Slartibartfast's Magical Music Random Load Blog
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Topic: Slartibartfast's Magical Music Random Load Blog
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Subject: Slartibartfast's Magical Music Random Load Blog
Date Posted: September 23 2010 at 21:01
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OK, I'd done some polls on what I've randomly selected, and thought it might be better to just do a blog thread, say a few words about each title, and leave it open for anyone to comment or ask questions about the titles. So loaded tonight for tomorrow: Amos, Tori Scarlett's Walk Beatles, The Abbey Road Coryell, Larry/Igor Stravinsky Le Sacre Du Printemps De Grassi, Alex Southern Exposure Hackett, Steve Watcher of the Skies Jackson, Joe Laughter & Lust Kansas Masque Kottke, Leo One Guitar, No Vocals Ponty, Clara Mirror Of Truth Premiata Forneria Marconi Stati Di Immaginazione Stereolab Sound-Dust Wakeman, Rick Selections from…Journey to the Center of the Earth Will add comments tomorrow as I listen to them. Currently doing a run through my whole collection and probably should have started off with this. It will be fun to see how long it takes to get through the current set. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
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Replies:
Posted By: SaltyJon
Date Posted: September 23 2010 at 21:03
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I haven't heard that particular Stereolab album, but I really enjoy the two I have heard. Same goes for the PFM album.
------------- http://www.last.fm/user/Salty_Jon" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 23 2010 at 21:12
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I was listening to that Stereolab album driving into work on 9/11/2001. Talk about ingraining a piece of music in your head. Walked into the office, it is (maybe soon to be was) in a house, this little TV was on in the kitchen and I saw the second plane hit. What's really spooky is one of the songs I was listening to before I drove up had the lyric "live what must live, die what must die". The back cover also has an image of two castle towers. Spooky. Might as well go ahead and comment on that one as the music is ingrained in the brain. Oh, I was just thinking about the thread on English bias. One of the real charms of this band is the mix of French and English vocals. If you like old PFM, you'll likely like Stati. If you buy a hard copy get the one with the bonus DVD. Pricey but worth it. |
Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 05:45
I have Southern Exposure,Good if you like acoustic guitars but very newage oriented (if I'm not wrong it's a whyndham hill release but I'm not sure). Abbey Road is in my top ten. I have recently rated it 5 stars (not rounded down to 4  )Don't know anything about Leo Kottke, Clara Ponty or Stereolab. I don't like Tori Amos. ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: Marty McFly
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 06:56
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Brian, let's admit it. You used CTRL+C, CTRL+V when you were typing this thread's title. Because your name is very, very ... VERY. Abbey Road is lovely, isn't it ? ------------- There's a point where "avant-garde" and "experimental" becomes "terrible" and "pointless," -Andyman1125 on Lulu  Even my |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 07:17
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Yeah, Abbey Road was a fitting end to the band. If I'm not mistaken wasn't Let It Be recorded before, though released later? Regarding my screen name, I've been using it for so long and in various places that I always manually type it. However you may notice that in these polls or commentary where I'm listing several items from my collection, I do indeed use the keyboard copy and paste out my spreadsheet. My computer experience goes back to the DOS only days so I do use the keyboard copy and paste rather than the right click. To octopus, I'll fill you in on those three when I do some more commentary on these titles. And as for not liking Tori, I won't hold it against you.  Well, off to work. Stay tuned all, I'll get back to you. |
Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 07:19
That was an Operating System !!!! Good ole days....  ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Slartibartfast wrote:Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 08:25
That is an odd and haunting story certainly. Kudos to you for no Freudian Typo in the OP then: Premiata Forneria Marconi Slarti Di Immaginazione  ------------- 
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Posted By: Marty McFly
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 14:10
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Yeah, good old DOS days. My first computer experience counts even before I was able to write, in 1992, when (on our 486 - yes, four eight six), after black screen with white text appeared, I typed: nc (enter) and it showed more colors (six?) I consider myself lucky to begin on such a system, because children now, who just know Xbox, there's some magic lost in the process. From these albums, I know just 3 entries, Abbey, Masque and grumpy Rock star, so I'm going to listen Wakeman. Keep us informed Brian. ------------- There's a point where "avant-garde" and "experimental" becomes "terrible" and "pointless," -Andyman1125 on Lulu Even my |
Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 15:36
I typed some characters on a NIXDORF 620 in 1971, but the years before I was impressed by the speed of a card reader.... My first 8086 (eighty eighty-six) with two floppy drivers and no hard disk was a big enhancement.  I had enough money for it in 1987 the amber sreccn has 4 different tones of grey and it was capable of running amazing game like Asteroids and Space Invaders.The same year I saw the Pink Floyd live. One question about Wakeman. Is that a new album or it means just a part of the original? I never heard about "Selections..." ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 15:37
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My intention was to type "Screen" instead of "sreccn" ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: Marty McFly
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 16:08
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:-O And I though that it's some kind of concept computer of then times that I don't know yet. Not really, I understood you, don'T worry. I'm curious too, I know original album (well, remastered on CD, but still, more or less original), this Selection confuses me as well. Brian, people are confused :-) ------------- There's a point where "avant-garde" and "experimental" becomes "terrible" and "pointless," -Andyman1125 on Lulu Even my |
Posted By: timothy leary
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 16:31
| Always close at hand to be played..........Premiata Forneria Marconi Stati Di Immaginazione |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 17:32
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Regarding Wakeman, Rick Selections from…Journey to the Center of the Earth, I don't think it's in the discography here yet. Been meaning to add it. It's a set of new (1998 release) instrumental versions. One of Rick's better releases. Well Octo's got me beat when it comes to ancient computer experience. Anyone remember when a 1 Gig hard drive was considered huge? I was looking at an ad in the paper and now you can get a 1 Terrabite for $90.00  Double checked and adding that album is on my to do list. I haven't listened to it in this round yet, but time for drive by reviews of what I listened to at work today... |
Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 17:48
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My first computer: Leading Edge Model D. Spec & cost:
Computer itself ($595):
8088 CPU (switchable between 4.77 MHz and 7.16 MHz)
1 360 KB floppy drive
512 KB RAM
MS-DOS 3.2
Extra 128 KB RAM to run CGA graphics (don't remember what this cost, but it was at least $200)
20 MB Hard Drive ($400)
CGA Monitor ($500)
I bought this in 1988. It is now on a shelf in the basement but still runs perfectly.
Don't mean to hijack the thread, but there's a wiki article that points out how far we've come for anyone interested.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leading_Edge_Model_D - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leading_Edge_Model_D
Being a traditionalist, gimme some Abbey Road any day.
Now back to Slarti's regularly scheduled blog.
------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 17:55
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Feel free to hijack Jack. Wow, just goes to show you that the more complicated they make them the more prone they are to failures... Amos, Tori Scarlett's Walk: Tori's an artist who basically can do no wrong by me, so they are all good and this one is a little better. Beatles, The Abbey Road: A classic that should be in everyone's record collection. Coryell, Larry/Igor Stravinsky Le Sacre Du Printemps: Almost a digital demo album. Came out in '83 (I almost wrote it as '73, oops ) I like his solo guitar original material better.De Grassi, Alex Southern Exposure: Speaking of solo guitar, was one of Windham Hill's better solo guitarists. The best was Michael Hedges until he started singing (joke). Good mellow stuff. Jackson, Joe Laughter & Lust: lesser known album of Joe's. He's done two I consider definitely progressive - Heaven and Hell and Symphony #1. Good album, Trying To Cry and Drowning are my favorite tracks. Solid tunes. Kottke, Leo One Guitar, No Vocals: I saw him play on TV, I think it was Austin City Limits. Surprised he's not here in prog folk, but I'm not an expert in that sub or in Leo's music in particular. I've heard one or two other albums, but this is the only one I have. Four star album. Great liner notes. ( If you've ever seen him perform, he tells short stories to introduce songs.) "Snorkel - Written in Sydney when my hotel room was flooding. Too Fast - Too fast. Chamber Of Commerce - I was upset." I just noticed, these were randoms of randoms and I pulled down three solo guitar albums today. Weird coincidences will probably keep this thread somewhat interesting. |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 17:57
I got Stati... pretty soon after it was released and loved the classic PFM albums (Storia..., Per..., and L'Isola...) at the time., but I was disappointed with Stati... I found it too ambient and lackluster on the whole. I haven't listened to it in years. Back then I did get so many new-to-me albums (consumed them) that I didn't always give them a proper chance to grow on me. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 17:59
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I guess I'm not surprised. I really like it, but then I really like ambient. Here's the Wakeman album on half.com: http://product.half.ebay.com/Selections-From-Journey-to-the-Center-of-the-Earth-Instrumental_W0QQprZ3335411QQtgZinfo - http://product.half.ebay.com/Selections-From-Journey-to-the-Center-of-the-Earth-Instrumental_W0QQprZ3335411QQtgZinfo ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 19:23
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Thanks for bringing up Leo Kottke. I should probably listen to what he's doing these days...actually didn't know he was still around. I had a couple of his albums back in the '70s (Greenhouse, My Feet Are Smiling). He had a lot of street cred as a guitarist. He more or less got lost in the shuffle I suppose, probably being too sophisticated for the folk fans (if there were any folk fans left in the '70s), and a bit too folk-y for the rock audience. ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 24 2010 at 19:46
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I know My Feet Are Smiling is one of those I've heard. My joke name for it was My Feet Are Smelling. Just a joke name. I liked the music.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 06:46
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Up next: Aphrodite's Child 666 - Weird "little" album. Of course I wouldn't have it were it not for the presence of Vangelis Coryell, Larry Tributaries - A trio acoustic guitar album with John Scofield and Joe Beck. Not sure where to rank it amongst the trio guitarist albums. Nothing particularly compelling about it, but still the music holds its own against its more famous cousin. Flower Kings, The Stardust We Are - This one really failed to make a connection with me despite being highly regarded around these parts. The music is undeniably good, but it hasn't clicked yet. As a result I haven't delved any further into the band. Before I got to know who they were, I did get a Genesis tribute album where they do Cinema Show. Fripp, Robert & The League of Crafty Guitarists Intergalactic Boogie Express - Live in Europe 1991 - Trio guitarist albums, sheesh. Lets go for nine. Got to see them live around this time. Wait forgot to count Fripp. Gitbox Touch Wood - Another guitar oriented album, also on Fripp's label. High Llamas, The Beet, Maize & Corn - the Llamas have put out some albums of interest to the prog fan but lately have been putting out kind of dull ones. If you like loungey stuff, this might be for you. Nine Inch Nails "The Perfect Drug" Versions - I was really hoping for the version that wasn't used in Lost Highway but showed up on the soundtrack and was released as a creepy video. Oh well. Never had much luck with remix albums. Should avoid them altogether. Sallyangie, The Children of the Sun - Sometimes great artists release mediocre debut albums. This would be one of them. Of course the sister and brother would go on to make much better stuff. Tibbetts, Steve Exploded View - When Tibbetts went to ECM, he seems to have adapted his style to fit in better with the label. For me he has never surpassed his first two. Still being early ECM for Steve, it still has a bit of an edge to it. XTC Big Express, The - By the time this came out XTC had become one of those bands where I'd get the new album as soon as it came out and it marks that period in my life indelibly. This one reminds me of when I was in college and working at a now defunct fast food joint, XTC Oranges & Lemons - Sort of a tribute to '60's psychedelia. This one reminds of a period in my life where I was laid off from my first long term architectural job. Also, for its ode to the penis (Pink Thing). Partirdge, Andy & Harold Budd Through the Hill - XTC did the occasional ambient track, now I know who was responsible. Beautiful album musically and it comes with interesting packaging in the case. I believe this one is still out of print. If you like ambient albums you'll enjoy this, otherwise you will probably find it boring. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 06:56
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We rated it the same http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=19544 - http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=19544 my review is right to yours. ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 07:00
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Sorry, TODAY I would have rated it 2 stars. Actually I gave it 3... ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 07:35
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I actually found the stuff on the bonus disc more interesting than the main one. Really weird that I drew two XTC albums and another with Andy Partridge this morning. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 07:50
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Unfortunately I have the vinyl.....no bonus there. Another in the list is Exploded View. I have found it quite challenging. Yr was easier. Also those are on vinyl. ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: thehallway
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 13:51
This is a guitar verison of The Rite of Spring??
I never knew such a thing existed (I've been doing some prog-band-esque arrangements of it myself actually)! But it sounds immense already, where can I get hold of it?
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 14:36
It is indeed. As to where you can get it, that may prove to be difficult. I found it in a used discount bin many years ago. I just did a search with no luck. Found this No track list available
Album Notes These are classical pieces arranged for solo guitar. One of the more unusual recordings of Larry Coryell's long career is his solo interpretation of Igor Stravinsky's major ballet Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring). In attempting this classical composition on a six-string acoustic guitar, without overdubs, Coryell has his work cut out for him, as Stravinsky's original ballet rehearsal version was conducted on not one but two pianos! This works best in the softer sections of the work like the introductions to each of the two segments of the work, though Coryell's virtuoso technique will likely impress notoriously hard to please classical fans. He doesn't strictly attempt a literal transcription, but introduces his own Latin-flavored interludes, additional vamps and improvised sections. It seems almost criminal that there are no liner notes to explain what prompted the making of this CD, though it seems almost obvious that the guitarist had likely been fascinated with this composition since childhood. Coryell also recorded Stravinsky's Oiseau De Feu (Firebird)/Petrouchka in 1984. ~ Ken Dryden One more try...
Le Sacre du Printempshttp://www.amazon.com/s?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=music&field-artist=Larry%20Coryell - Larry Coryell (Performer), http://www.amazon.com/s?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=music&field-artist=Stravinsky - Stravinsky (Composer) | Format: Audio CD
http://www.amazon.com/Sacre-du-Printemps-Larry-Coryell/product-reviews/B000219EEK/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 - http://www.amazon.com/Sacre-du-Printemps-Larry-Coryell/product-reviews/B000219EEK/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_img?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 - - See all reviews ( http://www.amazon.com/Sacre-du-Printemps-Larry-Coryell/product-reviews/B000219EEK/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1 - 1 customer review )
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 14:39
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Whoa, luck of the draw yields two XTC albums? It's your lucky day Slarti, better go buy some lottery tickets!
I still have the vinyl of Big Express, in its round cover. Oranges and Lemons, though I guess less psychedelic that the Dukes EP, does hearken back to the '60s. Good stuff.
Haven't heard that Coryell album, but back in the '70s I had a very nice Coryell/Kahn guitar duo album. As you say, maybe not particularly compelling, but it was always enjoyable and competent music from Coryell and company.
------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 14:45
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Finally found some. I think I paid about $5 for my copy tops. Those two XTC albums are well regarded by me. Will pop one of those in for the drive home. Probably keep the other for nexters. Big fan of the Dukes stuff. Silly yet cool.  ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: thehallway
Date Posted: September 28 2010 at 15:29
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Cool, thanks for the info.
One acoustic guitar, can it really pull off that whole ballet though? A matter of opinion I guess, and I haven't heard and from the looks of things probably won't be able to easily. I still think ELP should have done this one, they conquered all manner of other complex works.
Anyway thanks again!
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: September 30 2010 at 19:54
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My second two Universe go into the living room player and the album with flood damaged case Umphrey's McGee, The Bottom Half comes out. Next batch includes the UG and these random selections: Amos, Tori God Beck, Jeff with the Jan Hammer Group Live Belew, Adrian Side Two Hansson, Bo Lord of the Rings Johnson, Eric Tones Levin, Tony Waters of Eden McLachlan, Sarah Surfacing Moody Blues, The On the Threshold of a Dream Ozric Tentacles Jurassic Shift Rypdal, Terje Undisonus Vangelis Antarctica - The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Wyatt, Robert Theatre Royal Drury Lane Frith, Fred and Arditti String Quartet, Uwe Dierkson, William Winant Eleventh Hour ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 02:08
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I like your posts...Lord of The Rings is great. I purchased the vinyl in 1976 without knowing anything of Bo Hansson because I was fascinated by the sleeve design. Antarctica is not bad and it's the other vinyl that I have from the list. I like Sarah McLachlan, but I don't think I can find her on PA... ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 19:40
I would have this in my library regardless ... mostly because it is an amazing concept album, and way out there musically. A lot of the music is more greek instruments than anything else, but the mix with the rock elements make it special.
Aphrodite's Child albums were a treat and "It's 5 o'clock" is very nice, but it is a difficult listen as those two earlier albums featured a lot more of Demis Roussos than this album does. This album fits into the area of .. odd ball ... but in the process it creates some amazing sounds and music, and Side 2 of the double album is massive and a total trip and excellent in every way ... but I'm not sure that we can stand listening to some stuff that ... falls into the area of state/theater, like a couple of moments in that side with the chorus ... and of course, later listening to Irene Pappas do her thing while Demis Roussos sings and makes fun of it all!
You have to listen to this as if it were a film, or a play ... forget "progressive music" or anything else ... or the whole thing goes right by you.
From "Wake Up" to "This World Over" ... there are a lot of things to like in this album, specially the off kilter vocals (intentional and otherwise) and some of the best stuff ... this is a very special album for me, and one that stands up as a true "progressive" work in every sense of the word. Too bad that our description tends to go out of town and not appreciate some trully odd things. I kept up with this band through the year 2000 just about ... and I can not tell you of any album that seems bad to me ... they all have something special in them.
Very nice indeed ... quite enjoyable all the way through. ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 20:27
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I think I first came to know Bo through some albums my brother had picked up. The essential Bo I know is The Magician's Hat. I've been a big fan of Van since his music was used by Ca'al Sa'agan (I'm sorry, Caal Sgngn) on Co'osmos. Sarah's not on here and I don't know if she's up for consideration. I'd have her here for her earlier stuff. I suppose 66 would still have been a good album without Vangelis. But I don't think I would have known about it were it not for the www... So to blog on today's listens: Tony's Waters Of Eden - got to see that one live and picked up a t-shirt. Very mellow but good instrumental music. I still haven't heard the first TL album. Go for the next two if you don't like it mellow.Bo's Lord Of The Rings - beats the hell out of the repackaged Rick Wakeman album. I think Rick was not behind this, but rather his record company. Tori's God - she puts out a few too many EPs. There is the totally redundant LP version of God. Three other tracks that seem like improv. Ozric Tentaclesese's Jurassic Shift - a band you can always count on for high energy music. Hmm, I may have to pop in the DVD soon, but it's getting late.  And V-man's Antarctica I've had for while. I like the music and I like the movie. Currently only have the former and not the latter. Got to see the movie in a local theater. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 20:32
Got this recently ... I think it is sounding a bit dated today, but it's still pretty in many sections. I kinda thought that the first album (Magician's Hat) was better, but this one is probably more focused for my ears.
Very nice album all around in my book. but ... but ...
I think...
I think I am. Therefore I am! I think... Establishment:
Of course you are, my bright little star... I've miles and miles of files Pretty files of your forefather's fruit And now to suit our great computer You're magnetic ink! First Man: I'm more than that I know I am... At least, I think I must be Inner Man: There you go, man
Keep as cool as you can Face piles of trials with smiles It riles them to believe That you perceive The web they weave... And keep on thinking free How well I remember these words and while they were ok with me, and funny in a sort of science-fictional story, in the end, they did not impress me ... but you must remember that I came from a literary house, and the big names in literature came and went and discussed translations and Michelangelo and Fellini with dad and all that ... so reading this was like ... how dumb! ... specially when compared to the completely poetci first album.
It does get better, and the album has some nice things and the end is pretty ...
When the white eagle of the North
Is flying overhead And the browns, reds and golds of autumn Lie in the gutter, dead Remember then, the summer birds With wings of fire flaying Come to witness Spring's new hope Born of leaves decaying Just as new life will come from death Love will come at leisure Love of love, love of life And giving without measure Gives in return a wondrous yearn Of a promise almost seen Live hand-in-hand And together we'll stand On the threshold of a dream.... But even then, I thought hard about this ... if the album is about songs, this is in the end of course ... but if the album is important and meaningfull ... guess where this poem would be? ... yeah ... right at the top! I have to tell you that the songs were nice, but the importance of the music itself pretty much went south for me, and besides, Janis Joplin was a lot more honest and impressive ... and she could make you cry!
Love this album ... as I do the previous 3 by this band, which still are the best they ever did. Sadly, by this time they took up with a new bass player and while he is not bad, and is very accurate and clean, he did not have the personality that the band needed to become better and stronger than the very material that brought them up. The got a bit "harder" on their rock music, and still trippy. I still think that after this album things kinda went south and when John left the band was over and is just a rehash now of the original. It's missing the soft touch and the sensuous and the "eastern" feel that some things had, even though those were always on the fantasy side of things, but it blended well.
Not sure I have heard this one yet ... I have about 5 or 6 of his things to chase down now ... including the one he did with a rock band that you can find on Youtube.
This is a re-issue.
------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 20:40
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The first run of the Moodie's albums often seems be music that is often a bit a quaint to me for the most part. Haven't heard that debut as I can recall. Day's Of Future Past has some really good moments. I forgot to mention, in the truck CD player - Jeff Beck and Jan Hammer Group Live. Wonderful album. J & J and friends jam. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 21:20
Any album that has Blue Wind on it is okay in my book, I don't care how excessive they may or may not get! ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 22:20
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I've got that song on Wired, too. Gotta favorite version?
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 22:56
I don't give Kansas Masque enough turntable love.....I need to.
BTW...what were you loaded on that night??  -------------   
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 01 2010 at 23:30
I prefer the Wired version, though I've only heard the live version in passing. At that particular time, man Beck and Hammer were just made for each other, trading guitar/synth licks as if challenging, musically, can you top this?
Niacin does a rockin' (but ultimately limited, no Beck...hell no guitar!) cover of the song on their Time Crunch LP, which I bought solely on seeing covers of Blue Wind and Red in the track listing.
------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 02 2010 at 07:12
Nah, I only drink up before noon and then go out driving. Speaking of driving, looks like I neglected to drive by review a few of those in the first post. I probably did some quick comments on these in the what the hell are you listening to now thread, so lets see if I can add anything new or repeat myself: Hackett, Steve Watcher of the Skies - Nice to see Steve revisit classic Genesis. Having John Wetton do vocals and bass is really interesting. I've also got the live sort of companions to this album, The Tokyo Tapes on DVD, which is also available on CD, out of the three go for the DVD. Kansas Masque - I see that one's getting a 3.74 on this site. After the opening track, which is a bit too much of an attempt to make a hit, the rest is pretty solid prog, except for It's You, most of the songs would become regulars in the live repertoire. Ponty, Clara Mirror Of Truth - daughter of Jean-Luc, mellow piano music mostly, and she is accompanied by her dad on some of the tracks. Don't call this new age or I will have to kick your ass. Wakeman, Rick Selections from…Journey to the Center of the Earth - I like this one much better than the Return album. It's all instrumental remakes of Journey (no not that Journey  ) and that's not a bad thing. Also tossed in a couple of tracks I don't recognize with one from Six Wives and one from King Arthur.------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 02 2010 at 07:44
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Feeling in the moody to comment on the rest of these before I play them: Belew, Adrian Side Two - being a big fan of Adrian I ordered an autographed copy. He signed the disc with fat silver color permanent marker. I was a little disappointed Les Claypool wasn't on this one. Johnson, Eric Tones - I think sooner or later he'll be added to this site. This is a good album for making the case. He is already here in The Electromagnets. Not sure where he'd fit, either PR or XO. McLachlan, Sarah Surfacing - into more commercial songs (still good), and she cut her hair short, boo. She's one of those artists that once I fell for, I'll always keep up with her latest stuff. Moody Blues, The On the Threshold of a Dream - I keep calling them quaint and I stick by that assessment. This is one with more quaint tracks than the others, I think. Most memorable one is Lovely To See You, which I think charted. Rypdal, Terje Undisonus - much bigger fan of his earlier stuff. Modern or neo classical stuff. No Terje on guitar, but he was the composer. Wyatt, Robert Theatre Royal Drury Lane - this one came up, but I've misplaced the disc. Did it run away? I have to say I was a bit disappointed with this considering the musicians who participated. Frith, Fred and Arditti String Quartet, Uwe Dierkson, William Winant Eleventh Hour - what the hell is with these great guitarist from '70's doing modern classical pieces? Once again, bigger fan of his earlier stuff. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: October 02 2010 at 12:37
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I'm waiting for Umphreys Mcgee.........hurry up -------------
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Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 02 2010 at 17:40
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Hi,
Just had Byzantium on my CD player in the car ... the first album is a bit more like long cut pop music ... it is actually very nice and flows very nicely. The 2nd album has the long cut that is also very nice. Also had on the same CD Capability Brown's Voice ... and you probably already know that is a top album (and cover) of mine! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 02 2010 at 21:15
Moodies, meh. They're one of those bands you had to have been there, and ya best had better have been stoned as well. I actually like this album, though I suppose quaint is an apt description. There is a nice run of Lovely To See You, Dear Diary, Send Me No Wine, and To Share Our Love, all pretty decent songs. I listened to this quite a bit back in the high school daze. ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 02 2010 at 22:12
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And I don't mean quaint as an insult. Otherwise it wouldn't be a keeper.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 02 2010 at 23:17
 , and my high school daze reference is not misspelled, if ya get my drift.
------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 02 2010 at 23:23
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Last time I went to buy speakers for the ol' stereo, I took along The BIg Express. Dude at the store wanted me to listen to some Kenny G or some such. I use Wake Up as a sort of reference to what a speaker can do, so I made him put that in the player. The other reference is AC/DC's You Shook Me All Night Long, which of course is irrelevant 'round here. But, ya play some Wake Up in the listening room at a high end store, on high end speakers, at excruciating volume, and really the salesman does not know what to think. Just has no idea what he's listening to. Has no idea even what decade it's from. It might be the latest thang. That's how I know it's prog ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 03 2010 at 08:21
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Sounds like a good idea, Wake Up your salesman. Did you bring along a blanket? ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: yanch
Date Posted: October 03 2010 at 09:26
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Unfortunately, I don't have a bunch of these, will have to look into that oversight. Of the ones I do have. I think Abbey Road was the fitting end for the Beatles. Some great stuff. Also, Love Hackett's Watcher of the Skies. His renditions of Watcher, Firth of Fifth, Fountain of Salmacis, and Los Endos in particular are superb. I also have the Tokyo Tapes cd version, which is not bad, even if it does have ASIA tracks.
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 04 2010 at 19:09
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^stay tuned, I'm working my way through over 1400 titles. This is a cool random draw down:
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 06 2010 at 19:23
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 06 2010 at 19:31
Goodness ... that leaves me with the prospect of writing 2500 album reviews!
I think I would rather discuss the band a lot more than the individual albums ... somehow discussing each and every Amon Duul 2 album and the material in it, is not as good a representation of the band and its work if you see the bigger picture ... which is, how they went from this to that and back and so forth and so on. It tells a much more interesting story about the band and its work.
It's the same thing when we talk of Mozart and Beethoven and Tchaikovsky ... thus you can see why I have no interest in reviewing the Beatles or the Rolling Stones ... but talking about them as artists is another story. Sitting here and writing something blah and blah about the White Album (or Abbey Road) and how it is progressive, or not ... is ... a dead end discussion, I would imagine ... what you comparing it to? But discussing the potential ideas and concepts that ended up helping our beloved "progressive" theme would make it all a much better, and intelligent discussion.
So ... should we not consider giving these people more credit for their work than just ... "songs"? I can see it now ... yeah ... that Beethoven dude has some pretty cool songs! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 06 2010 at 19:37
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Sometimes it is really hard to write a review about single albums. I was doing a pretty good job there for a while, but ran out of steam. So, I'm kind of doing less than 100 word drive by reviews as I cycle through the collection. Bonus points for anyone who recognizes the object on the left of the pic. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: thellama73
Date Posted: October 06 2010 at 19:38
Man, you got some good ones this time. The Tangerine Dream, King Crimson and Beefheart are all among my favorites. Plus the Beatles, Bach, Stereolab and Roxy Music. I have about thrity Philip Glass records, but not that one. Is it good? ------------- 
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Posted By: thellama73
Date Posted: October 06 2010 at 19:40
Lava lamp? -------------
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 06 2010 at 19:41
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^^^ You win the cardboard cookie. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of it. I'd have to make one up by hand and you'd probably need to cover the postage. If you have thirty Glass albums and you like them and you don't have this one, you'll like it. Kind of related to Songs From Liquid Days as it has Linda R. on vocals. I'm only up to nine myself and the three 'quattsi DVDs. I drove my wife nuts when I had Music For Changing parts in the truck CD player, driving her home from work. Well, didn't make it too far today (partly doo to Omprhey): Captain Beefheart Safe As Milk - my newest Beef and I guess his oldest. Very, very '60's. I still have much of the Captain's stuff to explore. I liked this one. I still rank Trout Mask at the bottom, but respect those who regard it well. Brave, brave souls. Prince Musicology - Went to a movie theater live simulcast. Most remarkable because it's the only one I've been to and I got a free CD! I do like the music on this one, though I've yet to become a Prince fan. Stereolab ABC Music - a nice assortment of live Stereolab tracks going up to their Sound-dust album. Some track overlap in fact with Oscillons from the Anti Sun. I'd recommend that one over the former as it comes with a video DVD. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 06 2010 at 21:39
.
------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 06 2010 at 21:43
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Yes, yes, the cover (I love the music, too):
perv OK this could be fun, I've got three single CD slots left, I'm about to go to bed, any suggestions as to what I should load next?: 801 Live (Remaster) I'll do it, I swear I will... ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 07 2010 at 21:55
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Bach, Johann Sebastian Four Concerti for Various Instruments - zzzzz, sorry I actually do find some Bach to be interesting, but some stuff is just merely good and forgettable. Beatles, The Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - another one of those classics for some reason doesn't sound as quaint to me as the Moody Blues stuff put out around the same time. I suspect to younger music fans it just might. Glass, Philip 1000 Airplanes on the Roof - what can you say? Glass ain't for everyone. I suspect even people who are Linda Rhonstadt fans might find this hard to take. I like it, but not a huge fan. King Crimson Starless and Bible Black - amongst my top 10 from the Crims. Wonderful mixture of the mellow and the heavy. Essential. Santana, Carlos Mahavishnu John McLaughlin Love Devotion Surrender - You want to get some Carlos when he was at his progressive peak? You need to get this one. Walsh, Steve Glossolalia - I seem to recall Steve's first one being a bit of a commercial stinker. Haven't heard that one in years. I picked this up because I had read stuff that said it was a bit like NIN. I like it, but it has nver blown me away. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 07 2010 at 22:20
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Wha? three slots left. Toss out some of that other stuff and put in these:
Davis, Miles Agharta
Eno, Brian-David Byrne My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (Remaster) Jethro Tull Thick as a Brick King Crimson Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Remaster) Return to Forever Return to the 7th Galaxy: The Anthology Talking Heads Fear of Music (Remaster) Weather Report Sweetnighter XTC Skylarking Zappa, Frank Thing-Fish Actually seeing this list is sorta weird; it's looking remarkably like my collection, 'cept no Human League ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 08 2010 at 07:25
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This is kind of scary. I was due to load up a fresh set and your picks filled up all the open slots. I am not kidding.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 08 2010 at 08:34
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Well, I had three to go from the last set and Roxy's Country Life came up. One of my favorites, though number one is probably Viva as it was the one that got me into them. From the middle or their discography, more or less, Bryan's vocal style was starting to get a little smoother. So I'm going to play it and have A Really Good Time. Thanks again to Jammun for his suggestions. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: October 08 2010 at 12:16
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make them all fit..... -------------
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 08 2010 at 23:32
.------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 09:18
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Hey look, I can't have everything in my collection. Did make it through my last batch, bud didn't get into your picks yet except for making it about all the way for RTF. Roxy Music Country Life - One of my favorite Roxy. Can't quite put my uhm, finger on exactly why. Tangerine Dream Stratosfear - TD at their spookiest best. Mark Isham Mark Isham - Mark Isham Mark Isham Mark Isham. I like his earlier stuff better. Mark Isham Mark Isham is OK It has Torn and Bozzio... By the way, let me work my way through your last suggestions before I get another round. That was really cool by the way. I was running late for work and it made the loading up a little quicker. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 09 2010 at 10:06
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I can do drive bys of your suggestions though. Davis, Miles Agharta - I think I may like this better than Pangea. Both improved out the same day. That is rather astonishing. Eno, Brian-David Byrne My Life in the Bush of Ghosts (Remaster) - Added some extra tracks, subtracted Qu'ran. Great, now I have to keep both copies. A really interesting collaboration/experiment. Makes Everything That Happens pale in comparison. Jethro Tull Thick as a Brick - nominally 4 inches in the US. Remains one of my favorites from Tull. A bit of a step up from Aqualung, which I also like a lot. King Crimson Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Remaster) - A significant step forward for KC. Seems like there was a bit of meandering after the itchycock. Then we got a solid three albums before KC went on hiatus. When I first heard the opener I didn't know what to think, but I knew I liked it. The prog I had gotten into at that point had already softened me up to new forms of music. This kind of took things a bit further. Return to Forever Return to the 7th Galaxy: The Anthology - I don't know exactly why, but this is currently the only RTF CD I have. Have a few DiMeolas and Coreas solos. Might have to do with this being an excellent anthology with unreleased tracks to boot. Talking Heads Fear of Music (Remaster) - the original album has a textured cover. The Fripp cameo is pretty cool. Not your daddy's prog, but prog it is. Weather Report Sweetnighter - a basic and good JRF album for me. I was a latecomer to it and it hasn't made a big impression on me as much as their more famous albums. Jaco came along and kind of blew away Sid's brother Miroslav. Still a fan of Vitous, too. XTC Skylarking - when this came out I had pretty much become a I have to get whatever they put out next right away kind of fan. This is one of those bands whose albums tend to bring me back to period when they were released because when I got one I played it over and over and over. It would shock you too... Zappa, Frank Thing-Fish - one of my first CD additions. I was already digging Zappa for the musical qualities and the crudeness. This one doesn't disappoint. Also, for those who don't know and give a damn and are old enough to view, Frank did a photo shoot of the album in Hustler magazine: http://home.online.no/%7Ecorneliu/thingfish2.html - http://home.online.no/~corneliu/thingfish2.html  ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 10 2010 at 19:44
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de Mammy Nuns, lookin' good wit de nakkin' on! (Head like a potato...) ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 12 2010 at 07:09
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Fresh batch this morning: Eluvium When I Live By the Garden and the Sea Fleck, Bela & the Flecktones UFO TOFU Glass, Philip Music With Changing Parts Jackson, Joe Symphony No. 1 Marillion anoraknophobia Nektar Down To Earth Oregon Beyond Words Ozric Tentacles Spirals In Hyperspace Police, The Synchronicity Wakeman, Rick Songs Of Middle Earth (The Seven Wonders of the World/Heritage Suite excerpts) Time to hit the shower. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 12 2010 at 09:49
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A few minutes for drive bys: Eluvium When I Live By the Garden and the Sea - if you like ambient piano dominated music like Harold Budd, you should check out Eluvium. Fleck, Bela & the Flecktones UFO TOFU - if you like tofu and ufos, uh never mind. Fleck was a breath of fresh air that came along in the early '90's. Something prog and completely different.Glass, Philip Music With Changing Parts - I still love to tell the story of having this my CD player driving my wife home from work one day and after a while she couldn't take it any more. If you like a long piece of music that really doesn't seem to change too much over the course of the piece, this may be for you. Jackson, Joe Symphony No. 1 - if a prog fan were to only have one JJ album, this would be the one I'd recommend. I hear lots of prog influences going on and I think it makes the best case for Joe's inclusion on this site. Marillion anoraknophobia - my interest for Marillion was starting to wane when this came out. It's still not very strong. But, I'll give them credit for having what appear to be multiple Kennies on the cover. Nektar Down To Earth - an album I didn't really care for much at first. Nektar had some more proggier stuff that I had already gotten into. It grew on me and it certainly has its moments. Oregon Beyond Words - a really trippy album cover for this one and marked the last time I uhm... A really good post Colin album and I like it a lot. Ozric Tentacles Spirals In Hyperspace - hard to really say much about these guys. Contently energetic music. Maybe a little too consistent. But if you like one, you'll likely like them all. The discography is huge though, so you may only need a few. Police, The Synchronicity - the album that put the band on the map for me. Their proggiest for sure. Visible Fripp influence. Wakeman, Rick Songs Of Middle Earth (The Seven Wonders of the World/Heritage Suite excerpts) - a travesty that I believe was done by his record company. It was not inspired by Lord Of The Rings other than the company trying to cash in on the movie. The music ain't all that either. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 12 2010 at 17:58
When you get the chance see if you can find one of them bootleg versions of DSOTM and listen to them with a tuned ear ... and then come back to this album ...
I didn't care for Todd Rundgren's touch on the album ... and time has changed the words that went around between them. There are a couple of cuts here that are very nice, but in the end, Big Express and 2 albums before that are quite superior in my book. And XTC pretty much needed to produce their own work and not ever deal with anyone else. ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 12 2010 at 18:00
This album was material that they had already used in concert before ... it was not exatcly a new album ... the band, by that time, was pretty much over. You can check the live albums around that time and catch a couple of these pieces in them before this album was released. ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 12 2010 at 18:21
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^ To be honest I don't always get at what you're getting at. Which Byrne/Eno album were you referring to and why would I want to get "bootleg versions of DSOTM and listen to them with a tuned ear"? I'm not too particularly production focused unless it's bad. I take it the two albums you are referring to are Black Sea and English Settlement, unless you meant Go 2. As far as Down To Earth goes, I can't agree that the band was pretty much over. Really liked Recycled. But tastes are tastes. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 17 2010 at 09:04
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Well, I have three non-randoms in the case: Omphrey Omphrey Joachim Kuhn Band Sunshower Residents, The Bunny Boy, The Running the next random selection: Big Big Train The Difference Machine Curved Air Airborne Fleck, Bela & the Flecktones Flight of the Cosmic Hippo Hackett, John, Steve Hackett Sketches of Satie Hedges, Michael Live on the Double Planet High Llamas, The Gideon Gaye Marillion Somewhere Else Medeski Martin and Wood End of the World Party (just in case) Metheny, Pat Group STILL life (talking) Ponty, Jean-Luc Tchokola Synergy Games Wyatt, Robert Nothing Can Stop Us Zappa, Frank & The Mothers of Invention Absolutely Free Nice set. Need one more so I'll have one to load into the truck player. Jon Hassel's Earthquake Island came up. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 17 2010 at 09:45
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I'll leave off commentary on Omphrey as it's new Joachim Kuhn Band Sunshower - Top notch JR/F. Jan Akkerman is on this one. I've been told that Kuhn is primarily a jazz guy. He did do at least two JR/F's which I have. Residents, The Bunny Boy, The - I've become a bit tired of their newer stuff. They did have some interesting stuff online to accompany this album that I never made it all the way through. I'll probably save it for truck play so I can give it a better listen. So, on to the randoms: Big Big Train The Difference Machine - This band has made a big big impression on me. So far they just keep getting more prog. My latest addition and I have pretty much a complete set. They really are that good. Curved Air Airborne - Not one of their better moments but it has some good moments. I'll get back to you with those as there really aren't anythings currently memorable. Fleck, Bela & the Flecktones Flight of the Cosmic Hippo - When I was thirsty for new prog and it by and large wasn't out there as far as I knew, Fleck and company were something completely different by traditional prog standards. Hackett, John, Steve Hackett Sketches of Satie - I was familiar with one Satie piece. This is the only full set of stuff I have. Really nice. Really tempted to go out and get something where the original versions were recorded but this stuff is so beautiful I probably don't really need to. Hedges, Michael Live on the Double Planet - Mike had added singing to his music at this point. I most certainly preferred him as an instrumentalist. But hey, there's a mixture of both and the guy died in a car accident way before his time. High Llamas, The Gideon Gaye - A band that likely won't appeal to most prog fans. But you never know about my favorite tracks: Checking In, Checking Out and Track Goes By. Might just win you over. Marillion Somewhere Else - I wrote a brief review of this one right after my first listen and got a smack down for it being my first listen and other things about the review. It no longer wows me as much as my first impression. Medeski Martin and Wood End of the World Party (just in case) - I had to get this one just in case I needed to have an end of the world party. Only one of two MMW's I have and I'd recommend it (just in case). Metheny, Pat Group STILL life (talking) - Pat was moving into a phase where I found his music more formulaic and less interesting. STILL good stuff, but not great stuff. Ponty, Jean-Luc Tchokola - Ditto for Ponty here. There is the novelty of working with African musicians, but not quite the magic of his earlier albums. Synergy Games - One of Larry's best for me. Wyatt, Robert Nothing Can Stop Us - Robert Wyatt being over left wing political? Who'd have thunk it? Nice set of mostly covers. Zappa, Frank & The Mothers of Invention Absolutely Free - I'm actually a newcomer to this one despite being a long time Zappa fan. It still hasn't totally sunk in. Jon Hassel Earthquake Island - A relatively new addition that hasn't made a strong impression with me. Stay tuned, I'll get back to you. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: October 17 2010 at 16:17
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nice thread here
OP selection
heres my opinions on these albums.......
Amos, Tori Scarlett's Walk have not heard (HNH)
Beatles, The Abbey Road classic Coryell, Larry/Igor Stravinsky Le Sacre Du Printemps HNH De Grassi, Alex Southern Exposure HNH Hackett, Steve Watcher of the Skies HNH Jackson, Joe Laughter & Lust HNH Kansas Masque HNH Kottke, Leo One Guitar, No Vocals HNH Ponty, Clara Mirror Of Truth HNH Premiata Forneria Marconi Stati Di Immaginazione HNH Stereolab Sound-Dust HNH Wakeman, Rick Selections from…Journey to the Center of the Earth - a bit dull but has moments of glory Latest selection:
HNH any of them
I guess I have diff tastes in prog - but will get round to some of them - I have a stack i HNH of my own so its a huge undertaking, this Prog business..........
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Posted By: AtomicCrimsonRush
Date Posted: October 17 2010 at 16:20
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Nektar Down To Earth - really my intro to the band and always loved the quirky style esp... the silly concepts and Nelly! Ozric Tentacles Spirals In Hyperspace - weird and wonderful, but I rarely return to the music. Police, The Synchronicity - is this prog? its their classic and put em on the map for sure along with Regatta...! -------------
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 17 2010 at 19:44
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Not everything will be officially prog, since I'm cycling through the entire collection. The Police are on the fringes of prog for me. It's second in line to Ghost In The Machine. The Summers/Fripp albums really got me arrested by The Police. The collection has a bit of stuff many will not have heard yet, but I hope to turn some people on to some good stuff they should check out if my brief commentary will suffice. If you see anything you are intrigued by in this blog, just ask me about it and I will elaborate. I think about 90% of the titles will be prog here or should be prog here or at least related. I'll try to do a full review of stuff that comes up that I haven't hit on yet, if they are listed artists here. Down To Earth doesn't get the full respect it deserves, but I totally understand that as I didn't get it at first. Ozric is one of those I went on a bit of binge on at first, but I don't really see a need to complete the discography. Very prolific. If anyone wants a recommendation on a starting point, go for the live DVD. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Mellotron Storm
Date Posted: October 17 2010 at 21:36
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Dude what happened to your avatar? It went from amusing to er...creepy. Oh nevermind i just read that it's your Halloween avatar. ------------- "The wind is slowly tearing her apart" "Sad Rain" ANEKDOTEN |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 17 2010 at 23:38
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we will return to your regularly scheduled avatar in November.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 19 2010 at 20:07
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Slarti, that last batch, I am not worthy.
I will say Absolutely Free was a turning point in my 13-year old brain. It's been a noisy resident there ever since. May take longer for anyone else to comprehend.
I'm losing status at my high school...
Which I did daily ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 20 2010 at 07:56
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Don't sell yourself short, I'm sure you're worthy.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 20 2010 at 21:00
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The Llamas are the last from the last group. Akkerman, Jan Noise of Art, The - Jan's been pretty prolific after Focus. Some of his stuff just isn't as remarkable as the Focus stuff. This would be one of them Beck, Jeff with Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop - Nice little three piece, but like Jan's solo stuff, not as memorable as his '70's stuff. Budd, Harold Pavillion of Dreams, The - I remember reading a review that said something to the effect that you'll really like it if you like the original Star Trek opening theme. Cracked me up. Well, I found it an interesting enough album to buy in vinyl and later in CD. Ambient, of course. Corea, Chick Return To Forever - the first RTF lineup. It was released as Chick Corea solo album. A bit different in character than the last lineup's albums. Still good. I got to see Airto and Flora live after they had parted from the band. Eno, Brian/John Cale Wrong Way Up - another one of those albums that brings me back to the time it was released. I had not become familiar with other Cale work. Still haven't for not particular reason, but I like this one. Glass, Philip Naqoyqatsi - I wouldn't be into Glass were it not for Kayannisquatsi. Really didn't need the DVD as I have the CD and prefer to experience the Glass trilogy in DVD format. Grateful Dead Terrapin Station - I don't have a lot of GD's music, saw them live at least once. Even though this has a Dancing In The Streets cover, Terrapin Station Part I makes this album of interest to prog fans. I believe they didn't do any other parts on subsequent album. Happy the Man 3rd "Better late.." - their third studio release. I have to rank their first two and what appears to be their last one as essential. the rest is probably best suited for fans. Moody Blues, The To Our Children's Children - not really much memorable on this one for me. I reserve the right to revise and extend my remarks after it gets my next lisen. Pere Ubu Worlds In Collision - I like their more accessible albums than their ones more out there, I find the early stuff rather hard digest. Yet still (Something weird is coming this way.) Various Marijuana's Greatest Hits Revisited - this one I found in a used store and had to get it for it's potential amusement value. It's a bunch of covers of songs about you know what. Yes Keys To Ascention - OK, we have some classic yes live combined with a couple of unimpressive new studio tracks. One more slot. Talking Heads More Songs About Buildings And Food. Their second album where for me they were firmly drifting into prog territory. Hell, you got Eno on it. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 20 2010 at 23:05
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Couple of thoughts.
All Moodies albums are essentially interchangeable. I do not mean this as an insult. They are all very good in a background sort of way.
I need to give Guitar Shop another listen. It's been a while.
RTF. I don't care which line up it is. It's all good. I remember being at some concert (small venue) and Airto explaining to the audience how to pronounce his name...Eye...Ear...Toe, as he points to each. And then of course us audience gets just blown away by the music that ensues.
The Talking Heads More Songs... is one of those albums that made it possible for me to transition from the '70's to the '80's. It was around this time I saw them on SNL and realized that rock (as opposed to the 'old' prog and jazz) was relevant again.
------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 24 2010 at 12:09
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As long as you're talking the Days to Seventh phase for the Moodys I more or less agree. Despite my comments above regarding Guitar Shop, I still like it. By the way I had to replace all of my Talking Heads earlier albums with the latest versions remastered by Jerry Harrison that include bonus material and surround sound mixes. My only complaint about those is that they didn't reproduce the lyrics but only have them in draft form in the booklet. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 26 2010 at 07:14
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Well, I about ran out of random loads. Wasn't able to play anything at the new job because I didn't have sound set up yet. Today will be better. Here's the next batch: Abercrombie, John and Ralph Towner Sargasso Sea - this may be the first time these two ECM guitarists played together. Good unobtrufus guitar duet. Davis, Miles Complete In A Silent Way Sessions, the I've got two Miles complete sessions box sets and now have a little of a love/hate relationship with them as the extra material is on other regular release CDs I've added. Don't get me wrong the box sets are really nice. The other set is Bitches BTW and it is a bitchin' box set. So anyway, if I've I've got duplicates, I'll delete the tracks from the box sets in my players.Eno, Brian Ambient 4/On Land - my favorite of the series is The Plateaux Of Mirror. This one would probably be second. It was my introduction to some artists I was not familiar with: Bill Laswell, Jon Hassell, Michael Brook, Daniel Lanois. Eurythmics 1984 for the love of big brother - I'm not really a fan of these guys in particular. I mean, this band doesn't even have the real Dave Stewart. I like the soundtrack work they did for the film, it kind of made the movie for me. I was very pissed when I got a DVD version and they had stripped their stuff out and went with plain music.Fripp, Robert & Eno, Brian Equatorial Stars, The - they've never been able to top Evening Star, but this is a close second. There is also a limited edition by the guys called Beyond Even, but it's not in our discography yet. One of two different artists that I have on top of my computer to add in. Gentle Giant Power and the Glory ,The (Remaster) - the remaster has the actual track called Power And The Glory which was not originally included. It's a decent track, but I can understand why it was left out. It doesn't quite fit in with the rest. It seems like it was replaced by Playing The Game. This was the first GG album I heard and I liked it at first listen. Gong Zero to Infinity - a pleasant surprise to get a new Gong album with Daevid back at the helm. Parker, Charlie Bird: The Original Recordings Of Charlie Parker - the only Parker I have in my collection other than the music on the Clint Eastwood movie. Seems like a good compilation. Procol Harum Prodigal Stranger, The - I'm guess probably not a fan favorite. It's decent enough for me plus I picked it up from a bin as a cut out dirt cheep. Sting Mercury Falling - I really thought Sting's first album was something special when it came out and it remains that. It seems that after that he put out a lot of albums that were good but unremarkable. This is one of them. If I put in too many posts with this guy:  he may start to breed and take over the site.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 28 2010 at 06:59
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Here's this morning's batch: Weather Report Mr. Gone Di Meola, Al Spendido Hotel Isham, Mark Tibet Rypdal, Terje Skywards King Crimson Discipline Reich, Steve w/ Kronos Quartet & Pat Metheny Different Trains & Electric Counterpoint Pohjola,Pekka Keesojen Lehto (aka Mathematician's Air Display, The Consequences of Indecisions) Parsons, The Alan, Project I Robot Oregon Roots in the Sky Jackson, Joe I'm the Man (Remaster) Oldfield, Mike Tubular Bells 2 Gong, Pierre Moerlen's Pentanine Brand X Product Black Mountain Black Mountain These are in the order they are in the case. I forgot to post before I cut them from the randomizer spread sheet. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: October 28 2010 at 07:02
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An excellent list today. In particular Pekka Pohjola ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 28 2010 at 18:21
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Yeah Pekka is one I need to explore more. For years I thought that was a Mike Oldfield album because it was released in at least the US as one. On the bright side, I wouldn't have discovered his music if it weren't for that, so I can't complain.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 28 2010 at 18:56
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Made it through some at work today: Di Meola, Al Spendido Hotel - originally released as a double LP, Al stretches out a bit and tries out some new styles. Roller Jubilee was actually used in a Minute Rice commercial. Oregon Roots in the Sky - I haven't heard all of their studio albums but this is one of my favorites. I don't know why. It's hard for me to put music into words. musicwords Oh wait. I did it. mwuosridcOldfield, Mike Tubular Bells 2 - Mike playing with his bells again. Brand X Product - no Phil, noooo, don't sing. Don't worry. No music was harmed. King Crimson Discipline - old Crimson fans that might not have been following Fripp after the previous album must have have gone "what the hell is this crap?". Reich, Steve w/ Kronos Quartet & Pat Metheny Different Trains & Electric Counterpoint - didn't quite finish this one. A little Metheny left to go. This is almost a bridge between what I consider modern classical and what I consider prog. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: October 28 2010 at 23:21
Same for me ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 29 2010 at 15:04
I've told this story before, but I'll tell it again and claim I forgot. A year or two after I moved out to Seattle, way back when, I was at a party and some hipsters put on this album (it was new at the time). I did not believe it was King Crimson until I saw Fripp's name on the cover. And I mean I made them show me the cover. I've since come to terms with the three of a perfect pair (Discipline, Beat, and TOAPP). ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 31 2010 at 08:21
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Isham, Mark Tibet - Mark is worthy of inclusion on this site. Mostly for Vapor Drawings which has similar music to his soundtrack for the Never Cry Wolf movie, which was my introduction to his music. This album is a soundtrack to a video showing scenes of Tibet. Kind of an ambient affair. Mark plays trumpet and synths on all three I mentioned. He is also a big Miles Davis fan and has put out a tribute album of covers.
Parsons, The Alan, Project I Robot - I found the Poe album to be a bit cheesy at points. This one is probably his best. I am a sucker for Sci-Fi themed concept albums. Jackson, Joe I'm the Man (Remaster) - an album that would not qualify him for prog archives. An album of really well done tunes all the same. Favorite: It's Different For Girls. "What the hell is wrong with you tonight? I can't seem to say or do the right thing Wanted to be sure you're feeling right Wanted to be sure we want the same thing" "She said, I can't believe it You can't, possibly mean it Don't we, all want the same thing Don't we Well, who said anything about love? " Black Mountain Black Mountain - what can I say, I was one who gave a thumbs up to their addition crossover and then ordered their two albums for my collection. This is why I had to step down as an evaluator on the team. I wound up buying too much of the stuff I tried out and approved. Very retro psychedelic sound to this one. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: October 31 2010 at 19:10
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Next batch (still have three from the old load left to go): Bach, Johann Sebastian Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4-6 Claypool, Les Frog Brigade, The Purple Onion Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit Mirrors of Embarrassment Collins, Phil Face Value Curved Air Phantasmagoria Enya Watermark Hackett, Steve Wild Orchids Hedges, Michael Torched Jackson, Joe Band Beat Crazy Ponty, Jean-Luc Cosmic Messenger Soft Machine Seven ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: October 31 2010 at 21:52
That ol' Bach gets lots of respect, and rightfully so.
That ol' Phil Collins,he doesn't get much respect at all, but Face Value is a fine album, in some ways better than I ever heard from Genesis. It must be love, I'm feeling... ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 01 2010 at 00:24
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Weather Report Mr. Gone - not well respected around here. I like it. Joe was stretching out a bit. Rypdal, Terje Skywards - this one has yet to make much of an impression on me. Gong, Pierre Moerlen's Pentanine - Pierre's last Gong project before he moved on to the great gong in the sky. I really liked it. The only thing it has in common with the Gong is Moerlin. A good listen all the same. Bach, Johann Sebastian Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 4-6 - a friend of mine brought the Brandenburg by one night when it was starting to snow. I'll forever associate those with winter in my mind. Claypool, Les Frog Brigade, The Purple Onion - nice set of tunes by Les fortified with a little Whamola. Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit Mirrors of Embarrassment - I keep singing the praises of Bruce to y'all. The avant fans should take a listen to his material. Collins, Phil Face Value - Phil's first solo album and his best. I didn't really follow his later offerings but am fairly confident that this is his best compared to the later stuff. Curved Air Phantasmagoria - just before Way parted way with the band an it seems to me they were still making good music. The reformed group with Jobson put out an album I like better, but this may be the best of the first three with the Daryl Way. Enya Watermark - I don't think she gets any respect around here if she is mentioned at all. Damn shame, another one of those artists that made the '80's tolerable. Hackett, Steve Wild Orchids - Steve seems to have come back to in a major way. Ranks well with his earlier albums. Hedges, Michael Torched - a posthumous from an artist who died way too soon. His singing never really caught on with me much but his guitar playing was out of this world. Jackson, Joe Band Beat Crazy - hard to get a hold of for some reason, but I managed. Still not prog but still really good. Ponty, Jean-Luc Cosmic Messenger - Ponty seemed so much more inspired in the '70's, though I think Enigmatic Ocean was the peak. Soft Machine Seven - basic good JRF album, nothing really stands out for me. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 01 2010 at 21:35
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OK five of the titles from above left. Time for another round: That's weird, I had another set of randoms at the top of my spreadsheet, more than enough, so I loaded up - Akkerman, Jan From the Basement - there are a series of Akkerman's '80's albums that were released on CD with bonus tracks. If you like Akkerman, I'd put those at the bottom of your to get list. Not bad but unimpressive. Davis, Miles Amandla - Miles came back to do some decent albums after he went through another nutzo phase post his jazz-rock '70's phase. Not casting aspersions. He admits it in his autobiography, which is a great read, by the way. Eno, Brian/Jah Wobble Spinner - most of Eno's albums in the '90's leave me a little cold. This is one of the better ones. Ferry, Bryan Bete Noire - I'm a much bigger fan of his Roxy Music stuff. His new solo is his Roxiest though. Frith, Fred Top of His Head, The - basically good Frith solo album. Has Jane Siberry. One of Fred's more accessible albums. Gentle Giant Giant For A Day - pretty much universally despised in these circles. If you consider that the band has long ago been toast you can actually go back to this one and cut it some slack. Gongzilla Thrive - another one of those artists I would not have got to know were it not for Prog Archives. This is a Gong related band of course. A heavier version of PM's Gong. Psychedelic Furs, The Psychedelic Furs, The - one of those bands that really is part of the fabric of the '80's sound, whatever the hell that is, and yet doesn't suck. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 03 2010 at 20:21
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Another batch: Passport Looking Thru - you absolutely can't go wrong with any Passport album from around this time. Sting Brand New Day - I pretty much have liked all of his solo albums since the first one. This is one of the better ones. Blue October Foiled - I tried this one out from BMG music club due to the vocalist's similarity to Phil Collins oddly enough. Slightly proggy, too. Afro Celt Sound System Volume 2 : Release - if the idea of Celtic music mixed with African intrigues you, this is something you should check out. Sinbad O'Connor does a cameo vocal. Alitheia Chthonick - ordered this based on the CD Baby blurb. Not exactly my cup of T, but sometimes you have to stretch out a little. Allman Brothers, The At the Fillmore East - I'm not a big expert on their catalog, but this is the one album I would recommend to just about any prog fan. Bowie, David Heathen - Bowie is always at his best when he has prog guests. In this case it is David Torn and Tony Levin. Plus Sunday will forever remind me of post 9/11/2001. Davis, Miles Water Babies - recorded before Miles' jazz rock phase. Released after. Probably a breath of fresh air to those who didn't dig the J/R phase. Metheny, Pat with Dave Holland & Roy Haynes question and answer - not a favorite of mine as I like the Meth more when he's doing Jazz/Rock. This is more jazz. Moody Blues, The Every Good Boy Deserves Favour - I'm still amused that their hits are my favorites and the rest often seems quaint. Nine Inch Nails [With Teeth] - a good comeback effort from Mr. Reznor but Year Zero has better stuff. Van Tieghem, David Safety In Numbers - primarily a percussionist, but yet a multi-instrumentalist. Has worked with Laurie Anderson and David Byrne. Nice instrumental album. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: November 03 2010 at 20:35
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I need to put Water Babies on the turntable. I haven't heard that one in probably 20 years, but the album is sitting down there with many others in the cabinet. Moodies are always quaint, unless you're one of those who voted for Calif. Prop 19, in which case they are the finest prog rock band on the planet. I don't mean this in any sort of derogatory sort of way. Allman's, that's a good live recording. I still prefer their debut and to a lesser extent Idlewild. But that Filemore East album has some good jammun' . ------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'? Lincoln County Road or Armageddon. |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 03 2010 at 20:58
20 years? That album could have had babies that are all grown up by now. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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