So I saw Bubblemath, or at least 4/5 of the band perform last night at The Triple Rock.
The Triple Rock, probably still my favorite venue for Rock shows in Minnesota, however last evening, for some reason the main stage and whole standing or "pit" area was curtained off, I guess per the projected size of the crowd for a somewhat short-notice/little promoted show.
But the crowd size was easily 50 or more people, which I guess my sense is the main stage and standing area could have been fine to use.
I dunno.
But Bubblemath, who I think it has been around 13 years since I'd seen, last time from memory was at The Cabooze in 2003. But their last show was in 2005 at The Triple Rock as well, but not a show I attended.
Their singer Jonathan Smith was not there, and so they played an hour I'd guess, of all-new, all-instrumental music. Music that will not in fact be on their follow-up album I guess, but perhaps on Album #3?
What was it like? verrry busy, technical, epic, and in synchonization. Very jazzy. But like their other music, it definitely was democratic in that no member seems to take over the spotlight more than any other. And many times they play in chorus together with a rhythm or a riff.
I guess if the early Bubblemath sounds at times like Gentle Giant meets Devo, this is more along the lines of Brand X or even like the most recent The Mercury Tree stuff.
Busy, intricate, methodical, etc..but it seemed every piece has moments to enjoy and get into, even if they at times took some time to get to.
Faun Fables: I enjoyed to a point. 1 of the guys from Sleepytime Gorilla Museum's recent project that is very Acoustic and almost Renaissance-festival kind of stylings. Folk in nature, etc. Some diverse instrumentation and blending lead female vocals with male vocals at times. And they had some of the odd percussion at points like SGM.
Paul Fonfara as well, not bad. The pieces with the samples and layers of instrumentation worked best. The singer/songwriter work, I guess my feeling is I can take or leave.
But overall, great to see Bubblemath. Their new album very well may finally come out in the coming year or less (by the end of 2016 maybe). And it may be digitally released, at least just initially.
I do know there are a lot of the prog fans who are clamoring for it, so hopefully that Chinese Democracy/Smile like wait will finally end somewhat soon.
'
oh: and 1 of the coolest things about last night was how it did feel in some ways like a REUNION of some kind, seeing many people I hadn't in many years. From Maureen and Marshall from Run at the Dog, to obviously the Bubblemath guys and many of their friends-fans, etc
Now only if we could get Bubblemath to play a show with The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, Lehto and Wright and/or Brice Plays Drums among other local Minnesota prog groups, that would be quite an event as well.
Showing posts with label Lehto and Wright. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lehto and Wright. Show all posts
Friday, August 5, 2016
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Favorites: Progressive Rock Albums from MINNESOTA
Progressive Rock in Minnesota or from Minnesota. At one point it became a completely false statement, or at least for a younger/newer fan of progressive rock and metal in the 90's and early 2000's it was incredibly rare to find, and notice interest outside of Minnesota and the "prog scene" aka at prog festivals, on message boards/forums and in some of the magazines.
And maybe even worse than that, the local music media rarely talked about much of it, if at all. Or especially never used the "p" word when they did.
And I suppose the fact is, there was some of it many years ago that I knew about, or meant to check out but never got to. Or bands/artists who played live and never managed to record anything I can find on record.
Gypsy I recall, is a band from the 1970's I have heard of and seen their early 70's Vinyl records for pretty high prices in the last 5 years, but I honestly have yet to hear much from. Given my interest in bands like Renaissance and even Fairport Convention somewhat, I probably could dig them.
Or Sussman Lawrence I guess has some prog roots, as I was told a story about their bassist Al Wolovitch,, once spent a whole summer locked in a cabin learning Yes's Fragile album. And another story of him playing Al Di Meola's Land of the Midnight Sun on a guitar with 1-string, lol.
Peter Himmelman went on to much greater success with his solo career which wasn't really prog though.
Dan Wilson of Trip Shakespeare and Semisonic as well as a solo artist, has mentioned more than once to being a big Yes fan, although I'm not sure if much if any of his music really dove into prog regardless. But maybe I haven't heard the right music?
Prince isn't prog, although it could be argued he's progressive, so in a way, one of the biggest musical acts in general from Minnesota, could fit in here, but at the same time, I really only know his hits well and some of the 80's records.
With a lot of that being brought up, it seems over the last decade or even 15 years, many underground bands have made prog or related records that have reached my radar. And I'd say especially in the last 7 or 8 years, many of the best progressive rock albums from Minnesota have been made and released, And in some cases, just albums overall as from the list I made a few weeks ago about favorite albums from 2010-2014, 3 or 4 of them were included being among the best albums I've heard in this current decade overall.
Brice Plays Drums
Lehto and Wright
RisingSide
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra
Words for Penga
Greg Herriges
So in a way, I've found a lot of it of late, which might be safe to say prog in Minnesota is flourishing in some ways. And with active bands. Namely groups like Brice Plays Drums, The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, RisingSide, Words for Penga, Hardcore Crayons, Lehto and Wright and Cloud Cult of course.
And with Cloud Cult, while to me they are progressive, to others, they are I suppose a chamber/barqoue rock band really who literally and figuratively uses "Art" as a large part of their direction and message. Along with the environment and science I guess. I mean maybe they aren't big Yes or Genesis fans, but they also don't seem to follow any pop-standard rules aka they break or make their own rules and among their lengthly catalog, have experimented with many sounds, textures, themes, etc..using samples, and a lot of other stuff.
So I concluded when I finally got into them a few years ago, despite them being a band who some of the music media have championed and force-fed at times via Radio K, Citypages, or The Current, etc their music still falls in line with what I consider progressive as much as just "Art Rock."
So, with all that being said, and I'm sure there's a lot more I could and very well may add about my seemingly neverending agenda to have prog in Minnesota be a real thing that more people and even the music media both in Minnesota and around the Globe could and should know about.
Here's a list of many of my favorite progressive records from Minnesota mostly from the last 10 years or so. Perhaps in due time, I may discover the Gypsy and Sussman Lawrence records among others I'm not thinking or unaware of.
A List about my favorite Minnesota Artists on Rateyourmusic.com I made
Bubblemath - Such Fine Particles of the Universe (2002)
This was probably the 1st "prog" band I ever discovered from Minnesota that the progressive rock scene knew. I just recall my friend Creighton talking about them on one of the radio shows we did on KFAI and then I checked them out and enjoyed them.
Kind of Gentle Giant meets Devo in some ways. Their 2nd album in some ways has become like the Chinese Democracy of the undeground prog world.
At least in 2014 they released their 1st track since this debut record of theirs.
Notable Tracks: Be Together. Dollhammer
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - Lookin' For a Little Strange (2009)
1 of a few groups John Wright is involved with on this list. TGCO debut record. I probably could have chose any of their 3 records, but I guess given it includes my favorite track of theirs overall "Dark Matter" this is still probably my go-to.
Jazz-Rock with bluegrass elements.
Greg Herriges- Telluric Currents (2009)
Progressive Acoustic Ethnic Folk? Some wonderful compositions on this album, and quite a unique or original blending of styles.
Media Addicts - Autonomy
Jaw-dropping heavy jazz-rock. Top-notch musicianship. Many of the tracks have multiple sections I look forward to each time through.
Mike Linden - Bubble and Squeak
Very impressive Jazz-Rock very much in the tradition of Return to Forever and Pat Metheny.
Brice Plays Drums - Man the Animal Cannon (2012)
3 epic tracks all composed to perfection. Less is more.
Cloud Cult - Light Chasers (2010)
My favorite Cloud Cult record. A concept album, that is a journey album of sorts. The segues are incredible, and the lyrics and melodies are very inspiring. "We've all got energy in us."
Lehto and Wright - Children's Songs (2010)
4 tracks, 2 lengthly, 2 shorter. The title track suite runs the gamut of references and style. From Bartok, to Led Zeppelin. This is about as good as folk music and progressive rock can get to me.
The Book of Right On - All These Songs About Music (2010)
This band was amazing and this is their only released full-length album.
I guess they reminded me of a few groups, but I suppose the King Crimson style of instrumentation and the Primus quirky-ness including the lead vocals, stood out.
At the same time, the talent-level seems through the roof with this band. And it showed well on this debut album of theirs.
Dean Magraw's Red Planet- Space Dust (2009)
This is quite an amazing live record that I find may be the greatest recording capturing much of Dean Magraw's vast talents. His group interprets music from the likes of John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix and even Solom Linda's "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
Pure magic and a trip. I just wish the countless concerts I've seen Dean perform (with Red Planet along with many others like Eight-Head, Boiled in Lead, or Davu Seru) could be experienced in greater quantities by others. But at least this is a great way to go revisit it,
The Royal Veil - King of the Ocean (2013)
Doomy prog metal. "Into the Sun" maybe being my favorite track on this album. Their sound I often like to describe as The Mars Volta meets Tool, but I actually hear a lot of other influences as well. And Doomy/Sludge Metal I have become less into over recent years, but this album probably still being an exception.
Nomia - Iron and Rust (2014)
Long awaited debut full-length from one of my favorite "Post" bands working today. I guess I find their style of heavy Post Rock almost like how I wish Russian Circles sounded now.
Great record start to finish aka greater than the sum of its parts.
RisingSide - Arrow: The Onus Key (2013)
My favorite new Minnesota band discovery in 2014. They do a heavy brand of prog that is certainly influenced by Coheed and Cambria and Tool. But with Katie Lundberg's vocals certainly give them some distinction. Overall though, good songwriting. And even though their current amazing guitarist Juan Carlos did not play on this debut album of theirs, the lead guitar work is still a great part of Arrow's sound.
A Spell and Seeking Avalon are among my favorite tracks.
Words for Penga - Prose (2015)
Very impressive debut record that just was released in the last month or so. Definitely thus far, my favorite newly discovered band from Minnesota. They remind me of East of the Wall in a lot of ways, with their dynamics and mix of clean and screaming vocals. Their singer almost does sound like Daron from System of a Down, but in a good way.
Also I very much appreciate their use of saxophone.
An album I would not be surprised to finish rather high at the end of this season/year.
some other records I enjoy (that maybe I'll do a Part 2 and try and write up as well):
Hardcore Crayons - Zozzled (2015)
Brice Plays Drums - ProgTagonist (2014)
Put Down the Muffin - Charged Particles (2014)
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - Zombie Mouth (2014)
The Royal Veil - The Royal Veil [EP] (2012)
Brice Plays Drums - I Laugh at Your Greener Pastures (2011)
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - All Out of Peaches (2011)
City of Sound - L'implosion (2009)
Media Addicts - Elsewhere (2008)
Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes) (2008)
Nomia - Nomia EP (2008)
The Bad Plus - Prog (2007)
Cloud Cult - The Meaning of 8 (2007)
Empires - Through Trial and Tribulation Comes Triumph (2007)
Between Two Skies - A Thousand Conscious Moments [EP] (2007)...This EP I do enjoy a lot, and whenever they release a full-length I likely could find it among my favorites given for a good while they were my favorite band from Minnesota. The new music they wrote for it is amazing having seen them play many of the songs over a few years/many shows.
A Whisper in the Noise - As the Bluebird Sings (2006)
Greg Herriges - It Plays Me (2005)
Lehto and Wright - The Thrashing Machine and Other Stories (2005)
Cloud Cult - Advice from the Happy Hippopotamus (2004)
Lehto and Wright - A Game of Chess (2003)
A Series of Clicks and Beeps - Demo?
Best Friends Forever - Best Friends Forever (?)
Lehto and Wright - The Further Adventures of Darling Cory (2002)
Gracepoint - Science of Discontent (2000)
Lehto and Wright - Ye Mariners All (2000)
Conditioned Response - In Flagranté Delecto (1999)
Lord of All Desires - The Scent of Malevolence (1997)
Magellanmusic - A Strange Traffic of Dreams (1997)
Conditioned Response - Pavlov's Dogs (1997)
Own/Wishlisted but haven't gotten into or around to listening to the studio recordings:
Other Country Ensemble - no studio albums at this point, but there could be soon.
Blue Canoe - Blue Canoe
Run at the Dog - Scutigera, Yeah!
Iced Ink - There's A Bee In Here
Gotterdammerung
Lost Mind Found
Sussman Lawrence
Greg Herriges + John Wright's very Crimson-esque band from the 1990's and Produkt.
Maeth
Stellar Vector
Gypsy
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
The Return of Bubblemath: New track "The Sensual Con"
This new song "The Sensual Con" is pretty awesome.
It's been what seems like forever since their debut album Such Fine Particles of the Universe came out in 2002. And it's so odd to think bands like Brice Plays Drums and Lehto & Wright have been cruising along making albums in the years since among local Minnesota progressive rock. But I'll admit, from my generation and my radar, these guys were like the 1st actual "prog" band from Minnesota I found out about and got into.
And the progressive rock scene, really only like a year or two after that record came out, I often saw mention of them. What they might be up to, when the next album would be coming, etc. And there was belief and mention of it coming soon after Particles dropped in '02, especially given I had seen them play a lot of new songs live, so the material was there for sure.
But for budgetary constraints and obviously time, it just never happened. But at the same time, they never really broke up, just I suppose stopped playing live.
But maybe now, in 2014, they finally have found the time and money to finally record and release that music. This new song does sound like them, but certainly also sounds more polished from a production standpoint.
Honestly, I really haven't had many reservations about their next record, if/when it came out. Certainly I planned to check it out, and want to support them in any way I could. But this new song sounds maybe more intriguing than I would have expected. The instrumental passages are crazy good and even fun in a lot of ways. Very tight dynamics, and the layers of keys and drum tracks come at you left and right.
Fuck, I can't help now but be very intrigued by this record they may finally put out, whether it be in 2014, or if not, sometime in 2015.
Welcome back Bubblemath!
Bubblemath on Facebook
Friday, February 7, 2014
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - Zombie Mouth (2014)
2/7/14 5:19PM
It was finally made available to the pledgemusic supporters on Wednesday. Artwork anf more *official* release date will be given soon, as well as the hardcopies being available in about a month. I would anticipate it being available on the regulars like Amazon and iTunes as well as cdbaby like some of their others.
As far as the record, I am enjoying a lot of it. The vocals do work, and it sounds like Lisi took the lead on many if not all of them. I'd say among the songs that caught my ear so far, "So Long" "Galacticty," "Give Me More" and especially the quite heavy "Sleep." I'm wondering if my friend That Drummer Guy will look to that one to play on 1 of his radio shows soon.
I also noticed a comment or two on Facebook about some of these tunes being holdovers from 1 of John Wright's old bands, Produkt, a band he played in with Greg Herriges and some others.
Track list:
1. So Long 5:27
2. Wrong Shui 5;25
3. Into You 2:23
4. Floating Intro 0:27
5. Floating 4:59
6. Going Nowhere Fast 1:48
7. All or Nothing 3:33
8. Not at All 5:30
9. Galacticty 3:50
10. ZombieMouth 5:48
11. Sleep 3:21
12. Broken Marionett 4:45
13. Give Me More 5:34
11/29/13 8:10AM
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/gco
3 days left, 91%.
10/8/13 10:44PM
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/gco
sounds intriguing, including the vocals part, lol.
I enjoy both of their proper/original music studio records enough (2009's Lookin' For a Little Strange and 2011's All Out of Peaches) and , but who knows, this may be better. John Wright consistently makes interesting music (namely with his awesome progressive folk/rock group Lehto & Wright). TGCO are newer, thus, may have more to do/say/experiment/evolve, etc
Zombie Mouth may be a leap of sorts for them.
Zombie Mouth
Pre-order our new album Zombie Mouth here! Help save us from the zombie apocalypse!
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (GCO) has been freakin’ people’s minds with our crazy art-rock music for 4 years – we’ve released 4 albums: 2 original, 2 cover. It’s been awhile since our last double-release and the time has come!
After two years of touring, playing some great shows and making new friends, we’ve managed to write and record a new album! We love it and are excited to share the music with all of you. As many of you know, our last two original albums featured complex instrumental tunes. But, man, we like to sing too! So, with Zombie Mouth (that’s what we’re calling it :)), we delve into original vocal explorations as well.
We are involved in an ever-changing music business that can no longer count on record labels for any kind of real financial backing. More and more bands are acting as their own label and this is true for GCO too. We do what we do – touring, album releases, rental costs for album release parties – is all paid for with our own gig/merch income.
We started this pledge music campaign to help us cover mastering and manufacturing costs for our CD and vinyl. That’s right, vinyl! Now our fans can be involved in our little, independent GCO record label too! :) We’ve assembled some great rewards and we’re looking forward to getting this record done and in your hands as soon as possible.
We’re stoked to involve our fans in this project and, through your involvement in this campaign, we’ll be sharing exclusive downloads and videos so you can keep up with our crazy pre-release antics.
It was finally made available to the pledgemusic supporters on Wednesday. Artwork anf more *official* release date will be given soon, as well as the hardcopies being available in about a month. I would anticipate it being available on the regulars like Amazon and iTunes as well as cdbaby like some of their others.
As far as the record, I am enjoying a lot of it. The vocals do work, and it sounds like Lisi took the lead on many if not all of them. I'd say among the songs that caught my ear so far, "So Long" "Galacticty," "Give Me More" and especially the quite heavy "Sleep." I'm wondering if my friend That Drummer Guy will look to that one to play on 1 of his radio shows soon.
I also noticed a comment or two on Facebook about some of these tunes being holdovers from 1 of John Wright's old bands, Produkt, a band he played in with Greg Herriges and some others.
Track list:
1. So Long 5:27
2. Wrong Shui 5;25
3. Into You 2:23
4. Floating Intro 0:27
5. Floating 4:59
6. Going Nowhere Fast 1:48
7. All or Nothing 3:33
8. Not at All 5:30
9. Galacticty 3:50
10. ZombieMouth 5:48
11. Sleep 3:21
12. Broken Marionett 4:45
13. Give Me More 5:34
11/29/13 8:10AM
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/gco
3 days left, 91%.
10/8/13 10:44PM
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/gco
sounds intriguing, including the vocals part, lol.
I enjoy both of their proper/original music studio records enough (2009's Lookin' For a Little Strange and 2011's All Out of Peaches) and , but who knows, this may be better. John Wright consistently makes interesting music (namely with his awesome progressive folk/rock group Lehto & Wright). TGCO are newer, thus, may have more to do/say/experiment/evolve, etc
Zombie Mouth may be a leap of sorts for them.
Zombie Mouth
Pre-order our new album Zombie Mouth here! Help save us from the zombie apocalypse!
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra (GCO) has been freakin’ people’s minds with our crazy art-rock music for 4 years – we’ve released 4 albums: 2 original, 2 cover. It’s been awhile since our last double-release and the time has come!
After two years of touring, playing some great shows and making new friends, we’ve managed to write and record a new album! We love it and are excited to share the music with all of you. As many of you know, our last two original albums featured complex instrumental tunes. But, man, we like to sing too! So, with Zombie Mouth (that’s what we’re calling it :)), we delve into original vocal explorations as well.
We are involved in an ever-changing music business that can no longer count on record labels for any kind of real financial backing. More and more bands are acting as their own label and this is true for GCO too. We do what we do – touring, album releases, rental costs for album release parties – is all paid for with our own gig/merch income.
We started this pledge music campaign to help us cover mastering and manufacturing costs for our CD and vinyl. That’s right, vinyl! Now our fans can be involved in our little, independent GCO record label too! :) We’ve assembled some great rewards and we’re looking forward to getting this record done and in your hands as soon as possible.
We’re stoked to involve our fans in this project and, through your involvement in this campaign, we’ll be sharing exclusive downloads and videos so you can keep up with our crazy pre-release antics.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
89.3's "The Local Show: Critics Edition"
12/18/12 2:30AM
Edit: Here's the stream of it.
And for those not wanting to listen to all 2 hours, here is a transcript of this show.
Of course, I was right, as they didn't say a word about anything I submitted below. Not that I would expect them to, but it just goes to show, it's a numbers game, and perhaps the people who ran this thing on 89.3, may (likely do) not give two shits about anything I write about here in this blog.
I will say, it was kind of clear who I would side with among those critics. Raihala and even Reed Fischer I seemed to agree with more than the others. I actually always liked Ross Raihala when I used to listen to the Pioneer Press podcast he was on a few years back, and frankly, I've never gotten as much of a snobbish impression from him compared to some of the other music media in this town. Now, that doesn't mean he's not guilty of what many of the others are, but just from hearing his responses on this show, and remembering those podcasts back in the day, I definitely find his approach to be more inviting.
12/15/12 12:48PM
I was going to wait until after this special show tomorrow on 89.3 to actually publish this, but I'm deciding to do it now given I don't expect them to include anything from it anyway. And even if they do, I won't be able to hear it live since my family's annual Channukah party/dinner will be taking place during the time it will air (6-8PM). Perhaps they will put it on their website to stream, which will help. If that happens, I'll have to listen to it and link it up.
http://blog.thecurrent.org/post/2012/11/local-show-critics-edition
Every year on The Local Show, we do our critics edition to talk favorite local releases of 2012 as well as trends and predictions. This year, we're welcoming back Reed Fischer of City Pages, Chris Riemenschneider of The Star Tribune, Ross Raihala of The Pioneer Press and our very own Andrea Swensson to give us their takes on Minnesota music.
But we also need your opinions on the matter! Below, you'll find questions that the critics have been asked to answer, and David Campbell wants some additional ammo to bounce off the crew in the studios. We'll also choose one listener-submitted question for the critics to tackle.
Submit your responses by end-of-day Monday, December 3, and tune in Sunday, December 16 from 6-8 p.m. on The Local Show to hear the discussion play out.
Did the "super secret fraternity of local tastemakers/gatekeepers" get it right in 2012? If not, who was overlooked? I'm not sure who all is part of this "super secret fraternity" but I might infer whoever they are, they may be in to be put on "[double]/super secret probation" ;)
But if the question refers to the most known local music media:
-89.3's Local Show
-Citypages (both print and web)
-The music columnists from both major newspapers
-Radio K's "Off the Record"
-Vita.mn
-MPLS.tv
-mplsmusic.com
-some of the minnesota music blogs/sites
I'd say overall, no, they did not get it right. Why I say that is some of my favorite music that came out in 2012, was from Minnesota, and more or less none of these sources talked about them. These artists, that I'd say got overlooked would include the likes of Brice Plays Drums, Media Addicts, Mike Linden, Lehto & Wright and The Royal Veil.
Which artists or stories were overhyped in 2012? Who didn't live up to the hype they got, or was mentioned far more than was deserved?
-Owl City definitely. Awful mall-pop. This should in no way represent the kind of music Minnesota can produce. I really wish the local and national music media would stop talking about this project, as it's a huge waste of time to mine and many other music fans I know.
-The Velvet Teens: If for no other reason, but the fact there is a terrific band named The Velvet Teen, and this new local band of nearly the same name, makes music that doesn't even come close to comparing, or even being any good.
-4 on the Floor
-P.O.S. (if only this guy lived up to the initial P O and S like PAIN OF SALVATION, but he does not in much if any way) like a lot of local artists who somehow get big nationally, I find nothing about his music that is interesting. There are other, better local Hip-Hop artists (No Bird Sing, Lazerbeak, Guante) who deserve more attention than him and people like Brother Ali.
EDIT: these I forgot to include, but I find it worth adding here and now at least. I'm sure there are others I am not remembering, and if/when that happens I may also add them.
-Hayley Bonar She is a dime-a-dozen and yet the music media makes her out to be the next big thing in female singer/songwriter types. I hear absolutely nothing unique about her or her voice. Give me Alicia Wiley or Jenny Dalton among many others instead.
-Polica so their singer likes to use a vocoder? yeah, but that's hardly is new, nor means the vocal lines and songwriting is anything amazing.
-Trampled By Turtles: Boiled in Lead are SO MUCH better than this band, and not to forget, have been around MUCH LONGER. Why the music media and hipsters keep praising them to no end is kind of baffling. Boiled In Lead should be receiving the same amount (if not VASTLY more) of attention. But are they? of course not.
What were the most impressive live events that took place in 2012? What made these events great?
-Brice Plays Drums and The Super Pilots @ 400 Bar. This was a tremendous show, and probably the best local concert I attended in 2012. Maybe a lot to do with the fact The Super Pilots were a band I had never seen before, and they totally blew me away. They have this outstanding approach to Jazz-fusion that I can't help but be romanticized by in my love of groups like Return to Forever and Weather Report. And Brice Plays Drums, simply put, are my favorite local band right now. They put out my favorite local album each of the last 2 years, and they also deliver the goods live. I think there's far too many people who have no idea what they are missing by never hearing them. They are as talented a young band to come along in a few years, and have this incredible knack for composing epic songs with multiple-sections that segue unbelievably well. In other words, they are like a Minnesota answer to both Yes and The Mars Volta. And if even a fraction of the people became aware of them, that could and should, they'd have a chance to continue making a lot more music and play concerts like this down the road.
-Mutemath @ First Ave. What made it great was more or less what makes every Mutemath concert great. They bring tons of energy, it's never boring, they get the crowd involved, and they do these infectious group drum jams. And having seen them 4 or 5 times before, they somehow keep on matching if not topping each performance.
-Mayer Hawthorne @ First Ave. This show was great because he has this great vibe about him, playing to the crowd constantly. And his band is super tight. And like Mute Math, his music just has an added flavor to it live. The Stepkids were a fun opener, and Mayer even covered a Hall & Oates tune!
-Amanda Palmer & the Grand Theft Orchestra @ First Ave. Despite the lack of Soundproofed walls at First Ave, this show was highly memorable and engaging. Amanda's got a great band, plus the local musicians who came on and played with both her band and the opening/side musicians. She played most of her excellent new record "Theatre is Evil" and even did some incredible covers like George Michael's "Careless Whisper."
-Kimbra @ The Varsity Theater. Kimbra has a freakish amount of energy, her songs seem to almost take on a life of their own live. She played most of "Vows" including "Withdraw" which I was not expecting, but thrilled to see and hear live. But most of the songs she played, had these great new arrangements live, it was in some ways, like hearing them for the 1st time again.
-The Monkees @ The State Theatre. This was an incredibly unexpected EVENT concert for many including my girlfriend whose longed to see Michael Nesmith play live for over 26 years. And to have it finally happen, was historic. Their performance, including Mike's, was more or less flawless. They played much of both their "Headquarters" and "Head" records along with a number of other standards, and more obscure tracks. What also added to it was the way they used Videos in the background throughout the entire show, including a couple of moments to spotlight the late Davy Jones. This show came on, and seemed to be over almost too fast, given the band didn't take a set break. It was maybe the shortest yet fulfilling 2+ hours of my and my girlfriend's concert going life.
-The Who @ Target Center. I just attended this concert last week, and I think it was almost unexpected how good and epic a show it was. The band performed their entire Quadrophenia record, in an entirely new way. They used video/audio clips and performances from both the late John Entwistle and Keith Moon, almost like they were in the building. The arrangements using a horn section really added new things to many of the tunes on that great record.
edit: this does not include the highly memorable 2-night event seeing Marillion for the 3rd and 4th times in Chicago. But that was not in Minnesota afterall.
Predictions for 2013: who's currently operating under the radar that's poised for a breakout year in 2013?
-The Royal Veil. They released a promising self-titled debut EP that fused different styles of psychedelic and progressive hard rock. And their debut full-length "King of the Ocean" is coming out early in 2013, and it is without question one-of, if not my most anticipated local album right now for 2013.
-The Book of Right On will release "How Many Ways Can You Say That You're Speaking" the album they were looking to put out in 2012, but due to the unforeseen setback of one of their drummers leaving, it didn't get released. But they as interesting a band doing progressive rock, that I've heard in many years. And having heard some their newest music live, I am totally excited to finally hear it on record. Hopefully some news about their drummer situation and this 2nd album of theirs will be announced soon.
-Greg Herriges and Telluric Currents: It's been nearly 4 long years since the release of 'Telluric Currents" an amazing record that fuses acoustic rock, folk, ethnic (East Indian, Greek, Japanese and others), and progressive music, molded into tremendous songwriting and moodiness. As a big fan of his, I am hoping 2013 will finally be the year he and his group (known as "Telluric Currents" now) follows up that tremendous album from 2009.
-Cloud Cult: Minnesota's most visible band doing progressive rock of late, and their last 2 albums especially have been among the best of their career. With that recent history, I can't see any reason not to be excited about their next album.
-Bubblemath. Will their long awaited 2nd album finally come out? a good friend of the band said it may finally.
-Between Two Skies: The same question desires to be raised to them as was Bubblemath.
-Elgin Foster: From talking to him, he has an amazing group of guest musicians like John Wright, Dean Magraw and others, on 1 or more records coming in 2013. I'm intrigued certainly.
-The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra: I guess they are working on their 3rd full-length record. Their 1st 2 are both really great records that combine elements of bluegrass, jazz and progressive rock. I'm definitely up for checking out what they have in store next.
Ask your own question to the critics. If chosen, they'll discuss it on the show.
Why is there so little coverage of progressive rock both on radio stations like The Current and Radio K, and in print?
For example, a few years ago, one of my favorite bands, The Dear Hunter, headlined a concert at The Triplerock Social Club. And other than one staff writer from vita.mn, Jay Boller, I saw and heard absolutely nothing about it in both print and electronic sources. The Dear Hunter had actually even just made an appearance on National Television in fact, on G4's "Attack of the Show." So it's not exactly if they were a band who are totally unknown.
Why do you think some venues and artists never end up playing shows here? Specifically, why do you think a venue like First Ave doesn't book certain artists that may not be as "hip" to the Pitchfork audience? I'm referring to a few of the modern college-progressive rock bands such as Porcupine Tree, dredg, Fair to Midland and some others. These bands all have fan-bases that are large enough to show up at First Ave, and in some cases, have played other venues many times to sellout crowds, yet the promoters and the people who run First Ave specifically, don't seem to know about this, or care to book them. And I am awfully puzzled why. Porcupine Tree specifically toured the US I counted 7 straight tours where they skipped our town. And for some reason, had First Ave wanted to book them, they likely would have come here. But it never happened.
Edit: Here's the stream of it.
And for those not wanting to listen to all 2 hours, here is a transcript of this show.
Of course, I was right, as they didn't say a word about anything I submitted below. Not that I would expect them to, but it just goes to show, it's a numbers game, and perhaps the people who ran this thing on 89.3, may (likely do) not give two shits about anything I write about here in this blog.
I will say, it was kind of clear who I would side with among those critics. Raihala and even Reed Fischer I seemed to agree with more than the others. I actually always liked Ross Raihala when I used to listen to the Pioneer Press podcast he was on a few years back, and frankly, I've never gotten as much of a snobbish impression from him compared to some of the other music media in this town. Now, that doesn't mean he's not guilty of what many of the others are, but just from hearing his responses on this show, and remembering those podcasts back in the day, I definitely find his approach to be more inviting.
12/15/12 12:48PM
I was going to wait until after this special show tomorrow on 89.3 to actually publish this, but I'm deciding to do it now given I don't expect them to include anything from it anyway. And even if they do, I won't be able to hear it live since my family's annual Channukah party/dinner will be taking place during the time it will air (6-8PM). Perhaps they will put it on their website to stream, which will help. If that happens, I'll have to listen to it and link it up.
http://blog.thecurrent.org/post/2012/11/local-show-critics-edition
Every year on The Local Show, we do our critics edition to talk favorite local releases of 2012 as well as trends and predictions. This year, we're welcoming back Reed Fischer of City Pages, Chris Riemenschneider of The Star Tribune, Ross Raihala of The Pioneer Press and our very own Andrea Swensson to give us their takes on Minnesota music.
But we also need your opinions on the matter! Below, you'll find questions that the critics have been asked to answer, and David Campbell wants some additional ammo to bounce off the crew in the studios. We'll also choose one listener-submitted question for the critics to tackle.
Submit your responses by end-of-day Monday, December 3, and tune in Sunday, December 16 from 6-8 p.m. on The Local Show to hear the discussion play out.
Did the "super secret fraternity of local tastemakers/gatekeepers" get it right in 2012? If not, who was overlooked? I'm not sure who all is part of this "super secret fraternity" but I might infer whoever they are, they may be in to be put on "[double]/super secret probation" ;)
But if the question refers to the most known local music media:
-89.3's Local Show
-Citypages (both print and web)
-The music columnists from both major newspapers
-Radio K's "Off the Record"
-Vita.mn
-MPLS.tv
-mplsmusic.com
-some of the minnesota music blogs/sites
I'd say overall, no, they did not get it right. Why I say that is some of my favorite music that came out in 2012, was from Minnesota, and more or less none of these sources talked about them. These artists, that I'd say got overlooked would include the likes of Brice Plays Drums, Media Addicts, Mike Linden, Lehto & Wright and The Royal Veil.
Which artists or stories were overhyped in 2012? Who didn't live up to the hype they got, or was mentioned far more than was deserved?
-Owl City definitely. Awful mall-pop. This should in no way represent the kind of music Minnesota can produce. I really wish the local and national music media would stop talking about this project, as it's a huge waste of time to mine and many other music fans I know.
-The Velvet Teens: If for no other reason, but the fact there is a terrific band named The Velvet Teen, and this new local band of nearly the same name, makes music that doesn't even come close to comparing, or even being any good.
-4 on the Floor
-P.O.S. (if only this guy lived up to the initial P O and S like PAIN OF SALVATION, but he does not in much if any way) like a lot of local artists who somehow get big nationally, I find nothing about his music that is interesting. There are other, better local Hip-Hop artists (No Bird Sing, Lazerbeak, Guante) who deserve more attention than him and people like Brother Ali.
EDIT: these I forgot to include, but I find it worth adding here and now at least. I'm sure there are others I am not remembering, and if/when that happens I may also add them.
-Hayley Bonar She is a dime-a-dozen and yet the music media makes her out to be the next big thing in female singer/songwriter types. I hear absolutely nothing unique about her or her voice. Give me Alicia Wiley or Jenny Dalton among many others instead.
-Polica so their singer likes to use a vocoder? yeah, but that's hardly is new, nor means the vocal lines and songwriting is anything amazing.
-Trampled By Turtles: Boiled in Lead are SO MUCH better than this band, and not to forget, have been around MUCH LONGER. Why the music media and hipsters keep praising them to no end is kind of baffling. Boiled In Lead should be receiving the same amount (if not VASTLY more) of attention. But are they? of course not.
What were the most impressive live events that took place in 2012? What made these events great?
-Brice Plays Drums and The Super Pilots @ 400 Bar. This was a tremendous show, and probably the best local concert I attended in 2012. Maybe a lot to do with the fact The Super Pilots were a band I had never seen before, and they totally blew me away. They have this outstanding approach to Jazz-fusion that I can't help but be romanticized by in my love of groups like Return to Forever and Weather Report. And Brice Plays Drums, simply put, are my favorite local band right now. They put out my favorite local album each of the last 2 years, and they also deliver the goods live. I think there's far too many people who have no idea what they are missing by never hearing them. They are as talented a young band to come along in a few years, and have this incredible knack for composing epic songs with multiple-sections that segue unbelievably well. In other words, they are like a Minnesota answer to both Yes and The Mars Volta. And if even a fraction of the people became aware of them, that could and should, they'd have a chance to continue making a lot more music and play concerts like this down the road.
-Mutemath @ First Ave. What made it great was more or less what makes every Mutemath concert great. They bring tons of energy, it's never boring, they get the crowd involved, and they do these infectious group drum jams. And having seen them 4 or 5 times before, they somehow keep on matching if not topping each performance.
-Mayer Hawthorne @ First Ave. This show was great because he has this great vibe about him, playing to the crowd constantly. And his band is super tight. And like Mute Math, his music just has an added flavor to it live. The Stepkids were a fun opener, and Mayer even covered a Hall & Oates tune!
-Amanda Palmer & the Grand Theft Orchestra @ First Ave. Despite the lack of Soundproofed walls at First Ave, this show was highly memorable and engaging. Amanda's got a great band, plus the local musicians who came on and played with both her band and the opening/side musicians. She played most of her excellent new record "Theatre is Evil" and even did some incredible covers like George Michael's "Careless Whisper."
-Kimbra @ The Varsity Theater. Kimbra has a freakish amount of energy, her songs seem to almost take on a life of their own live. She played most of "Vows" including "Withdraw" which I was not expecting, but thrilled to see and hear live. But most of the songs she played, had these great new arrangements live, it was in some ways, like hearing them for the 1st time again.
-The Monkees @ The State Theatre. This was an incredibly unexpected EVENT concert for many including my girlfriend whose longed to see Michael Nesmith play live for over 26 years. And to have it finally happen, was historic. Their performance, including Mike's, was more or less flawless. They played much of both their "Headquarters" and "Head" records along with a number of other standards, and more obscure tracks. What also added to it was the way they used Videos in the background throughout the entire show, including a couple of moments to spotlight the late Davy Jones. This show came on, and seemed to be over almost too fast, given the band didn't take a set break. It was maybe the shortest yet fulfilling 2+ hours of my and my girlfriend's concert going life.
-The Who @ Target Center. I just attended this concert last week, and I think it was almost unexpected how good and epic a show it was. The band performed their entire Quadrophenia record, in an entirely new way. They used video/audio clips and performances from both the late John Entwistle and Keith Moon, almost like they were in the building. The arrangements using a horn section really added new things to many of the tunes on that great record.
edit: this does not include the highly memorable 2-night event seeing Marillion for the 3rd and 4th times in Chicago. But that was not in Minnesota afterall.
Predictions for 2013: who's currently operating under the radar that's poised for a breakout year in 2013?
-The Royal Veil. They released a promising self-titled debut EP that fused different styles of psychedelic and progressive hard rock. And their debut full-length "King of the Ocean" is coming out early in 2013, and it is without question one-of, if not my most anticipated local album right now for 2013.
-The Book of Right On will release "How Many Ways Can You Say That You're Speaking" the album they were looking to put out in 2012, but due to the unforeseen setback of one of their drummers leaving, it didn't get released. But they as interesting a band doing progressive rock, that I've heard in many years. And having heard some their newest music live, I am totally excited to finally hear it on record. Hopefully some news about their drummer situation and this 2nd album of theirs will be announced soon.
-Greg Herriges and Telluric Currents: It's been nearly 4 long years since the release of 'Telluric Currents" an amazing record that fuses acoustic rock, folk, ethnic (East Indian, Greek, Japanese and others), and progressive music, molded into tremendous songwriting and moodiness. As a big fan of his, I am hoping 2013 will finally be the year he and his group (known as "Telluric Currents" now) follows up that tremendous album from 2009.
-Cloud Cult: Minnesota's most visible band doing progressive rock of late, and their last 2 albums especially have been among the best of their career. With that recent history, I can't see any reason not to be excited about their next album.
-Bubblemath. Will their long awaited 2nd album finally come out? a good friend of the band said it may finally.
-Between Two Skies: The same question desires to be raised to them as was Bubblemath.
-Elgin Foster: From talking to him, he has an amazing group of guest musicians like John Wright, Dean Magraw and others, on 1 or more records coming in 2013. I'm intrigued certainly.
-The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra: I guess they are working on their 3rd full-length record. Their 1st 2 are both really great records that combine elements of bluegrass, jazz and progressive rock. I'm definitely up for checking out what they have in store next.
Ask your own question to the critics. If chosen, they'll discuss it on the show.
Why is there so little coverage of progressive rock both on radio stations like The Current and Radio K, and in print?
For example, a few years ago, one of my favorite bands, The Dear Hunter, headlined a concert at The Triplerock Social Club. And other than one staff writer from vita.mn, Jay Boller, I saw and heard absolutely nothing about it in both print and electronic sources. The Dear Hunter had actually even just made an appearance on National Television in fact, on G4's "Attack of the Show." So it's not exactly if they were a band who are totally unknown.
Why do you think some venues and artists never end up playing shows here? Specifically, why do you think a venue like First Ave doesn't book certain artists that may not be as "hip" to the Pitchfork audience? I'm referring to a few of the modern college-progressive rock bands such as Porcupine Tree, dredg, Fair to Midland and some others. These bands all have fan-bases that are large enough to show up at First Ave, and in some cases, have played other venues many times to sellout crowds, yet the promoters and the people who run First Ave specifically, don't seem to know about this, or care to book them. And I am awfully puzzled why. Porcupine Tree specifically toured the US I counted 7 straight tours where they skipped our town. And for some reason, had First Ave wanted to book them, they likely would have come here. But it never happened.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Media Addicts - Autonomy (2012)
9/7/12 1:05AM
Media Addicts on Facebook
CD Baby link for Autonomy: with samples
1 Seven 7:58
2 Pocket Snake 6:37
3 How the World Ends 0:56
4 Whimper 5:56
5 Mr. Nice Guy 6:12
6 Someday We'll Tell It About You 5:57
7 Intuition Pump 7:39
8 Legend 3.0 5:31
9 Old Hat 5:39
10 Zeitgeist 15:15
I want to bump this entry, as I have finally been able to hear this album, since I picked it up a few weeks ago at the CD release show.
It is terrific. Very much, like Elsewhere, the more I play it, the more each track seems better. The closing epic of sorts "Zeitgeist," while seems soft and quiet, has this nice repeated theme, that goes in and out, and then strays only to eventually be reprised in a coda.
I spoke to their saxophone player David Hirsch at that show about this album, and he remarked how it was heavier than Elsewhere, and I might agree to a small extent. Billy Graczyk their guitarist, does use some dark, heavy riffs, that almost border on a Doom Metal-side.
But this band is outstanding using dynamics and crescendos. "Seven," "How the World Ends," "Intuition Pump," etc all include them. And the new version of "Mr. Nice Guy" might be even better than the original from Elsewhere.
I really enjoy their layering, and the busy drum work from Eric Miller. David's sax of course works well as a lead melody and counter melody to Billy's guitar. While bassist Brent Wallace stands out frequently, namely some of his upright bass parts which act as lead-ins or lead parts.
Like most jazz/jazz-related music, they are even better live. But this album is rather mesmerizing at times, so much so, I likely will continue to back a lot before the end of the year.
The cover art even almost reminds me of The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra's All Out of Peaches in a way with a crazy head piece on a body (see here).
What is a bit sad and ironic, is the fact I finally got to see them live after wanting for a couple of years, and their drummer Eric Miller is apparently moving away soon. I'm not sure how that will effect his and the band's future, but in the short term, they may not have many shows to support this album for awhile. It makes me glad I didn't miss that cd release show even more too. Also Eric's a really good drummer, whose very busy and precise (which you kind of have to be to play this kind of music), who I wonder how easy it may be to find someone good enough to fill-in or replace him.
Also, they played a couple of new tunes live that were not on either of their records. 1 being this extremely cool, almost Pink Floyd or Space Rock-like echoing sections from Billy's guitar effects specifically, that had my jaw dropping. I really hope that song gets recorded, as it would be a shame to never get to hear it again.
7/17/12 2:38PM
This is the 2nd full-length record from this Twin Cities-based Jazz-Rock group. I honestly can't trace where I 1st saw their name, but I know I picked up a copy of Elsewhere their 2008 debut record, in June of 2010. I may have even mentioned them in this blog then, but my memory escapes me right now.
As far as Jazz and Jazz-Rock/Jazz-Fusion or even progressive rock-related artists in Minnesota, these guys are definitely in there. Although I'll confess, I haven't grown attached to their debut album, and maybe more importantly, I still have yet to see them live.
But they have a CD-release show scheduled for Friday August 24th at The Artist Quarter in downtown St.Paul. So, hopefully that'll finally give me a chance to see them in person, and pick up a copy of this new album of theirs.
Could this be one of, if not the best local record of 2012? Lehto & Wright, The Bewitched, The Royal Veil, Brice Plays Drums and The Book of Right On of course will likely factor in there, among others. But I'm pretty excited to finally hear this next month.
Media Addicts on Facebook
CD Baby link for Autonomy: with samples
1 Seven 7:58
2 Pocket Snake 6:37
3 How the World Ends 0:56
4 Whimper 5:56
5 Mr. Nice Guy 6:12
6 Someday We'll Tell It About You 5:57
7 Intuition Pump 7:39
8 Legend 3.0 5:31
9 Old Hat 5:39
10 Zeitgeist 15:15
I want to bump this entry, as I have finally been able to hear this album, since I picked it up a few weeks ago at the CD release show.
It is terrific. Very much, like Elsewhere, the more I play it, the more each track seems better. The closing epic of sorts "Zeitgeist," while seems soft and quiet, has this nice repeated theme, that goes in and out, and then strays only to eventually be reprised in a coda.
I spoke to their saxophone player David Hirsch at that show about this album, and he remarked how it was heavier than Elsewhere, and I might agree to a small extent. Billy Graczyk their guitarist, does use some dark, heavy riffs, that almost border on a Doom Metal-side.
But this band is outstanding using dynamics and crescendos. "Seven," "How the World Ends," "Intuition Pump," etc all include them. And the new version of "Mr. Nice Guy" might be even better than the original from Elsewhere.
I really enjoy their layering, and the busy drum work from Eric Miller. David's sax of course works well as a lead melody and counter melody to Billy's guitar. While bassist Brent Wallace stands out frequently, namely some of his upright bass parts which act as lead-ins or lead parts.
Like most jazz/jazz-related music, they are even better live. But this album is rather mesmerizing at times, so much so, I likely will continue to back a lot before the end of the year.
The cover art even almost reminds me of The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra's All Out of Peaches in a way with a crazy head piece on a body (see here).
What is a bit sad and ironic, is the fact I finally got to see them live after wanting for a couple of years, and their drummer Eric Miller is apparently moving away soon. I'm not sure how that will effect his and the band's future, but in the short term, they may not have many shows to support this album for awhile. It makes me glad I didn't miss that cd release show even more too. Also Eric's a really good drummer, whose very busy and precise (which you kind of have to be to play this kind of music), who I wonder how easy it may be to find someone good enough to fill-in or replace him.
Also, they played a couple of new tunes live that were not on either of their records. 1 being this extremely cool, almost Pink Floyd or Space Rock-like echoing sections from Billy's guitar effects specifically, that had my jaw dropping. I really hope that song gets recorded, as it would be a shame to never get to hear it again.
7/17/12 2:38PM
This is the 2nd full-length record from this Twin Cities-based Jazz-Rock group. I honestly can't trace where I 1st saw their name, but I know I picked up a copy of Elsewhere their 2008 debut record, in June of 2010. I may have even mentioned them in this blog then, but my memory escapes me right now.
As far as Jazz and Jazz-Rock/Jazz-Fusion or even progressive rock-related artists in Minnesota, these guys are definitely in there. Although I'll confess, I haven't grown attached to their debut album, and maybe more importantly, I still have yet to see them live.
But they have a CD-release show scheduled for Friday August 24th at The Artist Quarter in downtown St.Paul. So, hopefully that'll finally give me a chance to see them in person, and pick up a copy of this new album of theirs.
Could this be one of, if not the best local record of 2012? Lehto & Wright, The Bewitched, The Royal Veil, Brice Plays Drums and The Book of Right On of course will likely factor in there, among others. But I'm pretty excited to finally hear this next month.
Monday, July 9, 2012
2012 Mid Season Index
This is hardly a perfectly accurate list, even right now. This year, like last year, has been filled with for me, many days/weeks with not enough time to take-in albums I before 2011 especially, would have.
In other words, I look to catch up on a lot of music over the next 5 months or so, not only in LISTENING, but BLOGGING.
The keyword is HOPE though, as my schedule with work and the relationship I'm in has really hampered my ability to really write as much and as often as I mean to in here. Will it change? I hope (again the keyword). But I guess I can only assume it won't greatly, save for me taking a day off from work every couple of months for writing, and writing only.
The listening part tho, I wish I could explain, but basically, when you do work that in order to do production like you need to, often all focus should be on the work, and not adding any music. It's the ole right-brain left-brain. My newest position, and the work I've done, especially this year, has required more right-brain work.
I mean there's literally, probably 30 or more albums, I have not heard I mean to, or have only heard once or twice and can't exactly justify ranking high. Even the list below, a few of them I've only listened to a couple of times.
I do the whole Albums Index every year, looking for the cream of the crop. The Apes & Androids and Kaddisfly's, and know, I should require to hear many albums that don't come close to those. But in those cases, it did require time and effort. Sure, reviews can help, but given my taste, I know it's possible (if not likely) I need to do the hunting myself in order to pull those albums in. And with my change in time priorities especially in the last 18 months, it's really not been quite the same as I'm used to.
Not to mention television (watching) and movie reviews.
However, at least I do have a week off coming up soon, which in the near time, should help.
I will say, there still are a lot of records to make their way into this mix, just to name a few:
Emanuel & the Fear, The Reign of Kindo, Archive, Amanda Palmer & the Grand Theft Orchestra, Vuvuzela, The Age of Rockets (maybe if it comes out), Annuals (if it gets released), The Book of Right On, Brice Plays Drums, Bloc Party, Minus the Bear, The River Empires (if it comes out).
So this below should likely be a fair amount different come December.
Rateyourmusic's 2012 Index list
Edit: Some parts of this list may be edited (or reposted) just in due time as I tend to do with the rym list.
1. Pepe Deluxé - Queen of the Wave. Awesome record that's as addictive for it's flow as for it's energy and length. So many moments I enjoy, from the catchy "Go Supersonic" to the riffy "Night and Day."
This album is like a retro-scifi soundtrack being recorded with modern mastering. It so perfectly captures how cool some of those vintage tones and sounds came out in the late 60's and early 70's. I just fall for the romantic element of it.
I pretty much enjoy every moment on it. It's one of those albums I love to continue to play on a weekly if not daily basis. My experience of it being a go-to record is reminiscent of many other Highly played/Ranked albums, or Albums of the Year. That's what I hope for and look for among other things in a top album. If I keep going back to it and enjoying it, likely as much if not more than when I 1st heard it.
I bought it on CD and Vinyl even.
And I'll retract 1 thing I said earlier this year with its chances to be an Album of the Year, being doubtful. I'd say that's long gone. Its chances are highly likely now, since I've played it so many times and still love it.
I know a lot of other folks haven't been wow-ed by it, or even liked it much, but so be it. Is it campy? maybe, but I don't care. I found it a bit cheesy at 1st. But the damn thing just works so well track to track.
The handful of singers, the layers, the influences, the energy, even the story. The last track "Riders on the First Ark" totally works to end its telling of a story of sorts, which I guess it's based on.
I think this is a record I'll be listening to for years, even if the band never makes another album. It reminds me of the evolution or culmination of time and changes in developing a sound that works.
2. Ne Obliviscaris - Portal of I. This is by default, better than more or less anything else I've heard this year. My initial impression of it was it almost sounded too much like Opeth, but after spending more time with it, I don't think it matters. The compositions, production, the use of violin of course adds a lot to the depth. It is a lengthly record being around 70 minutes, but it is definitely case of an album that flows well enough, the epic journey is more than worth the time it takes to get through it all. If I might compare it to another record, I'd say it has a lot of what I love from In Vain's classic debut album from 2007 The Latter Rain. You listen to this record and each song has those jaw-dropping moments that you always enjoy and look forward to. I think a great deal of how well it came out had to do with how long the band spent working on it, as of course all 3 of the songs on the Aurora Veil ep/demo are included and re-recorded and mastered.
3. Bend Sinister - Small Fame. I'll admit, I am cheating a bit here, having only heard this record 2-3 times via the stream online. It does drop this coming week anyway, and 3 of the tracks "On My Mind," "Give it a Rest," and "She Don't Give It Up" I have spent enough time with already before the online stream last week. But even with early impressions of the rest of it, I sense this is another record like their last album Stories of Brothers, Tales of Lovers where it is without a track to skip, and every song offers something to enjoy or look forward to.
"Quest for Love" I already sense is 1 of the best tunes they've ever written, very *epic* sort of in a Iron Maiden or Queen sort of way. " My Lady" "Don't You Know" "Hot Blooded Man" "Black Magic Woman" just re-scanning the track list and remembering, were some of the others that I'm already digging. Sound-wise it may not be a huge departure for the band, but the songwriting also isn't a departure, which is often all I hope for with an artist with their new album.
4. Gatherer - So Be It . A pleasant surprise coming from an endorsement from a native of down under, Kimbra. These guys have their own sound, which coming from the evolution of their sound from This City Sunrise, the band previous name. They know how to compose songs that incorporate harshness with beauty. Dynamics are a plenty. The drumming and vocal harmonies are among other parts which keep me going back to this album. Track-wise, the single "Regular Frontier" and "Thrive" may be the most accessible, although like a lot of great records, this one seems to have songs the more I hear them, the more I enjoy them, and notice new things about them to like.
5. House of Fools - Versus the Beast Consistently good throughout. It's been a long time coming for various reasons. I love Live and Learn, and while this is probably not quite as good an album as that, it is still more than good enough to have me going back to it and with each listening.
Will it help them catch-on like I always thought they could? I assume no. But that is status quo, save for they are still a band making music. I at least hope that can still happen.
Pretty much every track has something enjoyable. Specifically, the guitar solos, including some of House of Fools trademark southern-bluesy double (or triple even) solos, are perfectly placed and fit each song's mood. There's a bunch of them.
Song-wise, "Time" "Dogfight" and especially "Need to Be Free" stand out the most. Although, I'll admit the demo of "Need to Be Free" on Fresh Hot Shit, I may still prefer a little due to my love of fat, bubbly keys. But they added an interesting element by using a lot of vocal distortion. Some of the other songs that continue to grow for me include "Daylight," "Johnny Utah," "Another Place," "Oblivion," and "Pick or Choose."
here's the rest of my review on rym
6. Anathema - Weather Systems. I have enjoyed this album close to as much as their last proper record We're Here Because We're Here. Although admittedly, Anathema make rather melancholy music, that best works for the mood I desire, so often it doesn't become addictive right away.
But specifically, the moods, and the drum work are what I can say at this point, standing out. The "Untouchable" suite opening the album, and the closing piece "Internal Landscapes" are among the most memorable. Probably with the samples about the man claiming to experience dying I suppose helps.
This may end up higher than WHBWH due to my previous interest, hopes, etc for this record. Although I'm skeptical if I will find it better or even as good as its predecessor.
But with this album following WHBWH, Anathema have become one of the most interesting bands making college-prog of a sort today.
7. Ramona Falls - Prophet. "Spore" stands out as one of the best, most memorable tracks of 2012. I have that song in my head for hours after I hear it.
It couldn't be this galaxy is lifeless
I keep on searching for a sign Olly oxen free, my telescope is watching For any trace you leave behind".
"Take off the veil Let yourself be found. Ready or not, here-I-come."
That is the standout song on it, but I definitely find it shares in common with the 1st RF's record Intuit, not having a weak track. I suppose in a way, it's an album like that record, but includes 1 or 2 of the best songs Brent Knopf's ever written.
"Archimedes Plutonium," "Bodies of Water," "Brevony," "Proof," "Fingerhold," "If I Equals U," etc, all tracks that work here. I guess I enjoy some of the textures Brent used on this album, specifically the strings and keyboard patches.
Like House of Fools, I am pretty convinced the progressive rock scene will never latch on to them. For whatever reason, it just never happens. They're too college-rock sounding, or not technical enough, or something. But I suppose seeing it happen as often as I have, I've become accustomed to it and reminding myself and others of it in writing/talking about it. Maybe it'll become a fun sarcastic cliche? lol.
8. Lehto & Wright - November. Not as jaw-dropping as 2010's Children's Songs, but this still includes more than enough music to compare favorably with the rest of their extensive catalog. Even the Bob Marley and Bob Dylan covers, "Redemption Song" and "Tom Joad."
They didn't leave their proggy side either with the opening suite "The Humors of Tuaimgreine / RakishPadddy / The Callahan Stomp" along with the closing piece "Dominion of the Sword." Really nice dynamics and guitar work on both of those.
9. Josh Benash - The Dismal; The Beautiful
Pretty impressed how trippy, layered, experimental, yadayada, this album is. Not too surprising, given how outside the box a lot of Kiss Kiss's music is. But this definitely differs in enough good ways.
Lots of humor, and surreal parts are going to give me enough reason to go back to this a lot early in the year.
10 The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet
I am on board with this more than any record they've made since Frances. Some of the best vocal lines Cedric has ever come up with. The electronic element adds something, and the lack of clipping cymbals along with lack of repetitive-ness helps this one a lot.
11 Umbrella Tree - To the Memory of a Once Great Man
I enjoy a fair amount of this experimental electronic dark-pop. Nice saxophone, and an intriguing story. Nice blend of male and female vocals. I believe Timbre may have participated again with this.
This album actually was made thanks to a Kickstarter campaign which I was a supporter of. Enough so, the band thanked all those who put in enough for the Vinyl which it and a compact disc release I recall is expected sometime later this year.
12 Sucré - A Minor Bird
sublime, tasteful, very nice orchestral arrangements. "No Return" may be my favorite track, early on.
13 Diablo Swing Orchestra - Pandora's Piñata
14 Northern Abbey - Northern Abbey [EP]
Much in the vein of The River Empires. Sublime.
15 Forest Park - Forest Park [EP]
Terrific atmosphere. This is a side-project, I guess from some of the members of Portland, OR-based Chamber rock group Typhoon. After listening to this enough, I'm not sure if I don't like this more.
a 3-track, 24 or so minute EP.
16 Mercies - The Ballet[EP]
Awe-some
17 Memoryhouse - The Slideshow Effect
Like their debut EP, this is still dreamy and catchy. "The Kids Were Wrong" maybe the most accessible.
18 Crippled Black Phoenix - (Mankind) The Crafty Ape
Epic record, and not one I've been able to digest fully at this point. It doesn't stray all that much from their other albums, with the infectious blend of Ennio Morricone and Pink Floyd influences. With Floyd, the Meddle-era seems to be notice-able as much as any. I do still feel this band/project, which is related to, among others, Mogwai, has taken the baton from the likes of Clann Zú and Murder by Death in doing progressive rock of a sort that emphasizes country/western music effectively. Too bad those other two aren't anymore.
19 Rush - Clockwork Angels
a pleasant surprise.
20 Jazzkamikaze - The Return of JazzKamikaze
Pretty much back to their purely jazz/jazz-rock roots. Has not blown me away, but still enjoyable enough.
In other words, I look to catch up on a lot of music over the next 5 months or so, not only in LISTENING, but BLOGGING.
The keyword is HOPE though, as my schedule with work and the relationship I'm in has really hampered my ability to really write as much and as often as I mean to in here. Will it change? I hope (again the keyword). But I guess I can only assume it won't greatly, save for me taking a day off from work every couple of months for writing, and writing only.
The listening part tho, I wish I could explain, but basically, when you do work that in order to do production like you need to, often all focus should be on the work, and not adding any music. It's the ole right-brain left-brain. My newest position, and the work I've done, especially this year, has required more right-brain work.
I mean there's literally, probably 30 or more albums, I have not heard I mean to, or have only heard once or twice and can't exactly justify ranking high. Even the list below, a few of them I've only listened to a couple of times.
I do the whole Albums Index every year, looking for the cream of the crop. The Apes & Androids and Kaddisfly's, and know, I should require to hear many albums that don't come close to those. But in those cases, it did require time and effort. Sure, reviews can help, but given my taste, I know it's possible (if not likely) I need to do the hunting myself in order to pull those albums in. And with my change in time priorities especially in the last 18 months, it's really not been quite the same as I'm used to.
Not to mention television (watching) and movie reviews.
However, at least I do have a week off coming up soon, which in the near time, should help.
I will say, there still are a lot of records to make their way into this mix, just to name a few:
Emanuel & the Fear, The Reign of Kindo, Archive, Amanda Palmer & the Grand Theft Orchestra, Vuvuzela, The Age of Rockets (maybe if it comes out), Annuals (if it gets released), The Book of Right On, Brice Plays Drums, Bloc Party, Minus the Bear, The River Empires (if it comes out).
So this below should likely be a fair amount different come December.
Rateyourmusic's 2012 Index list
Edit: Some parts of this list may be edited (or reposted) just in due time as I tend to do with the rym list.
1. Pepe Deluxé - Queen of the Wave. Awesome record that's as addictive for it's flow as for it's energy and length. So many moments I enjoy, from the catchy "Go Supersonic" to the riffy "Night and Day."
This album is like a retro-scifi soundtrack being recorded with modern mastering. It so perfectly captures how cool some of those vintage tones and sounds came out in the late 60's and early 70's. I just fall for the romantic element of it.
I pretty much enjoy every moment on it. It's one of those albums I love to continue to play on a weekly if not daily basis. My experience of it being a go-to record is reminiscent of many other Highly played/Ranked albums, or Albums of the Year. That's what I hope for and look for among other things in a top album. If I keep going back to it and enjoying it, likely as much if not more than when I 1st heard it.
I bought it on CD and Vinyl even.
And I'll retract 1 thing I said earlier this year with its chances to be an Album of the Year, being doubtful. I'd say that's long gone. Its chances are highly likely now, since I've played it so many times and still love it.
I know a lot of other folks haven't been wow-ed by it, or even liked it much, but so be it. Is it campy? maybe, but I don't care. I found it a bit cheesy at 1st. But the damn thing just works so well track to track.
The handful of singers, the layers, the influences, the energy, even the story. The last track "Riders on the First Ark" totally works to end its telling of a story of sorts, which I guess it's based on.
I think this is a record I'll be listening to for years, even if the band never makes another album. It reminds me of the evolution or culmination of time and changes in developing a sound that works.
2. Ne Obliviscaris - Portal of I. This is by default, better than more or less anything else I've heard this year. My initial impression of it was it almost sounded too much like Opeth, but after spending more time with it, I don't think it matters. The compositions, production, the use of violin of course adds a lot to the depth. It is a lengthly record being around 70 minutes, but it is definitely case of an album that flows well enough, the epic journey is more than worth the time it takes to get through it all. If I might compare it to another record, I'd say it has a lot of what I love from In Vain's classic debut album from 2007 The Latter Rain. You listen to this record and each song has those jaw-dropping moments that you always enjoy and look forward to. I think a great deal of how well it came out had to do with how long the band spent working on it, as of course all 3 of the songs on the Aurora Veil ep/demo are included and re-recorded and mastered.
3. Bend Sinister - Small Fame. I'll admit, I am cheating a bit here, having only heard this record 2-3 times via the stream online. It does drop this coming week anyway, and 3 of the tracks "On My Mind," "Give it a Rest," and "She Don't Give It Up" I have spent enough time with already before the online stream last week. But even with early impressions of the rest of it, I sense this is another record like their last album Stories of Brothers, Tales of Lovers where it is without a track to skip, and every song offers something to enjoy or look forward to.
"Quest for Love" I already sense is 1 of the best tunes they've ever written, very *epic* sort of in a Iron Maiden or Queen sort of way. " My Lady" "Don't You Know" "Hot Blooded Man" "Black Magic Woman" just re-scanning the track list and remembering, were some of the others that I'm already digging. Sound-wise it may not be a huge departure for the band, but the songwriting also isn't a departure, which is often all I hope for with an artist with their new album.
4. Gatherer - So Be It . A pleasant surprise coming from an endorsement from a native of down under, Kimbra. These guys have their own sound, which coming from the evolution of their sound from This City Sunrise, the band previous name. They know how to compose songs that incorporate harshness with beauty. Dynamics are a plenty. The drumming and vocal harmonies are among other parts which keep me going back to this album. Track-wise, the single "Regular Frontier" and "Thrive" may be the most accessible, although like a lot of great records, this one seems to have songs the more I hear them, the more I enjoy them, and notice new things about them to like.
5. House of Fools - Versus the Beast Consistently good throughout. It's been a long time coming for various reasons. I love Live and Learn, and while this is probably not quite as good an album as that, it is still more than good enough to have me going back to it and with each listening.
Will it help them catch-on like I always thought they could? I assume no. But that is status quo, save for they are still a band making music. I at least hope that can still happen.
Pretty much every track has something enjoyable. Specifically, the guitar solos, including some of House of Fools trademark southern-bluesy double (or triple even) solos, are perfectly placed and fit each song's mood. There's a bunch of them.
Song-wise, "Time" "Dogfight" and especially "Need to Be Free" stand out the most. Although, I'll admit the demo of "Need to Be Free" on Fresh Hot Shit, I may still prefer a little due to my love of fat, bubbly keys. But they added an interesting element by using a lot of vocal distortion. Some of the other songs that continue to grow for me include "Daylight," "Johnny Utah," "Another Place," "Oblivion," and "Pick or Choose."
here's the rest of my review on rym
6. Anathema - Weather Systems. I have enjoyed this album close to as much as their last proper record We're Here Because We're Here. Although admittedly, Anathema make rather melancholy music, that best works for the mood I desire, so often it doesn't become addictive right away.
But specifically, the moods, and the drum work are what I can say at this point, standing out. The "Untouchable" suite opening the album, and the closing piece "Internal Landscapes" are among the most memorable. Probably with the samples about the man claiming to experience dying I suppose helps.
This may end up higher than WHBWH due to my previous interest, hopes, etc for this record. Although I'm skeptical if I will find it better or even as good as its predecessor.
But with this album following WHBWH, Anathema have become one of the most interesting bands making college-prog of a sort today.
7. Ramona Falls - Prophet. "Spore" stands out as one of the best, most memorable tracks of 2012. I have that song in my head for hours after I hear it.
It couldn't be this galaxy is lifeless
I keep on searching for a sign Olly oxen free, my telescope is watching For any trace you leave behind".
"Take off the veil Let yourself be found. Ready or not, here-I-come."
That is the standout song on it, but I definitely find it shares in common with the 1st RF's record Intuit, not having a weak track. I suppose in a way, it's an album like that record, but includes 1 or 2 of the best songs Brent Knopf's ever written.
"Archimedes Plutonium," "Bodies of Water," "Brevony," "Proof," "Fingerhold," "If I Equals U," etc, all tracks that work here. I guess I enjoy some of the textures Brent used on this album, specifically the strings and keyboard patches.
Like House of Fools, I am pretty convinced the progressive rock scene will never latch on to them. For whatever reason, it just never happens. They're too college-rock sounding, or not technical enough, or something. But I suppose seeing it happen as often as I have, I've become accustomed to it and reminding myself and others of it in writing/talking about it. Maybe it'll become a fun sarcastic cliche? lol.
8. Lehto & Wright - November. Not as jaw-dropping as 2010's Children's Songs, but this still includes more than enough music to compare favorably with the rest of their extensive catalog. Even the Bob Marley and Bob Dylan covers, "Redemption Song" and "Tom Joad."
They didn't leave their proggy side either with the opening suite "The Humors of Tuaimgreine / RakishPadddy / The Callahan Stomp" along with the closing piece "Dominion of the Sword." Really nice dynamics and guitar work on both of those.
9. Josh Benash - The Dismal; The Beautiful
Pretty impressed how trippy, layered, experimental, yadayada, this album is. Not too surprising, given how outside the box a lot of Kiss Kiss's music is. But this definitely differs in enough good ways.
Lots of humor, and surreal parts are going to give me enough reason to go back to this a lot early in the year.
10 The Mars Volta - Noctourniquet
I am on board with this more than any record they've made since Frances. Some of the best vocal lines Cedric has ever come up with. The electronic element adds something, and the lack of clipping cymbals along with lack of repetitive-ness helps this one a lot.
11 Umbrella Tree - To the Memory of a Once Great Man
I enjoy a fair amount of this experimental electronic dark-pop. Nice saxophone, and an intriguing story. Nice blend of male and female vocals. I believe Timbre may have participated again with this.
This album actually was made thanks to a Kickstarter campaign which I was a supporter of. Enough so, the band thanked all those who put in enough for the Vinyl which it and a compact disc release I recall is expected sometime later this year.
12 Sucré - A Minor Bird
sublime, tasteful, very nice orchestral arrangements. "No Return" may be my favorite track, early on.
13 Diablo Swing Orchestra - Pandora's Piñata
14 Northern Abbey - Northern Abbey [EP]
Much in the vein of The River Empires. Sublime.
15 Forest Park - Forest Park [EP]
Terrific atmosphere. This is a side-project, I guess from some of the members of Portland, OR-based Chamber rock group Typhoon. After listening to this enough, I'm not sure if I don't like this more.
a 3-track, 24 or so minute EP.
16 Mercies - The Ballet[EP]
Awe-some
17 Memoryhouse - The Slideshow Effect
Like their debut EP, this is still dreamy and catchy. "The Kids Were Wrong" maybe the most accessible.
18 Crippled Black Phoenix - (Mankind) The Crafty Ape
Epic record, and not one I've been able to digest fully at this point. It doesn't stray all that much from their other albums, with the infectious blend of Ennio Morricone and Pink Floyd influences. With Floyd, the Meddle-era seems to be notice-able as much as any. I do still feel this band/project, which is related to, among others, Mogwai, has taken the baton from the likes of Clann Zú and Murder by Death in doing progressive rock of a sort that emphasizes country/western music effectively. Too bad those other two aren't anymore.
19 Rush - Clockwork Angels
a pleasant surprise.
20 Jazzkamikaze - The Return of JazzKamikaze
Pretty much back to their purely jazz/jazz-rock roots. Has not blown me away, but still enjoyable enough.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Crooked Fiddle Band - Overgrown Tales (2011)
1. Countess Bathory's Finishing School for Girls 03:10
2. The Ruination of Junkyard Joe 4:11
3. Clockwork Bride 4:01
4. All These Pitchforks Make Me Nervous 4:07
5. The Mountain Hag's Advice 3:38
6. Beneath Ash and Ocean 2:55
7. Over Hill and Under Hill 6:57
8. What the Thunder Said 14:15
The Crooked Fiddle Band on bandcamp
I was searching for info about Ne Obliviscaris, and stumbled upon a blog here that mentioned a FROG Fest, which refers to bands combining Folk + Prog. A combination I do enjoy at times. This band caught my attention. This video I posted above namely.
Their sound though overall maybe is more rooted in Folk than even some groups like Lehto &; Wright or Greg Herriges. But there's enough musicianship involved, I'm going to check this band and their debut album out.
They almost sound like Gogol Bordello in some ways, but without the vocal style. They also seem to have a bit of a soundtrack-element, and even one of their songs "The Milkman" ended up on a soundtrack for a movie titled Underbelly Razor.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Lehto & Wright - November (2012)
1/21/12 10:58AM
1 The Humors of Tuaimgreine/RakishPadddy/The Callahan Stomp 10:35
2 Lay Down Your Weary Tune 4:40
3 Redemption Song 5:11
4 Tom Joad 9:39
5 Shenandoah 5:55
6 Dominion of the Sword 3:51
I am checking this out right now as I type this. And in just reading this write-up on their page about it, I wasn't aware of a few of these tracks being interpretations from different artists. "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" being a Bob Dylan number, "Tom Joad" is a Woody Guthrie piece, and "Redemption Song" being from Bob Marley. Although both do sound familiar; what they did with them, it may come to be seen as their own (or rather distinguishable interpretations).
But early on, wow, this is pretty sweet. Not that I'm surprised since these guys are awesome, and pretty much their entire catalog is good. Especially their last record Children's Songs.
I'd say early in the year here, this has a chance to be among the top of my albums index already. And hey, Children's Songs was #2 (among 50+) in 2010, so it wouldn't surprise me one bit if this album places rather high by the end of year as well. I can already tell, like Children's Songs, this album has stellar production, which already scores big for me.
Will more people check it out? My friend Josh will, Jordan Blum I'm sure will. And perhaps some of the people who caught on to The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra will. But beyond that, I'm not expecting it, due to the gigantic failure by so many of those folks who haven't heard Children's Songs nor any of their other work still. At least by evidence online in the Twin Cities music Media (89.3, Citypages, Radio K, Jon Bream, Chris Riemenschneider) and music fans (save for Jearlyn Steele of WCCO Radio, and whoever at Kare-11 helped them appear on their Morning show a few years ago).
I should elaborate more in the coming days/weeks once I hear it with headphones. But initially, the prog-side is still apparent on a few tracks as the review below refers to. The opening suite piece "The Humors of Tuaimgreine/RakishPadddy/The Callahan Stomp" "Redemption Song" and the closer "Dominion of the Sword."
One thing I noticed in the write-up below, how it says this is their 7th studio album, but I believe that is off by 1 or 2. Not only due to John Wright mentioning this being their 9th album last night at the cd release show, but I'm pretty sure on their website's store, they don't include at least 1 of the albums I own, which shows Steve Lehto and John Wright on the cover in front of an old-fashioned house with rifles I think.
Ye Mariners All (2000)
The Further Adventures of Darling Cory (2002)
A Game of Chess (2003)
The Thrashing Machine and Other Stories (2004)
Live At the Focal Point (2007)
Between the Jigs and the Reels (2008)
Children's Songs (2010)
Shenandoah [EP] (2011)
November (2012)
edit: maybe I'm thinking of a photo on the back or in the inner sleave. But at least looking at that list, this is their 7th proper full-length record, but 9th release overall, since they released the EP Shenandoah last year, and the 1 double live record Live at the Focal Point
It's available to buy now on their Website
November
Release year: 2012
$13.00 (shipping included)
"November" is the 7th full length studio release from Lehto & Wright. This outing continues to showcase the band's instrumental prowess with Irish Tune Sets while exploring the American song book as well. "Tom Joad," a Woodie Guthrie classic, is given a 9 1/2 minute workout while a Bob Dylan deep cut "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" is also given a Lehto & Wright twist. Our neighbors to the south are not to be excluded with an amped up version of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" presented also. English Folk and Progressive rock are represented in full with an arrangement of "Dominion of the Sword" influenced by Martin Carthys recording of the same, here with all the Progressive Rock styling that Lehto & Wright are know for. Last but not least the fan favorite "Shenandoah" makes a re-appearance from its earlier release on a EP of the same name in 2011. "November" demonstrates Lehto & Wright's continuing forward momentum in their Folk and Folk Rock exploration.
1/18/12 12:44AM
Album title has changed to "November" (see John's post here on facebook.
Also there is an interview done with John archived here "1-15-12 "Center Stage: Celtic Roots" on WCCO Radio's Homepage with Jearlyn Steele (who also interviewed Lisi Wright last year for The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra's CD Release show I recall).
The CD Release show was obviously not January 14th, but now has moved to this Friday January 20th at The Dakota Jazz Club.
11/26/11 7:04PM
I look to include quite a lot of content about one of Minnesota best progressive rock acts soon, and this upcoming record of theirs being certainly part of that. Of course Lehto & Wright released a tremendous album in 2010 with Children's Songs, so this is in-effect the follow-up to that.
Just from doing a little searching on google, they have an album release show coming on January 14th at The Music Box Theater. Now, that was on a calendar listing here, but not something they cited officially. They don't post on facebook and twitter maybe as frequently as you'd think. Even as much as The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, John Wright's other main project. Although Lisi Wright, being more involved with that band, probably has a lot to do with why TGCO are online a bit more.
But at this point, from chatting with Lisi a few weeks ago at another TGCO show, she said their album is expected in January with a release show. So that show scheduled on January 14th at The Music Box Theater I'm assuming is said show and when at least initially this record will be released.
However, in just reading what they did post a bit about this year, they did put out on pro-cdr/mp3 a brand new EP titled Shenandoah which includes the title track, along with the title track to this upcoming album Dominion of the Sword.
from their homepage
1 Shenandoah 5:56
2 Dominion of the Sword 3:48
3 Second Waltz for Carol Jean 1:14
4 Ye Mariners All 6:47
5 Four Drunken Maidens 3:38
cdbaby link
"Shenandoah" is Lehto and Wright's first ever EP release. This recording features the first studio recording of the long time fan favorite "Shenandoah" which has been a mainstay in the live shows since 2009. Also on this CD is the titles track from the bands up coming 2012 release "Dominion of the Sword" in addition to a live version of "Four Drunken Maidens" and two other tracks.
Lehto & Wright on Facebook
Lehto & Wright on twitter
more to add about both of these and their past releases soon.
1 The Humors of Tuaimgreine/RakishPadddy/The Callahan Stomp 10:35
2 Lay Down Your Weary Tune 4:40
3 Redemption Song 5:11
4 Tom Joad 9:39
5 Shenandoah 5:55
6 Dominion of the Sword 3:51
I am checking this out right now as I type this. And in just reading this write-up on their page about it, I wasn't aware of a few of these tracks being interpretations from different artists. "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" being a Bob Dylan number, "Tom Joad" is a Woody Guthrie piece, and "Redemption Song" being from Bob Marley. Although both do sound familiar; what they did with them, it may come to be seen as their own (or rather distinguishable interpretations).
But early on, wow, this is pretty sweet. Not that I'm surprised since these guys are awesome, and pretty much their entire catalog is good. Especially their last record Children's Songs.
I'd say early in the year here, this has a chance to be among the top of my albums index already. And hey, Children's Songs was #2 (among 50+) in 2010, so it wouldn't surprise me one bit if this album places rather high by the end of year as well. I can already tell, like Children's Songs, this album has stellar production, which already scores big for me.
Will more people check it out? My friend Josh will, Jordan Blum I'm sure will. And perhaps some of the people who caught on to The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra will. But beyond that, I'm not expecting it, due to the gigantic failure by so many of those folks who haven't heard Children's Songs nor any of their other work still. At least by evidence online in the Twin Cities music Media (89.3, Citypages, Radio K, Jon Bream, Chris Riemenschneider) and music fans (save for Jearlyn Steele of WCCO Radio, and whoever at Kare-11 helped them appear on their Morning show a few years ago).
I should elaborate more in the coming days/weeks once I hear it with headphones. But initially, the prog-side is still apparent on a few tracks as the review below refers to. The opening suite piece "The Humors of Tuaimgreine/RakishPadddy/The Callahan Stomp" "Redemption Song" and the closer "Dominion of the Sword."
One thing I noticed in the write-up below, how it says this is their 7th studio album, but I believe that is off by 1 or 2. Not only due to John Wright mentioning this being their 9th album last night at the cd release show, but I'm pretty sure on their website's store, they don't include at least 1 of the albums I own, which shows Steve Lehto and John Wright on the cover in front of an old-fashioned house with rifles I think.
Ye Mariners All (2000)
The Further Adventures of Darling Cory (2002)
A Game of Chess (2003)
The Thrashing Machine and Other Stories (2004)
Live At the Focal Point (2007)
Between the Jigs and the Reels (2008)
Children's Songs (2010)
Shenandoah [EP] (2011)
November (2012)
edit: maybe I'm thinking of a photo on the back or in the inner sleave. But at least looking at that list, this is their 7th proper full-length record, but 9th release overall, since they released the EP Shenandoah last year, and the 1 double live record Live at the Focal Point
It's available to buy now on their Website
November
Release year: 2012
$13.00 (shipping included)
"November" is the 7th full length studio release from Lehto & Wright. This outing continues to showcase the band's instrumental prowess with Irish Tune Sets while exploring the American song book as well. "Tom Joad," a Woodie Guthrie classic, is given a 9 1/2 minute workout while a Bob Dylan deep cut "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" is also given a Lehto & Wright twist. Our neighbors to the south are not to be excluded with an amped up version of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" presented also. English Folk and Progressive rock are represented in full with an arrangement of "Dominion of the Sword" influenced by Martin Carthys recording of the same, here with all the Progressive Rock styling that Lehto & Wright are know for. Last but not least the fan favorite "Shenandoah" makes a re-appearance from its earlier release on a EP of the same name in 2011. "November" demonstrates Lehto & Wright's continuing forward momentum in their Folk and Folk Rock exploration.
1/18/12 12:44AM
Album title has changed to "November" (see John's post here on facebook.
Also there is an interview done with John archived here "1-15-12 "Center Stage: Celtic Roots" on WCCO Radio's Homepage with Jearlyn Steele (who also interviewed Lisi Wright last year for The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra's CD Release show I recall).
The CD Release show was obviously not January 14th, but now has moved to this Friday January 20th at The Dakota Jazz Club.
11/26/11 7:04PM
I look to include quite a lot of content about one of Minnesota best progressive rock acts soon, and this upcoming record of theirs being certainly part of that. Of course Lehto & Wright released a tremendous album in 2010 with Children's Songs, so this is in-effect the follow-up to that.
Just from doing a little searching on google, they have an album release show coming on January 14th at The Music Box Theater. Now, that was on a calendar listing here, but not something they cited officially. They don't post on facebook and twitter maybe as frequently as you'd think. Even as much as The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra, John Wright's other main project. Although Lisi Wright, being more involved with that band, probably has a lot to do with why TGCO are online a bit more.
But at this point, from chatting with Lisi a few weeks ago at another TGCO show, she said their album is expected in January with a release show. So that show scheduled on January 14th at The Music Box Theater I'm assuming is said show and when at least initially this record will be released.
However, in just reading what they did post a bit about this year, they did put out on pro-cdr/mp3 a brand new EP titled Shenandoah which includes the title track, along with the title track to this upcoming album Dominion of the Sword.
from their homepage
1 Shenandoah 5:56
2 Dominion of the Sword 3:48
3 Second Waltz for Carol Jean 1:14
4 Ye Mariners All 6:47
5 Four Drunken Maidens 3:38
cdbaby link
"Shenandoah" is Lehto and Wright's first ever EP release. This recording features the first studio recording of the long time fan favorite "Shenandoah" which has been a mainstay in the live shows since 2009. Also on this CD is the titles track from the bands up coming 2012 release "Dominion of the Sword" in addition to a live version of "Four Drunken Maidens" and two other tracks.
Lehto & Wright on Facebook
Lehto & Wright on twitter
more to add about both of these and their past releases soon.
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