Modern Progressive Art Rock Albums (#1-201)

 This is kind of my Holy Bible of Rock music this Century.

Admittedly, it's a long, bloated list with many artists with several albums each included, but still warranted for me.

This really is my shit, and I feel like 1 of the only people who champions this hybrid of styles that connect through being progressive or artsy with modern rock/pop/folk/electronic/post/math/chamber music.

Certainly, it's not definitive, but it is the best I can do for now without overthinking for countless more hours/days/weeks/months or even years.

It's going to be reviewed in the coming days/weeks on the allmediareviews blog YouTube Channel likely starting 12/1/22.

List on Rateyourmusic.com

Playlist on YouTube (13 Videos, 6-8 hours?)

released February 11, 2008

1 Apes and Androids - Blood Moon

released October 8, 2002

2 dredg - El cielo

released May 15, 2001

3 Ours - Distorted Lullabies

released September 20, 2005

4 Coheed and Cambria - Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV: Volume One: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness

released March 6, 2007

5 Kaddisfly - Set Sail the Prairie

released April 6, 2010

6 The River Empires - The River Empires (Epilogue)

released May 22, 2007

7 The Dear Hunter - Act II: The Meaning of, and All Things Regarding Ms. Leading

released January 30, 2012

8 Pepe Deluxé - Queen of the Wave

released April 26, 2005

9 The Receiving End of Sirens - Between the Heart and the Synapse

released October 21, 2008

10 Bend Sinister - Stories of Brothers, Tales of Lovers

released April 15, 2008

11 Ours - Mercy (Dancing for the Death of an Imaginary Enemy)

released October 23, 2003

12 Menomena - I Am the Fun Blame Monster

released February 21, 2015

13 Small Leaks Sink Ships - Face Yourself, and Remove Your Sandals

released September 19, 2005

14 Oceansize - Everyone Into Position

released April 10, 2006

15 Pure Reason Revolution - The Dark Third

released October 1, 2007

16 Oceansize - Frames

released September 19, 2005

17 Mew - And the Glass Handed Kites

released August 26, 2008

18 The Reign of Kindo - Rhythm, Chord & Melody

released June 9, 2009

19 dredg - The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion

released June 21, 2015

20 Kaddisfly - Horses Galloping on Sailboats

released September 14, 2010

21 Cloud Cult - Light Chasers

released June 21, 2005

22 dredg - Catch Without Arms

released March 1, 2005

23 The Mars Volta - Frances the Mute

released July 18, 2005

24 Imogen Heap - Speak for Yourself

released October 4, 2011

25 Mutemath - Odd Soul

released September 4, 2015

26 The Dear Hunter - Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise

released June 16, 2003

27 Mew - Frengers

released May 22, 2000

28 Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun

released February 2004

29 Blackfield - Blackfield

released October 21, 2008

30 The Stiletto Formal - ¡Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta, Fiesta!

released May 31, 2010

31 Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here

released June 17, 2003

32 The Mars Volta - De-Loused in the Comatorium

released August 3, 2004

33 The Velvet Teen - Elysium

released February 1, 2005

34 Bend Sinister - Through the Broken City

released August 29, 2011

35 Kimbra - Vows

released June 12, 2007

36 Fair to Midland - Fables From a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True

released April 16, 2012

37 Anathema - Weather Systems

released May 10, 2010

38 Foals - Total Life Forever

released March 28, 2005

39 Porcupine Tree - Deadwing

released January 20, 2009

40 Umphrey's McGee - Mantis

released June 15, 2015

41 Everything Everything - Get to Heaven

released February 12, 2016

42 Cloud Cult - The Seeker

released March 12, 2002

43 Archive - You All Look the Same to Me

released June 14, 2011

44 The Dear Hunter - The Color Spectrum: The Complete Collection

released August 19, 2009

45 Mew - No More Stories / Are Told Today / I'm Sorry / They Washed Away // No More Stories / The World Is Grey / I'm Tired / Let's Wash Away

released August 22, 2017

46 Dirt Poor Robins - The Raven Locks Act 3

released October 11, 2011

47 3 - The Ghost You Gave to Me

released February 1, 2011

48 Hotel of the Laughing Tree - Terror and Everything After

released September 26, 2006

49 The Dear Hunter - Act I: The Lake South, the River North

released March 6, 2007

50 House of Fools - Live and Learn

released April 24, 2009

51 Long Distance Calling - Avoid the Light

released September 21, 2018

52 Eldren - Miss Information Aged

released April 25, 2005

53 Klimt 1918 - Dopoguerra

released July 24, 2007

54 Three - The End Is Begun

released October 23, 2012

55 Vuvuzela - The Hollow Choir

released May 18, 2010

56 Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid

released February 6, 2007

57 Kiss Kiss - Reality vs. the Optimist

released October 12, 2017

58 Small Leaks Sink Ships - Golden Calf

released October 26, 2004

59 3 - Wake Pig

released January 9, 2010

60 Lehto & Wright - Children's Songs

released January 19, 2006

61 Mutemath - Mutemath

released October 16, 2020

62 Dirt Poor Robins - Deadhorse

released June 5, 2004

63 Fair to Midland - Inter.Funda.Stifle

released September 25, 2008

64 夢中夢 [Mutyumu] - イリヤ -Il y a-

released July 7, 2009

65 Kiss Kiss - The Meek Shall Inherit What's Left

released February 25, 2014

66 The Family Crest - Beneath the Brine

released September 9, 2016

67 The Dear Hunter - Act V: Hymns With the Devil in Confessional

released September 8, 2017

68 Mutemath - Play Dead

released November 5, 2002

69 Ours - Precious

released March 30, 2009

70 Archive - Controlling Crowds

released July 10, 2012

released August 15, 201472 Bend Sinister - Small Fame

71 Kimbra - The Golden Echo

released July 10, 2012

72 Bend Sinister - Small Fame

released February 25, 2013

73 Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories)

released September 29, 2003

74 Muse - Absolution

released March 31, 2007

75 Silverchair - Young Modern

released October 2, 2006

76 The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

released March 3, 2009

77 The Antlers - Hospice

released March 30, 2008

78 Kacica - Mosaic

released September 24, 2002

79 Porcupine Tree - In absentia

released July 30, 2013

80 The Reign of Kindo - Play With Fire

released August 18, 2017

81 Everything Everything - A Fever Dream

released June 4, 2014

82 Anathema -Distant Satellites

released November 8, 2019

83 Vonavi - Reflection

released May 25, 2015

84 Vennart - The Demon Joke

released May 13, 2022

85 Gospel - The Loser

released August 23, 2002

86 Murder by Death - Like the Exorcist, But More Breakdancing

released August 16, 2012

87 Brice Plays Drums - Man the Animal Cannon

released April 26, 2005

88 Time of Orchids - Sarcast While

released June 23, 2009

89 The Dear Hunter - Act III: Life and Death

released September 29, 2003

90 Oceansize - Effloresce

released March 24, 2008

91 Foals - Antidotes

released October 7, 2003

92 Coheed and Cambria - In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3

released February 7, 2005

93 Karnivool - Themata

released April 29, 2016

94 Long Distance Calling - Trips

released October 28, 2002

95 Sigur Rós- ( )

released April 3, 2000

96 Doves - Lost Souls

released February 22, 2000

97 Call Florence Pow - These Are the Plans

released February 25, 2006

98 Anathallo - Floating World

released April 6, 2018

99 The Family Crest - The War: Act I

released 2002.

100 Clann Zú - Rua

released August 18, 2009

101 Ramona Falls - Intuit

released January 25, 2006

102 東京事変 [Tokyo Jihen] - 大人 (Adult)

released October 25, 2010

103 Warpaint - The Fool

released August 20, 2007

104 Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice

released July 13, 1999

105 Self - Breakfast With Girls

released November 18, 2008

106 Anathallo - Canopy Glow

released April 27, 2015

107 Mew - + -

released October 7, 2008

108/109 Margot and the Nuclear So and So's - Not Animal/Animal!

released October 30, 2007

110 Neverending White Lights - Act II: The Blood and the Life Eternal

released September 5, 2000

111 Self - Gizmodgery

released December 30, 2011

112 House of Fools - Versus the Beast

released August 25, 2017

113 sElf - Ornament & Crime

released January 24, 2014

114 Major Parkinson - Twilight Cinema

released June 1, 2012

115 Gatherer - So Be It

released October 14, 2011

116 Team Me - To the Treetops

released January 1, 2001

117 Anathallo - Luminous Luminescence in the Atlas Position

released October 14, 2003

118 Murder by Death - Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?

released March 9, 2009

119 Pure Reason Revolution - Amor vincit omnia

released September 11, 2012

120 Amanda Palmer & The Grand Theft Orchestra - Theatre Is Evil

released November 17, 2017

121 King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard - Polygondwanaland

released July 3, 2006

122 Muse - Black Holes and Revelations

released August 7, 2007

123 The Receiving End of Sirens - The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi

released March 8, 2010

124 Jazzkamikaze - Supersonic Revolutions

released August 18, 2009

125 Mutemath - Armistice

released October 12, 2010

126 Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz

released January 23, 2007

127 Menomena - Friend and Foe

released May 1, 2012

128 Ramona Falls - Prophet

released August 27, 2014

129 Team Me - Blind as Night

released November 2, 2009

130 Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

released September 22, 2010

131 22 - Flux

released August 18, 2014

132 Imogen Heap - Sparks

released June 4, 2007

133 Biffy Clyro - Puzzle

released July 27, 2010

134 Timmy Sean - Songs From & Inspired By Noisewater

released January 31, 2014

135 Dream the Electric Sleep - Heretics

released March 13, 2014

136 Grimus - Emergence

released September 9, 2014

137 The Tea Party - The Ocean at the End

released February 3, 2009

138 Bruce Peninsula - A Mountain Is a Mouth

released August 20, 2013

139 Typhoon - White Lighter

released October 28, 2014

140 Clone - Clone

released June 17, 2008

141 Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

released May 7, 2021

142 Squid - Bright Green Field

released September 10, 2013

143 Janelle Monáe - The Electric Lady

released April 4, 2004

144 The Dissociatives - The Dissociatives

released April 13, 2018

145 Kindo - Happy However After

released August 4, 2018

146 Childish Japes & Dave Vives - Salamander

released May 20, 2022

147 The Family Crest - The War: Act II

released June 1, 2004

148 Clann Zú - Black Coats & Bandages

released August 18, 2017

149 Steven Wilson - To the Bone

released May 30, 1999

150 dredg - Leitmotif

released October 14, 2006

151 Aereogramme - My Heart Has a Wish That You Would Not Go

released February 24, 2010

152 東京事変 [Tokyo Jihen] - スポーツ (Sports)

released October 22, 2021

153 Pepe Deluxé - Phantom Cabinet Vol. 1

released May 16, 2006

154 Russian Circles - Enter

released May 15, 2007

155 People for Audio - The New Ancients

released March 2, 2015

156 Steven Wilson - Hand. Cannot. Erase.

released October 18, 2018

157 Esperanza Spalding - 12 Little Spells

released May 14, 2007

158 Battles - Mirrored

released August 23, 2005

159 Neverending White Lights - Act I: Goodbye Friends of the Heavenly Bodies

released October 9, 2000

160 Godspeed You Black Emperor- Lift Yr. Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven!

released November 6, 2020

161 Vennart - In the Dead, Dead Wood

released September 30, 2014

162 Dirt Poor Robins - The Raven Locks Act 2

released January 29, 2013

163 Local Natives - Hummingbird

released August 18, 2009

164 As Tall as Lions - You Can't Take It With You

released February 2, 2009.

165 note. - my city of ghosts, stars and hours

released February 22, 2019

166 The Claypool Lennon Delirium - South of Reality

released September 3, 2014

167 The Mercury Tree - Countenance

released November 22, 2019

168 A Formal Horse - Here Comes a Man From the Council With a Flamethrower

released April 10, 2007

169 Cloud Cult - The Meaning of 8

released October 6, 2009

170 Brooke Waggoner - Go Easy Little Doves

released February 6, 2007

171 Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City

released April 26, 2019

172 Local Natives - Violet Street

released March 8, 2005

173 Kaddisfly- Buy Our Intention; We'll Buy You a Unicorn

released November 15, 2022

174 Dirt Poor Robins - Queen of the Night

released November 7, 2011

175 Jimmy Gnecco - The Heart: X Edition

released September 9, 2016

176 Local Natives - Sunlit Youth

released November 19, 2013

177 Dirt Poor Robins - The Raven Locks Act 1

released March 18, 2022

178 Midlake - For the Sake of Bethel Woods

released March 11, 2014

179 Bend Sinister - Animals

released September 11, 2008

180 Adebisi Shank - This Is the Album of a Band Called Adebisi Shank

released June 4, 2021

181 Giant Sky - Giant Sky

released March 5, 2013

182 Cloud Cult - Love

released August 30, 2021

183 The Mask of the Phantasm - New Axial Age

released September 13, 2008

184 Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer

released September 19, 2014

185 Markéta Irglová - Muna

released April 7, 2015

186 Timbre - Sun & Moon

released April 2, 2013

187 The Dear Hunter - Migrant

released May 20, 2016

188 Bent Knee - Say So

released April 3, 2020

189 Pure Reason Revolution - Eupnea

released February 12, 2007

190 Blackfield - Blackfield II

released June 18, 2001

191 Muse - Origin of Symmetry

released February 6, 2007

192 The Apples in stereo - New Magnetic Wonder

released April 2, 2007

193 fields. Everything Last Winter

released August 3, 2010

194 The Reign of Kindo This Is What Happens

released April 8, 2008

195 Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)

released March 4, 2016

196 Esperanza Spalding - Emily's D+Evolution

released October 17, 2006

197 Annuals - Be He Me

released August 11, 2008

198 Late of the Pier - Fantasy Black Channel

released March 9, 2010

199 Emanuel and The Fear - Listen

released April 2008

200 The Chap Mega Breakfast

released July 23, 2021

201 A Formal Horse - Meat Mallet

College Progressive Rock (Video)

A bit hyperbolic, but hardly to the degree I have gone into in this blog at times. Some names and demographic/media, etc I should have mentioned (pitchfork, the current, etc), but so be it.

This almost could be a good video to feature on my channel, sans for how long it is.

REACT TO: Sound Opinions + Velocities in Music 1991 (+Retro Favorites)

Sound Opinions Podcast Show 538 about 1991

Velocities in Music Podcast Link



So I started this entry with the intent of just reacting to these 2 podcasts analysis and praise of Grunge and the new music coming out/buzzing in 1991. Which of course it now being 2016, it has been 25 years, for what that is worth.

I guess I can say a few things about grunge and that period of time.

I was never all that into it, save for a few songs and albums I suppose, especially at-that-time when it was happening. In 1991 I was amidst the process of getting into Classic Rock. Led Zeppelin, Boston, Derek and the Dominoes/Eric Clapton Journey, Jimi Hendrix and a lot of others. Crosby, Stills Nash and Young, Steve Miller Band. And of course after Zeppelin, Rush (and Pink Floyd, although I became much more into them a couple of years later).

And while I did love that stuff I was being introduced to, all those bands were older. I couldn't help but worry or yearn for there to be a band who was new, modern, etc that I was into; even close to my age.

But the modern music I was hearing was grunge and the "college" (or "alternative," alternative to what?) rock. I basically felt it wasn't doing that much for me, especially compared to the Classic Rock I heard on KQRS for example.

It really was not until discovering Dream Theater 4 years later (although I heard "Pull Me Under" just the next year or 2 I recall), that I finally found a new, younger, modern band who I latched on to. And I guess I always saw Dream Theater as the band to combat all the grunge and alternative (college) rock bands being shoved down mine and everyone else's ears.

But I guess the guys in Velocities in Music made a good point about what Grunge and the music from 1991 and that period did to influence so many bands later. Some good, some not so good. But I suppose what I call and love in being the "college prog" stuff of the 2000's and 2010's likely owe something to the grunge bands to an extent (although they also owe a lot more to the classic rock and progressive rock bands of the 70's especially, still).

So what I decided to do in-reaction to these podcasts and thinking about 1991, is to revisit the Retro Favorite Albums from 1991 just to look at the albums I consider the best or at least good from 1991 below. And I'll admit, I did include some of the grunge and alternative (college) rock bands in that some of their music I do like, especially more now, than back then.

As far the Retro Favorite Albums, I would like to do more of these again, eventually trying to post an entry from every Calendar year. But not doing them in chronological order. And while I didn't exactly do what I meant, I can foresee including albums in there, but maybe based on reputation or just knowing-of but not knowing a ton about it. A blurb may just include the simple," it's an album I don't know but know belongs here" (which also may suggest changing the name from Retro Favorite Albums, to something like "Favorites and Recognizable/Respectable/Vaguely Aquainted Albums from [insert year]")

And lastly, I will reiterate (not in this entry necessarily, but in general) that bands like Galactic Cowboys and especially King's X were a LOT BETTER in my mind than the assortment of bands that got all the fame, credit, etc. Of course King's X predated ALL OF THEM, including that band Mudhoney who years ago I got in some silly debate about who was the 1st grunge band, etc. While King's X may have not been the 1st grunge band, invented grunge per say, nor actually were/are an actual *grunge* band who had the *grunge* sound overall. The fact is they were around before all of them technically since their formation dates back to the early 1980's if memory serves. And maybe more importantly, they were cited multiple times from the likes of Alice in Chains and Soundgarden especially as being a big influence. Pearl Jam? I'm not sure, but likely as well. Maybe the biggest thing in their influence was their use of the Drop-D tuning. And of course they never really found even a fraction of the audience those bands did, despite their even playing at Woodstock in 1994 and live on MTV in front of hundreds of thousands of people.

And with Galactic Cowboys, they should have been signed to Geffen records, likely instead of Nirvana, except for 1 big issue being Geffen liked the name "Nirvana" more and felt it was more marketable. And as I've also posted-as-a-paraphrase previously Cobain was quoted as saying "I don't know why they chose us instead of that band Galactic Cowboys, after all, they can actually sing."

edit: Galactic Cowboys were actually signed to Geffen, but NOT PROMOTED like Nirvana. The context of that citation, is either abridged from where I read/heard about it, or the account of that showcase was not fully accurate. But the lack of visibility and interest in them historically with those 1st 2 albums, speaks for itself. And they were at the same showcase or whatever it was, as Nirvana was.

And of course with both of these podcasts, they failed to mention Galactic Cowboys and King's X, which tells me even with history, they are still being ignored, lol. Maybe that won't always be the case.

I will say I was glad that Jane's Addiction was mentioned, as I am a fan, but at the same time I don't consider them Grunge nor even part of that scene really. They were as much an art rock band, than even "alternative" and "college rock." Three Days = prog more or less. At the same time The Smashing Pumpkins, I would associate with that scene, but per a user on YouTube, I guess Corgan never considered them Grunge really either. But they came around at the same exact time and shared some similarities. Although maybe a lot of differences (and Billy Corgan's love of Rush?).



Sting - The Soul Cages
rel January 22, 1991

I know this album more for reputation, than the actual music. "All This Time" I guess is 1 hit off it, and I know.

But given this is Sting, it's a Concept album, and still relatively early in his solo career, it's an album I would go with among the better records of 1991.



Queen - Innuendo
rel February 4, 1991

"I'm Going Slightly Mad" "Delilah" and "The Show Must Go On" I probably think of this album for the most. It is of course the final Queen album before Freddie Mercury's death, and in many people's minds, the last real Queen album.

I don't know it incredibly well, but I do own it on vinyl and based on reputation and my memory, it definitely belongs as a relevant album from 1991.


Saigon Kick - Saigon Kick
rel February 12, 1991

Saigon Kick's debut album, which I own and enjoy. I haven't listened to it in a long time though. And while it's not my favorite Saigon Kick record, I remember enjoying it like more or less all of their albums.

I guess they were doing sort of a melodic and even slightly progressive version of Hair Metal. A little like Extreme I suppose. The vocal harmonies were always a standout part of their sound, and this album includes a lot of them.

"What to Say" maybe my favorite or most memorable track on this, but another case of the whole album is worth listening to per the consistency track-2-track.


R.E.M. - Out of Time
rel March 12, 1991

"Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People" are the hits, and I'll fully admit, they are both good tunes. LMR is maybe their most well known song, and it probably led this album to being R.E.M.'s most popular (at least one of them).

And I know this album is 1 of many of the staple college rock albums, among some of the other R.E.M. albums that preceded it.

And I'm not a huge R.E.M. fan, but unlike Nirvana, Radiohead, Oasis and many other hipster darling bands, I actually like some of R.E.M.'s music and think it holds up. Are there better bands? sure, but if looking back on 1991 and talking about the music from that year, I have less issue with this album being included than some of the other grunge and college rock stuff (My Bloody Valentine for example).


The Tea Party - The Tea Party
rel June 1, 1991

The S/T debut album from The Tea Party. I know I downloaded it and especially when I went on a big TTP binge in the early-mid 2000's, I did check this out. But my memory is spotty. How much it differs from the follow up Splendor Solis and the heavy Led Zeppelin influence/style. With the Jim Morrison type of vocals.

Edit: okay, well some of the songs on it I imagine were re-recorded for Splendor Solis as "Midsummer Day" and "Save Me" for example were on this and that follow up.

So in a way this is a bit like what Fair to Midland and Mew did, as a demo or a self-released, lower fidelity album that the material was strong enough to re-record.

Still, I'd take this over most any of the grunge and college rock from 1991 as well.


Various Artists - Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey Soundtrack
rel June 9, 1991

This soundtrack features 2 stellar tracks, 1 being "Junior's Gone Wild" from King's X and the other "The Perfect Crime" by Faith No More.

Both of those songs were written during eras of those bands (1990-1991) I really love, and they are up there with some of their best songs from that period.

The rest of this soundtrack I guess I enjoy from a nostalgia and humor standpoint. There's at least 1 sound clip from the movie during the Megadeth tune "Go to Hell" that had me laughing so hard I was in tears. I generally find Mustaine's vocals incredibly cheesy and humorous anyway.  It was either that and/or the Vai track "The Reaper Rap."


Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Flight of the Cosmic Hippo
rel June 11, 1991

As much as Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are known for being a live band, this is I know by some, their most liked studio record.

It features a few covers, including the Star Spangled Banner and "Michelle" by The Beatles, in the Bluegrass-fusion that is the Flecktones.

And the 7-minute "Jekyll and Hyde (And Ted and Alice)."

I suppose it was a launching pad record for their distinct style of instrumental banjo-led jazz-fusion.


Van Halen - For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
rel June 18, 1991

I think this was the 1st Van Hagar record I ever heard. And of course many know it best for the hit "Right Now" which I do like, and might regard as the best track on this album.

"In n Out" i always think of when I need to take a quick shower, lol.

"Poundcake," "Top of the World" "Man on a Mission"  also are quite memorable, even if the sound on it overall is kind of samey. I ultimately would put it below some of the other Van Hagar records, but I do enjoy Van Hagar nearly as much as the Roth stuff (which I know many do not), so I still enjoy this album.


Marillion - Holidays in Eden
rel June 24, 1991

For quite awhile, early in the time I became a fan of Marillion, I saw this album at the bottom of their catalog. But over time I came to appreciate it more.

The progressive stuff especially are among my favorite Marillion songs in their whole catalog. "This Town/The Rakes Progress/100 Nights" especially I came to adore.

When you list all the qualities that you despise 
And you realise 
You're describing yourself 

And breaking someone up inside 
Is your only source of pride

"She spent your money, she spent your money!"

It's such a wonderful, narrative suite. I love the outro when the "This Town" chorus is echoed in such a dreamy way.

The other track I totally love on this album is "The Party" Great dynamics and emotion on that one. Hogarth's vocal lines are some of his best.

The rest of Holidays in Eden I came to accept. Songs like "Dry Land" "Splintering Heart" and even the almost blatant attempt at radio with "No One Can" and "Cover My Eyes (Tears in Heaven)." Not their best or catchiest, but they work on this album.

Even the cover of Rare Bird's "Sympathy" I've always loved, which was included on the Six of One, Half a Dozen of a Another compilation I picked up when I 1st got into them, and also on the remastered/double cd from 1998.

The only track I suppose I'm a bit thrown off by is the title track ironically. Why? I'm not sure. Rothery's guitar and the vocal melody is a bit odd.

Not necessarily a favorite record from 1991 but certainly a lot better than any of the college rock stuff and grunge from that year, and likely a record I'd include in my top 10 if not top 5 at least. But they are my favorite band bias included.


Crimson Glory - The Strange and the Beautiful
rel June 24, 1991

I got into Crimson Glory around the same time I got into Fates Warning and Queensryche. And I really enjoyed their 2nd album Transcendence. This album? I remember finding a bit more odd and crazy. Now that was 20 years ago approximately, and I didn't go back to it much. But I could imagine liking it more now.

I wonder if some of it may remind me a little of Watchtower even, as it may be more technical than the other CG albums. Although I may also be thinking of the album after it Astronomica which I also checked out at some point, and maybe found even more unusual for CG's sound.

And it was I think the last record Midnight sang on with CG.


Mr.Bungle - Mr.Bungle
rel August 13, 1991

The Mr.Bungle debut album. I know it mostly for the song "Egg."

tbr


Galactic Cowboys - Galactic Cowboys
rel August 20, 1991

The Galactic Cowboys debut album, an album I love, and probably consider their 2nd best just behind the classic follow-up Space in Your Face.

"I'm Not Amused" "Sea of Tranquility" "My School" "Kaptain Krude" (King Crimson nod?) "Someone for Everyone" "Speak to Me"..there really ain't a bad track on this album. And the energy. riffs, emotion, dynamics, vocal harmonies are all there.

I mean it certainly is a bit more raw sounding than their follow-up, but the songwriting is wonderful. They still had the Beatles-meets-Metallica thing on this and made it work, as weird as that sounds.

Definitely among my favorite albums from 1991, and it's light years more interesting than Nevermind, which had Geffen records decided to go with them instead of Nirvana, a lot more people likely would have found that out. And who knows, the whole Grunge thing might not have happened, or at least not how it did.


Pearl Jam - Ten
rel August 27, 1991

This is the only Pearl Jam record I really like. Although I suppose I can claim to enjoy some of the follow-up Vs. And as much as I don't care for much grunge, this is 1 of the only exceptions.

"Jeremy" and "Black" I would include as favorites. The other 2 radio songs played everywhere around the time, or really in 1992 and 1993 "Alive" and "Even Flow" are acceptable and I don't hate.

The rest of this album I enjoy, but can't really claim to remember highly.


Rush - Roll the Bones
rel September 3, 1991

Not as good as any of the 80's albums, but still an album I enjoy a lot of.

"Heresy" and "The Big Wheel" I find to be the 2 underrated gems off it. I love the marching drums on Heresy, and the sarcastic lyrics and impassioned vocal lines.

"Bravado" is popular, but I think has aged very well and I consider it 1 of their best ballads. It is quite a sad track, a little like "The Pass" in some ways.

"Dreamline" is a live staple, and I remember really enjoying initially, but have grown a little tired of having heard it so much live. But I still consider a good song.

The title track sort of falls in line with Dreamline as well, but I think I may enjoy it less. But the rap I am not repulsed by really.

"Ghost of a Chance" is a song I still enjoy, and will always remember hearing before I knew who Rush were, in 1991. I distinctly remember KQRS playing that song the Summer of 1991 and/or the Fall into 1992 maybe. And that was right when I got into Rush and I was transfixed by them. Even after knowing who Rush were and their classic rock tracks, I didn't realize that was a Rush tune.

And the guitar solo is sublime on it.

"Where's My Thing" is a good instrumental, but not a favorite exactly. I suppose I enjoy it as much if not more than some of their others.

And then songs like "You Bet Your Life" "Neurotica" and "Face Up" are I would kind of call filler. While Presto really has no tracks of that ilk, I always skip those 3 songs as they don't seem to ever do anything for me.

Still, RTB's is quite a good album, and being such a huge Rush fan, one that I still consider of their standards. And I more or less consider it better than most of the albums that followed it.


Guns N' Roses - Use Your Illusion I
rel September 17, 1991

The McCartney cover of "Live and Let Die" and "November Rain" of course are the tunes that this album got known for, and truth be, those are the only tracks I know as well. But I do know this album for its reputation of course.


Guns N' Roses - Use Your Illusion II
rel September 17, 1991

This one, which as the release date shows, came out the same day as Use Your Illusion I, I really only recall the Dylan cover of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." The lead single "You Could Mine" that was even used in the Terminator II that summer, honestly, I have next to no recollection of after sampling it on YouTube.

The Twin Cities radio stations didn't play it from memory.


Savatage - Streets: A Rock Opera
rel October 4, 1991

This is probably the earliest Savatage album I was able to appreciate on some level. There's more to that, that I may elaborate about in another entry or on a YouTube video.

But I guess given Jon Oliva was their lead singer still, and I recall this was the final album with him as the lead singer until Poets and Madmen in 2001, I kind of don't rate or consider this 1 quite as high as I've always preferred/enjoyed the Zak Stevens albums a lot more, largely due to the fact I prefer Zak's voice.

That being said, this seems like it was the 1st of a few Concept albums the band would make in the 90's. And I found it was progressive, maybe more so than some of the 80's more NWOBHM/Power Metal/80's Old School Metal.

With that also in mind, I haven't listened to it a long time, but I just recall a few years back when I did, I grew to appreciate it and the themes and the story.

Plus it includes the 1st of a few different versions of the melancholy ballad "Believe." That and among the Criss Oliva featured songs, "Ghost in the Ruins."


Fish - Internal Exile
rel October 26, 1991

This is Fish's 2nd solo album, and one I will admit to owning on cd, but have next to no memory of it at this point. That being said, I am such a big fan of his and Marillion, even by default, I would assume I enjoy it over so much of the shoegaze and grunge that the media loves to champion from this year.



Fates Warning - Parallels
rel October 29, 1991

While this is hardly my favorite Fates Warning album, it's still a Fates Warning album I love and have enjoyed more or less since becoming a fan in the mid 90's. Track wise, I put "The Eleventh Hour" as probably my favorite. I love the chanting chorus and dynamics in that tune.

The singles "Eye to Eye" and "Point of View" I think of as staple/classic tracks from the band, and 2 of their most accessible songs ever. Lyrically included.

"Life in Still Water" as well. Great tune, melodic, riffy, dynamic and doesn't overstay its welcome.

"Leave the Past Behind" and "Don't Follow Me" also work well and I find to be 2 of the most underrated from Parallels.

"The Road Goes on Forever" is a cool, dreamy ballad that closes this record quite well.

And while it may be my least favorite track on the record and in some ways the most poppy, I still enjoy "We Only Say Goodbye."

Terry Brown even produced this album which is 1 of many things in his discography I appreciate.

And looking back on 1991, I don't know if there are too many all-time favorites or classics, I likely would put this near if not at the top still as it's 1 of the better records from 1 of my all-time favorite bands. It along with Shadow Gallery and Marillion likely.


Voivod - Angel Rat
rel November 12, 1991

This is one of maybe 2 or 3 Voivod albums I own. And while I do have them, and have enjoyed them to a point. I guess I never have been able to love their music beyond a couple of tracks here and there. Including their cover of Pink Floyd's "Astronomy Domine."

But that being said, I rated it at 3-stars back in 2007 on rym, but now? I can't be sure having not revisited it in so long.


U2 - Achtung Baby
rel November 19, 1991

This record was probably the most talked about U2 album, among people I know, when it came out. I knew U2 in the 80's of course, and The Joshua Tree and The Unforgettable Fire among them. But I guess I wasn't into U2 much then (I actually never fully got into them until about 2002) and it seemed most people I knew weren't highly into them.

That being said, this record has a lot of good stuff on it. From "Mysterious Ways" to "The Fly" to "Until the End of the World."

"Even Better Than the Real Thing" and "Ultraviolet (Light My Way)" are 2 others I've always enjoyed.

"One" while it's a ballad and maybe a bit too cheesy for me. And unlike some of the other singles on this record, it seems has been grossly overplayed. Or at least was throughout the 90's on the radio. But, I still don't loathe it or anything.

So while this album is hardly a #1 go-to for 1991 and even for U2, I can't deny, it's a great record with a lot of depth.


Michael Jackson - Dangerous
rel November 26, 1991

An underrated album from many accounts. Although the reputation from many is after Bad, most of MJ's music is not from albums, but singles.

Ironically though, I mainly know this album for the single "Black or White" which as much as I know that tune and knew it when it came out, I now think of it most for the fact Kevin Gilbert did engineering (sequencer work) on it. It was also co-written by Bill Botrell who of course worked with Kevin in the Tuesday Music Club. Tim Pierce as well, plays guitar on it.


Shadow Gallery - Shadow Gallery
rel November 30, 1991

There's a long, detailed story about this album, that I may save for another entry. But I guess to say this is my favorite Shadow Gallery album probably is true, despite the fact there are no drums on it, but just a drum machine.

But when I finally was won over by Mike Baker's voice, I grew to adore this album and played it frequently. The vocal harmonies, channeling bands like Queen and Yes among others, and the guitar work and keys which I grew to appreciate a ton.

From the closing, cinematic/fantasy epic "Queen of the City of Ice" to songs like "Say Goodbye to the Morning" 'Darktown" "Mystified" and "The Dance of Fools."

Very melodic and well composed progressive metal. And even with all the criticism they received for ripping off Dream Theater and Rush, I honestly never agreed with. Mike Baker vocals alone allowed them to stand out.


Live - Mental Jewelry
rel December 31, 1991

This is Live's debut album, and while I am pretty sure I have heard it, it also is not as memorable as some of their others. I'm not sure if it's something I have on CD (dirt cheap from memory, with most Live CDs), burned a copy, or have a cassette tape copy from a friend who I used to talk to regularly back in the early-mid 2000's named Michelle (Michelle and I are friends on FB by the way).

But I find with Live, I get a similar take on a lot of their albums and their sound. I like moments and even songs, but never get addicted to them. At the same time, I've never hated any of their albums, so I suppose this album is no exception.

But I also would not consider them Grunge, but almost like a heavier/darker version of R.E.M. in a lot ways.


Ozric Tentacles - Strangeitude
rel 1991

This is kind of my go-to Ozrics album, for various reasons. I'm not sure why I bought it, but I'm pretty sure it was the 1st and maybe only? Ozrics album I own. But why I bought it, I think was per it being the only cd that was at like Cheapo at the time they were suggested to me, sometime in the late 90's.

It's weird with Ozrics, while I enjoy their music, and respect them maybe more than being attached to their actual music. I find a lot of their music samey. But I have always felt that way, and also felt that I don't know if I'd want it any other way.

Their music is instrumental space rock to put it simply. I suppose the 2 times I saw them live, I maybe got more from it as it is jammy and it goes into a lot of different territory. And the crowd is very hippie-ish (including some of the women, lol).

But this album I have enjoyed historically. The title track maybe being my favorite. But it does flow quite well and doesn't seem to drag at any points.

Umbrella Tree RIP

I feel bad about this as I don't have the time at the moment to add the amount this band deserves. But as it says, they are ending sadly (but not surprisingly). Timbre even played on 1 of their albums. Hopefully I'll have the chance to edit in a bit more, but for now, RIP another good 2000's college prog band.

from their latest newsletter:


This is what happens when you run out of gas.
On August 23rd, we celebrated the 7-year anniversary of our first show as Umbrella Tree. We now announce, with introspection and cautious optimism, that Umbrella Tree is no more. So it goes. We part ways with a great surplus of love and mutual well-wishing.

As our final encore, we are now making available the complete, multi-camera, HD video from our album release show this past May. It is available HERE for free. Enjoy it. Pass it along. Remember us fondly, as we will remember you.

Finally, we must thank a considerable enclave of supporters. Thank you everyone who ever bought an album or came to a show or put us on a mixtape. Thank you all Kickstarter backers, everyone who made their own Umbrella Tree music videos, and those of you who choreographed dance pieces to our songs. Thank you to all the bands with whom we played. Thank you Christi Bissell, Matt Slocum, Richena Purnell, Matthew Beale, Chris Click, Adam Troxler, Jamie Bacon, Timbre Cierpke, Anna Fitzgerald, Tia Shearer , Jill Ann Raney, and Poly for performing on our records or with us live or doing sign language interpretation or some combination of these things. Thank you Jeremy Ferguson for everything you have ever done for us, and Jimmy Abegg for introducing us to Jeremy. Thank you Jim DeMain, Loney John Hutchins, Justin Boots Herlocker, Steve Mabee, and Al Willis for your work on our recordings. 

Most of the photographs we have ever used professionally were taken by either Ben Pearson or Sally LaFave; thank you pixels and pixels and pixels. Thank you Amy Smith, Jack and Heath Henley, Kip Kubin, and especially Dave Ogle for your help and work on our videos. Thank you Sandy Craven for your work and personal investment in the band. Thank you Sylvie, Ben Frank, Laura Baisden, and Rachel Gresham for your album and poster and t-shirt art and layout. Thank you Annalise Frank for introducing Zack to Derek, and Justin Spencer for introducing Zack & Derek to Jilly & Ryan. Thank you Stefaniah McGowan for jumping on board in the 11th hour; we wish we had met you 5 years ago. Thank you Kristin Pearson for being our beloved den mother from note one.
 
So that’s that. We had a great time with you. Enjoy the live video. We hope to remain on your turntables, virtual or actual, for many years.

Lovey dovey,
Zachary, Jillian, Derek, Ryan
Umbrella Tree

Wikipedia: "New Prog" article gone

scratching my head a bit as to why this listing on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_prog has been merged with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_Rock into this little sub-text here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_prog#1990s_and_2000s.

Why? I follow why it helps to LINK them, but to entirely remove a page on Wikipedia?

Although admittedly, the term "new prog" ("nu prog") or "post prog" never has made much more sense than "indie" or "alternative" to me.

The term I often use, and think it would be nice to adopt is "college prog" and "college rock" in general, as I'm sure I've explained many times before.

The term "college" doesn't necessarily mean the music is from bands in college (or directed towards people in college per say), but it was the 1st term used in the early 1980's for this kind of music. "college rock"

All the terms that have come since are in no way more accurate, so why can't the original term just be used and leave it at that? I guess that would sound silly, lol.

But what is sad about someone on Wikipedia merging that article is how it now truncates this whole genre of sorts as one small part of the history of progressive rock. And, of course this Blog and a resourceful rateyourmusic list here was linked there.

I suppose adding them to that main page might not hurt, but it still begs the question why exactly was the page with them merged or removed to begin with.

Maybe I should create a page titled "College Prog" and edit in something about it on the College Rock Wikipedia page.

House of Fools - Versus the Beast (2011/2012)

1/3/12 3:30PM

forget iTunes, and pick it up either on mp3 or CD at CDBABY.com for only $8. I just ordere 2 copies. Very good album, 4-stars at least and a review hopefully will be coming by the end of the week.

12/31/11 8:01PM

I finally got to hear it, sounds pretty epic. Really happy to see "Need to Be Free" on there. I'll know more obviously on Monday morning when I check it out with headphones. Other than for the folks who picked up a copy last night at their cd release show, it goes on Sale on iTunes on Tuesday January 3rd.


Here's the track list.



1 Oblivion 4:56
2 Daylight 3:44
3 Another Place 3:53
4 Time 5:06
5 Dogfight 5:31
6 Love 3:59
7 Pickle 4:19
8 Happy Now 4:03
9 Pick or Choose 4:33
10 Cover Me 4:55
11 Need to Be Free 4:59
12 Johnny Utah 6:57
13 When the Lights Go Out 12:09


Video for "Time"

wow. Totally wow. For some reason, I don't remember being quite as impressed by this song earlier this year.




The new song Another Place is streamable here.

Video for "Dogfight"



12/12/11 10:35PM



There's the cover. This long awaited 2nd full-length album is being made available 1st at an album release show on December 30th in House of Fools hometown.

More stuff about a new video for the song "Time" and a (new off Versus the Beast?) song will be uploaded to stream on Wednesday on absolutepunk.net

here's what they've posted:

http://houseoffools.net/


House of Fools week

We have several exciting happenings this week. On Wednesday our friends over at Absolute Punk will be streaming an unreleased song from versus the beast, so make sure you head over there and check that out. That same day, we are the featured cover story in YES! Weekly, a Triad based entertainment magazine. It’s free and available in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and pretty much all other Triad retail locations. We will also be debuting the video for Time later in the week here on the site, so make sure that you keep checking back for that! More news to come…..



*
House of Fools versus the beast
The day that we (and hopefully you) have been patiently waiting on is finally almost here. After more than two years of writing and a year of recording and mixing, we are very excited to announce the release of House of Fools versus the beast.

Your first chance to pick up a copy will be at our cd release show on December 30th at Greene Street Club in Greensboro, NC. This is going to be a very special night, so start making plans to be there! versus the beast will be available for download via iTunes and other outlets following the release show, so if you can’t be at the show to get a physical copy, make sure you keep tuning in here for more updates on when and where you can download the album.

We are planning all sorts of song exclusives as well as a video release before the record comes out, so make sure you follow us on facebook and twitter for regular updates. Head over to Greene Street’s website to pre-order your tickets for the show! Updates will be a lot more frequent so stay tuned!

Umbrella Tree - To the Memory of a Once Great Man (2012)

Kickstarter Campaign


New video for a song from this upcoming album:


This seems to happen a lot with bands I enjoy, but for whatever reason don't manage to keep up with as daily or even weekly as I might want to. Despite "like" ing them on Facebook. But their Kickstarter Campaign isn't too far away from becoming a success in that they have $875 and only need $1000, and they have still almost 2 weeks left.

Umbrella Tree are a band I want to say someone recommended to me on the Sound Opinions forum like 2 or 3 years ago. Likely 2009, but I'm not certain.

edit; yeah early in 2009. In my rateyourmusic.com review of their last record, I wrote this:

ooh..not at all disappointed on 1st impression here. They share qualities with some of the Indie/Psych-Pop bands like The Jealous Girlfriends and The Ebb and Flow, as well as the epic piano-driven nature at times of Wolf Parade. But not having it become too lengthly..much like a group like Big Fresh. Less-is-more.

Gonna have to spend a lot more time with it, but I enjoyed more or less the whole thing. The piano and male/female vocal arrangements worked really well.

70/100

And since then, I have become more familiar with them, one thing being Timbre I believe played on one or maybe both of their albums.

But at any case, I'm definitely curious about this new record of theirs, even though I haven't really listened to their music in probably over a year. Given this new record is coming next year, but also next week potentially for the kickstarter pledges, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to revisit their other albums soon.

Battle Circus RIP

RIP.

I can't claim to be surprised, but it sucks being won over by another band and to see it happen. Most bands have a shelf life. I'll likely try and write more about this soon, but if not, certainly around the end of the year in my Albums Index as their debut record will certainly be well represented.

For all the folks who never caught on to them, well, you can still do so, but their end can't be blamed on myself. All I can say is it's a shame, and it sure would be nice if more people online would help me out here and take faith in bands like this I suggest.

facebook announcement

We are sorry to announce that Battle Circus disbanded. We hope that you have enjoyed the music as much as we have enjoyed your support and although Battle Circus has come to an end, Marcel will continue to write under another project and you will find updates here regarding it's progress.

Our debut album is still available. We’re very proud to have this as a permanent record of the band’s time together.


Related: Battle Circus - Battle Circus (2011)

Sound & Shape - Now Comes The Mystery (EP) (2011) (1.0)

4/22/11 11:37AM




1. Tangled in the Mane 3:29
2. Our Hollow Reasons 3:33
3. The Sacred and Profane 2:52
4. Bells at Twelve 2:52

more to add as I've heard this thanks to the band.

3/13/11 5:55PM

May 10th. And it's an EP, not an LP. Curious about that, but it sort of supports a conversation I had with a friend of mine (who actually started a new music reviews blog of his own recently) about bands for cost, time, convenience, quality, releasing EPs more often than LPs. Pre-1966, it was more about the Single than the LP.

Maybe the EP is the compromise? Who knows, but that's for another blog entry. I am still rather excited to hear this, no matter how long or how many songs it has.


"Now Comes The Mystery out , in both physical and digital formats, May 10th!!! Please RT!"

-"Here it is folks! Our new EP,Now Comes The Mystery,will be out in both physical and digital formats on Tuesday, May 10th! More details soon!"

2/27/11 6:37PM

soundandshape twitter post

I can't give all the details quite yet, but I can say that our new record is called "Now Comes The Mystery"

1/7/11 12:01PM
new single "The Sacred And Profane" is being released in mid February. It sounds like this new record may be released pretty early in the year.

Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that our new single, "The Sacred And Profane", will be available through Itunes and Bandcamp on Tuesday, February 15th!! More details and direct links coming soon!!

Happy 2011!
S&S

--
www.myspace.com/soundandshape1

"The power trio Sound & Shape relies on more classic-rock stylings, and are shamelessly prog in their epic musings... The frontman has a great voice that matches the band's complex compositions, but there's good reason that the hype from Nashville is all about the rhythm section."

-By J.R. Taylor/Black&White (Birmingham, Al)

“For just three guys, Sound & Shape have a huge sound that seems to lack nothing except more attention and recognition. If bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Wolfmother can, it’s safe to say that Sound&Shape might be the next to hit it big.”

-By Jonathan Carabba/Submerge Magazine (Sacramento, Ca)

“...Sound&Shape aren’t dicking around trying to get you to bob your head. They’re there to blow your mind.”

-By Valerie Nutt/The Pulse (Murfreesboro, Tn)

“It's not hard to believe the band has been hard at work with hundreds of live shows from 2006 til today, but more incredible is their love for the music they've generated and developed. They are astonishing.”

-By - Di Francesco Amato/Long Live Rock N Roll (IT)

1/1/11 11:14PM


They just signed my last.fm page with this:

Hey Everyone! Please visit the OFFICIAL Sound&Shape last.fm page at http://www.last.fm/music/Sound%2526Shape !!!!Keep an eye out for NEW MUSIC in early 2011!!!!

So, that's certainly encouraging. Honestly, it almost reminds me of Bend Sinister a few years ago, with very little to no news after what I would have expected, would be something new. And then suddenly 1 day, they announced plans for a new album being released within a month.

I'm not certain this is what I recall seeing, but the news is similar if not the same. I read something about them working on a new album, even as far back as the summer of 2009 (and it may have even potentially come out in 2009, which it did not). But then of course they were included on my anticipation list for 2010. But I don't recall seeing much of anything about them on twitter, facebook or myspace.

But their "info" section on facebook says

In early 2010 the band returned to the studio, this time under the guidance of seasoned producer Matthew McCauley and Grammy award winning producer/engineer Casey Wood to tackle their most accessible and mature compositions to date. Armed with a wealth of new material, Sound&Shape have defined their mission: the best way to predict the future is to create it.

So, the Bend Sinister comparison, coming out of nowhere almost fits, given how quiet they were in 2010. I even wondered if they could be done/hiatus. Thankfully not, it appears.





2009's The Love Electric EP and 2007's Where Machines End Their Lives debut LP are both records I enjoy. In 2010 finally, really going back close to the time after getting into The Love Electric in 2009, got to hear WMETL thanks to a friend. And I do enjoy it, but probably rate TLE a bit higher. With that thinking, I'm definitely optimistic about this upcoming record. Hopefully some more fans will be made as a result, as I still feel this band should appeal to a much larger audience than they have (that I can tell) at this point. I'm not sure why, but as much as they have toured (220 shows in 2006, 170 shows in 2007 and 150+ shows in 2008), you'd think they wouldn't be lacking in exposure. But maybe it's not quantity, but being on the right tours/gaining exposure to the right fan bases, that could be holding them back at this point. Hopefully not for much longer.

22 - Plastik EP (2011) (1.0)

I just noticed this over the weekend thanks to the twitter feed from the altprogcore blog

pre-order link (ep is released on July 4th)

news story

Here's the track list:



1. Plastik
2. Oxygen
3. Gotodo
4. Mind Vs. Mind
5. Power Is So Yesterday

And you can stream 1 of the 2 new tracks "Oxygen" here below (the 2nd song I believe).



They also according to that news story, are going to get distribution for 2010's excellent debut record Flux. The US? I didn't see it mentioned though. And they have a new video for the song "Plastik" below as some other links have also shared it.

Hotel of the Laughing Tree - Terror and Everything After (2011) (2.0)

Go Stream the whole thing here

Here's the original review link one more time

In celebration of this record finally being released in a mere hours on February 1st, 2011. I figured another brand spanking new entry about it seems like a good idea.



1 Barnaby Bison's Blind 3:38
2 Another Harvard Renaissance 5:17
3 Gods Great Gumball Machine 6:49
4 Noah 3:15
5 Winchester Devil Grass 5:05
6. Weather Maps For Nikolai 4:02
7 Sanctuary 4:30
8 Gunpowder Falls 5:33
9 Bad Canterbury 3:22
10 Forging the Family Name 1:26
11 Mont St. Michel 3:36
12 Ghosts in the Basement 4:55
13 Terror and Everything After 8:01
14 Lazarus 4:11

still amazing, and the best album of 2011 that I've heard, thus far. Hopefully a lot more people will now check it out and catch-on like I did the past few months.