4/18/18 April 13: Josh Rouse - Love in the Modern Age June 15: Chromeo - Head Over Heels 4/7/18-4/9/18
June 22: The Sea Within - The Sea Within May 25: Bend Sinister - Foolish Games Shown on Cordova Bay Records 4/5/18
May 18: Dream the Electric Sleep - The Giants' Newground
10/15/17 12:51PM
I post an entry like this every year or maybe 2-4 times a year, etc.
So I'm not sure if I'll bump this, or just post a few more of these over the next 3-6 mos.
The intention is to EDIT it and bump it; not *STICKIE* it per I don't desire to have 1 entry stuck at the top.
At any case, as the news, announcements, and speculation for new albums come up, this list will have more titles.
If any of the names get bumped up to be released before Halloween, obviously it'll be removed/posted likely separately. But given it's October 15th, the odds of that are not too high. November
17: Galactic Cowboys - Long Way Back to the Moon 30: Harakiri - Alchemy Choir
December
1: The Dear Hunter - All is as All Should Be [EP] 1: The Faceless - In Becoming a Ghost 1: Nicholas Krygovich - In an Open Field 1: U2 - Songs of Experience
8: Diablo Swing Orchestra - Pacifisticuffs
8: The Gloomcatcher - Blade in the Belfry [EP]
16: Greg Herriges / StellaRoma - Revel and Ritual Esperanza Spalding - Exposure (+Undeveloped) January and later:
January 12: Typhoon - Offerings 12: Umphrey's McGee - it's not us 18: Cloud Cult - The Great Alone (OST, instrumental) 26: In Vain - Currents 26: Orphaned Land - Unsung Prophets and Dead Messiahs
February 2: Field Music - Open Here 2: Long Distance Calling - Boundless 23: Gleb Kolyadin - Gleb Kolyadin 23: Grimus - Unmanageable Species March 9: Between the Buried and Me - Automata I 9: Jeremy Messersmith - Late Stage Capitalism 15: Fjokra - Evening Lights [1B] 16: The Decemberists - I'll Be Your Girl April 6: The Family Crest - The War: Act I 13: Kindo - Happy However After 20: Kimbra - Primal Heart 21: Inferi - Revenant 27: God is an Astronaut - Epitaph 27: Janelle Monae - Dirty Computer April 2018-April 2019 Dirt Poor Robins - TBA 1 song per month Josh King - Into the Blue (singer from House of Fools) May 18: Dream the Electric Sleep - The Giants' Newground 25: Spock's Beard - Noise Floor 25: Bend Sinister - Foolish Games
June 15: Chromeo - Head Over Heels 22: The Sea Within - The Sea Within
Confirmed Titles:
Antemasque - Saddle on the Atom Bomb Between the Buried and Me - Automata II
Chic - It's About Time
Joey Eppard - Word to the Wise
Fish - Weltschmerz
Ours - Spectacular Sight
Sculptured - The Liminal Phase Tears for Fears - The Tipping Point
Confirmed/Likely to be Released (but no Title or Release Date Yet)
Flying Colors
Foals
For the Imperium Genders
Gotye
Imogen Heap
Lehto and Wright
Live
Native Construct
Neverending White Lights
Shelter Red
Soundscape
Tiny Giant
Vennart
------------------------------
*speculation/hope*
Bruce Peninsula
Chroma Key
Disillusion
dredg
East of the Wall
Extreme
Fjokra
Jazzkamikaze
Journal
Karnivool
Spencer Ludwig
Pepe Deluxe
Red Paintings, The
Jessy Ribordy new band/project
Sigur Rós
System of a Down
So I decided to upload and share these videos from November 2017 that I made in the Storage space (and of course not edited. I know YouTube does have an editing function that maybe I'll have to try and play around with soon).
I guess these and some of the others are kind of obvious why making videos isn't too easy for me (the space/situation and of course TIME among other reasons).
And my head does get cutoff frequently, but so be it, maybe I'm and even others don't mind or are used to it.
The 2nd video the LIGHTS GO OFF (turns black) per the hallway lights at the Storage space are on a timer and I think it's like 15 or 20 minutes, which I need to remind myself whenever I may be making videos there in the future.
Had that not happened, there likely would have only been 3 videos.
The 4th video is up so close, dunno why I didn't realize that, but again, so be it.
Also in reviewing these, I have a few more items still to show, namely Extreme and a Rush 7" I think from Black Friday Record Store Day. Maybe soon, perhaps when some of the other Vinyl I'm expecting come in (Subterranean Masquerade, Typhoon among others).
CDs
Team Me - To the Treetops
Mew - Visuals
Faith No More - Angel Dust [Deluxe]
Bend Sinister - The Other Way [EP]
Snarky Puppy - Culcha Vulcha
L.E.O. - Alpacas Orgling
VINYL
Nektar - A Tab in the Ocean
sElf - Porno, Mint & Crime
sElf - Ornament & Crime
Mutemath - Play Dead
VINYL
Oceansize - Effloresce
Major Parkinson - Blackbox
VINYL:
Major Parkinson - Blackbox
Team Me - Blind as Night
Pat Metheny Group - Pat Metheny Group
The Dukes of Stratosphear - 25 O'Clock [EP]
East of the Wall - Farmer's Almanac
Scott Matthews - Elusive [7"]
Galactic Cowboys - Long Way Back to the Moon
Joey Secchiaroli (of The Reign of Kindo) - Answers to Questions You Never Asked (Book/Booklet)
The Crimson Cube (King Crimson Rubiks Cube)
40 minutes, not surprisingly. Had to use a different site per the length (or size?) was too long/big. Which is weird per 1 of the previous podcasts was over 30 minutes, so I can't be sure whether this site tunetotube has a time or size restriction.
It's really mostly rehash of the Anticipation/Calendar entry that I continue to bump, only some elaboration on most of the names.
I recall in the past, I have made preview videos that were 2 or 3 parts, so go figure. But I figured, this is a only audio and a "podcast" of sorts, so 40 minutes isn't all that excessive.
I can't guarantee, but truly do mean to make more of these this year as many of the announcements come in throughout the year of what comes out.
And of course if I want to look at it by quarter, the 1st quarter ends January 31st, so I guess I'll see what has been added/updated from now til then to decide on making another 1 of these that soon.
Also 1/4-year like a Midyear list like I have done at the end of April the last few years.
Well officially THIS album is now the early leader in the Clubhouse. Really digging this thing. Very cool vinyl and black tee in the mail (on video soon?..perhaps).
.. @galacticcowboys ARE BACK! "Long Way Back to the Moon" is really fucking good! Tons of energy, layers, dynamics, vocal harmonies.
loving it already.
"Agenda" is awesome, so is In the Clouds, Drama Amisarewas.
1. In The Clouds
2. Internal Masquerade
3. Blood In My Eyes
4. Next Joke
5. Zombies
6. Drama
7. Amisarewas
8. Hate Me
9. Losing Ourselves
10. Agenda
11. Long Way Back To The Moon
12. Believing The Hype (Bonus Track)
13. Say Goodbye To Utopia (Bonus Track)
time is short at the moment. Great, catchy new single. totally excited for this, the return of the Cowboys!
Teaser and Press Release below. The Press Release I shared on Social Media last week. It gives the Record Label and some quotes along with a projection for a release by the end of the Year.
I would guess it'll be coming for Next Year/Season for this blog, but that info will be included in a new entry when it is.
The little teaser is just that, but the little snippet does sound good.
Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group are thrilled to announce the signing of 90’s progressive metal adventurers Galactic Cowboys who return with the original line up and their first album in 17 years.
Dane Sonnier (Guitar), Ben C. Huggins (Vocals), Alan Doss (Drums/Keyboards) and Monty Colvin (Bass) are strapped in, heading back to the Ranch on Mars and are recording together for the first time since 1993’s ‘Space In Your Face’, to rain down a sonic meteor shower later this year.
The Houston, Texas quartet caught the attention of Geffen Records with their eclectic blend of melodic vocals, thrashing riffery and progressive explorations to release their self-titled debut in 1991, the same year as label mates Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’. Though the antithesis of grunge, the Cowboys none the less chalked up videos in heavy MTV rotation, and a memorable appearance in 1994’s ‘Airheads’. Tours followed with Dream Theater, King’s X, Anthrax and Overkill. Going on to release an additional 5 albums, the group disbanded after 2000’s ‘Let It Go’. Their music left a lasting mark on many musicians, including fans Mike Portnoy, Kerry Livgren (Kansas) and Eric Singer (KISS).
Talking about joining Music Theories Recordings (Ayreon, Flying Colors, Don Airey, Neal Schon, Paul Gilbert), Monty Colvin shares, “I am very excited to restart the artistic engine of Galactic Cowboys and bring the universe new music! We’re looking forward to a great working relationship with Mascot!”
“We said we’d only come back if the world needed us. When Mascot sent out the distress call we knew it was time to return. Get ready world. Here come Galactic Cowboys!” adds Ben C Huggins.
Talking about the addition to the label, CEO Ed Van Zijl went on to say, “Every music enthusiast has a favourite band that they dream would reunite one day. Fans worldwide will be stoked to see Galactic Cowboys back in their original line-up, and so are we. We’re excited to have them be part of our growing Mascot family!”
I haven't checked this out just yet, but just saw a post on forum about it.
And apparently a new album is in the works per this Podcast from bassist Monty Colvin, and the lineup includes original guitarist Dane Sonnier.
I'm not going to flip over this just yet, as reunion albums can have mixed results, but I am at least pretty curious and just very happy to hear them making new music regardless, again.
1993 a year I honestly don't think of to be that amazing, as it was maybe the heart of the grunge period, etc.
I actually remember the Summer of 1993 working at Sam Goody at the Mall of America and seeing many of the albums on this list among others. That Rush album, was a really big deal for me as I was obsessed with Rush at the time and it was their 1st new album since I really became a fan.
But just looking at it, 1993 was actually a pretty good year. Top Heavy still, like many years, but also relatively deep. I would guess 1994 and 1995 I see as better years, but the years that followed in the 90's? I'm not so sure (1998 may be 1 of the dry-est years ever from memory).
Jellyfish, Galactic Cowboys, Cynic, Angra, Enchant, The Tea Party, Savatage and I Mother Earth all put out some of the best albums from the 1990's.
1. Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
2. Galactic Cowboys - Space in Your Face
3. Cynic - Focus
4. Angra - Angels Cry
5. Enchant - A Blueprint of the World
6. Savatage - Edge of Thorns
7. The Tea Party - Splendor Solis
8. I Mother Earth - Dig
9. Rush - Counterparts
10. Saigon Kick - Water
11. Jeff Buckley - Live at Sin-é
12. Jim Matheos - First Impressions
13. Dream Theater - Live at the Marquee
14. Porcupine Tree - Up the Downstair
15, Tears for Fears - Elemental
16. Anekdoten - Vemod
17. Pat Metheny - The Road to You: Recorded Live in Europe
18. Robert Plant - Fate of Nations
19. Without Warning - Making Time
20, Voivod - The Outer Limits
21. U2 - Zooropa
22. Primus - Pork Soda
23. Duran Duran - Duran Duran (The Wedding Album)
24. Alan Parsons - Try Anything Once
25. Damn the Machine - Damn the Machine
26. Pearl Jam - Vs
27. Sheryl Crow - Tuesday Night Music Club
28. No-Man - Loveblows and Lovecries - A Confession
29. Orphaned Land - The Beloved's Cry
Jellyfish - Spilt Milk
rel February 9, 1993
Duran Duran - Duran Duran (The Wedding Album)
rel February 11, 1993
The Cranberries - Everybody Else is Doing it, So Why Can't We?
rel March 1, 1993
Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way
rel March 9, 1993
Coverdale•Page - Coverdale•Page
rel March 15, 1993
Depeche Mode - Songs of Faith and Devotion
rel March 22, 1993
Savatage - Edge of Thorns
rel April 2, 1993
Tool - Undetow
rel April 6, 1993
His Name is Alive - Mouth by Mouth
rel April 13, 1993
Primus - Pork Soda
rel April 20, 1993
Porno for Pyros - Porno for Pyros
rel April 27, 1993
Jim Matheos - First Impressions
rel May 25, 1993
Robert Plant - Fate of Nations
rel May 25, 1993
No-Man - Loveblows and Lovecries - A Confession
rel May 1993
Porcupine Tree - Up the Downstair
rel June 7, 1993
Tears for Fears - Elemental
rel June 7, 1993
Damn the Machine - Damn the Machine
rel June 8, 1993
Galactic Cowboys - Space in Your Face
rel June 8, 1993
The Tea Party - Splendor Solis
rel June 11, 1993
U2 - Zooropa
rel July 5, 1993
Ozric Tentacles - Jurassic Shift
rel July 13, 1993
Pat Metheny - The Road to You: Recorded Live in Europe
rel July 20, 1993
Steve Vai - Sex and Religion
rel July 27, 1993
Sheryl Crow - Tuesday Night Music Club
rel August 3, 1993
Voivod - The Outer Limits
rel August 3, 1993
I Mother Earth - Dig
rel August 10, 1993
Dark Tranquillity - Skydancer
rel August 30, 1993
Enchant - A Blueprint of the World
rel August 1993
Dream Theater - Live at the Marquee
rel September 4, 1993
Cynic - Focus
rel September 14, 1993
Saigon Kick - Water
rel September 28, 1993
Anekdoten - Vemod
rel September 1993
October Project - October Project
rel October 12, 1993
Pearl Jam - Vs
rel October 19, 1993
Rush - Counterparts
rel October 19, 1993
Alan Parsons - Try Anything Once
rel October 26, 1993
Angra - Angels Cry
rel November 3, 1993
Jeff Buckley - Live at Sin-é
rel November 23, 1993
Without Warning - Making Time
rel November 24, 1993
I've been meaning to make an updated Vinyl Video or 2 for quite awhile. I sort of procrastinated about it, but when I picked up and received the Opeth and Cloud Cult vinyl this past week, I needed to make these.
Not too long, but not short, but given the list/material shown, it's understandable.
Random Artist Features and other stuff should be coming soon.
SikTh - Opacities EP
Vektor - Outer Isolation
Vektor - Black Future
Opeth - Ghost Reveries
Dark Tranquility - Fiction
Dream Theater - Rhode Island May 15, 1993
Savatage - The Wake of Magellan
The Mars Volta - A Plague Upon Your Hissing Corpse 7"
Annuals - Fair / Swing Low 7"
Cloud Cult - The Seeker
British Theatre - Mastery
iamthemorning - Lighthouse
The Appleseed Cast - Peregrine
The Antlers - Hospice
As Tall as Lions - In the Flood EP
The Dear Hunter - Act III: Life and Death (2015)
Madonna - Hanky Panky
Robert Fripp - And the League of Crafty Guitarists Live
Boiled in Lead - Boiled in Lead
King's X - It's Love / We Were Born to Be Loved Six Broken Soldiers (extended)
Galactic Cowboys - Galactic Cowboys
Marillion - In Communicado 12"
Marillion - Sugar Mice 12"
Plenty Good Music Compilation (Marillion - He Knows You Know)
Falcon Arrow - Tower
The Rubinoos - Party of Two
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 TheJoshua 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.
