Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
ANATHEMA and ALCEST Fall 2013 NA Tour (was RUMOR/SPECULATION)
6/27/13 10:14PM
Not that I love Mill City Nights, but at least it's on a Sunday night. I do worry that place will get hot and humid with the crowd. Getting there early (and buying tickets when they go on sale) will be a must.
my gawd September and the Fall are starting to get busy:
Tues 9/17 The Dear Hunter @ The Varsity
Thurs 9/19 Typhoon @ The Cedar
Sun 9/22 Anathema/Alcest @ Mill City Nights
Sun Fri 10/11 Between the Buried and Me/The Faceless @ The Varsity
https://www.facebook.com/anathemafan/posts/10151557669418952
Anathema has announced its most extensive North American tour in the band’s celebrated career with co-headliner Alcest and special guest Mamiffer.
Anathema has only performed twice as a full band in North America at the infamous Milwaukee Metal Fest 2000 and 2001, as well as supporting a few dates of Blackfield's 2011 tour as an acoustic duo. The fall 2013 co-headlining tour has the band visiting many cities in both the U.S. and Canada for the first time, beginning September 12 in Philadelphia.
The tour will also coincide with the release of Universal, a concert film on CD/DVD and Blu-ray directed by acclaimed photographer/filmmaker Lasse Hoile (Porcupine Tree, Opeth) out September 17, 2013 on Kscope. The audio / visual release captures a special one-off gig at the ancient Roman theatre of Philippopolis where the band was joined by the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra.
The film and album capture the magic of this unique evening as the band started on its lengthy world tour in support of its most successful album, Weather Systems. Universal will be available as an audio visual CD/DVD and Blu-ray.
Anathema / Alcest
Special guest: Mamiffer
9/12 Philadelphia PA @ Underground Arts
9/13 Springfield VA @ Empire
9/14 New York NY @ Gramercy Theater
9/15 Boston MA @ Middle East
9/16 Montreal QC @ Foufounes Electriques
9/18 Toronto ON @ Opera House
9/19 Flint MI @ The Machine Shop
9/20 Cleveland OH @ Peabody's
9/21 Chicago IL @ Reggie's
9/22 Minneapolis MN @ Mill City Nights
9/24 Denver CO @ Summit City Music Hall
9/25 Salt Lake City UT @ In The Venue
9/26 Boise ID @ Knitting Factory
9/27 Seattle WA @ Studio Seven
9/28 Vancouver BC @ Rickshaw Theater
9/29 Portland OR @ Hawthorne Theater
10/1 Oakland CA @ Oakland Opera House
10/3 Los Angeles CA @ El Rey Theater
10/4 San Diego CA @ The Casbah
10/5 Tempe AZ @ The Marquee Theater
5/30/13 12:10PM
This is at this point, PURE SPECULATION, but I saw per the dreamtheaterforums.org
there was already an announced concert with both of these bands in Oakland, California in October 1st.
So, if a tour happens with them in North America this September/October, don't be surprised.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152884594040195&id=209358445194
Anathema / Alcest incoming October first.
If this tour hits Minnesota, likely St.Paul aka Station 4, I would love to go obviously. Schedule and budget-wise will of course be the main factors.
If it's not coming to MN, but Chicago, I may have to sit it out unfortunately. But I certainly will be happy that many people will get to see Anathema that never have. The Cynic/3 tour they were announced to be on a few years ago, would have been amazing. But maybe this tour will makeup for it as I do like Alcest, as much as they remind me of Klimt 1918.
Not that I love Mill City Nights, but at least it's on a Sunday night. I do worry that place will get hot and humid with the crowd. Getting there early (and buying tickets when they go on sale) will be a must.
my gawd September and the Fall are starting to get busy:
Tues 9/17 The Dear Hunter @ The Varsity
Thurs 9/19 Typhoon @ The Cedar
Sun 9/22 Anathema/Alcest @ Mill City Nights
Sun Fri 10/11 Between the Buried and Me/The Faceless @ The Varsity
https://www.facebook.com/anathemafan/posts/10151557669418952
Anathema has announced its most extensive North American tour in the band’s celebrated career with co-headliner Alcest and special guest Mamiffer.
Anathema has only performed twice as a full band in North America at the infamous Milwaukee Metal Fest 2000 and 2001, as well as supporting a few dates of Blackfield's 2011 tour as an acoustic duo. The fall 2013 co-headlining tour has the band visiting many cities in both the U.S. and Canada for the first time, beginning September 12 in Philadelphia.
The tour will also coincide with the release of Universal, a concert film on CD/DVD and Blu-ray directed by acclaimed photographer/filmmaker Lasse Hoile (Porcupine Tree, Opeth) out September 17, 2013 on Kscope. The audio / visual release captures a special one-off gig at the ancient Roman theatre of Philippopolis where the band was joined by the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra.
The film and album capture the magic of this unique evening as the band started on its lengthy world tour in support of its most successful album, Weather Systems. Universal will be available as an audio visual CD/DVD and Blu-ray.
Anathema / Alcest
Special guest: Mamiffer
9/12 Philadelphia PA @ Underground Arts
9/13 Springfield VA @ Empire
9/14 New York NY @ Gramercy Theater
9/15 Boston MA @ Middle East
9/16 Montreal QC @ Foufounes Electriques
9/18 Toronto ON @ Opera House
9/19 Flint MI @ The Machine Shop
9/20 Cleveland OH @ Peabody's
9/21 Chicago IL @ Reggie's
9/22 Minneapolis MN @ Mill City Nights
9/24 Denver CO @ Summit City Music Hall
9/25 Salt Lake City UT @ In The Venue
9/26 Boise ID @ Knitting Factory
9/27 Seattle WA @ Studio Seven
9/28 Vancouver BC @ Rickshaw Theater
9/29 Portland OR @ Hawthorne Theater
10/1 Oakland CA @ Oakland Opera House
10/3 Los Angeles CA @ El Rey Theater
10/4 San Diego CA @ The Casbah
10/5 Tempe AZ @ The Marquee Theater
5/30/13 12:10PM
This is at this point, PURE SPECULATION, but I saw per the dreamtheaterforums.org
there was already an announced concert with both of these bands in Oakland, California in October 1st.
So, if a tour happens with them in North America this September/October, don't be surprised.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10152884594040195&id=209358445194
Anathema / Alcest incoming October first.
If this tour hits Minnesota, likely St.Paul aka Station 4, I would love to go obviously. Schedule and budget-wise will of course be the main factors.
If it's not coming to MN, but Chicago, I may have to sit it out unfortunately. But I certainly will be happy that many people will get to see Anathema that never have. The Cynic/3 tour they were announced to be on a few years ago, would have been amazing. But maybe this tour will makeup for it as I do like Alcest, as much as they remind me of Klimt 1918.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Dear Hunter touring w/ STRING QUARTET September 2013
6/26/13 9:32AM
Tickets go on Sale for the Varsity Theater show on September 17th, 2013 at Noon this Friday June 28th.
6/25/13 11:56AM
The Lake and the River Blog Post
The Dear Hunter To Tour With String Quartet In September
12-Show Run Also Includes Riot Fest Chicago & Denver
and Casey Crescenzo Solo Shows
The Dear Hunter will be joined by a string quartet for seven special concerts across the U.S. this September. Most shows will be seated and will highlight the more lush, orchestral side of the band as they perform songs from their entire catalog. The band will also be joined by special guest performers on each date. Additionally, The Dear Hunter will also be performing at Riot Fest in Chicago and Denver, as well as several solo shows by frontman Casey Crescenzo along the way.
Fans purchasing tickets to the September headline shows will also receive a download of The Migrations Annex, a six-song EP of additional tracks recorded during the studio sessions for The Dear Hunter’s new album, Migrant; and a special event poster.
It’s not The Dear Hunter’s first time performing with strings — they’re also featured on the band’s new The Color Spectrum Live DVD, featuring a beautifully filmed 2012 performance of their 36-song, 9-EP collection The Color Spectrum in its entirety. For a taste of what’s in store this fall, watch these two videos from the live DVD:
“Home”: http://youtube.com/watch?v=IJyH1pwniew
“Lillian”: http://youtube.com/watch?v=55unSCPfRBM
Migrant was released by Equal Vision Records in April. After The Dear Hunter’s first releases, the three-album Acts story arc, and the epic The Color Spectrum series, Migrant marks a departure for Crescenzo: a dozen direct, personal, straight-from-the heart songs. It’s making an impact, with Alternative Press calling it “an album that’s both intensely intimate and sprawling in scope… Migrant is the masterfully actualized first chapter in the true story of The Dear Hunter.” And PopMatters called the album “very charming, moving, meticulous, and organic. As fans would expect, Migrant is a great record.”
The Dear Hunter Tour Dates
September
04 Providence, RI @ The Met Café ** (not seated)
06 New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom **
07 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer **
09 Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java *
12 Detroit, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom **
14 Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest ^
15 DeKalb, IL @ The House Café *
17 Minneapolis, MN @ The Varsity Theater **
18 Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room *
21 Denver, CO @ Riot Fest ^
26 San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom **
28 Pomona, CA @ Fox Theatre **
** = headline show with string quartet
* = Casey Crescenzo solo show
^ = Festival
Holy Fuck Yes! VARSITY FUCKING THEATER..and WITH SEATING (unlike the last few shows, including the Fitz & the Tantrums show a few weeks ago)
Tuesday September 17th . When do tickets go on sale? I just sent The Varsity Theater an inquiry on twitter. I also sent my request in for the Lifetime Pass guestlist, the earliest ever from the announcement.
Tickets go on Sale for the Varsity Theater show on September 17th, 2013 at Noon this Friday June 28th.
6/25/13 11:56AM
The Lake and the River Blog Post
The Dear Hunter To Tour With String Quartet In September
12-Show Run Also Includes Riot Fest Chicago & Denver
and Casey Crescenzo Solo Shows
The Dear Hunter will be joined by a string quartet for seven special concerts across the U.S. this September. Most shows will be seated and will highlight the more lush, orchestral side of the band as they perform songs from their entire catalog. The band will also be joined by special guest performers on each date. Additionally, The Dear Hunter will also be performing at Riot Fest in Chicago and Denver, as well as several solo shows by frontman Casey Crescenzo along the way.
Fans purchasing tickets to the September headline shows will also receive a download of The Migrations Annex, a six-song EP of additional tracks recorded during the studio sessions for The Dear Hunter’s new album, Migrant; and a special event poster.
It’s not The Dear Hunter’s first time performing with strings — they’re also featured on the band’s new The Color Spectrum Live DVD, featuring a beautifully filmed 2012 performance of their 36-song, 9-EP collection The Color Spectrum in its entirety. For a taste of what’s in store this fall, watch these two videos from the live DVD:
“Home”: http://youtube.com/watch?v=IJyH1pwniew
“Lillian”: http://youtube.com/watch?v=55unSCPfRBM
Migrant was released by Equal Vision Records in April. After The Dear Hunter’s first releases, the three-album Acts story arc, and the epic The Color Spectrum series, Migrant marks a departure for Crescenzo: a dozen direct, personal, straight-from-the heart songs. It’s making an impact, with Alternative Press calling it “an album that’s both intensely intimate and sprawling in scope… Migrant is the masterfully actualized first chapter in the true story of The Dear Hunter.” And PopMatters called the album “very charming, moving, meticulous, and organic. As fans would expect, Migrant is a great record.”
The Dear Hunter Tour Dates
September
04 Providence, RI @ The Met Café ** (not seated)
06 New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom **
07 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer **
09 Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java *
12 Detroit, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom **
14 Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest ^
15 DeKalb, IL @ The House Café *
17 Minneapolis, MN @ The Varsity Theater **
18 Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room *
21 Denver, CO @ Riot Fest ^
26 San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom **
28 Pomona, CA @ Fox Theatre **
** = headline show with string quartet
* = Casey Crescenzo solo show
^ = Festival
Holy Fuck Yes! VARSITY FUCKING THEATER..and WITH SEATING (unlike the last few shows, including the Fitz & the Tantrums show a few weeks ago)
Tuesday September 17th . When do tickets go on sale? I just sent The Varsity Theater an inquiry on twitter. I also sent my request in for the Lifetime Pass guestlist, the earliest ever from the announcement.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
2013 Mid Year Albums Countdown
2013 has been another year, like 2012 and 2011 to an extent, where my time listening to any music has been usurped by a lot of non-headphone time at work, and a lot of radio listening. Talk radio. I'll confess, I am a bit addicted to both Chad Hartman's radio show Noon-3PM and at times MPR, although more often when MPR airs programs from NPR. Not necessarily political chat, but entertainment or interesting interviews. Also I've always loved funny news stories that generate funny discussion.
Hell, even hearing the food critic Dara Moscowitz-Grumdahl on Thursdays with Chad is something I always try and hear. Also Neil Justin whose the tv critic, Colin Covert the film critic, music discussion (with Jon Bream or others) and more or less any big Sports story/event.
So, between all that, and the fact, I started another NEW job, that is at times even more analysis-based, and I am in training, more or less all year for that job, my ears have not and likely won't consume as much new or other music as I used to do a few years ago.
Tis is the nature of my job and desire to do work like I do. But, in due time, I still look to take-in still a lot of new music, even if many of the new records take more time to digest.
But without further ado, here's what I have for the 1st half of 2013:
I haven't heard/heard enough (i.e. maybe less than one listening)
AM & Shawn Lee - La Musique Numérique
Bed of Stars - I Fell In Love in the City [EP]
Editors - The Weight of Your Love
Eisley - Currents
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito
Riverside - Shrine of New Generation Slaves
OneRepublic - Native
Jolly - The Audio Guide to Happiness (Part 2)
Jimi Hendrix - People, Hell and Angels
Falling Up - Midnight on Earthship
The Besnard Lakes - Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO
Alpha Rev - Bloom
Pinnick Gales Pridgen - Pinnick Gales Pridgen
Sigur Ros - Kveikur
Scale the Summit - The Migration
Andrew Stockdale - Keep Moving
Orphaned Land - All Is One
The Polyphonic Spree - Yes, It's True
I like music on most if not all of these releases, but the ones below have found more headphone time up to this point (although in some cases, the amount of time/appreciation isn't greatly different)
Incura - Incura
Flaud Logic - Flaud Logic
Arsis - Unwelcome
Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell
Coheed and Cambria - The Afterman: Descension
Long Distance Calling - The Flood Inside
Worldengine - Dark Matters
David Bowie - The Next Day
Buke and Gase - General Dome
Fitz & the Tantrums - More Than Just a Dream
The Winery Dogs - The Winery Dogs
Tangled Thoughts of Leaving - Failed by Man and Machine [EP]
The Appleseed Cast - Illumination Ritual
Cloud Caverns - Blind Willow [EP]
Rhye - Woman
Nosound - Afterthoughts
Annuals -Time Stamp
Mercies - Barely Sleep // Vultures
Biffy Clyro - Opposites
Infantephant - Cyclelicoptippopacalypse [EP]
Sir Video - On an On/Do What You Wanna/Never Knew [singles]
All three of of these tunes are catchy, upbeat, polished and layered. It seems like it's been forever to hear anything from Sir Video and Timmy Sean, but just for now., these 3 tracks are 3 of the best I've heard in 2013.
Josh Rouse - The Happiness Waltz
A nice comeback (no pun intended) to Josh's early-mid history style. I really like how many of the tunes feature those warm, soothing guitar parts. Also most of the songs end up giving me a smile. Not a long record either, although a bit longer than his last mini-album from 2011 The Long Vacations. Even the single/lead track "Julie (come out of the Rain)" is memorable, yet has more to it than just 1 hook.
Renaissance - Grandine il vento
Bittersweet to have this come out, with the passing of longtime writer and musician Michael Dunford. The music on here, adds to the EP from 2011 The Mystic and the Muse. I still enjoy the title track from that EP that was included on this as well, along with a song like "Porcelain." I actually have enjoyed more or less this whole album, but not to the point of addiction. But it's great to see them put out a record, even if it's the last with Dunford, and not have it disappoint. Annie still sounds wonderful and gives a great performance throughout here
This is classic Renaissance, with modern production I guess is one way to describe it.
Spock's Beard - Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep
A comeback record, that basically due to Ted Leonard's presence, I've been won over by the Beard again. Although at the same time, the sound on this album, sounds a lot like the NDV-led Spock's, and length/proggish wise, they still more or less are doing familiar work.
I suppose a confession with that also is, I have only been able to listen to this record maybe 2 times due to time and length. I wouldn't expect it to be an album of the year or anything, but I still mean to explore it more.
One specific thing to say for now, "Something Very Strange" is catchy, and that is one of the things I look for from Spock's or frankly, most prog. I know Neal Morse helped write some of this album, and I wonder if he was involved in that tune specifically.
edit: it appears Neal only was involved in the 1st disc closing track 'Waiting For Me." John Boegehold I guess co-wrote that tune. That's interesting; I wonder what his background is.
I guess time and some other factors may impact how much headphone time this album gets, but at least I can say, I enjoy it more than anything the band has done since Feel Euphoria .
And of course in the 2nd half of the season, may bring the new Enchant album, fair or not, I may end up comparing this record to that.
Falling Up - Hours
The more traditional-style part of the Machine de Ella Project double album-series of albums from Falling Up. I honestly have listened to this whole thing together, maybe 2 or 3 times, mainly given the fact the tracks kept coming individually, and I sort of gave up.
And I also should confess, largely due to time, I haven't even been able to listen to the acoustic record Midnight on Earthship. Nor the audio-book narrative from Jessy.
Time and numbers and a new job, and nature of the style.
But this album seems pretty consistent with both Fangs and Your Sparking Death Cometh . A lot of electronic guitar textures and climaxes. Vocal layers and lyrics that do paint pictures and allign with the concept. More elaboration may come later in the year.
Cloud Cult - Love
Good record, and as much as I love this (local MN/WI-based) band and their live shows even more than the studio records, their last 2 studio albums were among my favorites from those years.
This album is good, but I am pretty convinced, it won't be as addictive as either of those last 2.
"1x1x1" and "The Calling" and "It Takes a Lot" I recall being my favorites. "Good Friend" is not bad, even though the chorus needed to grow on me. It was more moving live I felt. The line "When you're all stressed out, thank you for being a friend" I suppose the Golden Girls theme will always pop into my head.
Many short movements and segue pieces. I think part of the issue with this record is, there's not as much meat as Light Chasers and some of their others. Which is ironic, because many CC records I find to be a bit of marathons to get through. This record is shorter, and yet I'm finding it doesn't have as many go-to/ memorable songs or parts.
But other than that, there's not much valid criticism. The band may not hit a Homerun every time out, but they still are making music I enjoy.
Subterranean Masquerade - Home / Beyond the Pale/That Night [Single]
Wonderful return for these guys. The b-side is a cover from a band called The Mission. I LOVE this band, and it's been 8 long years to hear music from them again. And this is likely the precursor to the follow-up LP to Suspended Animation Dreams. Title may be In Pastille Colors or possibly something else.
Also sweet how I was lucky enough to win a press/promo copy of this 7-inch single just by submitting this description per Facebook a few months ago:
These look pretty sweet. It's been a long while since Subterranean Masquerade made their epic opus debut LP "Suspended Animation Dreams" from 2004, but this new EP totally picks up where that record left off, with SM's classic style of blending progressive rock with Black Metal.
I also just got to hear the 9-and-a-half minute bonus track "That Night" that was originally intended to be on their epic debut record Suspended Animation Dreams, but for some reason, was left off.
This band makes pure layered, yet organic sounding progressive rock with growls. I just adore the combination and the writing style. And this is actually, more of a side-project, than full-time band. So perhaps that is one reason why they never really broke up exactly.
Everything Everything - Arc
Good follow-up, although not quite as catchy as their debut album Man Alive. The 1st single "Cough Cough" has over 1 million hits on Youtube, which suggests this album may be finding more people than their 1st.
It honestly has been many months since I played this record, and I recall not being blown away by it. Part of that was maybe how long it was. But a 2nd half revisiting may give me more to think about it. I do remember thinking it was sort of the sophomore slump effect, which seems to happen like a dozen times every year. Sophomore and/or follow-up slump anyway.
But hey, if they do get more popular, I'd be happy for them as it may mean they'll finally tour the US and I'll get to see them live finally.
Cynthesis - ReEvolution
The 2 times I've listened to this, it was quite good. Much like De-Evolution, save for the fact, the cymbals don't seem to be clipping much. This could move up actually as I love Zero Hour with Erick Rosvold and this is 1 kind of prog metal, that really works well.
The Pink Floyd/Psych element does add another quality to the Rosvold-Zero Hour as well.
More details may be provided by the end of the year, if not earlier.
Evarusnik - In a Poker Slash Refrain
Kickstarter campaign success and the inclusion of Mark Engles of dredg initially found my interest. And the songs are there on this album. Songs like "Local Cliché" 'Teeth of Won't," "Black Acequia," and "Circles Swimming" come to mind as standouts. The soaring string parts and Miranda Scott's soothing yet emotional vocals seem to work rather well and consistently throughout this album.
I'm not sure how much interest they have found since the Kickstarter and it's release a couple of weeks ago, but I wonder if this may be one of those sleeper albums that a few years from now, will find more fans. I'd love to be wrong, but that seems to happen too often for stuff I enjoy.
Mother Falcon - You Knew
Big ensemble chamber rock with the whole nine yards of strings, horns, multiple vocal layers, and percussion. "Dirty Summer" and it's catchy side, probably remains my favorite track on here. But overall, I can't say this album is any better than their debut Alhambra, but also can't say it's any worse. Some more time this year may change that however.
Leprous - Coal
Ihsahn's backing band, who've found a nice cult following over the last few years for the forward thinking, a bit avant prog metal fan. I honestly have only listened to this band sparingly, and purely due to some hype on the forums and other social media. And I always thought they were okay, and better or potentially more interesting than 95% of the Dream Theater or other prog metal worship bands.
But this album impressed me even more. Now that being said, I still have only listened to it maybe twice, so this may find more appreciation by the end of the year. But just initially, I really enjoyed a lot of this. The vocal lines for one, I recall being surprised how good they were. Harmonies and a bit of extreme vocals.
And it also didn't seem too excessive with the writing. The parts fit.
But that's about all I can add for now. But call this a record that may go further with some time. As long as i don't seem to get too much in the Riverside syndrome.
Northern Abbey - The Sounds of Glowing [EP]
I loved last years 3-song S/T EP, and I am maybe loving this even more. Nick Lambert from Falling Up and I guess other Jessy Ribordy projects like The Gloomcatcher. This shares things with The River Empires or TGC with the use of acoustic arrangements and instrumentation. I suppose it differs, by not using as big of a classical side.
The song "Portrait" which Jessy Ribordy did arrange the strings part, is one of the prettiest songs I've heard in 2013.
Awesome EP, and it continues like 2012 and recent years, with much of the best music being released on shorter length releases.
Miracles of Modern Science - Meems [EP]
Incredible EP, and of the quality, if not better than the debut album Dog Year. These guya are one of those great, crazy, funny poppy string bands. Every track is good-to-awesome. This band rocks, kind of more than a band like the Punch Brothers, on a consistent basis.
Favorites "The Singularity" 'Dear Pressure" and the jazzy "Physics Is Our Business"
also it doesn't hurt to see them make cool, interpretive covers like "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Get Lucky." if they get bigger from reaching people that way, that's cool. Although I would hope those new fans do check out and enjoy their original music as well.
They also should try and tour someday with The Crooked Fiddle Band if possible. Both are cool, energertic, acoustic/string driven proggy groups.
For the Imperium - Hail the Monsters
I enjoy a lot of this album, but at the same time, haven't found it to sound as fresh or engaging as their debut. Maybe another case of a sophomore slump? in some ways, but I've maybe played it 3 or 4 times thus far. It wouldn't shock me to see it grow.
There stil isl the technical side and the crazy style shifting side, including some electronics I recall. And there are some choruses that are memorable like on 'Northern Rampage."
Persefone - Spiritual Migration
Crazy technical progressive metal, that I was surprised how much I enjoyed. A bit like Vektor in that way, in that, they seem to include as many counterpoints of parts. You have 1 exaggerated section that follows another section of exaggeration. One song, to another song, to the next song seem to be in a battle.
This is really one of those records that is an extensive, fulfilling burst of energy. It's really great to put on when I need to wake up or start working faster at work.
I enjoyed their last record Shin-Ken, but remember it seeming too long-winded and repetitive. But with this album, it seems they've improved in many aspects, I don't find myself wanting it to end, but if anything, continue on.
Awesome mood record, and 1 of the best Metal albums of 2013 that I've heard thus far.
Foals - Holy Fire
"Milk &; Black Spiders" is another classic Foals track. "My Number" and "Inhaler" "Late Night" also standout in many ways. Some of the songs on this album are more methodical and chill. Some have climaxes, but they aren't as big of a climax as the ones on their last record Total Life Forever.
But I suppose while this album I don't enjoy as much as TLF or Antidotes yet, I find I enjoy Foals even more now, then back when those 2 other records came out. And as a result, I still really dig most of this record.
Between Foals, Everything Everything, Bloc Party, I think it's without question, Foals are the band I enjoy the most and want to keep hearing new records from.
And not to forget, I finally saw them live last month, and they are even better in that setting.
K Será - Collisions and Near Misses
Maybe the best *new* college-prog band to come across my playlist in 2013. Casey Crescenzo produced this record, and I think the end result shows. This is a nice step-up from the debut EP from last year.
Stylistically, they may not be the most original sounding band, but the songs are just well written. They kind of show how they enjoy bands like Muse or even 22, pretty clearly.
Favorites: Near Misses, Meditations in an Emergency, Dream Like I Do, Hollow Ground of London and Ambien.
Ours - Ballet the Boxer 1
Fan Biased included, I'm not blown away by this record to find myself fully attached to it yet. However, I am kind of waiting to hear it on compact disc to still dig my teeth into it. But I couldn't help still listen to it a handful of times and as I posted in this blog, I still enjoy it enough, even if it is the most different and likely the least addictive record to me, they have made.
Favorites: Pretty Pain, Devil, Boxer, Sing, Falling Into My Hands and Been Down.
This is the record Ours and Jimmy Gnecco wanted to make right now. I am totally fine with that, and I love a lot of it. And I wouldn't be surprised I listen to it a lot more this year, and it is still pretty high up here. But an album of the year probably seems unlikely, and I'm okay with that, even as huge of a fan of this band that I am.
The Dear Hunter - Migrant/The Migration Annex
Like the last dredg album and the new Ours album, this is the album Casey Crescenzo and The Dear Hunter want to make right now, even as different as it seems in a lot of ways. I guess 1 big thing about this is the Migrations Annex is excellent and includes many songs as good if not better than the best stuff on Migrant itself. And I am including them together to view the overall quality of this/these to seem better.
Favorites: Let Go, Old Demons, Whisper, Owls, Bring You Down, Girl, Cycles, Shame, Dig Your Own Grave and Middle Ground
This album does remind me of 2007's Porcupine Tree output, although I don't find Migrant itself nearly as overrated as Fear of a Blank Planet. But Nil Recurring had more better music than FoaBP, and the Migration Annex as-a-whole, I think I find is not only a little more consistent, but also the styles of songs seem more like a lot of the older TDH music at times. Which I follow maybe why Casey didn't include some of those songs on Migrant. Even "Owls" seems old to him probably, even if it is a rearranged version.
I'm a gigantic fan of TDH, and The Color Spectrum, while it wasn't perfect, had enough music I love, I didn't mind how different it was at times for the band. This album seems like another step into singer/songwriter mode for Casey. He said he didn't want to make an album full of songs with screaming, so that is why much of Migrant includes more softer ballads and acoustic parts and songs.
I just wonder if that is his muse now and in the near future. He needs to make the music he loves most regardless of how the fans feel. And I'm not one of these fans that is longing for the Acts to get done necessarily soon. But the band and Casey I see as ambitious or wanting to be as ambitious as they can be, and with that, doing some of the stuff with lots of vocal harmonies and instrumentation (chamber/baroque), and styles like Ragtime and Swing, I would love to find again being emphasized.
Or even doing another big concept thing like Numbers, Shapes or something more directly influenced or related to his love of film, like Terry Gilliam's work specifically. Who knows. But Migrant and the Migration Annex should get some more mileage to fully gauge where it lands come December..
In Vain - Ænigma
Comeback album of the year? the last record Mantra, I had huge hopes for after loving The Latter Rain. And while it had some moments, it didn't really go as far with me as I hoped.
This record on the other hand, reminds me more of what I loved about this band. The choruses and huge guitar riffs. The immense, intense, thick layers with dynamics and also things like saxophone.
I really enjoy this album each time I listen to it. And it's not too long or I don't find it gets boring or drags anywhere.
These guys are kind of the kings of the dense melodic blackened epic prog metal. They know how to create great moods and atmosphere when its done well, is totally worth the journey it takes you on.
Brooke Waggoner - Originator
Brooke's follow up to Go Easy Little Doves. I really enjoy a ton about this album. The catchy parts, and piano arrangements. There may not be as much with string or classical elements, but the songs don't really need that.
I will point out, I find the 1st half of the record grabs me well as each track has a great mood and energy about it. The 2nd half or from the 7th track "Welspryng" to the 11th closing piece "To Love" change the album's tone, I haven't found myself as addicted to as much of that part of the album.
But if I recall, some of those tracks are just movements or slower pieces that feature just Brooke's vocals and piano, so that may be why.
Favorites: Ink Slinger, Rumble, Squint, Swiftshape.
Local Natives - Hummingbird
Another follow-up and sophomore album I've been waiting for, what seemed like forever. This is a different kind of album, compared to the awesome debut by Local Natives, Gorilla Manor.. The melodies and fun sections are more subtle at times or more gradual. The high energy has been exchanged for mood and atmosphere I guess.
But overall, it doesn't seem to have mattered to me. I suppose I claim myself as a fanboy and one of their earliest fans outside of their native Southern California, which is a fact anyway. So, maybe I'm drinking some of their kool-aid a bit. But I enjoy how they changed with this record and even the fact they changed and didn't make Gorilla Manor part 2.
I also think this album has grown on me a fair amount.
Favorites: Black Balloons, Black Spot, Mt. Washington, Ceilings, Breakers, Heavy Feet
An album of the year candidate? probably not, although I still have yet to hear the bonus tracks on the CD I picked up (and wanted on Vinyl, but passed initially and now can't find at The Electric Fetus anymore). If those bonus tracks were amazing, I suppose this may knock on the door more than it already has. But overall, one of the best of 2013, but come December, I suppose it'll be good to see where it stacks up against many of the others out and yet to come out still.
The Red Paintings - The Revolution is Never Coming
I'm absolutely loving this album. And I've known about it for many years, and at some point, wanted to not care anymore. Trash McSweeney spent about 5 years to make this album, traveling across the globe, reworking, rewriting many songs I guess. And then finally finished it in 2009, but couldn't find a way to release it. It finally got picked up to come out this year.
I think its epic nature, depth and multi-part songs are 1 reason it required that long to finally finish and release.
This is as ambitious a record I've come across over the last 5 or more years. It very much seems to be one of those albums that had so much thought put into it, musically, stylistically, lyrically, politically, along with influences from world events and cultures and many other factors, it just had to be something of a big, grand scale.
I guess as far as favorites, I would of course recommend the whole thing 1st and foremost as it is a concept album that suggests exploration for the listener throughout its start to finish.
but tracks: The Fall of Rome, You're Not One of Them, Streets Fell Into My Window, Dead Adults, It Is As It Was, The Revolution Is Never Coming are among the songs I keep hearing new things and loving.
This could an album of the year. The only thing I may find, other than competition, is some of the cymbals clip in spots, along with how in maybe 3 or four of the longer songs, the total silence for however many seconds they last, in some ways is a little annoying. But I suppose I can and may see that as part of the concept and thematically, it's intentional and it may not bother me.
Now where the listeners are right now, among the progressive rock scene and other places, is still not evident. It just came out in Australia a few weeks ago, but may not be dropping for a few months into the States. I would think, especially with more touring in North America and likely Europe, it'll find more interest. I mean Battle Circus never did, but this band has connected to more resources, opening for many bands in the States alone, the most recent being Mindless Self Indulgence, which is the tour I caught them on back in April
Keep also in mind, this is just a debut album, even though TRP have other releases, like EPs and some acoustic albums, but as far as I can tell, this is their official 1st album. I just listened to an interview HERE with Trash where he said he has the 2nd album already planned with a title of "How Much Time Do We Have Left?" But he says he doesn't know if it'll take 5 years to finish like this one, but it may.
is 2013 the year the question is answered if the Revolution is in fact never coming, but this album sure did, and it may reach a lot of people and inspire/influence its message.
Now if people catch on, I'm sure per examples like Kimbra, Warpaint, Local Natives and others, the allmediareviews blog will not be regarded as a site that introduced The Red Paintings sadly, but that's a broken record of course that still bares repeating.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
I never would have expected to listen, let alone get into a Daft Punk album, even if the Hipsters and mainstream hadn't grabbed on to this. But they did, and it was a bit hard to ignore. And my girlfriend listening to it and seeing more specifics about it, like the inspiration and guests playing on it, really had me more curious.
Also seeing it mentioned on some of the progressive rock based forums as well, kind of raised my curiosity more.
And this album is experimental and ambitious if not progressive in some ways. Even just with some of the emphasis on musicianship, like the drum work on "Giorgio by Moroder" and the closing piece "Contact" adds appeal.
But almost every track has something interesting, including "Get Lucky" which may already be overplayed. The hook and climax on that track works, along with the groove. I even don't mind how trigger-happy they get with the vocoder on that tune and others. I initially wasn't all that crazy about it, but I do enjoy vocoder use with groups like The Apples in Stereo or ELO (Imogen Heap of course too)..
I think the 1 track that bugs me is "Doin' it Right," the song with Panda Bear singing as I can't stand that guy's voice and Animal Collective. But that would be the only song I'd take out. The Paul Williams narrative piece "Touch," while cheesy and melodramatic, doesn't go on too long, and leads to a very cool section.
'Within" is gorgeous and sad. I don't mind if the vocals are on vocoder, they actually really fit somehow with that arrangement.
There's a lot more to say about this album, but I'll just say, I suppose given how unexpected I was about it, it did fit what seems to happen to me every year. Janelle Monae, Pepe Deluxe, Apes and Androids, Kaddisfly. Although I don't expect (again), this to be my album of the year or to become attached to it like those other artists landmark records. I have been wrong about my tastes too many times to not be totally surprised.
At a minimum, this is an album I enjoy and will think for 2013 certainly. This is a rare case where the Hipsters actually got one right. Although I doubt for the reasons I feel they should (the drum work and experimental/blending of styles and genres, instead of it sounding like cool dance music, and cool dance music only).
Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories)
This was, early-on, the best thing I'd heard. And it kind of has not moved. It never dropped in quality. However, it also likely won't go all that much farther this year, and that likely means it's time on top may not last too much longer. And it's not a perfect record, but it's definitely the best thing I've heard from Steven since Deadwing by Porcupine Tree.
The riffs, dreamy melodies, intensely dark and dense atmsophere, and to be honest, the musicianship is off the charts at times. That is Guthrie Govan and Marco Minneman largely, but Steven did write those parts, at least for the most part anyway.
I think this album in some ways, has rekindled my passion for Steven and for traditional sounding progressive rock in some ways. Yeah, there is music that nods to King Crimson, Yes and some of the best jazz-rock like Return to Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra, but the songs still end up sounding like Steven (or PT in many ways).
But I suppose 1 thing that stands out to me, is how 3 songs, 2 especially, channel parts from other songs I love.
-"Luminol" the 1st 3 or 4 minutes use almost the identical interval pattern from Savatage's "Turns to Me"
-"The Pin Drop" Kevin Gilbert's "Water Under the Bridge" the rhythm of the acoustic guitar is nearly the same.
-"The Watchmaker" I swear I heard moments that channeled Oceansize's "Only Twin" although I suppose that is more in a a similar tone/mood/key and layering, but not as much from a technical standpoint.
Those similarities aside, those songs are all fantastic. "The Watchmaker" especially, is maybe the best epic Steven has ever written ("Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" maybe, but "Raider II" or especially "Anesthethetize..sorry, don't compare).
Not a ton more to say or sum this album up, but that's kind of what it's deal is. It's really good, well written progressive rock music that is enjoyable to listen to, and maybe even more, witness live. But in terms of life-changing or year-changing albums, it's in the mix, but likely doesn't have the legs in terms of ambition to last by the time December rolls around.
But perhaps it'll surprise me, we'll see.
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Now on to the portion of the show where I get to mention many of the potential records coming of value that i know about now. Many of these could be awesome, epic, landmark releases. And then again, many might be solid, okay, decent, or meager follow-ups. And some likely will end up being huge disappointments.
And of course, many also won't make it out this year, or even next year for many potential reasons.
15-20 Records coming in the 2nd half that I am excited about (and many others I'm sure I don't know about, or am not remembering at the moment).
BLUE CHIPS:
The Reign of Kindo - Play With Fire
Mew - TBA
Fates Warning - TBA
Kaddisfly - Horses Galloping on Sailboats
The River Empires - Mars Brighton II
Very Excited:
Brice Plays Drums - TBA
East of the Wall - TBA
Karnivool - Asymmetry
Mayer Hawthorne - Where Does This Door Go
Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady
Orphaned Land - All Is One
Revere - TBA
Shelter Red - The Split Sabre
22 - TBA
Warpaint - TBA
Looking Forward To:
Blackfield - Blackfield IV
The Celebrities/Sir Video - TBA [EP]
Chloe - TBA
Dream Theater - Dream Theater
Enchant - TBA
Fish - A Feast of Consequences
God is an Astronaut - Origins
Midlake - TBA
The Polyphonic Spree - Yes, It's True
The Royal Veil - King of the Ocean
Typhoon - White Lighter
Hell, even hearing the food critic Dara Moscowitz-Grumdahl on Thursdays with Chad is something I always try and hear. Also Neil Justin whose the tv critic, Colin Covert the film critic, music discussion (with Jon Bream or others) and more or less any big Sports story/event.
So, between all that, and the fact, I started another NEW job, that is at times even more analysis-based, and I am in training, more or less all year for that job, my ears have not and likely won't consume as much new or other music as I used to do a few years ago.
Tis is the nature of my job and desire to do work like I do. But, in due time, I still look to take-in still a lot of new music, even if many of the new records take more time to digest.
But without further ado, here's what I have for the 1st half of 2013:
I haven't heard/heard enough (i.e. maybe less than one listening)
AM & Shawn Lee - La Musique Numérique
Bed of Stars - I Fell In Love in the City [EP]
Editors - The Weight of Your Love
Eisley - Currents
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito
Riverside - Shrine of New Generation Slaves
OneRepublic - Native
Jolly - The Audio Guide to Happiness (Part 2)
Jimi Hendrix - People, Hell and Angels
Falling Up - Midnight on Earthship
The Besnard Lakes - Until in Excess, Imperceptible UFO
Alpha Rev - Bloom
Pinnick Gales Pridgen - Pinnick Gales Pridgen
Sigur Ros - Kveikur
Scale the Summit - The Migration
Andrew Stockdale - Keep Moving
Orphaned Land - All Is One
The Polyphonic Spree - Yes, It's True
I like music on most if not all of these releases, but the ones below have found more headphone time up to this point (although in some cases, the amount of time/appreciation isn't greatly different)
Incura - Incura
Flaud Logic - Flaud Logic
Arsis - Unwelcome
Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell
Coheed and Cambria - The Afterman: Descension
Long Distance Calling - The Flood Inside
Worldengine - Dark Matters
David Bowie - The Next Day
Buke and Gase - General Dome
Fitz & the Tantrums - More Than Just a Dream
The Winery Dogs - The Winery Dogs
Tangled Thoughts of Leaving - Failed by Man and Machine [EP]
The Appleseed Cast - Illumination Ritual
Cloud Caverns - Blind Willow [EP]
Rhye - Woman
Nosound - Afterthoughts
Annuals -Time Stamp
Mercies - Barely Sleep // Vultures
Biffy Clyro - Opposites
Infantephant - Cyclelicoptippopacalypse [EP]
Sir Video - On an On/Do What You Wanna/Never Knew [singles]
All three of of these tunes are catchy, upbeat, polished and layered. It seems like it's been forever to hear anything from Sir Video and Timmy Sean, but just for now., these 3 tracks are 3 of the best I've heard in 2013.
Josh Rouse - The Happiness Waltz
A nice comeback (no pun intended) to Josh's early-mid history style. I really like how many of the tunes feature those warm, soothing guitar parts. Also most of the songs end up giving me a smile. Not a long record either, although a bit longer than his last mini-album from 2011 The Long Vacations. Even the single/lead track "Julie (come out of the Rain)" is memorable, yet has more to it than just 1 hook.
Renaissance - Grandine il vento
Bittersweet to have this come out, with the passing of longtime writer and musician Michael Dunford. The music on here, adds to the EP from 2011 The Mystic and the Muse. I still enjoy the title track from that EP that was included on this as well, along with a song like "Porcelain." I actually have enjoyed more or less this whole album, but not to the point of addiction. But it's great to see them put out a record, even if it's the last with Dunford, and not have it disappoint. Annie still sounds wonderful and gives a great performance throughout here
This is classic Renaissance, with modern production I guess is one way to describe it.
Spock's Beard - Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep
A comeback record, that basically due to Ted Leonard's presence, I've been won over by the Beard again. Although at the same time, the sound on this album, sounds a lot like the NDV-led Spock's, and length/proggish wise, they still more or less are doing familiar work.
I suppose a confession with that also is, I have only been able to listen to this record maybe 2 times due to time and length. I wouldn't expect it to be an album of the year or anything, but I still mean to explore it more.
One specific thing to say for now, "Something Very Strange" is catchy, and that is one of the things I look for from Spock's or frankly, most prog. I know Neal Morse helped write some of this album, and I wonder if he was involved in that tune specifically.
edit: it appears Neal only was involved in the 1st disc closing track 'Waiting For Me." John Boegehold I guess co-wrote that tune. That's interesting; I wonder what his background is.
I guess time and some other factors may impact how much headphone time this album gets, but at least I can say, I enjoy it more than anything the band has done since Feel Euphoria .
And of course in the 2nd half of the season, may bring the new Enchant album, fair or not, I may end up comparing this record to that.
Falling Up - Hours
The more traditional-style part of the Machine de Ella Project double album-series of albums from Falling Up. I honestly have listened to this whole thing together, maybe 2 or 3 times, mainly given the fact the tracks kept coming individually, and I sort of gave up.
And I also should confess, largely due to time, I haven't even been able to listen to the acoustic record Midnight on Earthship. Nor the audio-book narrative from Jessy.
Time and numbers and a new job, and nature of the style.
But this album seems pretty consistent with both Fangs and Your Sparking Death Cometh . A lot of electronic guitar textures and climaxes. Vocal layers and lyrics that do paint pictures and allign with the concept. More elaboration may come later in the year.
Cloud Cult - Love
Good record, and as much as I love this (local MN/WI-based) band and their live shows even more than the studio records, their last 2 studio albums were among my favorites from those years.
This album is good, but I am pretty convinced, it won't be as addictive as either of those last 2.
"1x1x1" and "The Calling" and "It Takes a Lot" I recall being my favorites. "Good Friend" is not bad, even though the chorus needed to grow on me. It was more moving live I felt. The line "When you're all stressed out, thank you for being a friend" I suppose the Golden Girls theme will always pop into my head.
Many short movements and segue pieces. I think part of the issue with this record is, there's not as much meat as Light Chasers and some of their others. Which is ironic, because many CC records I find to be a bit of marathons to get through. This record is shorter, and yet I'm finding it doesn't have as many go-to/ memorable songs or parts.
But other than that, there's not much valid criticism. The band may not hit a Homerun every time out, but they still are making music I enjoy.
Subterranean Masquerade - Home / Beyond the Pale/That Night [Single]
Wonderful return for these guys. The b-side is a cover from a band called The Mission. I LOVE this band, and it's been 8 long years to hear music from them again. And this is likely the precursor to the follow-up LP to Suspended Animation Dreams. Title may be In Pastille Colors or possibly something else.
Also sweet how I was lucky enough to win a press/promo copy of this 7-inch single just by submitting this description per Facebook a few months ago:
These look pretty sweet. It's been a long while since Subterranean Masquerade made their epic opus debut LP "Suspended Animation Dreams" from 2004, but this new EP totally picks up where that record left off, with SM's classic style of blending progressive rock with Black Metal.
I also just got to hear the 9-and-a-half minute bonus track "That Night" that was originally intended to be on their epic debut record Suspended Animation Dreams, but for some reason, was left off.
This band makes pure layered, yet organic sounding progressive rock with growls. I just adore the combination and the writing style. And this is actually, more of a side-project, than full-time band. So perhaps that is one reason why they never really broke up exactly.
Everything Everything - Arc
Good follow-up, although not quite as catchy as their debut album Man Alive. The 1st single "Cough Cough" has over 1 million hits on Youtube, which suggests this album may be finding more people than their 1st.
It honestly has been many months since I played this record, and I recall not being blown away by it. Part of that was maybe how long it was. But a 2nd half revisiting may give me more to think about it. I do remember thinking it was sort of the sophomore slump effect, which seems to happen like a dozen times every year. Sophomore and/or follow-up slump anyway.
But hey, if they do get more popular, I'd be happy for them as it may mean they'll finally tour the US and I'll get to see them live finally.
Cynthesis - ReEvolution
The 2 times I've listened to this, it was quite good. Much like De-Evolution, save for the fact, the cymbals don't seem to be clipping much. This could move up actually as I love Zero Hour with Erick Rosvold and this is 1 kind of prog metal, that really works well.
The Pink Floyd/Psych element does add another quality to the Rosvold-Zero Hour as well.
More details may be provided by the end of the year, if not earlier.
Evarusnik - In a Poker Slash Refrain
Kickstarter campaign success and the inclusion of Mark Engles of dredg initially found my interest. And the songs are there on this album. Songs like "Local Cliché" 'Teeth of Won't," "Black Acequia," and "Circles Swimming" come to mind as standouts. The soaring string parts and Miranda Scott's soothing yet emotional vocals seem to work rather well and consistently throughout this album.
I'm not sure how much interest they have found since the Kickstarter and it's release a couple of weeks ago, but I wonder if this may be one of those sleeper albums that a few years from now, will find more fans. I'd love to be wrong, but that seems to happen too often for stuff I enjoy.
Mother Falcon - You Knew
Big ensemble chamber rock with the whole nine yards of strings, horns, multiple vocal layers, and percussion. "Dirty Summer" and it's catchy side, probably remains my favorite track on here. But overall, I can't say this album is any better than their debut Alhambra, but also can't say it's any worse. Some more time this year may change that however.
Leprous - Coal
Ihsahn's backing band, who've found a nice cult following over the last few years for the forward thinking, a bit avant prog metal fan. I honestly have only listened to this band sparingly, and purely due to some hype on the forums and other social media. And I always thought they were okay, and better or potentially more interesting than 95% of the Dream Theater or other prog metal worship bands.
But this album impressed me even more. Now that being said, I still have only listened to it maybe twice, so this may find more appreciation by the end of the year. But just initially, I really enjoyed a lot of this. The vocal lines for one, I recall being surprised how good they were. Harmonies and a bit of extreme vocals.
And it also didn't seem too excessive with the writing. The parts fit.
But that's about all I can add for now. But call this a record that may go further with some time. As long as i don't seem to get too much in the Riverside syndrome.
Northern Abbey - The Sounds of Glowing [EP]
I loved last years 3-song S/T EP, and I am maybe loving this even more. Nick Lambert from Falling Up and I guess other Jessy Ribordy projects like The Gloomcatcher. This shares things with The River Empires or TGC with the use of acoustic arrangements and instrumentation. I suppose it differs, by not using as big of a classical side.
The song "Portrait" which Jessy Ribordy did arrange the strings part, is one of the prettiest songs I've heard in 2013.
Awesome EP, and it continues like 2012 and recent years, with much of the best music being released on shorter length releases.
Miracles of Modern Science - Meems [EP]
Incredible EP, and of the quality, if not better than the debut album Dog Year. These guya are one of those great, crazy, funny poppy string bands. Every track is good-to-awesome. This band rocks, kind of more than a band like the Punch Brothers, on a consistent basis.
Favorites "The Singularity" 'Dear Pressure" and the jazzy "Physics Is Our Business"
also it doesn't hurt to see them make cool, interpretive covers like "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Get Lucky." if they get bigger from reaching people that way, that's cool. Although I would hope those new fans do check out and enjoy their original music as well.
They also should try and tour someday with The Crooked Fiddle Band if possible. Both are cool, energertic, acoustic/string driven proggy groups.
For the Imperium - Hail the Monsters
I enjoy a lot of this album, but at the same time, haven't found it to sound as fresh or engaging as their debut. Maybe another case of a sophomore slump? in some ways, but I've maybe played it 3 or 4 times thus far. It wouldn't shock me to see it grow.
There stil isl the technical side and the crazy style shifting side, including some electronics I recall. And there are some choruses that are memorable like on 'Northern Rampage."
Persefone - Spiritual Migration
Crazy technical progressive metal, that I was surprised how much I enjoyed. A bit like Vektor in that way, in that, they seem to include as many counterpoints of parts. You have 1 exaggerated section that follows another section of exaggeration. One song, to another song, to the next song seem to be in a battle.
This is really one of those records that is an extensive, fulfilling burst of energy. It's really great to put on when I need to wake up or start working faster at work.
I enjoyed their last record Shin-Ken, but remember it seeming too long-winded and repetitive. But with this album, it seems they've improved in many aspects, I don't find myself wanting it to end, but if anything, continue on.
Awesome mood record, and 1 of the best Metal albums of 2013 that I've heard thus far.
Foals - Holy Fire
"Milk &; Black Spiders" is another classic Foals track. "My Number" and "Inhaler" "Late Night" also standout in many ways. Some of the songs on this album are more methodical and chill. Some have climaxes, but they aren't as big of a climax as the ones on their last record Total Life Forever.
But I suppose while this album I don't enjoy as much as TLF or Antidotes yet, I find I enjoy Foals even more now, then back when those 2 other records came out. And as a result, I still really dig most of this record.
Between Foals, Everything Everything, Bloc Party, I think it's without question, Foals are the band I enjoy the most and want to keep hearing new records from.
And not to forget, I finally saw them live last month, and they are even better in that setting.
K Será - Collisions and Near Misses
Maybe the best *new* college-prog band to come across my playlist in 2013. Casey Crescenzo produced this record, and I think the end result shows. This is a nice step-up from the debut EP from last year.
Stylistically, they may not be the most original sounding band, but the songs are just well written. They kind of show how they enjoy bands like Muse or even 22, pretty clearly.
Favorites: Near Misses, Meditations in an Emergency, Dream Like I Do, Hollow Ground of London and Ambien.
Ours - Ballet the Boxer 1
Fan Biased included, I'm not blown away by this record to find myself fully attached to it yet. However, I am kind of waiting to hear it on compact disc to still dig my teeth into it. But I couldn't help still listen to it a handful of times and as I posted in this blog, I still enjoy it enough, even if it is the most different and likely the least addictive record to me, they have made.
Favorites: Pretty Pain, Devil, Boxer, Sing, Falling Into My Hands and Been Down.
This is the record Ours and Jimmy Gnecco wanted to make right now. I am totally fine with that, and I love a lot of it. And I wouldn't be surprised I listen to it a lot more this year, and it is still pretty high up here. But an album of the year probably seems unlikely, and I'm okay with that, even as huge of a fan of this band that I am.
The Dear Hunter - Migrant/The Migration Annex
Like the last dredg album and the new Ours album, this is the album Casey Crescenzo and The Dear Hunter want to make right now, even as different as it seems in a lot of ways. I guess 1 big thing about this is the Migrations Annex is excellent and includes many songs as good if not better than the best stuff on Migrant itself. And I am including them together to view the overall quality of this/these to seem better.
Favorites: Let Go, Old Demons, Whisper, Owls, Bring You Down, Girl, Cycles, Shame, Dig Your Own Grave and Middle Ground
This album does remind me of 2007's Porcupine Tree output, although I don't find Migrant itself nearly as overrated as Fear of a Blank Planet. But Nil Recurring had more better music than FoaBP, and the Migration Annex as-a-whole, I think I find is not only a little more consistent, but also the styles of songs seem more like a lot of the older TDH music at times. Which I follow maybe why Casey didn't include some of those songs on Migrant. Even "Owls" seems old to him probably, even if it is a rearranged version.
I'm a gigantic fan of TDH, and The Color Spectrum, while it wasn't perfect, had enough music I love, I didn't mind how different it was at times for the band. This album seems like another step into singer/songwriter mode for Casey. He said he didn't want to make an album full of songs with screaming, so that is why much of Migrant includes more softer ballads and acoustic parts and songs.
I just wonder if that is his muse now and in the near future. He needs to make the music he loves most regardless of how the fans feel. And I'm not one of these fans that is longing for the Acts to get done necessarily soon. But the band and Casey I see as ambitious or wanting to be as ambitious as they can be, and with that, doing some of the stuff with lots of vocal harmonies and instrumentation (chamber/baroque), and styles like Ragtime and Swing, I would love to find again being emphasized.
Or even doing another big concept thing like Numbers, Shapes or something more directly influenced or related to his love of film, like Terry Gilliam's work specifically. Who knows. But Migrant and the Migration Annex should get some more mileage to fully gauge where it lands come December..
In Vain - Ænigma
Comeback album of the year? the last record Mantra, I had huge hopes for after loving The Latter Rain. And while it had some moments, it didn't really go as far with me as I hoped.
This record on the other hand, reminds me more of what I loved about this band. The choruses and huge guitar riffs. The immense, intense, thick layers with dynamics and also things like saxophone.
I really enjoy this album each time I listen to it. And it's not too long or I don't find it gets boring or drags anywhere.
These guys are kind of the kings of the dense melodic blackened epic prog metal. They know how to create great moods and atmosphere when its done well, is totally worth the journey it takes you on.
Brooke Waggoner - Originator
Brooke's follow up to Go Easy Little Doves. I really enjoy a ton about this album. The catchy parts, and piano arrangements. There may not be as much with string or classical elements, but the songs don't really need that.
I will point out, I find the 1st half of the record grabs me well as each track has a great mood and energy about it. The 2nd half or from the 7th track "Welspryng" to the 11th closing piece "To Love" change the album's tone, I haven't found myself as addicted to as much of that part of the album.
But if I recall, some of those tracks are just movements or slower pieces that feature just Brooke's vocals and piano, so that may be why.
Favorites: Ink Slinger, Rumble, Squint, Swiftshape.
Local Natives - Hummingbird
Another follow-up and sophomore album I've been waiting for, what seemed like forever. This is a different kind of album, compared to the awesome debut by Local Natives, Gorilla Manor.. The melodies and fun sections are more subtle at times or more gradual. The high energy has been exchanged for mood and atmosphere I guess.
But overall, it doesn't seem to have mattered to me. I suppose I claim myself as a fanboy and one of their earliest fans outside of their native Southern California, which is a fact anyway. So, maybe I'm drinking some of their kool-aid a bit. But I enjoy how they changed with this record and even the fact they changed and didn't make Gorilla Manor part 2.
I also think this album has grown on me a fair amount.
Favorites: Black Balloons, Black Spot, Mt. Washington, Ceilings, Breakers, Heavy Feet
An album of the year candidate? probably not, although I still have yet to hear the bonus tracks on the CD I picked up (and wanted on Vinyl, but passed initially and now can't find at The Electric Fetus anymore). If those bonus tracks were amazing, I suppose this may knock on the door more than it already has. But overall, one of the best of 2013, but come December, I suppose it'll be good to see where it stacks up against many of the others out and yet to come out still.
The Red Paintings - The Revolution is Never Coming
I'm absolutely loving this album. And I've known about it for many years, and at some point, wanted to not care anymore. Trash McSweeney spent about 5 years to make this album, traveling across the globe, reworking, rewriting many songs I guess. And then finally finished it in 2009, but couldn't find a way to release it. It finally got picked up to come out this year.
I think its epic nature, depth and multi-part songs are 1 reason it required that long to finally finish and release.
This is as ambitious a record I've come across over the last 5 or more years. It very much seems to be one of those albums that had so much thought put into it, musically, stylistically, lyrically, politically, along with influences from world events and cultures and many other factors, it just had to be something of a big, grand scale.
I guess as far as favorites, I would of course recommend the whole thing 1st and foremost as it is a concept album that suggests exploration for the listener throughout its start to finish.
but tracks: The Fall of Rome, You're Not One of Them, Streets Fell Into My Window, Dead Adults, It Is As It Was, The Revolution Is Never Coming are among the songs I keep hearing new things and loving.
This could an album of the year. The only thing I may find, other than competition, is some of the cymbals clip in spots, along with how in maybe 3 or four of the longer songs, the total silence for however many seconds they last, in some ways is a little annoying. But I suppose I can and may see that as part of the concept and thematically, it's intentional and it may not bother me.
Now where the listeners are right now, among the progressive rock scene and other places, is still not evident. It just came out in Australia a few weeks ago, but may not be dropping for a few months into the States. I would think, especially with more touring in North America and likely Europe, it'll find more interest. I mean Battle Circus never did, but this band has connected to more resources, opening for many bands in the States alone, the most recent being Mindless Self Indulgence, which is the tour I caught them on back in April
Keep also in mind, this is just a debut album, even though TRP have other releases, like EPs and some acoustic albums, but as far as I can tell, this is their official 1st album. I just listened to an interview HERE with Trash where he said he has the 2nd album already planned with a title of "How Much Time Do We Have Left?" But he says he doesn't know if it'll take 5 years to finish like this one, but it may.
is 2013 the year the question is answered if the Revolution is in fact never coming, but this album sure did, and it may reach a lot of people and inspire/influence its message.
Now if people catch on, I'm sure per examples like Kimbra, Warpaint, Local Natives and others, the allmediareviews blog will not be regarded as a site that introduced The Red Paintings sadly, but that's a broken record of course that still bares repeating.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories
I never would have expected to listen, let alone get into a Daft Punk album, even if the Hipsters and mainstream hadn't grabbed on to this. But they did, and it was a bit hard to ignore. And my girlfriend listening to it and seeing more specifics about it, like the inspiration and guests playing on it, really had me more curious.
Also seeing it mentioned on some of the progressive rock based forums as well, kind of raised my curiosity more.
And this album is experimental and ambitious if not progressive in some ways. Even just with some of the emphasis on musicianship, like the drum work on "Giorgio by Moroder" and the closing piece "Contact" adds appeal.
But almost every track has something interesting, including "Get Lucky" which may already be overplayed. The hook and climax on that track works, along with the groove. I even don't mind how trigger-happy they get with the vocoder on that tune and others. I initially wasn't all that crazy about it, but I do enjoy vocoder use with groups like The Apples in Stereo or ELO (Imogen Heap of course too)..
I think the 1 track that bugs me is "Doin' it Right," the song with Panda Bear singing as I can't stand that guy's voice and Animal Collective. But that would be the only song I'd take out. The Paul Williams narrative piece "Touch," while cheesy and melodramatic, doesn't go on too long, and leads to a very cool section.
'Within" is gorgeous and sad. I don't mind if the vocals are on vocoder, they actually really fit somehow with that arrangement.
There's a lot more to say about this album, but I'll just say, I suppose given how unexpected I was about it, it did fit what seems to happen to me every year. Janelle Monae, Pepe Deluxe, Apes and Androids, Kaddisfly. Although I don't expect (again), this to be my album of the year or to become attached to it like those other artists landmark records. I have been wrong about my tastes too many times to not be totally surprised.
At a minimum, this is an album I enjoy and will think for 2013 certainly. This is a rare case where the Hipsters actually got one right. Although I doubt for the reasons I feel they should (the drum work and experimental/blending of styles and genres, instead of it sounding like cool dance music, and cool dance music only).
Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories)
This was, early-on, the best thing I'd heard. And it kind of has not moved. It never dropped in quality. However, it also likely won't go all that much farther this year, and that likely means it's time on top may not last too much longer. And it's not a perfect record, but it's definitely the best thing I've heard from Steven since Deadwing by Porcupine Tree.
The riffs, dreamy melodies, intensely dark and dense atmsophere, and to be honest, the musicianship is off the charts at times. That is Guthrie Govan and Marco Minneman largely, but Steven did write those parts, at least for the most part anyway.
I think this album in some ways, has rekindled my passion for Steven and for traditional sounding progressive rock in some ways. Yeah, there is music that nods to King Crimson, Yes and some of the best jazz-rock like Return to Forever and Mahavishnu Orchestra, but the songs still end up sounding like Steven (or PT in many ways).
But I suppose 1 thing that stands out to me, is how 3 songs, 2 especially, channel parts from other songs I love.
-"Luminol" the 1st 3 or 4 minutes use almost the identical interval pattern from Savatage's "Turns to Me"
-"The Pin Drop" Kevin Gilbert's "Water Under the Bridge" the rhythm of the acoustic guitar is nearly the same.
-"The Watchmaker" I swear I heard moments that channeled Oceansize's "Only Twin" although I suppose that is more in a a similar tone/mood/key and layering, but not as much from a technical standpoint.
Those similarities aside, those songs are all fantastic. "The Watchmaker" especially, is maybe the best epic Steven has ever written ("Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" maybe, but "Raider II" or especially "Anesthethetize..sorry, don't compare).
Not a ton more to say or sum this album up, but that's kind of what it's deal is. It's really good, well written progressive rock music that is enjoyable to listen to, and maybe even more, witness live. But in terms of life-changing or year-changing albums, it's in the mix, but likely doesn't have the legs in terms of ambition to last by the time December rolls around.
But perhaps it'll surprise me, we'll see.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Now on to the portion of the show where I get to mention many of the potential records coming of value that i know about now. Many of these could be awesome, epic, landmark releases. And then again, many might be solid, okay, decent, or meager follow-ups. And some likely will end up being huge disappointments.
And of course, many also won't make it out this year, or even next year for many potential reasons.
15-20 Records coming in the 2nd half that I am excited about (and many others I'm sure I don't know about, or am not remembering at the moment).
BLUE CHIPS:
The Reign of Kindo - Play With Fire
Mew - TBA
Fates Warning - TBA
Kaddisfly - Horses Galloping on Sailboats
The River Empires - Mars Brighton II
Very Excited:
Brice Plays Drums - TBA
East of the Wall - TBA
Karnivool - Asymmetry
Mayer Hawthorne - Where Does This Door Go
Janelle Monae - The Electric Lady
Orphaned Land - All Is One
Revere - TBA
Shelter Red - The Split Sabre
22 - TBA
Warpaint - TBA
Looking Forward To:
Blackfield - Blackfield IV
The Celebrities/Sir Video - TBA [EP]
Chloe - TBA
Dream Theater - Dream Theater
Enchant - TBA
Fish - A Feast of Consequences
God is an Astronaut - Origins
Midlake - TBA
The Polyphonic Spree - Yes, It's True
The Royal Veil - King of the Ocean
Typhoon - White Lighter
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Epic Rock Talk v. 2.0?
This is another one of those long-winded or *epic* discussions about music I did with some friends about music. This time around, there were a few new voices, my friend Josh, along with his gf Lynn and 2 other friends Lee and Meryl.
The whole thing is about 2.5 hours (approx.) Being that it's been awhile, my voice again was much higher on the mic (going-in I forgot about those past issues). But overall, the dynamic with 4 or even 5 at times active voices/opinions, I think added a fair amount to this idea/discussion.
So much so, I think we may try and do this every month as previously planned. Even if everyone can't make it.
Part 1
Part 2 and 3 (Part 3 being abbreviated for this podcast, being 19 mins, lol)
The whole thing is about 2.5 hours (approx.) Being that it's been awhile, my voice again was much higher on the mic (going-in I forgot about those past issues). But overall, the dynamic with 4 or even 5 at times active voices/opinions, I think added a fair amount to this idea/discussion.
So much so, I think we may try and do this every month as previously planned. Even if everyone can't make it.
Part 1
Part 2 and 3 (Part 3 being abbreviated for this podcast, being 19 mins, lol)
Miracles of Modern Science - Get Lucky (Daft Punk cover)
My gawd, they've done it again! How 2013-of them, lol. Love-this-band!
downloadable:
downloadable:
Friday, June 14, 2013
Between the Buried and Me Fall NA Tour: Full "Future Sequence"..The Faceless
http://www.showstubs.com/collections/the-future-sequence-tour
![[IMG]](http://www.metalsucks.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BTBAM_Faceless_Contortionist.jpg)
Between the Buried and Me, The Faceless, The Contortionist and The Safety Fire are on all dates as far as I know.
I'm wondering if the uncertainty of Station 4's status had them book this show. And the fact BTBAM was with Coheed at First Ave last Winter, has made them *acceptable* for the hipsters now. The Varsity used to book prog and modern college-prog. But in the past few years, it's been a lot more infrequent. Maybe this show will be a sign of them getting more prog/prog related or Metal shows? I can't say I'd be upset if that happened.
As far as BTBAM and Future Sequence, I enjoy enough of it, and it may work in-full, better live. And The Faceless as well, their last album didn't go too far for me, but seeing them live again may change my feeling. I hope they at least play some of the Akeldama stuff.
September 13, 2013
Winston-Salem, NC at Ziggy's
September 14, 2013
Knoxville, TN at NV
September 15, 2013
Atlanta, GA at The Masquerade
September 16, 2013
Jacksonville, FL at Brewster's Roc Bar
September 17, 2013
Orlando, FL at The Plaza Live
September 19, 2013
Houston, TX at House of Blues
September 20, 2013
Austin, TX at The Mohawk
September 21, 2013
Dallas, TX at House of Blues
September 23, 2013
Denver, CO at Summit Music Hall
September 24, 2013
Murray, UT at Murray Theater
September 26, 2013
Mesa, AZ at The Nile
September 27, 2013
West Hollywood, CA at House of Blues
September 28, 2013
San Diego, CA at House of Blues
September 29, 2013
Santa Ana, CA at The Observatory
September 30, 2013
San Francisco, CA at Regency Ballroom
October 01, 2013
Sacramento, CA at Ace of Spades
October 03, 2013
Portland, OR at Hawthorne Theatre
October 04, 2013
Seattle, WA at El Corazon
October 05, 2013
Vancouver, BC at Commodore Ballroom
October 07, 2013
Calgary, AB at The Republik
October 08, 2013
Edmonton, AB at Starlite Room
October 09, 2013
Winnipeg, MB at Garrick Centre
October 11, 2013
Minneapolis, MN at Varsity Theater (16 and Older Only)
October 12, 2013
Chicago, IL at Metro
October 13, 2013
Detroit, MI at Majestic Theatre
October 14, 2013
Louisville, KY at Headliner's Music Hall
October 16, 2013
New York, NY at Best Buy Theatre
October 17, 2013
Worcester, MA at The Palladium
October 18, 2013
Sayreville, NJ at Starland Ballroom
October 19, 2013
Philadelphia, PA at Theatre of Living Arts
October 20, 2013
Cleveland, OH at Peabody's
October 21, 2013
Millvale, PA at Mr Smalls Theatre
October 23, 2013
Baltimore, MD at Sound Stage
October 24, 2013
Asheville, NC at The Orange Peel
October 25, 2013
Nashville, TN at Cannery Ballroom
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Vuvuzela - Like a Lion (live)
Despite the sound quality, great performance! From seeing Timbre, awesome to see another live harp from Stephanie.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Toy Matinee live "In the Studio" Dallas 1990
http://www.inthestudio.net/live-tracks/toy-matinee-last-plane-out-dallas-1990/
Fuck yeah, I'm always up for hearing some Kevin Gilbert recordings. .I recall hearing his folks lived in Texas, but I had no idea about his dad being a physicist.
Fuck yeah, I'm always up for hearing some Kevin Gilbert recordings. .I recall hearing his folks lived in Texas, but I had no idea about his dad being a physicist.
Monday, June 10, 2013
The Barnum Meserve
I'm just going to share this, as I literally was just told about this band 30 minutes ago and am enjoying these songs quite a lot. This is a I guess relatively new UK band, who I just noticed have a description on their Facebook saying "dark theatrical" among other adjectives.
They sort of remind me of a few different bands, yet also sound distinct enough. I suppose a couple of names are Typhoon and O'Brother, but that's vague.
These songs appear to be for sale on their Soundcloud page, but they haven't released them on any lp or ep yet I guess.
edit: They have an EP titled Broken Window available to buy digitally on amazon.com HERE. I'm not clear when it was released, other than in 2012.
They sort of remind me of a few different bands, yet also sound distinct enough. I suppose a couple of names are Typhoon and O'Brother, but that's vague.
These songs appear to be for sale on their Soundcloud page, but they haven't released them on any lp or ep yet I guess.
edit: They have an EP titled Broken Window available to buy digitally on amazon.com HERE. I'm not clear when it was released, other than in 2012.
Mercies - Barely Speak // Vultures [Single] (2013)
This is a new single from Mercies. By *new* it's relative. Last year they had a successful Kickstarter campaign to tour, and 1 extra perk for some was a 7" single for this they were going to release. Well, I guess printing it and other factors changed the plans. So, they now finally finished it and decided to release it just as a digital file (at least for now).
The 2 tracks here are very nice. Much in the style of their previous music for the most part. Dreamy, jangley at points. Why it's a single with 2 tracks in the title is a bit odd, but maybe they weren't putting out an EP, but also decided the 2 songs go together. Sort of a double-single in a way. That sounds like a contradiction in terms, but whatever.
The guys in Mercies continue to impress here. If you feel the same, it's only $2 for a download. And of course free to stream.
1 Barely Speak 4:26
2 Vultures 4:10
The 2 tracks here are very nice. Much in the style of their previous music for the most part. Dreamy, jangley at points. Why it's a single with 2 tracks in the title is a bit odd, but maybe they weren't putting out an EP, but also decided the 2 songs go together. Sort of a double-single in a way. That sounds like a contradiction in terms, but whatever.
The guys in Mercies continue to impress here. If you feel the same, it's only $2 for a download. And of course free to stream.
1 Barely Speak 4:26
2 Vultures 4:10
Saturday, June 8, 2013
God is an Astronaut - Origins (2013)
6/8/13 12:04PM
Drop date is September 16th, with the 1st single on September 2nd. GiaA are a post rock band who I always think of for their use of piano. And their music I have enjoyed, but it's been a little hit and miss. Their best work or songs are brilliant. I just can't say their percentage for being brilliant is incredibly high. But all their music has definitely been worth checking out, no matter. The 2 videos below are 2 of the best tracks by them. Although "Zodiac" doesn't feature as much piano if I recall, and their record Age of the Fifth Sun and S/T record I remember not including as much as their earlier work. Hopefully Origins will; namely since the name suggests it'll be like their earlier or music from their *origins* (early influences?)
http://giaaband.tumblr.com/post/52375020759/rocket-girl-press-release-origins-is-the-seventh
Origins is the seventh full-length album released by God is an Astronaut and sees the band return to Rocket Girl records, who licensed the band’s breakthrough album, All is Violent, All is Bright in 2005. In the eight years since then, GIAA have continued to release albums on their own Revive Records (Far From Refuge, 2007, God is an Astronaut, 2008 and Age of the Fifth Sun, 2010), with limited promotion and yet still amassing a vast following on social media sites (150,000 fans on Facebook, half a million listeners on lastfm.com) and touring extensively, establishing themselves as Ireland’s most intense, incandescent live act.
The new single ‘Spiral Code’ (rgirl99) will be released on 2nd Sept on Rocket Girl, followed by the full length ‘Origins’ (rgirl98) on 16th Sept
also their whole back catalog (6 albums) was remastered and released as a package earlier this year
http://www.superadmusic.com/god/shop.html
Drop date is September 16th, with the 1st single on September 2nd. GiaA are a post rock band who I always think of for their use of piano. And their music I have enjoyed, but it's been a little hit and miss. Their best work or songs are brilliant. I just can't say their percentage for being brilliant is incredibly high. But all their music has definitely been worth checking out, no matter. The 2 videos below are 2 of the best tracks by them. Although "Zodiac" doesn't feature as much piano if I recall, and their record Age of the Fifth Sun and S/T record I remember not including as much as their earlier work. Hopefully Origins will; namely since the name suggests it'll be like their earlier or music from their *origins* (early influences?)
http://giaaband.tumblr.com/post/52375020759/rocket-girl-press-release-origins-is-the-seventh
Origins is the seventh full-length album released by God is an Astronaut and sees the band return to Rocket Girl records, who licensed the band’s breakthrough album, All is Violent, All is Bright in 2005. In the eight years since then, GIAA have continued to release albums on their own Revive Records (Far From Refuge, 2007, God is an Astronaut, 2008 and Age of the Fifth Sun, 2010), with limited promotion and yet still amassing a vast following on social media sites (150,000 fans on Facebook, half a million listeners on lastfm.com) and touring extensively, establishing themselves as Ireland’s most intense, incandescent live act.
The new single ‘Spiral Code’ (rgirl99) will be released on 2nd Sept on Rocket Girl, followed by the full length ‘Origins’ (rgirl98) on 16th Sept
also their whole back catalog (6 albums) was remastered and released as a package earlier this year
http://www.superadmusic.com/god/shop.html
Cloud Cult's - Hurricane and Fire Survival Guide (Northern Illinois U Recital)
Just noticed Cloud Cult share this very cool arrangement from the track from Feel Good Ghosts.
Super cool arrangement of Cloud Cult's "Hurricane and Fire Survival Guide" (Feel Good Ghosts) by Brian Wach's Junior Percussion Recital at Northern Illinois University. Big smiles all around:)
Super cool arrangement of Cloud Cult's "Hurricane and Fire Survival Guide" (Feel Good Ghosts) by Brian Wach's Junior Percussion Recital at Northern Illinois University. Big smiles all around:)
KFAI Radio: 6/713 Filling In on the air for The Minnesota Sound
http://kfai.org/mnsoundtrack
6/7/13 The show is up to stream and DOWNLOAD for 2-weeks.
I was filling in here, for a show that is STRICTLY ALL MINNESOTA MUSIC. Nothing from artists that are not from Minnesota is allowed. In other words, Subbing by playing a lot of my favorite music wouldn't work for this specific show. But I enjoy enough music from Minnesota, that this show still worked well.
My girlfriend kind of felt the same, but maybe even more, leans towards music not from Minnesota. But given she also can sub at KFAI, subbing for some other non-restricted-to-Minnesota-Music shows may be more likely (perhaps "The Pop Shop" on Monday evenings at Midnight, or some others)
Also about playing the CARTS aka Promos, etc... I didn't mean to play the same cart twice; I have a better idea how to play the carts now in fact, by playing them all-at-once, at least I guess it's okay. Perhaps playing them all at once, twice during the show in fact. It's been so many years, but I forgot that it was okay to play carts in different fashions, just that to remember to actually play them is the key.
Here's my post from Facebook with the Playlist:
I feel bad leaving my copy of The Royal Veil 's EP at work, and forgetting to mention the Mike Linden track I played. My apologies.
But hopefully both of them will be fully included the next time I sub on KFAI.
Brice Plays Drums - Freight Train Blues
Mike Linden - Paper Plans II: 1903
WOLFHOPPERS - Purpose, Part I
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - Darkmatter
The Book Of Right On - Manchild at the Helm
Prince and the Revolution - Pop Life
Jeremy Messersmith - Dead End Job
Dan Wilson - She Can't Help Me Now
Spaghetti Western String Co - P. Sellers
Peter Ostroushko - Topanga Canyon Strut
Reptile Palace Orchestra - Little Wing
Boiled In Lead - Jolly Tinker
Background:
Nomia - Perseus
Lehto & Wright - Children's Songs
Media Addicts - Zeitgeist
Greg Herriges - Sabir Khan Song
Watercolors - ?
Friday, June 7, 2013
2013 Midyear Countdown coming
Just a short announcement, work on the midseason albums countdown was pushed back slightly due to another circumstance: my appearance on KFAI this evening 7:30-9:00PM.
But the goal is for it to show up in the next couple of weeks. 3 days off work and 1-weekend work-free may really help that.
It's been an interesting and surprising year in some ways thus far. But I suppose 1 comment to make that'll be reiterated is how 2013 hasn't quite had any grab-me addictive amazing records exactly. But the 2nd half I hope that happens of course.
But the goal is for it to show up in the next couple of weeks. 3 days off work and 1-weekend work-free may really help that.
It's been an interesting and surprising year in some ways thus far. But I suppose 1 comment to make that'll be reiterated is how 2013 hasn't quite had any grab-me addictive amazing records exactly. But the 2nd half I hope that happens of course.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Jon Anderson - "Sing to Me" clip (Zamran Experience...Son of Olias?)
I thought I saw something about this being the "Son of Olias" which I knew Jon has talked about doing for many years; a sequel of sorts to the Olias of Sunnhillow album.
This is nice.
Also, this message about a concert in August, was just posted from Jon per the "Notes from the Edge" service on Facebook:
A message from Jon Anderson to the audience attendees for his August 14, 2013 show at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, UK:
ok!! peeps..,...the show in Manchester is unique....it's in the round....so please feel free to film parts or all of the songs on your cell phones or videos..on some songs will do.....
as many of you as can do it, this it will make a unique filming experience...for the peeps whose videos we choose to use you will all receive your own final copy....when it's edited together...and a painting from me...to commemorate this event..
please send your films to: inyth.media@gmail.com
have fun.....jon
Karnivool - We Are (?) (2013)
Video: below and all the details of the new album Asymmetry in THIS ENTRY.
6/6/13 7:33PM
"We Are"..album title?
5/20/13 2:20PM
"The Refusal" link from/off-of TripleJ? (an Australian Radio station known for premiering Karnivool among other good Aussie acts new songs)
5/17/13 2:00AM
This is just a heads up as they have an album that I have heard will be coming out this Summer or early Fall. August I recall being 1 of the projected months.
And they just posted this on Facebook.
1 of the new songs live:
6/6/13 7:33PM
"We Are"..album title?
5/20/13 2:20PM
"The Refusal" link from/off-of TripleJ? (an Australian Radio station known for premiering Karnivool among other good Aussie acts new songs)
5/17/13 2:00AM
This is just a heads up as they have an album that I have heard will be coming out this Summer or early Fall. August I recall being 1 of the projected months.
And they just posted this on Facebook.
Folks! Things are afoot.
Get yourself over to Karnivool.com
Feast your eyes & ears and sign up
Get yourself over to Karnivool.com
Feast your eyes & ears and sign up
NIN Summer tour w/ Godspeed and EitS. St.Paul = EitS and NOT Godspeed!
http://exclaim.ca/News/nine_inch_nails_announce_hesitation_marks
Hey St.Paul: Get your head out of your ass and get Godspeed instead of the poser/nature music band Explosions in the Sky.
Hey Explosions in the Sky: You Suck Ass, we wanted Godspeed and not your one-dimensional style of nature music.
Hey Godspeed: what the fuck do you have against Minnesota?
Hey NIN: why couldn't you have at least put both Godpseed and EitS on the ENTIRE TOUR???
Trent Reznor may be a Rush fan and has Robert Fripp involved with his new album, but this tour is fucking LAME!
Hey St.Paul: Get your head out of your ass and get Godspeed instead of the poser/nature music band Explosions in the Sky.
Hey Explosions in the Sky: You Suck Ass, we wanted Godspeed and not your one-dimensional style of nature music.
Hey Godspeed: what the fuck do you have against Minnesota?
Hey NIN: why couldn't you have at least put both Godpseed and EitS on the ENTIRE TOUR???
Trent Reznor may be a Rush fan and has Robert Fripp involved with his new album, but this tour is fucking LAME!
Nine Inch Nails:
07-26 Niigata, Japan - Fuji Rocks Festival
07-28 Ansan, South Korea - Ansan Valley Festival
08-02-04 Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
08-09-11 San Francisco, CA - Outside Lands
08-15 Hasselt, Belgium - Pukkelpop
08-16 Biddinghuizen, Holland - Lowlands Festival
08-18 Hockenheim, Germany - Rock 'n' Heim
08-21 Belfast, Northern Ireland - Belsonic Festival
08-23 Leeds, England - Leeds Festival
08-24 Paris, France - Rock en Seine
08-25 Reading, England - Reading Festival
08-28 Milan, Italy - Mediolanum Forum
08-31-09-01 Philadelphia, PA - Made in America Festival
09-28 St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center *
09-30 Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center *
10-01 St. Louis, MO - Chaifetz Arena *
10-03 Montreal, Quebec - Centre Bell *
10-04 Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre *
10-05 Cleveland, OH - Wolstein Center *
10-07 Auburn Hill, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills *
10-08 Pittsburgh, PA - Petersen Events Center *
10-11 Boston, MA - TD Garden #
10-14 Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center #
10-15 Newark, NJ - Prudential Center #
10-18 Washington, DC - Verizon Center #
10-19 University Park, PA - Bryce Jordan Center #
10-21 Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena #
10-22 Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena #
10-24 Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena #
10-25-27 Asheville, NC - Mountain Oasis Electronic Music Summit
10-30 Sunrise, FL - BB&T Center
10-31 Orlando, FL - Amway Center
11-01-03 New Orleans, LA - Voodoo Music Experience
11-05 San Antonio, TX - AT&T Center *
11-08 Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center *
11-09 Phoenix, AZ - US Airways Center *
11-11 El Paso, TX - Don Haskins Center *
11-13 Broomfield, CO - 1st Bank Center *
11-15 Las Vegas, NV - The Joint *
11-16 Las Vegas, NV - The Joint *
11-18 Portland, OR - Rose Garden Arena *
11-19 Spokane, WA - Spokane Arena *
11-21 Vancouver, British Columbia - Rogers Arena *
11-22 Seattle, WA - KeyArena *
11-24 Edmonton, Alberta - Rexall Place
11-25 Calgary, Alberta - Scotiabank Saddledome
07-28 Ansan, South Korea - Ansan Valley Festival
08-02-04 Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza
08-09-11 San Francisco, CA - Outside Lands
08-15 Hasselt, Belgium - Pukkelpop
08-16 Biddinghuizen, Holland - Lowlands Festival
08-18 Hockenheim, Germany - Rock 'n' Heim
08-21 Belfast, Northern Ireland - Belsonic Festival
08-23 Leeds, England - Leeds Festival
08-24 Paris, France - Rock en Seine
08-25 Reading, England - Reading Festival
08-28 Milan, Italy - Mediolanum Forum
08-31-09-01 Philadelphia, PA - Made in America Festival
09-28 St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center *
09-30 Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center *
10-01 St. Louis, MO - Chaifetz Arena *
10-03 Montreal, Quebec - Centre Bell *
10-04 Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre *
10-05 Cleveland, OH - Wolstein Center *
10-07 Auburn Hill, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills *
10-08 Pittsburgh, PA - Petersen Events Center *
10-11 Boston, MA - TD Garden #
10-14 Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center #
10-15 Newark, NJ - Prudential Center #
10-18 Washington, DC - Verizon Center #
10-19 University Park, PA - Bryce Jordan Center #
10-21 Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena #
10-22 Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena #
10-24 Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena #
10-25-27 Asheville, NC - Mountain Oasis Electronic Music Summit
10-30 Sunrise, FL - BB&T Center
10-31 Orlando, FL - Amway Center
11-01-03 New Orleans, LA - Voodoo Music Experience
11-05 San Antonio, TX - AT&T Center *
11-08 Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center *
11-09 Phoenix, AZ - US Airways Center *
11-11 El Paso, TX - Don Haskins Center *
11-13 Broomfield, CO - 1st Bank Center *
11-15 Las Vegas, NV - The Joint *
11-16 Las Vegas, NV - The Joint *
11-18 Portland, OR - Rose Garden Arena *
11-19 Spokane, WA - Spokane Arena *
11-21 Vancouver, British Columbia - Rogers Arena *
11-22 Seattle, WA - KeyArena *
11-24 Edmonton, Alberta - Rexall Place
11-25 Calgary, Alberta - Scotiabank Saddledome
* with Explosions in the Sky
# with Godspeed You! Black Emperor
# with Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Typhoon - Dreams of Cannibalism Video
EW.com lame as hell blocking the viewing here, but so be it. Here's your bloody link EW.com, the video will be on Youtube soon enough anyway.
Edit:
White Lighter is out August 20
Edit:
White Lighter is out August 20
Local Natives - "Breakers" live on David Letterman
I didn't even realize they were appearing. I recall when they appeared on Craig Ferguson and it was a big deal. But Letterman is a little bigger deal. Maybe SNL will be next?
Northern Abbey - The Sounds of Glowing [EP] (2013)
1. Portrait 04:59
2. The Trail 02:38
3. A Lonesome Road 03:10
4. Glowing 05:02
5. Of Lights 02:58
6. The Several Seas (Bonus Track) 02:34
Wow, this sort of came out of nowhere! Although, given I got in touch with Nick Lambert after my end-of-year blurb from last year in here, and he mentioned there was more music coming soon, this shouldn't come as too much of a surprise.
But as the link shows, he plays and writes more or less all of it. Jessy Ribordy of The River Empires and Nick's bandmate in Falling Up, it shows produced and mixed it along with writing a string arrangement on "Portrait," the opening track.
But I really loved the 1st/debut EP from last year from Northern Abbey. So, this is really cool to see this now become available. The artwork is a little puzzling, being sort of a faded/cloudy white/gray, but I imagine there's a good reason for that.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Mike Portnoy leaves Adrenaline Mob
Here's my post from Facebook just a bit ago
For what this is worth. To Mike Portnoy, this is obviously a very big deal. And to the fans of Adrenaline Mob as well. But to be honest, to the fans of his like myself, and more or less the majority of the progressive rock and prog metal communities, Adrenaline Mob was the least appealing of his new bands/projects since leaving Dream Theater. Even if he likely considered it his most important/significant in a lot of ways. But obviously if it was, it wasn't as important as doing as many of these new projects at once, and in effect potentially holding the band back.
Best of luck to AM, even though I never got into it.
https://www.facebook.com/mikeportnoyofficial/posts/608090652541914
Evarusnik - In a Poker Slash Refrain (2013)
6/4/13 5:50AM
Band's Site: CD and VINYL orders available
iTunes
2nd single "Enjoy."
6/3/13 9:35AM
sucker goes on sale on Tuesday per Bandcamp I believe. Being that I backed their successful Kickstarter, I already got my download. Quite good record, including Mark Engles contributions at points.
1 You Are the Artist 4:23
2 Rapanui's Lightniing 4:41
3 Teeth of Won't 4:59
4 Trickling Ivory 3:45
5 Local Cliché 6:06
6 Black Acequia 4:38
7 Scenic Overlooks 0:55
8 Circles Swimming 5:21
9 Easily Entertainers 4:43
10 Voices 0:36
11 Enjoy 5:28
5/9/13 11:53AM
The above link is for the 1st single "Rapanui's Lightning" which actually was released on April 4th (my bad for not knowing earlier).
As far as the album title, the band I imagine will be announcing it and the tracklist/artwork rather soon as they said this a few weeks ago:
New single available! Full length album out June 4th, 2013.
This album was successfully kickstarted from their campaign last year that was launched around this time (June I think). LINK.
Also one note to include as I think I mentioned it last year, this band are friends with some of the dredg members. And if I recall, Mark Engles either produced and/or played on this album.
Band's Site: CD and VINYL orders available
iTunes
2nd single "Enjoy."
6/3/13 9:35AM
sucker goes on sale on Tuesday per Bandcamp I believe. Being that I backed their successful Kickstarter, I already got my download. Quite good record, including Mark Engles contributions at points.
1 You Are the Artist 4:23
2 Rapanui's Lightniing 4:41
3 Teeth of Won't 4:59
4 Trickling Ivory 3:45
5 Local Cliché 6:06
6 Black Acequia 4:38
7 Scenic Overlooks 0:55
8 Circles Swimming 5:21
9 Easily Entertainers 4:43
10 Voices 0:36
11 Enjoy 5:28
5/9/13 11:53AM
The above link is for the 1st single "Rapanui's Lightning" which actually was released on April 4th (my bad for not knowing earlier).
As far as the album title, the band I imagine will be announcing it and the tracklist/artwork rather soon as they said this a few weeks ago:
New single available! Full length album out June 4th, 2013.
This album was successfully kickstarted from their campaign last year that was launched around this time (June I think). LINK.
Also one note to include as I think I mentioned it last year, this band are friends with some of the dredg members. And if I recall, Mark Engles either produced and/or played on this album.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
The Winery Dogs (Portnoy, Sheehan, Kotzen) - The Winery Dogs (2013)
6/1/13 10:44PM
Here's another new track. Damn, I'm loving the guitar solo. Verrrry bluesy.
5/30/13 11:30PM
while the Japanese edition was released a couple of weeks ago, the North American edition has been confirmed to be coming out on July 23rd.
http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=9511
5/15/13 9:23PM
Stream another new song "We Are One"
And/or go to their homepage and sign up for their email list and get a free download of it.
http://www.thewinerydogs.com/
Nice guitar solo. This new song might be the best of the 3, thus far.
Tracklist
01. Elevate
02. Desire
03. We Are One
04. I’m No Angel
05. The Other Side
06. You Saved Me
07. Not Hopeless
08. One More Time
09. Damaged
10. Six Feet Deeper
11. Criminal
12. The Dying
13. Regret
5/13/13 5:36AM
new track "Desire"..not bad, groovey.
4/22/13 11:45AM
New song/video "Elevate"..haven't heard it yet (and I have no idea it was put up online yesterday).
3/23/13 6:47 PM
More here:
http://www.bravewords.com/news/201030
http://www.twitter.com/thewinerydogs
3/11/13 9:33AM
Link
Facebook
This is the much talked about project from Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Ritchie Kotzen (originally with John Sykes), that is supposedly very Led Zeppelin, Cream, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Heart? Classic Hard/Blues Rock based.
And according to that link, the debut album is due out in May.
As far as the name, it's fitting I guess. Not something too repulsive and sounds sort of Power-Trio and even a little 70's Classic Rock-ish. Although I'm sure with the word "Winery" it may be subject to some jokes, but I've seen much worse. And if the music is good, the name doesn't mean so much to me.
Some other good news is that the new cd with Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy and I is officially finished!
We are now in the mix stage of the process and Jay Ruston is doing an amazing job with that!
I can’t wait to share the new music with you! We are hoping for an early May release date for the CD!
I wonder though, seeing it there, if Mike Portnoy would have wanted to break the news of the name and other info himself. But he probably will soon, with the album stuff, etc. I should bump this when he or that stuff comes out soon.
Some previous entries:
Mike Portnoy + Billy Sheehan + Ritchie Kotzen - TBA (2013?)
Mike Portnoy + Billy Sheehan + Richie Kotzen (2012?)
Here's another new track. Damn, I'm loving the guitar solo. Verrrry bluesy.
5/30/13 11:30PM
while the Japanese edition was released a couple of weeks ago, the North American edition has been confirmed to be coming out on July 23rd.
http://knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=9511
5/15/13 9:23PM
Stream another new song "We Are One"
And/or go to their homepage and sign up for their email list and get a free download of it.
http://www.thewinerydogs.com/
Nice guitar solo. This new song might be the best of the 3, thus far.
Tracklist
01. Elevate
02. Desire
03. We Are One
04. I’m No Angel
05. The Other Side
06. You Saved Me
07. Not Hopeless
08. One More Time
09. Damaged
10. Six Feet Deeper
11. Criminal
12. The Dying
13. Regret
5/13/13 5:36AM
new track "Desire"..not bad, groovey.
4/22/13 11:45AM
New song/video "Elevate"..haven't heard it yet (and I have no idea it was put up online yesterday).
3/23/13 6:47 PM
More here:
http://www.bravewords.com/news/201030
http://www.twitter.com/thewinerydogs
3/11/13 9:33AM
Link
This is the much talked about project from Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Ritchie Kotzen (originally with John Sykes), that is supposedly very Led Zeppelin, Cream, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Heart? Classic Hard/Blues Rock based.
And according to that link, the debut album is due out in May.
As far as the name, it's fitting I guess. Not something too repulsive and sounds sort of Power-Trio and even a little 70's Classic Rock-ish. Although I'm sure with the word "Winery" it may be subject to some jokes, but I've seen much worse. And if the music is good, the name doesn't mean so much to me.
Some other good news is that the new cd with Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy and I is officially finished!
We are now in the mix stage of the process and Jay Ruston is doing an amazing job with that!
I can’t wait to share the new music with you! We are hoping for an early May release date for the CD!
I wonder though, seeing it there, if Mike Portnoy would have wanted to break the news of the name and other info himself. But he probably will soon, with the album stuff, etc. I should bump this when he or that stuff comes out soon.
Some previous entries:
Mike Portnoy + Billy Sheehan + Ritchie Kotzen - TBA (2013?)
Mike Portnoy + Billy Sheehan + Richie Kotzen (2012?)