axolotl
Nunquam non paratus
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Prog Archives Top 100
- Thread starter Ojai Sam
- Start date
Ojai Sam
Staff member
89. Steven Wilson - Grace For Drowning (2011)
Solo work from Porcupine Tree's front man. He's not a great singer so this one rises and falls on the instrumentals. It has some nice "Pink Floyd meets King Crimson" moments, but the whole is less than the sum of the parts.
Solo work from Porcupine Tree's front man. He's not a great singer so this one rises and falls on the instrumentals. It has some nice "Pink Floyd meets King Crimson" moments, but the whole is less than the sum of the parts.
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Ojai Sam
Staff member
88. Birds and Buildings - Bantam To Behemoth (2008)
So far, this is my favorite new discovery on this prog project. Prog Archives calls this "eclectic prog" with a "zeuhl" influence. If you're like me, you'd better look it up (I did, not having any idea what zeuhl is).
Definitely a sub-genre worth exploring.
One reviewer said:
Starting with a high energy rhythm reminiscing of zeuhl, this album goes straight to business. This first track is mesmerizing, passionate and exhilarating. However, there a great deal of variety in this album and you will experience many different sounds, styles and atmospheres before the end of this more than one hour long album. But fear not, this zeuhlish element will come again later on in the album
As rich sounding as the previous albums; as complex and well structured and composed; as varied and enjoyable - this album shows again what a fantastic composer Dan Britton is. I can't imagine him doing something I will dislike.
The music here shifts and covers many different styles, from the aforementioned zeuhl to jazz and rock; it also covers many grounds in terms of mood - from fast, intense and even nervous to the calm and peaceful; and always beautiful and thrilling.
The music here shifts and covers many different styles, from the aforementioned zeuhl to jazz and rock; it also covers many grounds in terms of mood - from fast, intense and even nervous to the calm and peaceful; and always beautiful and thrilling.
So far, this is my favorite new discovery on this prog project. Prog Archives calls this "eclectic prog" with a "zeuhl" influence. If you're like me, you'd better look it up (I did, not having any idea what zeuhl is).
Definitely a sub-genre worth exploring.One reviewer said:
Starting with a high energy rhythm reminiscing of zeuhl, this album goes straight to business. This first track is mesmerizing, passionate and exhilarating. However, there a great deal of variety in this album and you will experience many different sounds, styles and atmospheres before the end of this more than one hour long album. But fear not, this zeuhlish element will come again later on in the album
As rich sounding as the previous albums; as complex and well structured and composed; as varied and enjoyable - this album shows again what a fantastic composer Dan Britton is. I can't imagine him doing something I will dislike.
The music here shifts and covers many different styles, from the aforementioned zeuhl to jazz and rock; it also covers many grounds in terms of mood - from fast, intense and even nervous to the calm and peaceful; and always beautiful and thrilling.
The music here shifts and covers many different styles, from the aforementioned zeuhl to jazz and rock; it also covers many grounds in terms of mood - from fast, intense and even nervous to the calm and peaceful; and always beautiful and thrilling.
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lpfreak1170
Well-Known Member
96. Phideaux - Doomsday Afternoon (2007)
New Yorker Xavier Phideaux makes records that echo the melodic prog of the 70's. This one sounds great, reminding me mostly of late period Moody Blues. However, what sounded portentious 40 years ago seems a bit pretentious now ("the Doctrine of Eternal Ice"?) Obviously some folks really love this one, though; it gets 4.5 stars on Amazon. It's also on our Spotify playlist for you to consider.
Giving this another spin...still a damn fine album.
axolotl
Nunquam non paratus
Thank you for this. I am being schooled in zeuhl.88. Birds and Buildings - Bantam To Behemoth (2008)
So far, this is my favorite new discovery on this prog project. Prog Archives calls this "eclectic prog" with a "zeuhl" influence. If you're like me, you'd better look it up (I did, not having any idea what zeuhl is).
One reviewer said:
Starting with a high energy rhythm reminiscing of zeuhl, this album goes straight to business. This first track is mesmerizing, passionate and exhilarating. However, there a great deal of variety in this album and you will experience many different sounds, styles and atmospheres before the end of this more than one hour long album. But fear not, this zeuhlish element will come again later on in the album
As rich sounding as the previous albums; as complex and well structured and composed; as varied and enjoyable - this album shows again what a fantastic composer Dan Britton is. I can't imagine him doing something I will dislike.
The music here shifts and covers many different styles, from the aforementioned zeuhl to jazz and rock; it also covers many grounds in terms of mood - from fast, intense and even nervous to the calm and peaceful; and always beautiful and thrilling.
The music here shifts and covers many different styles, from the aforementioned zeuhl to jazz and rock; it also covers many grounds in terms of mood - from fast, intense and even nervous to the calm and peaceful; and always beautiful and thrilling.
Ojai Sam
Staff member
You've always been too cool for zeuhl, Axo.
Nickyboy
Staff member
Zeuhl was way cooler than Gozer. Just ask Dana.You've always been too cool for zeuhl, Axo.
axolotl
Nunquam non paratus
Ojai Sam
Staff member
87. Al Di Miola - Elegant Gypsy (1987)
Here's another album that walks the blurry line between jazz and prog. Di Miola was a member of Return To Forever at the time, so we shouldn't be surprised at the track lengths and the rock textures. I first acquired this years ago from the late lamented Columbia Jazz Club and haven't spun it in quite a while. It proved to be far more enjoyable than I remembered and will earn a lot more plays in the future.
Here's another album that walks the blurry line between jazz and prog. Di Miola was a member of Return To Forever at the time, so we shouldn't be surprised at the track lengths and the rock textures. I first acquired this years ago from the late lamented Columbia Jazz Club and haven't spun it in quite a while. It proved to be far more enjoyable than I remembered and will earn a lot more plays in the future.
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Ojai Sam
Staff member
85. Pain of Salvation - The Perfect Element, Pt. 1 (2000)
The third release from this Swedish group grows on me with repeated listening. "Prog metal" is a simplistic shorthand description. AMG sez:
...the musicians infuse raucous heavy metal type licks with '70s-style progressive rock, as they perhaps intimate the best of both idioms via resplendent imagery, driving beats, and crunching guitars along with a penchant for fabricating memorable melodies.
The third release from this Swedish group grows on me with repeated listening. "Prog metal" is a simplistic shorthand description. AMG sez:
...the musicians infuse raucous heavy metal type licks with '70s-style progressive rock, as they perhaps intimate the best of both idioms via resplendent imagery, driving beats, and crunching guitars along with a penchant for fabricating memorable melodies.
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Nickyboy
Staff member
Well, then NOW there is a reason to check them out. >hammer guy<
Thanks, Sam-O
Ojai Sam
Staff member
82. Anabelas - Bubu (1978)
It's been nearly two months since my last post in this series.
Time for some innovative Argentinian prog. EG6 first introduced me to this one. Prog Archives sez:
Bubu was one of the most amazing bands to come out of the Latin American rock scenario, their own one shot 'Anabelas' being an awesome piece of avant garde prog music. Not only is the instrumentation odd, but the compositions and subsequent arrangements are pretty complicated (not gratuitously complicated, let's state this clear). The combined mastery of all musicians involved allow Bubu to shine immensely as an exquisite yet fiery ensemble, full of both weirdness and distinction. Even when some guitar and sax sounds feel a bit harsh, the listener can feel that the sense of exquisiteness prevails. The sax, flute and violin players wander with ease and precision from free-jazz to dissonant contemporary chamber to well defined instrumental "chorales" all along the way; in parallel, the guitar/bass/drums trio make a powerful statement in the crossroads of 73-74 King Crimson and 71-73 Mahavishnu, as well as some Canterbury elements (on its wildest side).
It's not on Spotify but here's the YouTube:
Highly recommended.
It's been nearly two months since my last post in this series.
Time for some innovative Argentinian prog. EG6 first introduced me to this one. Prog Archives sez:
Bubu was one of the most amazing bands to come out of the Latin American rock scenario, their own one shot 'Anabelas' being an awesome piece of avant garde prog music. Not only is the instrumentation odd, but the compositions and subsequent arrangements are pretty complicated (not gratuitously complicated, let's state this clear). The combined mastery of all musicians involved allow Bubu to shine immensely as an exquisite yet fiery ensemble, full of both weirdness and distinction. Even when some guitar and sax sounds feel a bit harsh, the listener can feel that the sense of exquisiteness prevails. The sax, flute and violin players wander with ease and precision from free-jazz to dissonant contemporary chamber to well defined instrumental "chorales" all along the way; in parallel, the guitar/bass/drums trio make a powerful statement in the crossroads of 73-74 King Crimson and 71-73 Mahavishnu, as well as some Canterbury elements (on its wildest side).
It's not on Spotify but here's the YouTube:
Highly recommended.
lpfreak1170
Well-Known Member
82. Anabelas - Bubu (1978)
It's been nearly two months since my last post in this series.
Time for some innovative Argentinian prog. EG6 first introduced me to this one. Prog Archives sez:
Bubu was one of the most amazing bands to come out of the Latin American rock scenario, their own one shot 'Anabelas' being an awesome piece of avant garde prog music. Not only is the instrumentation odd, but the compositions and subsequent arrangements are pretty complicated (not gratuitously complicated, let's state this clear). The combined mastery of all musicians involved allow Bubu to shine immensely as an exquisite yet fiery ensemble, full of both weirdness and distinction. Even when some guitar and sax sounds feel a bit harsh, the listener can feel that the sense of exquisiteness prevails. The sax, flute and violin players wander with ease and precision from free-jazz to dissonant contemporary chamber to well defined instrumental "chorales" all along the way; in parallel, the guitar/bass/drums trio make a powerful statement in the crossroads of 73-74 King Crimson and 71-73 Mahavishnu, as well as some Canterbury elements (on its wildest side).
It's not on Spotify but here's the YouTube:
Highly recommended.
Two months? If you keep that up, people are gonna think you're me. As far as the album, that's a great one! The last two words of your post say it all.
Ojai Sam
Staff member
That could only improve my reputation. :nunja:
lpfreak1170
Well-Known Member
You poor soul.
Ojai Sam
Staff member
81. Gong - You (Radio Gnome Invisible, Vol. 3) (1974)
AMG sez: This is Gong's most "spacy" album, full of extended, ethereal passages that would inspire future generations of space rockers.
Ojai Sam sez: Yep, it sure sounds spaced out to me. I wasn't "inspired", just enervated.
Spotify has the whole trilogy here:
If you can slog through all three volumes, you're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!
AMG sez: This is Gong's most "spacy" album, full of extended, ethereal passages that would inspire future generations of space rockers.
Ojai Sam sez: Yep, it sure sounds spaced out to me. I wasn't "inspired", just enervated.
Spotify has the whole trilogy here:
If you can slog through all three volumes, you're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!
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Ojai Sam
Staff member
80. Tangerine Dream - Rubycon (1975)
AMG sez:
Rising out of the murkiness, the synthesizer arpeggios return to drive things along, and Froese weaves his backwards-recorded guitar through the web without really calling too much attention to himself. The piece evolves through varying degrees of tension, takes a pit stop on the shoreline of some faraway beach, then ever so gradually unravels a cluster of free-form strings and flutes. The rest are vapors, your ears are sweating under your headphones, and the smoke has cleared from your bedroom. This is a satisfying ambient record from the pre-ambient era, too dark for meditation, and too good to be forgotten.
Or as we used to write in our high school yearbooks,
2 Good
2 Be
4 Gotten
I do still like this classic album a whole lot.
AMG sez:
Rising out of the murkiness, the synthesizer arpeggios return to drive things along, and Froese weaves his backwards-recorded guitar through the web without really calling too much attention to himself. The piece evolves through varying degrees of tension, takes a pit stop on the shoreline of some faraway beach, then ever so gradually unravels a cluster of free-form strings and flutes. The rest are vapors, your ears are sweating under your headphones, and the smoke has cleared from your bedroom. This is a satisfying ambient record from the pre-ambient era, too dark for meditation, and too good to be forgotten.
Or as we used to write in our high school yearbooks,
2 Good
2 Be
4 Gotten
I do still like this classic album a whole lot.
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