Showing posts with label Prog Rock Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prog Rock Reviews. Show all posts

8/10/2024

Prog Rock Review: Jethro Tull-Live Bursting Out (The Inflated Version-3CD/3DVD) Format: 3CD/3DVD

Format: 3CD/3DVD

Release Date: • April 11, 2024

Label: Chrysalis

Website

Keeping with the ongoing flow of remasters of the Jethro Tull catalog by Steven Wilson, a most excellent live 1978 release, Live Bursting Out (The Inflated Version), is available in the usual book format that all the other releases have arrived in. Hopefully, the vinyl version will follow shortly, as it is a superb live recording. Inflated is an accurate description. It is all packaged in a hardcover book with trays for 3 CDs and 3 DVDs. And if you have a 5.1 surround sound system, you are in for many extras. Also, there is an extensive overview of the recording in 96 pages of text and pictures. It is quite the package that I thoroughly enjoyed.

 

Here is the breakdown of each disc:

•CD 1: Jethro Tull live: Bursting Out (Part 1) - A Steven Wilson stereo remix. Soundcheck recordings - A Steven Wilson stereo remix. Tracks 7, 10, 11 (full version) & 12-16 previously unreleased

 

•CD 2: Jethro Tull live: Bursting Out (Part 2) - A Steven Wilson stereo remix

Soundcheck recordings - A Steven Wilson stereo remix. Tracks 11-13 previously unreleased

 

•CD 3: contains an edited version of the 1978 Madison Square Garden Show, which

was issued in 2009 but is now mixed by Steven Wilson.

 

•DVDs 1 & 2 have the remixed tracks in 96/24 stereo and 5.1 surround plus the flat transfers of the original album at 96/24 stereo.

 

•DVD 3 has the full 93-minute MSG show, including 50+ minutes of video, which was part of a transatlantic broadcast with the BBC and Radio 1. The audio is 48/24 stereo and 5.1 surround.

 

I usually do a track-by-track account in my review of one of my favorite artists to cover; however, the read would be too exhaustive. I can offer prospective buyers and fans who have not pursued this set a more condensed version with what I feel are the most relevant points.

 

Of course, Ian is the group's focal point, being the frontman, writer, multi-musician, and all-around animated entertainer. So, it was no surprise that the cameras showed close-ups of Ian with sweat glistening on his forehead and face during the Madison Square Garden broadcast video. Those were excellent shots of him performing at his best during the band's peak decade. The shots that pulled away from the stage were foggy and looked dated. Also, the entire show was not on the video; it was missing parts in the front and back of the show. When there is no video, you get a rotation of pictures of the band, which is subpar as well. I am sure they did the best they could with what they had, and the bottom line is that the sound is excellent.

 

I appreciated the remix Steven Wilson masterfully created, as usual. I found it interesting to see what Ian said about that process. He mentioned he did not want to know what was going on. In his case, I can understand from an artist's standpoint how important your recorded work is, and the fact that Ian is such a professional and perfectionist would cause the man a bad case of nerves to watch Steven at work.

 

I appreciated Jethro Tull's talent and how they could recreate all of their studio works on the stage with a unique flair and precision. Some of my favorites were "Thick As A Brick," "Aqualung," "Songs From The Wood," "Heavy Horses," "Minstrel In The Gallery," "Skating Away (On the Thin Ice of the New Day)," which, as some of your older fans may remember, was on the flip side of the "Bungle in The Jungle" 45. Warchild was my first JT album in the 70s and remains my favorite. I am sure many fans would not agree that it was their best album, but I loved it. Minstrel in the Gallery is the album that followed it, and it impressed me as a musically intense prog rocker. This convinced me to continue to explore their catalog of releases.

 

If you are a classic prog rock fan, from what most folks say is the most fertile decade of the genre, you need to hear one of the best of that period at the height of their success. There is a valid reason why all these repackaged releases still sell: they are undoubtedly some of the best rock music ever recorded and performed on the stage. You'll agree once you hear this recording again or for the first time. It's on Amazon now for $49.59, a bargain for what you will get in return.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Progressive Music Reviews Founder

August 9, 2024

 

Tracks:

Disc 1:

01. Claude Nobs - Introduction by Claude Nobs (Live) [2024 Remaster]

02. No Lullaby (Live) [2024 Remaster]

03. Sweet Dream (Live) [2024 Remaster]

04. Skating Away (On the Thin Ice of the New Day) [Live] [2024 Remaster]

05. Jack-in-the-Green (Live) [2024 Remaster]

06. One Brown Mouse (Live) [2024 Remaster]

07. Heavy Horses (Live) [2024 Remaster]

08. A New Day Yesterday (Live) [2024 Remaster]

09. Flute Solo Improvisation / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Bouree (Medley) [Live] [2024 Remaster]

10. Living in the Past (Live)

11. Songs from the Wood (Live) [2024 Remaster]

12. No Lullaby (Live)

13. Sweet Dream (Live)

14. Heavy Horses (Live)

15. Botanic Man (Live)

16. 4.W.D (Low Ratio) [Live]

Disc 2:

01.  Thick As a Brick (Live) [2024 Remaster]

02.  Hunting Girl (Live) [2024 Remaster]

03.  Too Old to Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young to Die! (Live) [2024 Remaster]

04.  Conundrum (Live) [2024 Remaster]

05.  Minstrel In The Gallery (Live) [2024 Remaster]

06.  Cross-Eyed Mary (Live) [2024 Remaster]

07.  Quatrain (Live) [2024 Remaster]

08.  Aqualung (Live) [2024 Remaster]

09.  Locomotive Breath (Live) [2024 Remaster]

10.  The Dambusters March (Live) [2024 Remaster]

11.  Conundrum (Live)

12.  Quatrain (Live)

13.  The Dambusters March (Live)

Disc 3:

01. Sweet Dream Fanfare (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

02. Sweet Dream (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

03. One Brown Mouse (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

04. Heavy Horses (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

05. Thick As a Brick (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

06. No Lullaby (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

07. Flute Solo Improvisation (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

08. Songs From the Wood (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

09. Quatrain (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

10. Aqualung (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

11. Locomotive Breath (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

12. The Dambusters March (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

13. A Single Man (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

14. Too Old to Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Old to Die! (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

15. My God (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

16. Cross-Eyed Mary (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978)

DVD 1:

01. Claude Nobs - Introduction by Claude Nobs (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

02. No Lullaby (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

03. Sweet Dream (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

04. Skating Away (On the Thin Ice of the New Day) [Live] [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

05. Jack-in-the-Green (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

06. One Brown Mouse (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

07. Heavy Horses (Live) [96/24 Stereo]

08. A New Day Yesterday (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

09. Flute Solo Improvisation / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Bourée (Medley) [Live] [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

10. Living in the Past (Live) [96/24 Stereo]

11. Songs from the Wood (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

12. No lullaby (Live) [96/24 Stereo]

13. Sweet Dream (Live) [96/24 Stereo]

14. Heavy Horses (Live) [96/24 Stereo]

15. Botanic Man (Live) [96/24 Stereo]

16. 4.W.D (Low Ratio) [Live] [96/24 Stereo]

17. Claude Nobs - Introduction by Claude Nobs (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

18. No Lullaby (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

19. Sweet Dream (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

20. Skating Away (On the Thin Ice of the New Day) [Live] [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

21. Jack-in-the-Green (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

22. One Brown Mouse (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

23. Heavy Horses (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

24. A New Day Yesterday (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

25. Flute Solo Improvisation / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Bourée (Medley) [Live] [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

26. Living in the Past (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

27. Songs from the Wood (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

28. No lullaby (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

29. Sweet Dream (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

30. Heavy Horses (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

31. Botanic Man (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

32. 4.W.D (Low Ratio) [Live] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

33. No Lullaby (Live) [Flat Transfer]

34. Sweet Dream (Live) [Flat Transfer]

35. Skating Away (On the Thin Ice of the New Day) [Live] [Flat Transfer]

36. Jack-in-the-Green (Live) [Flat Transfer]

37. One Brown Mouse (Live) [Flat Transfer]

38. A New Day Yesterday (Live) [Flat Transfer]

39. Flute Solo Improvisation / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Bourée (Medley) [Live] [Flat Transfer]

40. Songs from the Wood (Live) [Flat Transfer]

41. Thick As A Brick (Live) [Flat Transfer]

DVD 2:

01. Thick As A Brick (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

02. Hunting Girl (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

03. Too Old To Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young To Die! (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

04. Conundrum (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

05. Minstrel In The Gallery (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

06. Cross-Eyed Mary (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

07. Quatrain (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

08. Aqualung (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

09. Locomotive Breath (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

10. The Dambusters March (Live) [2024 Remaster] [96/24 Stereo]

11. Conundrum (Live) [96/24 Stereo

12. Quatrain (Live) [96/24 Stereo]

13. The Dambusters March (Live) [96/24 Stereo]

14. Thick As A Brick (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

15. Hunting Girl (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

16. Too Old To Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young To Die! (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

17. Conundrum (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

18. Minstrel In The Gallery (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

19. Cross-Eyed Mary (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

20. Quatrain (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

21. Aqualung (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

22. Locomotive Breath (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

23. The Dambusters March (Live) [2024 Remaster] [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

24. Conundrum (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

25. Quatrain (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

26. The Dambusters March (Live) [DD & DTS 5.1 Surround]

27. Hunting Girl (Live) [Flat Transfer]

28. Too Old To Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Young To Die! (Live) [Flat Transfer]

29. Conundrum (Live) [Flat Transfer]

30. Minstrel In The Gallery (Live) [Flat Transfer]

31. Cross-Eyed Mary (Live) [Flat Transfer]

32. Quatrain (Live) [Flat Transfer]

33. Aqualung (Live) [Flat Transfer]

34. Locomotive Breath (Live) [Flat Transfer]

35. The Dambusters March (Live) [Flat Transfer

DVD 3:

01. Sweet Dream Fanfare (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

02. Sweet Dream (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

03. One Brown Mouse (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

04. Heavy Horses (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

05. Thick As A Brick (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

06. No Lullaby (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

07. Songs From The Wood (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

08. Quatrain (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

09. Aqualung (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

10. Locomotive Breath (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

11. The Dambusters March (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

12. A Single Man (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

13. Too Old Too Rock ‘n’ Roll: Too Old To Die! (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

14. My God (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)

15. Cross-Eyed Mary (Live at Madison Square Garden October 1978) (Music Video)


6/13/2021

Neo Prog Review: Cosmograf-Rattrapante

Release Date: March 26 2021 (CD/Digital), May 28 2021 (Vinyl)

Label: Gravity Dream music

Website

 

Cosmograf is the creative vehicle of Robin Armstrong, a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, keyboards, bass, drums and vocals), who also records and produces his music in his home studio. Robin has released 8 albums, from the debut, End Of Ecclesia in 2009, to the album under review, Rattrapante, released earlier this year.

To quote Robin, "Rattrapante is a French word which has its root in rattraper, meaning to catch up or recapture. A Rattrapante chronograph watch can simultaneously time two events, such as a lap split time and a final race time. As such it was the perfect metaphor for our interaction with time.

Cosmograf albums tend to be either concept albums, or at least, themed in some way. The sound of Cosmograf is rooted in 70's classic rock with a progressive twist, and although I have used the term neo-prog (from Progarchives) to indicate the musical style, there are straight metal passages as well as classical styled themes.

Rattrapante is a 5-track album with a total playing of around 51 minutes (50:34) and the opening track, “In 1985” is the longest track at 12:46 min, with the third track, “I Stick To You” the shortest at 6:52 min.

The guest musicians involved with Robin, who plays guitar, keyboards, bass and provides vocals, are Kyle Fenton (drums and backing vocals), Chrissy Mostyn (vocals on track 3) and Tommy McNally (spoken words on track 5). NASA is also credited for the use of some sound clips on the album.
 
The opening track from Rattrapante, "In 1985" (12:43), starts with a very distinctive nod to Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, with some superbly atmospheric guitar over a gently building background before Robin’s shout of “Are you ready?” sets us off on an autobiographical journey which manages to veer from the poignant to the angry. There is an insistent driving beat and a Middle Eastern influence before the guitar wielded by Robin soars above all. With references to Concorde, Spectrum, and Amstrad computers, the Back To The Future film, Live Aid, Queen, Bowie, Life On Mars and the Heysel Disaster, this opener certainly catches the listeners interest and draws them into the nostalgia, before bringing things up to date as the track progresses. The sound of crowds cheering through the music adds to the atmosphere of this being a "live" track. A different middle section leads back into the driving style on show at the start, and thus, ends a very stunning opening track to commence a superb album.

The closing track of the album, “Time Will Flow” (12:42) is a different style to the opening track, especially the moodiness of the music. There is a relatively long scene-setting start, in some ways similar to the opening of track 1. As the moody aural landscape builds, there is a voice that appears, but not that of Robin, but Tommy McNally, narrating the fact that time is a very precious commodity that should be used, but carefully. Lines such as "Time shapes. Time Destroys. Time brings an end to all your joys." And "We measure time, but waste it more, equally bound, the rich and poor. Use it well for it can’t be made. Do it now, don’t be afraid,” include atmospheric music behind the narration which builds continuously until around the halfway point in the track, when after another excellent guitar section, vocals appear, courtesy of Robin. There are superb lyrics and masterful music in this stunning track and towards the end, a question is asked. "Look back upon what is done. A life well-lived. But did you think, what did you give?" As the track closes out, Robin's voice can be heard in the distance drifting away.

Rattrapante
is a stunning album that settles into your grey matter within a couple of plays. Cosmograf has a superbly high standard of music across all previous 7 studio albums and Rattrapante is no exception. My advice is to grab a listen to this album and then clear a space on your CD shelf to slot it into.

(If you have not heard much of Cosmograf, check out one of my radio show podcasts ("Podcast: The Ancient One - Edition 161 - Progzilla Radio ) which is “A Brief History of Cosmograf” and takes a couple of tracks from each of the 8  studio albums.)


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
June 2, 2021 

Tracks:
1. In 1985 (12:46)
2. Rattrapante (9:44)
3. I Stick To You (6:52)
4. Memories Lie (8:29)
5. Time Will Flow (12:43)

4/28/2021

Crossover Prog Review: Downes Braide Association-Halcyon Hymns

Release Date: Feb 5 (Dig), Feb 12 (CD/DVD) and April 2 (Vinyl) All 2021

Label: DBA Records

Website

The Downes Braide Association is a studio-based project by Geoff Downes (keyboards) and Chris Braide (singer/songwriter), both of whom have a rich musical heritage.

Geoff has been a member of The Buggles, Yes and Asia, while Chris has written and produced music for film scores, advertising campaigns and worked with Lana Del Ray, Beyonce, Paloma Faith, David Guetta and co-wrote the music for Seven Worlds One Planet (A David Attenborough BBC TV series) together with Hans Zimmer and Sia.

The debut album from the Downes Braide Association was issued in 2012 and titled Pictures of You, followed 3 years later by Suburban Ghosts and then in 2017 by album No 3, Skyscraper Souls. A live album from the band was also issued in 2019, DBA Live In England.

Under review is the fourth, and latest, album from Downes Braid Association, entitled Halcyon Hymns. This is a 12 track album with a total playing time of around 64 minutes (63:37), with tracks 11 (Remembrance), and 10 (Late Summer) being the longest at 11:44 minutes and the shortest at 2:24 minutes respectively.

The opening track, “Love Among The Ruins” (6:24) starts with a short spoken section before a gentle acoustic before the vocals of Chris Braide appear. The guitar of guest musician, Dave Bainbridge (Iona/Strawbs) soon soars over the track and adds an interesting dimension, as the track repeats the previous themes leading to another guitar section. A pleasant enough entry into the album, but not one that made this listener too optimistic about what was to come, and my overall impression was that the opening track overstayed its welcome and detracted from the effect “Love Among The Ruins” had.

Track No 2, “King Of The Sunset” (6:37) features additional vocals by David Longdon (Big Big Train) and more superb guitar work from Dave Bainbridge. This track is a definite grower and initially boosted my interest after the opener. The sound drops away around two minutes from the end of the track to leave an instrumental fade out featuring mandolin and guitar which was a bit unexpected. The thought that floated across my mind was that the ending section was not necessary.

As you progress through the tracks, there are some excellent passages, melodies that penetrate deep into your mind and will not go away, stunning vocals and guitar playing, and as the long track (second last on the album) approached, I was beginning to look forward to what the band could do on a 10 minute plus excursion.

The long track, “Remembrance” (11:44) starts off with piano, some spoken word By Barney Ashton Bullock before the acoustic backing starts to build courtesy of the mandolin. Excellent lyrics carry the track along and the listener eases into the journey that is unfolding. The narrative short interludes work very well but there seemed to be a fair repetition of some lyrics which, to my mind interrupted the journey. By the halfway point, the track was beginning to pull the listener back but the disappointment was that the track then seemed to retread the music that had already gone and appeared to lose its way. I think that this was another example of a track running out of ideas.

Halcyon Hymns
has its moments, but the band seem unable to maintain those high points or to use them as jumping-off points. While I was not blown away by Halcyon Hymns, that is my personal opinion, and I would suggest, as always, that you should give this album a listen and see what you think. I will go check out the earlier albums and perhaps find the spark I seemed to miss from album No 4.


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
April 21, 2021
 

Tracks:
01. Love Among The Ruins (6:24)
02. King Of The Sunset (6:37)
03. Your Heart Will Find The Way (5:20)
04. Holding The Heavens (7:54)
05. Beachcombers (3:31)
06. Warm Summer Sun (4:43)
07. Today (6:59)
08. Hymn to Darkness (2:59
09. She’ll Be Riding Horses (4:35)
10. Late Summer (2:24)
11. Remembrance (11:44)
12. Epilogue (0:36)

 

4/25/2021

Prog Rock Review: Jethro Tull-A-La Mode 40th Anniversary Set (3 CD-3 DVD-Book Set)

Release Date: April 16, 2021

Label: Rhino/Parlophone

Website


As Steven Wilson makes his way through the bountiful Jethro Tull catalog, fans get an opportunity to relive all of that great music. There are reissues and anniversary releases of many recordings available but there is a difference with these fine book editions that Jethro Tull has provided over the years. I have been the fortunate recipient of many. 


A is not one of my favorite albums although I now have an entirely different view of the recording thanks to this A-La Mode 40th Anniversary Set 3 CD-3 DVD-Book Set. What was meant to be an Ian Anderson solo album turned into a full-blown JT album and an on-stage production and video of “Slipstream.” Also included is live concert footage in between the storyline with Ian trying to escape large pink balloons and posing as a vampire in the “Sweet Dream” video and thereby chasing himself posing as that despicable Aqualung.

Wilson is a true wizard when he works with the remastering of the catalog of JT. This is, as all the others are, all-inclusive and in-depth exploring the music at different angles, and the end products all differ. Each production offers a look into aspects of the music you have never heard before. That is the entire idea with these sets and hopefully giving the long-time faithful more appreciation for the music now. In the case of A, which was underrated at the time, it most certainly accomplishes that in more ways than one would expect. Interestingly enough, the band considers the album in their top third of releases. Perhaps now so will some fans. I still a have list of my top picks and this one still is not at the top of my list even after rediscovering it with different ears. Although I did appreciate the experience and reading the entire book, which was extremely informative, and hearing the music live and remastered was refreshing.

If you are a Jethro Tull fan, there is a lot to take in with this set and it will take some time. It is time well spent I believe. If you are an average fan, you would not consider releases such as this anyway. If you love your progressive rock and are interested in hearing one of the true innovators of the genre, then, of course, any of these massive reissues is a must. That is how I perceive it, but then again, I have been loving JT since the first time I heard Aqualung and I nearly wore out War Child as a teenager in discovery mode.

The treat here is after all these years, regardless of how long you have been following the band, there is always something new to discover. It’s like a basket of Easter eggs long before the day arrives, you cannot resist looking to see what is inside. And that is what makes it worth every penny and all of the time spent soaking it all up.


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

April 22, 2021

 Disc One: Original Album and Associated Tracks
(Steven Wilson Stereo Remix)
1. “Crossfire”
2. “Fylingdale Flyer”
3. “Working John, Working Joe”
4. “Black Sunday”
5. “Protect And Survive”
6. “Batteries Not Included”
7. “Uniform”
8. “4.W.D. (Low Ratio)”
9. “The Pine Marten’s Jig”
10. “And Further On”
Associated Tracks
11. “Crossfire” (Extended Version)
12. “Working John, Working Joe” (Take 4)
13. “Cheerio” (Early Version)
14. “Coruisk”
15. “Slipstream Intro”

Disc Two: Live at the LA Sports Arena 1980 (Part 1)

(Steven Wilson Stereo Remix)
1. “Slipstream Intro”
2. “Black Sunday”
3. “Crossfire”
4. “Songs From The Wood”
5. “Hunting Girl”
6. “The Pine Marten’s Jig”
7. “Working John, Working Joe”
8. “Heavy Horses”
9. Band Instrumental Intro
10. “Skating Away On The Thin Ice Of The New Day”
11. “Instrumental” (including flute solo)

Disc Three: Live at the LA Sports Arena 1980 (Part 2)

(Steven Wilson Stereo Remix)
1. Trio Instrumental
2. Keyboard solo
3. “Batteries Not Included”
4. “Uniform” (including drum solo instrumental)
5. “Protect and Survive” (including violin solo)
6. “Bungle In The Jungle”
7. Guitar Solo/Bass solo intro to encore
8. “Aqualung”
9. “Locomotive Breath”/Instrumental/”Black Sunday” (reprise)

DVD One: Original Album and Associated Tracks

(Audio Only)
Contains Steven Wilson’s 2020 remix of the album and 5 associated tracks in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 surround, and stereo 96/24 LPCM. Flat transfers of the original LP master in 96/24 LPCM

DVD Two: Live At The LA Sports Arena November 1980

(Audio Only)
Contains Steven Wilson’s 2020 mix of the concert in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 surround and stereo 96/24 LPCM
 
DVD Three: Slipstream Video
(Video)
With audio tracks remixed by Steven Wilson in DTS and Dolby AC 3, 5.1 surround and stereo 96/24 LPCM

10/30/2020

Symphonic Prog Review: Rick Wakeman-The Red Planet

Release Date: June 19 2020

Label: R +D Multimedia

Website



Red Planet
is the newest release from The Caped Crusader, otherwise known as Rick Wakeman. Rick is probably one of the best known prog musicians and a pioneer in the use of electronic keyboards in rock music. As well as previously having been a member of The Strawbs, Yes and Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe (a Yes offshoot), not forgetting AWR (Anderson, Wakeman, and Rabin appearing as Yes), he has a list of session credits that almost stretch to the Red Planet. This list includes David Bowie, Elton John, Black Sabbath, Cat Stevens, Al Stewart, Lou Reed, and many more. Rick has also found time to release more than 100 solo albums across a swathe of genres.

The Red Planet is a return to the beginning, in that Rick has returned to the symphonic prog that appeared in many of his early albums, such as 6 Wives of Henry XIII, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth, The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table and No Earthly Connection.

The band on The Red Planet is Rick Wakeman (keyboards), Dave Colquhoun (guitars), Lee Pomeroy (bass), and Ash Soan (drums) and the other musicians are given the collective name of The English Rock Ensemble.

The Red Planet is an eight-track album with a total running time of just over 56 minutes (56:24), with track 4, “Olympus Mons” being the shortest at 5:20 minutes and the final track, “Valles Marineris” being the longest at just over 10 minutes (10:02).

The opening track, “Ascraeus Mons” (5:52) immediately puts the listener into a high plane of expectation with the superb swathe of swirling keyboards that ride over the top of that tight power unit of drums (Ash) and bass (Lee). Initially starting with a church-like organ passage, the drums and bass soon boost the sound before the excellent keyboard passages follow one another, revisiting earlier themes, but exuding first-class symphonic prog. A choral sound provides several passages before the guitar (Dave) gets a chance to shine. As an opening track, this is a very satisfying return to Rick’s symphonic prog areas and leaves the listener eager to sample the remaining seven tracks.


Track 5, “The North Plain” (6:53) has a spacey, quiet start with a piano theme, which gently builds in intensity until the drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards launch into the mix around the 1:30 minute point. A wonderful passage on keyboards follows while the powerhouse of drum and bass underpin everything so well. At 2:50 minutes, Rick’s keyboards start to soar above all else before a return to a similar passage to the start, which is very atmospheric and takes the track on past 4:40 minutes. Cue again another keyboard passage from the Caped Crusader himself, before a return to one of the earlier keyboard themes and a relaunching of another theme, but this time on guitar rather than keyboards which takes the track out.

“Pavonis Mons (7:13), track 6 starts with the band in unison before a nice passage from the keyboards, them a sudden change in tempo before returning to the opening theme. Superb keyboards over the solid rhythm section lead to a change of tack at the 2:00 minute mark, with a different keyboard theme before morphing into a piano passage and back into the keyboards. The track swings back into the earlier themes and changes tempo a couple of times as it starts to wind towards the finale. There is, however, still time for another flurry of keyboard work from Rick as we enter the last minute.

The Red Planet is an excellent example of keyboard-based symphonic progressive music played by one of the best, if not the best, keyboard players in the music environment. If you enjoy the earlier works by Rick, mentioned earlier in the review, this album is definitely for you and if you are new to Rick Wakeman, get this album as a superb example of a very skillful keyboard player at his very best.


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
October 12, 2020

Tracks:
1. Ascraeus Mons (5:52)
2. Tharsis Tholus (6:16)
3. Arsia Mons (6:10)
4. Olympus Mons (5:20)
5. The North Plain (6:53)
6. Pavonis Mons (7:13)
7. South Pole (7:35)
8. Valles Marineris (10:02)


5/17/2020

Prog Rock Review: Notion Blue-The Son, The Liar and The Victor

Release Date: May 12, 2020
Label: Digital Self Released


This was an unexpected album for review, The Son, The Liar and The Victor, as I had not heard of the band, Notion Blue before. A little bit of research gave me some info about the 3-piece rock band from Connecticut.

Unfortunately, the unifying force behind the formation of Notion Blue was a tragedy. Brothers, Gabe (drums/vocals), and Luke (vocals/guitar/bass) Chase had often joined Max (vocals/synthesizer/keyboards) and Johny (bass) Barbi for gigs since high school days. Although this happened a lot of the time, they never actually considered forming a band. Everything changed in 2018 when Johny died unexpectedly and in dealing with this loss, the three remaining friends decided to form an official band to produce a concept album about the life and times of Johny Barbi. Over the following 12 months, they worked hard, writing and recording demos and wrestling with rough ideas.

The resulting album, The Son, The Liar and The Victor, is a prog concept album greatly influenced by concept albums from The Neal Morse Band, Dream Theater and Steven Wilson to depict Johny Barbi’s life.

The album is a 10-track release with a total running time of just over 42 minutes. The longest track on offer is track 5, “Keeping Apart” which clocks in at 5:41 minutes, and the shortest is the opening track, “Memories” at under 2 minutes.

Opening the album is “Memories” (1:31) a short introduction to the album with excellent piano, strings joining in around 35 seconds, and a plaintive vocal appearing after 60 seconds. A really good piece of music to set the listener up for the rest of the album.

The fourth track, “The Liar” (5:40) has a stunning keyboard/guitar intro before dropping away to the vocals and then returning to the opening passage. The tempo builds up to another stunning keyboard/guitar interplay which drives the track on until dropping away with the return of the vocals and the opening theme. An interesting guitar riff takes the track towards the finale and a gentle fading away.

The last featured track is track 6, “Doubt Is Not A Destination” (5:36) which commences with a gentle acoustic guitar and vocal, taking the track onwards for the first 1:30 minutes, before the band starts to flow with an excellent section and a great guitar backed passage. By 3 minutes the music has returned to the gentleness of the opening section before building up as the track enters the final quarter with some excellent harmonized vocals and strings again reappearing. The gentle acoustic guitar from the start escorts the track out.


This was a huge undertaking by the three remaining friends and musicians, and they have produced an excellent prog-rock album. If I have one niggle, I do tend to find that in trying to convey areas and happenings in the life of Johny, the flow of the lyrics sometimes doesn’t quite work, but with such excellent music, it is only a niggle. The band provides sensitive lyrics, great vocals, both on lead and on the harmonies, superb bass, guitar, and keyboards going from the delicate to the soaring and the gentle to the driving.

I found The Son, The Liar and The Victor to be an excellent first album and congratulate the three band members on their achievement. Grab a listen to this album, and while I cannot guarantee that everyone will be blown away by it, I feel that many prog followers will find this of sufficient interest to add it to their collection.

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson – Prog Rock Music Talk Staff
March 16, 2020

Tracks:

01. Memories (1:31)
02. The Gathering/Overture (4.47)
03. Always Tomorrow.\ (4.27)
04. The Liar (5.40)
05. Keeping Apart (5.41)
06. Doubt Is Not A Destination (5.36)
07. I See The Light (4.03)
08. Passing (4.20)
09. Homecoming (3.13)
10. Gates of Heaven (3.11)

 

2/16/2020

Progressive Rock Review: Art in America - Cloudborn

Release Date: August 1, 2019
Label: Art in America



Like a book, music can catapult you into an imaginative adventure. Art in America most definitely built their latest LP, Cloudborn around the concept of an alternate universe where all your troubles just disappear and the listener cannot wait for what may lie ahead.

The theme of experimental simplicity is fitting for this band as the band members started, as they state on their site, “in their living room kicking around some musical ideas with guitar, bass and some unusual instrumentation - … and a Japanese Koto.” Band members and siblings, Chris Flynn – lead vocals and guitar, Shisonee Flynn – harp, koto, tamboura, and vocals; and Dan Flynn – on drums and percussion, began the venture of artistry and bringing together the framework of a band. Soon, after adding Jim Kuha – on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Garry Galloway on the keys; the band was finalized and two albums later, Art in America is on the rise to become a part of every Progressive Rock N’ Roll lover’s collection and earworm.

“A Tale of the Unexpected” sounds like that of a videogame cut scene. It offers the listener a way to both, relax and get introduced to a realm of unusual instruments that typically is not included within Progressive Rock album concepts. The harp, an Indian piece called a tambura, and a Japanese koto are fused throughout the track list.

Much of the rest of the album gives off a blend of 80’s and 90’s Progressive Rock/Pop vibe. As soon as I heard the first few lines of “I Am I,” I felt like I was inside a Classic Progressive Rock or Action movie soundtrack music video. “Someday” hits right in the heart of any listener with half a sense of aspiration and hope. It proclaims that one day soon he (the singer), will get to where he needs to be.

Just take a look at this particular album art. It is of a vast and new unexplored world that leaves an imprint of a powerful image on the listener’s mind. “Drool,” on the other hand, gives the feel of a traveler that is in search of something but; no one quite knows what. The singer may just be wandering down an endless road. Rounding out the first half of the track list, “The New Swami” is one of those songs that you just cannot exactly place your finger on how to react. It contains elements of the tambura giving the tune some peacefulness. It is sung so brightly but, if you listen to some of the lyrics: “The new Swami smiles, as rubies turn to rubble;” the Swami is not as peaceful as proclaimed.

“Someone Called My Name,” is all about looking for answers. It’s a journey where all but, the voice he keeps hearing over and over again remains a constant in his life. We never do learn if he discovers who or what he has been searching for. Art in America goes back to a wild-western-type of a theme on “For Shelly.” It sings of coming to a realization of whom he had however, now she’s gone out of his life
Trying to find any remnants of back to when he and his friend or lover back to simpler times, the singer is in a daydream-like state and the rhythm remains constant to maintain that feel of flashbacks. It’s a very mellow peace to bridge the album together, it almost becomes instrumental.

Going from an almost monotone beginning to an action-packed four minutes and twenty-one seconds, “Facelift” is a fun changeup from the rest of the record. It feels like the singer or the listener could be charging up to something blending with a somewhat mystical sound towards the end. It becomes one of the standout tracks on the album for the simple reason that it brings some life and rejuvenation back into the record; like a reawakening of sorts.

The last three tracks create their own personalities. “Don’t Look Down” keeps with the upbeat sequence of the prior track. It’s guitar solo, is on the shorter side but, still offers what every Progressive Rock lover desires, a pure shred of the strings through your speakers. “No Wonder” finds its way on this record perfectly as its unique sound, almost like a movie scene, or story time sequence. The lyrics do not reflect much in terms of positivity because the man in question has made some mistake that he cannot seem to identify but, she knows quite well what he did. It’s the typical couples’ flare-up of arguments, disagreements, and sometimes breakup. Finally, taking a look at the last track “Goodbye My Love / Mind’s Eye / Peace of Mind,” it is truly an ideal finale to a perfect Progressive Rock album. It begins slow and swing-like, then, by the time it gets to “Mind’s Eye,” it blossoms into an up-tempo grand finish to make the listener feel as though they are leaving the concert of their life.

Cloudborn is that album that defines experimental. It pushes all types of Progressive Rock boundaries and draws the ear of various listeners. If you are looking for a record that makes you daydream, that makes you feel good overall, and that can turn any day around; this is the album for you. Often, Progressive Rock is misconstrued as angry – when commonly dealing with Metal, or disturbed when playing a bunch of Alternative artists; there’s a third avenue of eclectic and experimental sound that can accompany a typically positive intonation.

Key tracks include: “A Tale of the Unexpected,” “The New Swami,” and “No Wonder.”

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff
February 15, 2020

Reviews Provided By:

Track Listing:
 

01. A Tale of the Unexpected
02. I Am I
03. Someday
04. Drool
05. The New Swami
06. Someone Called My Name
07. For Shelly
08. When We Were Young
09. Facelift
10. Don't Look Down
11. No Wonder
12. Goodbye My Love / Mind’s Eye / Peace of Mind

2/15/2020

Progressive Rock Review: Art in America - Cloudborn

Release Date:August 1, 2019
Label: Art in America



Like a book, music can catapult you into an imaginative adventure. Art in America most definitely built their latest LP, Cloudborn around the concept of an alternate universe where all your troubles just disappear and the listener cannot wait for what may lie ahead.

The theme of experimental simplicity is fitting for this band as the band members started, as they state on their site, “in their living room kicking around some musical ideas with guitar, bass and some unusual instrumentation - … and a Japanese Koto.” Band members and siblings, Chris Flynn – lead vocals and guitar, Shisonee Flynn – harp, koto, tamboura, and vocals; and Dan Flynn – on drums and percussion, began the venture of artistry and bringing together the framework of a band. Soon, after adding Jim Kuha – on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Garry Galloway on the keys; the band was finalized and two albums later, Art in America is on the rise to become a part of every Progressive Rock N’ Roll lover’s collection and earworm.

“A Tale of the Unexpected” sounds like that of a videogame cut scene. It offers the listener a way to both, relax and get introduced to a realm of unusual instruments that typically is not included within Progressive Rock album concepts. The harp, an Indian piece called a tambura, and a Japanese koto are fused throughout the track list.

Much of the rest of the album gives off a blend of 80’s and 90’s Progressive Rock/Pop vibe. As soon as I heard the first few lines of “I Am I,” I felt like I was inside a Classic Progressive Rock or Action movie soundtrack music video. “Someday” hits right in the heart of any listener with half a sense of aspiration and hope. It proclaims that one day soon he (the singer), will get to where he needs to be.

Just take a look at this particular album art. It is of a vast and new unexplored world that leaves an imprint of a powerful image on the listener’s mind. “Drool,” on the other hand, gives the feel of a traveler that is in search of something but; no one quite knows what. The singer may just be wandering down an endless road. Rounding out the first half of the track list, “The New Swami” is one of those songs that you just cannot exactly place your finger on how to react. It contains elements of the tambura giving the tune some peacefulness. It is sung so brightly but, if you listen to some of the lyrics: “The new Swami smiles, as rubies turn to rubble;” the Swami is not as peaceful as proclaimed.

“Someone Called My Name,” is all about looking for answers. It’s a journey where all but, the voice he keeps hearing over and over again remains a constant in his life. We never do learn if he discovers who or what he has been searching for. Art in America goes back to a wild-western-type of a theme on “For Shelly.” It sings of coming to a realization of whom he had however, now she’s gone out of his life
Trying to find any remnants of back to when he and his friend or lover back to simpler times, the singer is in a daydream-like state and the rhythm remains constant to maintain that feel of flashbacks. It’s a very mellow peace to bridge the album together, it almost becomes instrumental.

Going from an almost monotone beginning to an action-packed four minutes and twenty-one seconds, “Facelift” is a fun changeup from the rest of the record. It feels like the singer or the listener could be charging up to something blending with a somewhat mystical sound towards the end. It becomes one of the standout tracks on the album for the simple reason that it brings some life and rejuvenation back into the record; like a reawakening of sorts.

The last three tracks create their own personalities. “Don’t Look Down” keeps with the upbeat sequence of the prior track. It’s guitar solo, is on the shorter side but, still offers what every Progressive Rock lover desires, a pure shred of the strings through your speakers. “No Wonder” finds its way on this record perfectly as its unique sound, almost like a movie scene, or story time sequence. The lyrics do not reflect much in terms of positivity because the man in question has made some mistake that he cannot seem to identify but, she knows quite well what he did. It’s the typical couples’ flare-up of arguments, disagreements, and sometimes breakup. Finally, taking a look at the last track “Goodbye My Love / Mind’s Eye / Peace of Mind,” it is truly an ideal finale to a perfect Progressive Rock album. It begins slow and swing-like, then, by the time it gets to “Mind’s Eye,” it blossoms into an up-tempo grand finish to make the listener feel as though they are leaving the concert of their life.

Cloudborn is that album that defines experimental. It pushes all types of Progressive Rock boundaries and draws the ear of various listeners. If you are looking for a record that makes you daydream, that makes you feel good overall, and that can turn any day around; this is the album for you. Often, Progressive Rock is misconstrued as angry – when commonly dealing with Metal, or disturbed when playing a bunch of Alternative artists; there’s a third avenue of eclectic and experimental sound that can accompany a typically positive intonation.

Key tracks include: “A Tale of the Unexpected,” “The New Swami,” and “No Wonder.”

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff
February 15, 2020

Reviews Provided By:

Track Listing:
 

01. A Tale of the Unexpected
02. I Am I
03. Someday
04. Drool
05. The New Swami
06. Someone Called My Name
07. For Shelly
08. When We Were Young
09. Facelift
10. Don't Look Down
11. No Wonder
12. Goodbye My Love / Mind’s Eye / Peace of Mind