ones). At the time I didn't even know this band was on PA and I was almost set to make a band suggestion until they turned up in a site search. Glad you enjoyed them and the Yôkaï selection. Yôkaï was in Sean Trane's top 20 that year. I often comb through the collaborator top 20s for things I missed during the year. They are a treasure trove of finds. ------------- ---------- i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag that's a happy bag of lettuce this car smells like cartilage nothing beats a good video about fractions |
Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 14:10
OK, thanks a lot for the explanation. I look forward to spending some time listening to all of these and will contribute some brief thoughts, later this week or early next week. ------------- ---------- i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag that's a happy bag of lettuce this car smells like cartilage nothing beats a good video about fractions |
Posted By: Grumpyprogfan
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 14:10
Cool thread, but I withdraw my nominations.
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Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 14:13
I never said you did anything wrong, just disagreed with your assessment about Experimental Quartet. Snicolette is thanking me for explaining the rules to you. You did nothing wrong.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 14:24
I never said you did anything wrong, just disagreed with your assessment about Experimental Quartet. Snicolette is thanking me for explaining the rules to you. You did nothing wrong. [/QUOTE] Cristi is correct, just thanking him for getting to you sooner than I could. Also, you did nothing wrong, as well.
Aslo, no need to withdraw, apologies for anything misconstrued. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 14:25
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 15:01
Will post both impressions, and address both at the same time. Thanks for the write-ups, it's truly appreciated (not that you would doubt my sincerity...). I love that William Sheller album, and I love Carmina Burana (the whole thing, not just "O Fortuna"), but then I love choral music, of which there is much in the album. I like its synthesis of classical style music with rock music. I almost went with another that is of a similar ilk, and that is Jean-Claude Vannier's L'enfant assassin des mouches, but my favourite track off that I'm pretty sure was one of my significant mentions in one of these polls (I could check, but that kind of spoils the fun. My memory hopefully will improve when I can get my hypo-thyroidism under control and get some decent sleep). With this topic I have been torn in different directions, whereas usually I feel pretty confident in my initial decisions. William Sheller was promising conservatory student in the "classical" (western art music) tradition, but when he got into The Beatles, it changed his direction (reputedly his instructors were upset about that), The most famous and acclaimed I would say track of that is "Introit", which was made more popular by being sampled by the hip hop act Deltron 3030. I have mentioned "Introit" (off Lux Aeterna) quite a few times at the forum. As for Perry Leopold, I adore the album Chrsitian Lucifer, and like his voice (it's a top five album in Prog Folk for me). I remembered bringing it up before (mentioned it quite a few times at the forum), so maybe I shouldn't have again or mentioned a different track from it. His voice somewhat reminds me of the vocals in the Canadian band Crash Test Dummies. Somewhat reminds me, I'm not saying it's the same in case someone misunderstands me. I have got quite a few, "They sound nothing alike" comments over the years when I draw comparisons, so I'm wary to qualify my remarks and wary to make such remarks. With the song by Crash Test Dummies which I expect many here would have heard, "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm", I heard it being parodied with these adapted lyrics: "Once there was this kid who sang in such a stupid voice which he thought sounded cool. He didn't have the chance to realise it sounded like he was forcing a stool. He thought, he thought he sounded like thunder, But he was just a one hit wonder. Mmm mmm mm mmm." Sorry for the digression. Perry Leopold does not have that same stool pushing quality, but it's a kind of gruffness. And I like "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm". ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 15:22
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I suggest a second one just for fun, even though I'm pretty much settled on .O.rang, but this one is a very different type of post rock that I love for very different reasons. In fact it spins around in my inner ear for days now. Tristeza - Halo Heads (5 ratings, 22 for the band overall) PS Grumpy: I'd have liked to have your suggestions here... didn't get through to listening to them but would've looked forward to it. Minnemann is the mann.
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Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 21 2021 at 16:37
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: I prophesy disaster
Date Posted: September 22 2021 at 02:37
Daddy Cool do not appear on PA, but the compilation album containing the track does appear on PA. http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=12213" rel="nofollow - http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=12213 ------------- No, I know how to behave in the restaurant now, I don't tear at the meat with my hands. If I've become a man of the world somehow, that's not necessarily to say I'm a worldly man. |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: September 22 2021 at 04:54
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Time to chime in... A first one from Spain. Labelled crossover prog here, three albums out up till now, respectively 15, 17 and 26 ratings. A touch of jazz, a dose of retro prog with some freshness added to it, thanks also to the instrumentation, and a tiny bit of madness here and there... From their latest album El porvenir está en las huevas (2020) : Frutería Toñi - El traspié: And then, from Switzerland, maybe more known for his work with Sonar, and that is how I got to this album. Just in time, because it has already 46 ratings here (catalogued under RIO/Avant-prog), whereas all his other albums only have 0 to 7 ratings... I couldn't find a yt-link, so it will be bandcamp. From the album Fractal Guitar (2019): Stephan Thelen - Road Movie: ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: September 22 2021 at 05:52
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I have had some more free time and been able to listen early this time around so I I have put together a playlist with the suggestions so far. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx7vNuorMSiQwojGr9U7FwER" rel="nofollow - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx7vNuorMSiQwojGr9U7FwER |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: September 22 2021 at 05:57
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^ Very much appreciated! I was just starting to listen to the suggestions... ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 22 2021 at 08:12
Thank you so much, George! ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: September 22 2021 at 21:40
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Hi, I'm going to be really busy over the next week -- might still post here and there at the forum but I might miss the nomination time so I would like to make my nomination known now: I nominate
As for your picks Nickie, I appreciate both, but I prefer Charlie Cawood - "Flicker Out Of Being". ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 22 2021 at 21:58
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Thank you for your thoughts, Logan and also your selection. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: September 23 2021 at 11:11
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Here are my thoughts on the rest of page 1. Wow there is a lot of great stuff here on this poll. Geo: Onsegen Ensemble – “Think Neither Good Nor Evil” – Nice, solid and heavy mostly guitar prog with some added embellishments and instruments (like the flute and brass here) that keep things interesting. The choirs they add in are nice too. The 2nd half almost has a cinematic feel to it. Art Metal (Jonas Hellborg) – “Art Metal” – Excellent sounding art metal/jazz with a lot of changing textures and moods. At times it is quite structured and other times it is very free and improvisational. Quite an amazing track with that bass just kicking butt, and that whirlwind of an ending just cements it. I love this kind of stuff, so this is my favorite out of your two selections. Robert: Alejandro Matos – “El Infierno de los Buenos” – An interesting track which grows in tension slowly as it goes along. The melody doesn’t change much which works against it, but the entire track itself, at least instrumentally, works similar to a suite with the melody taking on variations as it goes. The music is pretty good, but it might be a bit too long as the variation in the melody is not enough to keep it interesting for 18 minutes. Otherwise, it is well written, well sung and well performed. K W: Snakefinger – “The Picture Makers Vs. Children of the Sea” – Anything with Snakefinger in it has got to be good…or if not good, at least it is very interesting. Unfortunately, I’m only really familiar with a lot of what he did with The Residents, so his solo stuff is mostly new to me, like this track. You get that cool fuzzy guitar sound and odd vocals that you can expect on this track, sung and spoken, almost in a conversational way at times. I love the oddball sound of this track, and of course I love the guitar work here. It takes an interesting left turn after 4 minutes, going minimal with more of a harmonized chant before blasting off with another melody. Snakefinger is a brilliant composer and is way too unknown. Daddy Cool – “Make Your Stash” – Here we have more quirky goofiness, but in a more psychedelic style which is mostly apparent in the instrumental breaks. The vocals sound like they could become unhinged at any time. I have always had a strange attraction to this quirky style, so I like this one too, but I would have to go with the Snakefinger track as my favorite of the two. Mira: Rascal Reporters – “Egos Explode” – As you know, I’m already a fan of this band and I love the album this comes from. This track makes my head whirl (in a very good way) with all the synth washes and crazy beat that shows up later in the track. This is the kind of quirkiness I love, but since I’m already familiar with this one, it is out of the running for a vote from me at least. Louis De Meiulle – “Discoteak” – Another great track from a rather unknown artist. Love the animation that goes with the music, it’s perfect. I have also done a review on this album and love it a lot. The beat is a bit more consistent with this one, but that actually gives this track its appeal for me. The composition is complex and excellently orchestrated. If I wasn’t already familiar with either of these tracks, I would vote for either of them, but for some reason, this time around, I found De Meiulle’s a bit more enchanting. Great selections! Will: I was really looking forward to hearing your choices. I wish you hadn’t deleted them. Doug: Jonesy – “Ricochet” – Love the funky introduction that establishes itself and continues through the track. I also love that 70’s sound. The vocals are nice and smooth even with the appealing funkiness of it all, and that cool, spy-movie vibe. I wish it wouldn’t fade out so quickly on that guitar solo at the end. Everything about this is good and I think I’ll be exploring their music (and looking for it on vinyl) thanks to your submission here. Odin – “Life is Only” – This one continues that great 70’s vibe, but this time around, it is heavier and a tad more complex. This one is a more serious sounding track. I love the churning organ throughout. Not a big fan of the vocals, but it’s not a major issue. The instrumental section is also nice in the 2nd half. My preference is with your first selection. Thanks for bringing the 70’s vibe and featuring lesser known bands from that era. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 23 2021 at 16:22
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Here is my first take on the remainder of Page One: George: Onségen Ensemble “Think Neither Good Nor Evil” Repeated washy vocals start this one out,
with punchy electric guitar, drums and bass cutting through, dropping to just
the instruments. Ornate guitar lead over
crunchy chords continue on. A spoken vocal,
slightly buried (deliberately, it would seem), adds an eerie effect. A chorus-y part enters, chantlike, under the
continuing repeating heavy sound. Flute
flutters in (surprise!), and the distant vocals carry on. There is an underpinning of some sort of
brass (or perhaps done on keyboard), added in the final quarter. The music concludes with heavy repeated notes
and then, suddenly, down to a (female?) ahahahahahahah vocal to the end. Jonas Hellborg “Art Metal” This is also a heavier piece, with very tight
starts and stops, guitar, bass and drum driven.
It speeds up in perfect synchronized syncopation. Diverges into whingles and quick percussive
sounds, along with fading in and out choral sounds (perhaps on keyboards). The guitar begins to meander, then band kicks
in in full again, still choppy synched, and drops again. Bass whomps in again to the fore, with a
tease, and then back full bore, about halfway in. The pace continues to pick up and alternate
between percussion and the other instruments.
Back to choppy guitar bursts and steady, rapid hand percussion. The return of the whingles, and then some
more punchy syncopation commences. Not
surprisingly, it ends quite abruptly. I
do prefer your first one, overall. someone_else: Alejandro Matos “El Infierno de los Buenos” Lone electric piano and a male singer, singing in Spanish opens the piece. Electric guitar joins in, slowly building the musical tension. 3 ½ minutes in, drums are added, fairly far back in a marching beat. Synths and bass layer in at about 5 minutes. I quite enjoy the slow build and pacing of this, he is obviously patient with his presentation, which I find refreshing. Now electric guitar is back, in a very impassioned, yet also precisely measured way. Now, heavy keyboards are creating a very marching sort of feel, with a lovely embellishment from the electric guitar. A bit of an instrumental break with organ and washing synths, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. He sings here in a different kind of voice, sort of almost like a dark whispery (without actually whispering, if that makes any sense), there is more of a feeling of malevolence here. The synths come back to the fore, as the sense of foreboding is heightened. Now down to just spare acoustic piano notes, with bass and drums way back. The piano conveys a sense of madness, to my mind, as it is sinister and a bit discordant. Heavy electric guitar comes back. The vocal feels as if the singer is coming to terms with how far he’s come on this journey. The song slows after the crescendo, with organ swells slowly fading. I prophesy disaster: Snakefinger “The Picture Makers Vs. Children Of The Sea” Cuts right to the chase, with whanging guitars and a spoken vocal. Very angular sound to this, as the piece continues, the vocalist begins to sing. Very heavy guitars continue whanging as there is a bit of a changeup, then back to the first speaking-tone of the verses. There is a sarcastic tone to the vocals. The guitar turns into a lead, with lots of fuzz. The music dies down to notes played on an organ (or harmonium?), it sounds like, now with softly sung vocals, as opposed to the very in-your-face style previous. Sustained organ note, then back to the whanging and angular guitar lead over, with spoken-ish vocals, almost going out of key. Organ-ish and soft vocals reappear. Back to the whanging/lead/spoken-ish part, then the organ-ish-ing again; then the whanging-ish part again, then the organ-ish-ing. The song ends on a sustained note on the organ-thing. Daddy Cool “Make Your Stash” With a name like “Daddy Cool,” I was expecting more of a rockabilly sort of something (which would be really unusual to mix with progressive), but, no. This is another kind of tongue-in-cheek sort of vocalist, with a different sing-songy voice than the previous one. There are elements that sound almost Zappa-ish to me, with the style of instrumentation and kinds of layering and instrumentation, such as horns merrily joining in. The horns sound almost like (or may be) a kazoo during the break about halfway in. The musicianship is quite able, and wanders off into more of a jazz feel (also Zappa-esque). This is my favourite of the two. Mirakaze:
Rascal Reporters “Egos Explode” This
begins with washy sounds (lots of washiness in prog, no?) Sort of an orchestral waterfall in front of
electric lead guitar. The piece begins
in earnest, it sounds like, as full band comes in, still with the waterfall
effect going strong. There are some
whirly-swirlies injected with chorded guitars providing the majority of the melody. It’s almost as if there are two things going
on, like you’re in one of those clubs with two rooms, and each band is very
different than the other in the hallway between the two. The piece concludes fairly abruptly. Louis De Mieulle “Discoteak”
(before I listen, love the artwork, very Fleischer-like). Repeated synthed keyboards syncopate alone,
and are pretty quickly joined by drums and bass. (Now that I see the video, it looks like they
are using Fleischer cartoon clips). The music clips along at a great pace,
without much alteration in it’s general style.
Yet. About halfway in, now we get
some weeeewaaaaaaaweeeeeees from a synth, it sounds like. The sound drops to a quieter and less hurried
wip wip wom woms and then a synth lead, peppered with those wip wip thingies. Bass
solo kinda near the end. There is a very
spacy synth and organ pairing, escorting the dancers all back to their seats. 😊
This is my favourite of your two.
dr wu23: Jonesy “Ricochet” Wah wahed guitar is the first heard, then
orchestral-y synth, which does a descent and then starts back up. Great sense of foreward motion to this. And a GREAT soulful vocal. This has a more standard song structure, but
the music is very much more interesting to me than standard songs are. The chorus has the vocals stacked on one
another. Quick little drum and bass duet
for a few seconds about ¾ ths in. Sound
of a live marching band oddly ends the piece.
Well produced and very engaging.
Odin “Life Is Only” Bass and
washy keys, joined up quickly by guitar, bass and drums. Pointed, angular guitar. Moves into another section pretty quickly, 70’s? This time with organ being the pointed and
angular instrument. Some vocals kick in,
a kind of bluesy feel to this one, but complicated, instead of regular
blues. Pretty heavy sound with these
guys, a bit Purply. Wah wah lead guitar
and on to another verse. Song moves into
more guitar leads, lots of jamming on this one, but good jamming. Next is an organ solo jam bit, then back to
the guitar being at the fore, and then trading back to the organ. I like this one for the nostalgic feel, but I
love the vocalist with Jonesy, so going with them for my fave of the two. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 24 2021 at 19:44
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@Nickie I prefer Charlie Cawoo's song. Thanks for your thanks very precise explanation of how the poll works. @Mike I prefer Mercury Tree's Song. (Anyaway, I've already voted for a song by Fovea in another poll: it's a band which I marked in my diary) ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: tigerfeet
Date Posted: September 24 2021 at 21:21
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I hope i'm not too late to suggest a nomination. I have one lined up and will post when i have more time this weekend, hopefully tomorrow. ------------- I'm sorry, if you were right, I'd agree with you. Robin Williams. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 24 2021 at 21:31
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You have time, we will not open up voting until 1 Oct ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: September 25 2021 at 10:13
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Lewian: Tristeza – “Halo Heads” – It’s nice to hear a more positive vibe in post rock. You can tell that it is post rock, but the lighter tone gives it a somewhat different sound than what you hear from their contemporaries. The jangly guitar, the twinkling keys and the smooth undertones moves this forward gives it all a colorful sound. I do like the more varied moods in the .O.rang track better, but this one is a nice change of pace. Kees: Frutería Toñi – “El traspié” – A playful and melodic progressive jazz sound with the added violins make this a pleasant listen. The sudden changes in tempo, style and rhythm keep it fresh and interesting throughout. Great bass in the 2nd half. Love the instrumental break at 6 minutes, the high notes from the lead singer and some of the instrumental hijinx reminds me a bit of Phish, which is great thing. Stephan Thelen – “Road Movie” – This is one that I’m very familiar with, so it’s out of the running for me. Here is my take on this track from my review posted a few years ago: "Road Movie" has Stephen using fractal guitar and
a blue sky guitar as well as granular loops. Guests use other electric guitars,
atmospherics, and both U8 touch guitar and bass. The rhythmic foundation has a
boiling bass and drum pattern that is a bit reminiscent of Pink Floyd, but with
guitar chords making for a more tense atmosphere. A beautiful and somewhat
shimmering melody is played on top of this, and is later joined by a more
intense melody on top of it. Power and intensity ebbs and flows throughout the
track with a nice variation of sound coming from the different guitars and
effects improvised over it all. The continuation of the rhythm throughout and
the use of improvisation gives this track a space rock vibe, but with a huge
amount of experimentation involved. Also, all of the guests get a chance to
solo on this and their performances were added to the track. ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 25 2021 at 13:23
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An addition from Christian and first thoughts on Kees' entries. Christian: Tristeza “Halo Heads” Shimmery sounds with percussion start this
one out, sounds like on keyboards, for the shimmers. Then guitars enter, in a very hypnotic
repition and roll back to just the guitars and percussion for a few, rejoined
by keys again. There is a psychedelic
sensibility to this, to my ear. It is
very much lighter than much music I’ve heard like this (post-rock). The aural scene shifts about 4 minutes in
with a different kind of shimmer than previous.
Light synth touches come in and the piece sort of saunters to a
close. Not sure which of these two I like
better. Kees: Frutería Toñi “ traspié” Here we begin with a sort of orchestral/jazz sound
of whimsy. Keys, some sort of flutes/oboes?
and strings all dance along with an enchanting, syncopated drumbeat. Male vocalist, with a pleasant voice is
introduced. This is very engaging, even
though I’ve no idea what he’s singing about.
Violin comes soaring in, then back to the vocals, which become a little
more vehement, although it’s all generally very laid back and light in
feel. Very pretty, dancing with the
horns and such, then a fun little break ensues, and back again to the
violin. The pace suddenly picks up with
the bass and drums at the front, then sliding horns and keys, almost like
another piece entirely, with the singer becoming much more emphatic. They slip off into a bass and horns forward
jam while the singer continues in his more strident manner, ending up with
wailing a bit. Then back again to the
very jazzy feel of the band, with horns at the fore. Abrupt ending. Stephan Thelen “Road Movie” Bass opens the piece, with fuzzy guitar washes
and drums quickly joining in. There is
an effected guitar whangling along also, with drippy, echo-y notes. Some very angular guitar lead notes come
along, then more of the drippy, echo-y, whangling ones reenter. Really enjoyable and intriguing lead guitar
follows, kind of surf-guitar influenced.
Space-type rock, I always enjoy music like this, and this is no
exception. Some feedback-y and echo-y
guitar licks are played, we’re now about halfway in, with drums and bass
happily bubbling along under. Some nice
psych is peppered in, and the piece seems to slow, although it’s just the
guitar that is doing a long, slow something, drums and bass and steady as can
be, and as before. Not sure which of
your two I enjoy more, either. Very
pointed and effected guitar comes along for the ride. Definitely great driving music! Heckadocious, this one will be difficult! ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: September 25 2021 at 16:12
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^ Thanks Mike and Nickie. Yes, difficult for me too, to choose one of these. I will probably go for the shorter and lesser known one... ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: tigerfeet
Date Posted: September 25 2021 at 20:50
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My first pick I tentatively nominate - the Amorphous Androgynous - The world is full of plankton But I have changed my choice. This prior track, although fun, did not really represent the other facets of the multiple sides of this band, or their captivating style. I now choose this track - The world is full of plankton I am quite obsessed with this group right now. I am sure a lot of people here have heard of the The Future Sound of London - well these guys are huge, as in they have a huge portfolio of work spanning across many decades and genres from electronic to heavy psychedelic and make use of multiple types of instruments - They also have many alias' In this particular incarnate they are named the Amorphous Androgynous and wow! They lately released a new album collaborating with Peter Hammill (I haven't posted one of those songs since none are available to listen to - but you'd be advised to if you can :) They also tend to release re-mixes of most of their work as well as others, which are also wonderful. I really wanted to post a track from their latest release with Peter Hammill and other guest musicians. ------------- I'm sorry, if you were right, I'd agree with you. Robin Williams. |
Posted By: tigerfeet
Date Posted: September 25 2021 at 21:14
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My second initial nomination is by Assemble Head In Sunburst Sound. I adore this group and again, very few ratings. They are quite a pop-garage psychedelic prog leaning band but nonetheless, great songs, well produced and over all have a nice warm feel to them. Assemble Head In Sunburst Sound – The Slumbering Ones ------------- I'm sorry, if you were right, I'd agree with you. Robin Williams. |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: September 26 2021 at 23:51
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Experimental Quartet “Spre univers” - final nomination
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Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: September 27 2021 at 12:20
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This is all I had time to listen to today: Snicolette: Aesthesys - Marea: Nice post rock instrumental that builds up twice into powerful crescendos. In both build-ups the violin comes into play, at first on the level with the other instruments, but then builds slowly to become the dominant instrument. In turn, the rest of the band builds up with the violin resulting in an emotional climax. Impressive. Charlie Cawood - Flicker Out of Being: The acoustic guitar/piano mixture sounds really nice. Marjana Semkina has a nice voice (almost reminds me of Christina Booth). The violin following along with her voice is a nice touch. I like the way the instrumentation builds up layers with various arpeggiations as the song progresses. Nicely done. Logan: William Sheller - Hare Krishna: The organ has a nice haunting feel to it. The transition to orchestration and choir is nicely done with an underlying heartbeat-style rhythm underneath. Really like the tones the choir is using on this. The music segues between more quiet, almost sinister-sounding moments, with powerful outbursts. The crescendo during the last parts of the song where orchestration, choir, drums, and guitar solo come into play is a nice way to end this. I wish it had ended with a final outburst rather than a fade out. Overall, great piece of music. I did not realize that Sheller had worked with Emmanuel Booz on his 1974 album. I'm a really big fan of Booz's "Dans quel etat j'erre" album, so I'll have to give his "Le jour où les vaches" a listen. Also, off-topic, it's weird how that central cloud in the video looks the shape of Hungary. Funny the things we see in clouds. Perry Leopold - The Journey: I like the way the orchestrated parts percolate through and swerve their way around the central acoustic guitar riff. It's interesting how this was recorded in 1973 but didn't see the light of day until 1999. I wonder how many more undiscovered albums may turn up as the years pass from that productive period in music history. Overall, a nice and pleasant listen. Cristi: Bucium - Frunză verde foi mărunte: Cool intro with something that sounds like a recorder (or some sort of flute I can't identify) bouncing around atop some interesting effects. This transitions into a nice acoustic guitar riff. The rest of the band joins in with a nice spacey, ambient background and a driving rhythm. The female backing vocals give this a nice touch. The ending returns with effects from the beginning giving it a really eerie feeling. It's kind of like space rock meets prog folk. It's nice to hear another band from Romania as the only band I've listened to from this country was Sfinx's Zalmoxe album. Great song! Experimental Quartet - Spre univers: Ah, another Romanian band! I'm a big fan of quirky and love the quirky organ riff that starts this off. It has a rather complicated rhythm chugging throughout it. The drummer is phenomenal. I love where it goes all quirky at 4:35 mark. Nice ending, too. Is this song available on an album? The two albums on PA under the Quintet version of this group don't have this song listed. I'm asking because I'd like to hear the rest of the album this came off of. Great track! jamesbaldwin: Claudio Rocchi - Volo magico n.1: The acoustic guitar that stars this has a sort of Eastern vibe. The hand percussion also adds to this feel. When the piano comes in, it's neat how they transitioned into funneling it to the left channel and the guitar/percussion into the right one, a technique in mixing that is rarely used anymore but has always had a nice classic charm to my ears. It gives the piece a wider feel. The music continues to build-up and I think the choir (or female backing vocalists) gives a really nice haunting performance (around the 10-11 minute mark). I like the piano riff that starts around the 14 minute mark. From here it leads into a psychedelic jam, but with a nice chord progression underneath that holds it altogether. This suddenly ends with the last minute being solo piano that fades with a peaceful calm. With many long tracks it's essential to have many movements to keep the listener focused on the journey and this has all of that. Great track! JD: Duncan Mackay - Jigaloda: I have the album this is off of, so I've heard this song before. Mackay really doesn't get the credit he deserves for being such a good keyboardist. This song is no different. It goes through a couple different moods, almost like soundtracks for different parts of a movie. It's a really nice mixture of piano and synths. As always, an enjoyable listen from an underrated album that often gets overshadowed by Mackay's debut album. Lewian: .O.rang - Mind on Pleasure: Starts off with a cool reverb/echo effect on guitar. This has a neat off-center feel when the rest of the instruments kick in. Wow, there's a lot going on here. I can feel myself getting lost in all the stuff swirling all around me. This feels like it needs repeated listens where a new discovery awaits with each listen. No doubt this has had some influence on Steven Wilson. Some of PT's late 1990s stuff is reminiscent of this (I'm thinking in terms of the underlying bass and the overarching ambience). Great track! TCat: The Mercury Tree - Disremembered: I have this album and it made my top 20 of 2019. Microtonal guitars make some really, really cool sounds. On top of that, this group has a knack for quirkiness and unsettling sounds that just envelope me with ear candy. Two years later and this album should have had over 200 ratings by now. This song is just a taste of the genius of Ben Spees. I'm curious about listening to his collaborative Ventifacts project which just came out this month. Excellent pick! Fovea Hex - Early Evening: From the chaos of Ben Spees to floating through space. Love the tones this keyboard is making (I think it's a keyboard). The subtle hints of other sounds percolating from undernearth the keys give this a nice texture. A nice and pleasant song. mathman0806: Onségen Ensemble - Think Neither Good Nor Evil: I only recently discovered this band from their 2020 album Fear, which was a really nice listen (still need to buy this!). A nice, dark sounding tune. The choir gives this both a powerful and almost sinister feel to it. The little bits of flute popping in and out in places is a nice touch. When the brass comes in during the last third of the song, it just takes this up to a higher notch. And then suddenly it stops and we're left with a gentle female voice (which I presumes interludes into the next track). Great song. I'll be checking this album out online. Art Metal - Art Metal: A lot of different pieces to this one. Complex guitar riffs, ambient sections with what sounds like hand percussion (oops, looked it up, a kanjeera), some slap bass, then all these parts get mixed together. There's a lot going on here. The sections transition seamlessly, sometimes abruptly to keep me on my toes. Love the last minute or so where this goes into overdrive. Great track! someone_else: Alejandro Matos - El Infierno de los Buenos: I looked this up on PA and it looks like Alejandro does everything on this song. I'm impressed. It's an interesting mix reminding me of neo prog with an RPI vibe (something that shows up here and there in South American prog). Love the keyboard work that comes in around the 12:15 mark. The transitions between the different sections are great. Has a nice build-up for the next few minutes before switching to a synth fadeout at the end. I enjoyed this. Great track. I prophesy disaster: Snakefinger - The Picture Makers vs. Children of the Sea: Neat fuzzy guitar riff. It gets really interesting around the 4 minute mark with a quirky keyboard (accordion?) melody, then bounces back and forth between this and a cool angular guitar riff. It kind of has an avant, almost post-punk feel to the track. I enjoy the quirky stuff, so this was a great track. Daddy Cool - Make Your Stash: This is a fun little tune. Sounds like it could have been a big hit back in the 1970s. I like the quirky parts between the verses and the saxophone being used as a part of the overall riff of the song rather than just an instrument used for solos. On the surface it sounds straightforward, but when you listen deeper it has some interesting complexities. Nice song. Mirakaze: Rascal Reporters - Egos Explode: This starts with a wave of synthesizers, then about the 1:30 mark it unexpectedly adds this quirky rhythm section. Lots of nice beeps and warbly synths weaving their way in and out of this. It's easy to get lost in this as there is a lot going on here. And just like that it ends. I wish it could have continued for twice the length of this. It definitely seems like a track in which new discoveries can be found with repeated listens. I'll have to explore more from this group. Great track! Louis de Mieulle - Discoteak: I like this from the start with the off-center feel between the rhythm and keys. Nice bass riff. Enjoyed the keyboard solo around the 2:30 mark (and then again around the 4:00 mark; and the 5:30 mark). That reverb effect on the keyboard riff around the 3:30 mark is neat. Another one I got lost in that I wish went on longer, but I did listen to it three times in a row. It's deceptively complicated. I'll need to check out more by this artist. I'll listen to some more suggestions tomorrow and will post my thoughts later that day. Nice selections everyone! This has been an enjoyable day on the headphones. ------------- ---------- i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag that's a happy bag of lettuce this car smells like cartilage nothing beats a good video about fractions |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 27 2021 at 12:29
Thank you for your enjoyment of both of these that I brought to the table. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: JD
Date Posted: September 27 2021 at 13:05
Nicely stated Ken. I obviously agree with this assessment. I was gifted his first album back in the early 80's by a friend of the band I used to work for who let me crash at his and his girlfriend's apt. for a week while we played in Hamilton. I was so blown away by it he said "Take man !" I can see how much you love it" I was blown away by his generosity. And don't even get me started on his girlfriend  .But I digress...what I was trying to say was I've always sought out his work, but his first offering is still one of my favourites.
------------- Thank you for supporting independently produced music |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: September 27 2021 at 15:08
Thanks for the playlist - having a suggestions playlist makes it much easier for me to listen to them all (of course I could do one myself... ). Much good stuff there. Some things that jumped at me at first listen: The Amorphous Androgynous and Louis de Mieulle (that video  ) - this is how I like physical music! Also two nice suggestions by Nicky - I was meant to check out Charlie Cawood for some time, but also that Aesthesys piece is beautiful (actually sounds somewhat close to the Tristeza piece I had posted, with some more post rock crescendo later)... I was going to mention also William Sheller and Cristi's suggestions (going through the beginning again after having heard the second half before starting to write) but it now seems I'd have to write about several more and my writing time for today is up...  |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 27 2021 at 15:47
I will open up for voting on Friday, so there is still listening time, never fear. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 27 2021 at 15:51
|
@Christian I prefer O.Rang's song @Kees I prefer Thelen's song. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 27 2021 at 17:40
|
First thoughts on tigerfeet's two: tigerfeet: Amorphous Androgynous “The world
is full of plankton” Gotta love a song
with that title! 😊
Whirlies and synth start this one out.
Nice electric lead emerges with skirrrrrrs and some wongly keys. Liking the underwater feel, indeed there may
be some ocean/bird sounds in there.
Flutes come along and a couple of harder edged guitar chords, mixed
back. Indeed the watery effect continues
as the vocals come in, very psych feel to this. Dreamy feeling of drowning to it, fine, fine
stuff! The music whirdles out and
morning birds enter, with the vocals coming back in and the washy sound continues
and the song ends. Assemble Head in
Sunburst Sound “The Slumbering Ones” This
is more straightforward (less water) in the sound, although the vocals are
similarly watery, which is a typical psych sound. This one feels like ancient secret and
forgotten giants are dreaming to me, of what they’ve done and what they will
awaken to on their return to consciousness.
This is also excellent psych in the older sense, not going so far into
space that it loses the lysergic sensibilities of the genre. There are some pointy/plinky guitar notes,
along with a flute intertwining. Both
are excellent, another hard choice for me to say which is “better.” I kind of lean toward this one, as it is such
an homage to certain types of original psych. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 05:59
|
Continued from yesterday.... dr wu23: Jonesy - Ricochet: Funky guitar riff and Mellotron. Nice way to start this. Nice, grooving, deep bass line. The bass gets even better after the 3:30 mark. Instead of the fade out, I wish I could've heard the rest of the guitar solo. My only question is: How come I have never heard of this band all these years until now? I'll be rectifying that in the coming weeks. Great song! Odin - Life Is Only: Nice fuzzy organ to start off, then we get some hints of Emerson. This leads to a nice heavy riff with a psychedelic vibe. This kind of sounds like Emerson playing along with Atomic Rooster. Love the organ/guitar interplay around the 6 minute mark. Really cool jam. A nice return to the opening verses at the end. Just like the previous song by Jonesy, I can't believe I never heard of this band before. Wonderful piece of music. Lewian: Tristeza - Halo Heads: This has a really cool vibe. Love the guitar tone and melody on this. Nice transition at 3:40 giving it a different, more intense mood. I like it when the keyboard comes to the front more at the 4:45 mark and follow along with the guitar melody. I don't really listen to much post rock, but this falls into the sound I like from this genre. Lovely song. suitkees: Frutería Toñi - El traspié: Love the piano work on this. That instrumental break around the 1:30 mark is really cool. The mixture of violin with clarinet in this section gives it a nice crescendo. Another wonderful instrumental break around the 3:20 mark. Sudden switch at the 4:00 mark kicking it up a notch. Love the bass playing in this section. Now we've got some sax in here too. Whoa! Like the opera singing that came in at the 6:07 mark. Another change to a more spacier feel at the 6:39 mark with some echoed/reverbed sax over the top. This is nice. Then it kicks back into high gear. Excellent ending. I'm impressed. Great song! Stephan Thelen - Road Movie: I only just recently discovered Thelen from listening to his Fractal Guitar 2 album that came out this year, also via Sonar, which I only discovered last year. This is got a nice, driving rhythm. Some really cool guitar over top. Love the reverb he applied to this. Nice use of delay effects here and there. I love the various atmospheres he is getting out of his guitar. Sometimes ambient, sometimes a disjarred, angular feel; weaving it's way around and in and out of that underlying rhythm. It slowly gets calmer, but then kicks in again around the 11:15 minute mark. With the sound of a train in the distance just before the 11:15 mark, I'm guessing we were pausing at a railroad crossing. Being called "Road Movie," it does give me the imagery of driving at night on a long, rural road. Kind of a chaotic ending. Hope we didn't crash into something! Excellent track! tigerfeet: The Amorphous Androgynous - The World Is Full of Plankton: Like the keys in the beginning of this. Sounds like a sound collage of guitar noises coming in and out of it. Love the effects on the vocals (I'm a big fan of echoes and stuff like that). The drums have an interesting feel to them, like they're out in the distance and then come more to the front with the tom-toms (which themselves feel like they have a reverse reverb on them). The vocals continue to have some neat effects on them, making them sound like they're coming out of the clouds in the sky. Love the warbly keyboard sounds around the 5:10 mark. Big change around the 6 minute mark with what sounds like violins in the distance. I get a lot of ocean vibes (hence the title I presume) in the sound effects weaving in and out of this (seagull sounds and waves I believe). Nice ending. Only just now noticed this was a lyric video, so I had to rewind go through them again... Yeah, I don't know what they're singing about, but I do this a lot myself so it feels like I'm at home (except I would have removed all the verbs, but I'm weird like that). Great song! Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound - The Slumbering Ones: Definitely getting some old school psych vibes on this one. I love the reverb (or whatever it is) effect on the vocals. The female backing vocals are really nice here. I wish they would have brought that flute a little more forward in the mix. There's also a deeper sound that I can't quite make out in the background (it's not a Taurus bass pedal, but has that feel to it; I'm thinking it's a guitar). I think that could have been higher in the mix too. This reminds me a little bit of Hawkwind. Nice classic psych sound. An enjoyable listen! Side note: It's kinda weird that a thunderstorm was rolling through here around 7:30 this morning causing the dog to pull the pillows off the couch and spin around the living room with them in his mouth. Psychedelic/space rock seems to really fit this mood. The timing couldn't have been any better! Thanks everyone for sharing the fine tunes. I think I wrote down around 20 albums I now need to check out in more detail. I'm glad I got a raise this year (considering the pandemic and all the chaos), so I know where that will be going eventually. ------------- ---------- i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag that's a happy bag of lettuce this car smells like cartilage nothing beats a good video about fractions |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 07:04
|
I created a list on PA using the ratings filters and barely recognise anything in the top 250!! No 158 - Gerard - Keyboard Triangle II (35 ratings) that is literally the only one I have! If I limit the genre's then Francis Lickerish - Far and Forgot From The Lost Lands Mansun - Six Mansun - Attack of The Grey Lantern Ruins - Wolf People The Francis Lickerish album is probably the gem in there. Try this |
Posted By: Ronstein
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 08:17
|
Advent |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 11:26
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 11:28
Hello Ronstein, if you wish, you can actually present 2, then select which of them you would like to nominate for voting, I'll be asking for those to be in no later than Friday morning, when I open the poll voting. I will post a reminder tomorrow morning for everyone to start making their final selection. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 12:08
|
First take on richardh and Ronstein's additions: richardh: Francis Lickerish “Brides of the
Wind” Stately at the start, definitely
conjures up images of a procession.
Tension builds and the feeling becomes a trifle ominous. Very orchestral, with soaring lead guitar and
swirling strings. Drums and full band
kick in, lush and regal, this. A Celtic
feel to the piece, now. Angelic female
vocals enter the procession, with a lead and also chorus. Very mystical, and good chills here. Exquisite.
Soft horns add to the majesty. Electric
guitars come along to the fore, sounds like such a lovely visual could accompany
this, as in a film. A heavier feel comes
along, still in a marching sort of mode, maybe this is where the knights and archers
march along. It all rolls back for a bit
with flutes and horns, another exalted portion, swelling and rising, gradually.
Another quiet section emerges, with deep
horns keeping the beat and electric guitar, that, after strings punctuate the
piece, becomes very pointed and the angels return. Gosh, just gorgeous. 14 minutes flew by. Ends with a grand flourish. Now
that I looked it up for a listen to the whole thing, no wonder, wasn’t familiar
with the name, but have always liked anything I’ve heard by The Enid. Ronstein: Advent “Ramblin’ Sailor” A jaunty flute-y, recorder-y (maybe all done on keys, for there are surely keys here, too) sea shanty sort of song right from the get-go. Chorded electric guitars spice things up, then a Medieval/Renaissance period sort of section starts, with the keys becoming more harpsichord-like. A shanty it is, indeed, with the vocalist telling his seafaring tale. Very syncopated with drums, bass and guitar all coming forward, recorder/whistle sound bubbles merrily along. Somehow, the Gormenghast novels come to mind for me, a twisty sort of kingdom. A break slows it all down for a bit 3 minutes in, perhaps some smooth sailing. Pace picks up again, perhaps the tides are changing, perhaps they are contemplating landing on some little isle for a while, as it again slows and a sense of wonder builds. Soft organ and lute-ish guitar change the page up yet again. The vocals return and it indeed sounds like the sailor is anticipating having a wonderful time ashore to me. Quite an excellent addition to the polls. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: SuperMetro
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 14:32
|
For Andy - Mirage This is a band that was influenced by Camel hence the name of the band. They created a song called "For Andy", which is a tribute to... Well, I found out about this band when kenethlevine told me about bands like Camel. He introduced this band. I think it is interesting to see a Camel lovers band. Opeth and Marillion were influenced by Camel too, but everybody here knows them. |
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 14:44
Nice reading your comments on all suggestions, Ken; it is always nice to read the comments of others - I hope I will find the time this week to do so (write mine) as well... And I'm glad you liked my two submissions. ------------- The razamataz is a pain in the bum |
Posted By: SuperMetro
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 14:44
| Ronstein: I am hearing Ramblin Sailor right now, and it sounds like something from the Canterbury Scene(Egg, Caravan, Hatfield). I like how it sounds like one of those sea shanties, but with prog rock flavors. Advent also reminds me of Camel a little bit, but not a lot. |
Posted By: SuperMetro
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 15:00
| . |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 15:09
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 15:15
|
First take on SuperMetro's contribuition: SuperMetro:
Mirage “For Andy” Certainly does
have a Camel vibe right as it starts (I am also a huge Camel fan, as was my
late composer husband). Flute and soft guitars, drums and bass, then an angular
lead guitar kicks in. Descending guitar
lad section comes in, then ascendent guitar chords, then organ comes to the
front, followed by a flute lead. That
Latimer-style guitar comes back (indeed, as this is an homage to him) and duets
with the flute for a bit, next the flute leads by a nose, and back to the
guitar. The piece ends with a fluttering
of flute. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: tigerfeet
Date Posted: September 28 2021 at 20:53
|
Thanks for posting comments and ideas t-cat, progaardvark and snicollete on the tracks so far, it makes some great reading an listening when getting home from a double, seem to be working more these days. I'll get more time later in the week to comment and make my final nom and comments.
------------- I'm sorry, if you were right, I'd agree with you. Robin Williams. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 07:56
|
Greetings all Pollsters! The time has come for everyone to make their final selection for their nomination. If, by Friday 1 October morning, you only have offered1 entry, I will enter that single entry into the poll. That leaves about 24 hours to add one more to your suggested listening. To vote, remember that a vote for your own nomination is discouraged, obviously you love that music if you've offered it up. You may vote for 3 choices. George has kindly created a playlist of all of the selections, the link is here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-zzvl_w6Fx7vNuorMSiQwojGr9U7FwER ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 08:12
|
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 09:47
Thanks for the comments. Here is another interesting fact about Ben Spees that you might be interested in. He helped out with another album from a band I brought into the archives last year...Cryptic Ruse, which is in Progressive Metal, but is a one-man project also experimenting in microtones. Ben Spees does guest vocals on 3 of the tracks (the others are instrumental). I know you are not a big fan of prog metal, but I really think you would like this one as it's in the same wheel house (you do have a house for wheels, right?). Here's the bandcamp link: https://cryptic-ruse.bandcamp.com/album/unfertile" rel="nofollow - UNFERTILE | Cryptic Ruse (bandcamp.com) ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 10:10
|
I'll go with .O.rang, but Tristeza gave them a pretty good run forn the money. |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 10:13
|
Some decision support: @Mike: I know and like some Fovea Hex, didn't know this one, but it doesn't excite me much... instead the Mercury Tree one is quite exciting indeed. @George: Onsegen over Art Metal... the Art Metal is interesting, not a bad idea at all what they did there, but doesn't move me much. @I prophesy disaster: The Daddy Cool melody sounds much like a cover of Manfred Mann's Earth Band's Joybringer, which itself is based on Jupiter from Holst's Planets. I like this take on the song, however if they don't credit the original that'd be somewhat dodgy. I like the second half of the Snakefinger one a lot but the first one rather annoys me. @Mirakaze: I like them both but Louis is the clear winner. @dr wu: Ricochet is number one here; despite the good instrumentation, the vocals put me off the other one.
|
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 11:50
|
Got some time (started a "staycation" on Monday), so commenting on selections for the first time in a long while. So far, really good stuff. It’s going to be a matter of what “feels” right at the moment of voting. Comments for the first half of posters. Nickie's selections: Aestysis - Marea: Nice instrumental track with the violin sweeping in accompanied by dulcimer or dulcimer-like instrument. Wistful. Charlie Cawood - Flicker Out of Being: Layered track. More organic feel than the previous one. Very 'floaty'. My preference of the two with the caveat that I have this one. Greg's selections: William Sheller - Hare Krishna: Begins with an organ that puts me in mind to explore (inner) space. Then becomes ominous with the choir. Very dramatic. The guitar kicks in and seems sinister to me. Perry Leopold - The Journey: The sounds of nature kick this off. A nice prog-folk number. Easy-going. My preference is to the Sheller track, which have already selected. Cristi's selections: Bucium - Frunză verde foi mărunte: Another folky number. This starts with a piccolo(?) maybe. Like a bird. This one feels (and judging by the video) more of a journey than Leopold's track. I like the raspy vocals on this one. Experimental Quartet - Spre univers: I like how the song starts with the organs and jams in the middle. Very much a "classic" jam/rock '60s/'70s vibe. I like it. I see this is Cristi's selection, though I prefer the Bucium track by a hair. Lorenzo's selection: Claudio Rocchi - Volo Magico N. 1: This would be fit in with an epic theme. Starts with an exotic acoustic intro. I really like the backing vocals on this. Nice guitar solo with solo piano finish. A solid epic with a memorable melody throughout. JD’s selection: Duncan MacKay – Jigaloda: Can I get jiggy with this? Yeah, I guess I could. Starts off sounding like a theme to a whodunnit. With a lighthearted break in between. Kind of a Mike Post vibe. progaardvark’s selections: Yôkaï - Plutonia: Neat mix of instruments. The music snakes through with punctuations of guitar. Artús - Faust: More neat instrumentation. A hurdy-gurdy! A definite avant-prog track. Nice change in the middle. I like both tracks but this one is my preference of the two. Lewian’s selections: .O.rang - Mind on Pleasure: This one I already have/know. Great band and track. While I don’t have a set rule not to vote for something I already know, I would probably pass in this poll as there are a lot of really good things I’ve heard so far. This would be a podium track for me. Tristeza - Halo Heads: A light, atmospheric track. I tend to prefer more ‘intense’ post-rock but I enjoyed this. Mike’s selections: Mercury Tree - Disremembered: This is another band/track I know. I do enjoy the microtones, but it sometimes takes an adjustment for me. While I preferred their two previous albums, Countenance and Permutations, over Spidermilk, I enjoy this track and it’s a good selection. Fovea Hex - Every Evening: Nice to hear this band again anda dreamy piece it is. Makes for a great nighttime soundtrack. |
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 11:59
Replying to this about Ventifacts. I got that over the past weekend and I highly recommend it. Collaboration of Ben Spees and Damon Waitkus (Jack O' the Clock). Excellent incorporation of microtones with eclectic prog-folk. This clip was released in April, previewing the work. Also Connor Reilly of Mercury Tree on drums. Bandcamp link: https://ventifacts.bandcamp.com/releases" rel="nofollow - https://ventifacts.bandcamp.com/releases |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 12:00
|
Thank you for the thoughts, George! Great synopses! ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 12:13
Yes, I have listened to that album and really enjoyed it. It's in my list of "things to buy." Also his work with Nick Prol too! ------------- ---------- i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag that's a happy bag of lettuce this car smells like cartilage nothing beats a good video about fractions |
Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 12:53
|
My nomination from the two I offered will be Artús - Faust. ------------- ---------- i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag that's a happy bag of lettuce this car smells like cartilage nothing beats a good video about fractions |
Posted By: Mirakaze
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 13:14
|
The people who judged my submissions clearly preferred Monsieur de Mieulle, so I will be nominating his song "Discoteak". ------------- https://mirasnelder.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow - Freelance composer, accepting commissions | https://mirasnelder.bandcamp.com/album/altered-acuity" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp page |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 14:58
|
I am going to go with Charlie Cawood "Flicker Out Of Being," ft. Marjana Semkina ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 17:59
Atmospheric song with beautiful guitar arpeggio accompanied, in the beginning, by the piano and the celestial female voice of Marjana Semkina. Then the keyaboards and the violin arrives. It seems to me that all or most of the instruments play the same musical scale, creating a synergistic and repetitive effect that replaces the percussion. We move in the realm of pure sensations, and even the impressionist video underlines this intent. There is however a progression in the singing after half of the song, which concludes the piece thanks to the final nuanced instrumental. Very beautiful, very feminine and delicate, very refined arrangement. Contender. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 18:03
Thank you for your, as always, deep and thoughtful comments.  ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 18:06
Folk (Celtic?) and dissonant music thanks to the sound of violins and percussion. Hallucinated singing, which reminds me that of Comus' First Utterance. There is a sick, anguished pastoral atmosphere that licks heavy metal sounds towards the middle of the song. Prodigious arrangements and instrumental progression of the second half add to the scary aspect of the song. At the tenth minute the melody returns with the violins. It's a pity that singing doesn't come back too. In any case, a masterpiece. Artùs: I sign this name. Strong contender.
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 18:11
Discoteak is an instrumental piece based on keyboards (synths?) and electronic percussion, with math rock movements that slow down towards the middle, when more experimental sounds arrive that produce a dialogue between two electronic keyboards. Very well done piece but the competition is cruel. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 18:22
Very bulky drums for a song dominated by a "Manzarek-style" organ and a chant a la Ian Atsbury. Interesting how for most of the piece they are the drums and the percussion that do the solos, then comes the electric guitar. It is a pity that in the ending when the initial melody returns, the singing does not return, however the ending in crescendo is interesting. Group dominated by percussions, in fact this is a danceable prog piece. Contender.
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 29 2021 at 18:29
As a fan of Talk Talk I already knew this piece, which stands out above all for its polyrhythm and sound experimentation. O. Rang's first record is beautiful. The piece slows down towards the middle, the music becomes unpredictable, were it not for the drums, but the other instruments also work in a percussive way, and it is also very welcome that hint of singing. Final reminiscent of Talk Talk. Excellent piece, a small masterpiece. Contender. ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 07:26
|
It's hard for me to decide which of my submissions to pick since I love them both a lot. But since I have done Fovea Hex in the past, I'll go with The Mercury Tree - "Disremembered" ------------- https://ibb.co/8x0xjR0" rel="nofollow"> |
Posted By: Ronstein
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 08:14
Thanks. My second offering is: William D Drake - Distant Buzzing My nomination will be Advent as they're the more unsung/unknown.
|
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 08:37
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^ Awesome, I was very tempted to do a William D. Drake one myself, but did two polls including him recently. I think he really "deserves"* more ratings than his albums get in PA. * a controversial and arguable concept, but I said it anyway. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Ronstein
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 08:52
Couldn't agree more! North Sea Radio Orchestra are also a joy.
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Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 08:55
Absolutely.  ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 09:25
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William D. Drake and the North Sea Radio Orchestra are great indeed but seem to be better known around here than their ratings numbers suggest, same with .O.rang apparently. Can't stop myself from mentioning that I'm still the only one who has reviewed that William D. Drake album. |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 10:57
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^ Although you've already reviewed it, I might add a second review to Briny Hooves at some time, which is the one of his that I have most listened to -- and I still think the Robert "You look different every time you come from the foam crested brine" Wyatt comparisons are valid, not that you were the one questioning it in the Seahorse vs. Sea Song poll. *Drop it, Greg, just drop it.* ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 17:30
A very elaborate seven-minute song with an acoustic beginning that then becomes hard rock. The best part is the central one with an acoustic ethnic arpeggio accompanied by shouted singing. Then the music makes an emphatic pause (too long) and finally restarts with the same initial rhythm but made (great intuition) distorted and dissonant. There is a certain technical and virtuosic complacency that slightly spoils the immediacy of the inspiration, but we are still close to the masterpiece- Contender ------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: September 30 2021 at 17:30
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Thoughts on Ronstein's addition: Ronstein: William
D. Drake “Distant Buzzing” begins with a
sort of comic feel, like a 1930’s cartoon circus. Love the Boston Terrier in the tutu, but I am
not really contemplating the video, per se).
A giddy sort of feel, full band with whirling keys and a lead guitar
popping in, along with the circus-y portion interspersed with vocals.
Flute comes along with a quasi-Middle Eastern snake charmer solo. They are certainly very energetic. Very abrupt ending. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |