WAMR Radio: Mid-Spring 2005 New Releases Playlist

 

sElf - Summersound 3:35

Klimt 1918 - They Were Wed By the Sea 4:35

The Receiving End of Sirens - This Armistice 5:55

Shaman - Reason 4:46

Gospel - Congratulations...You've Hit Bottom! 3:41

Shadow Gallery - The Andromeda Strain 6:46

dredg - Hung Over on a Tuesday 4:05

Dream Theater - These Walls 7:36

The Chap - Oozing Emotion 2:41

Time of Orchids - All We Ever Wish 8:06

Subterranean Masquerade - Six Strings to Cover Fear 6:48

Cloud Cult - Transistor Radio 4:08

Avenged Sevenfold - Bat Country 5:11

The Most Serene Republic - Where Cedar Nouns and Adverbs Walk 4:32

Ulver - It Is Not Sound 4:37

------------------------------------

This is a beta test/dry-run deal. That's a playlist for May/Mid Spring 2005. 

15 Songs/Tracks 2 hours, 11 minutes exactly or 131 minutes.

Script? haven't done it yet or for this one, but I may try. I would estimate if this is the 2 hours 11 minutes it is, with talking, the Podcast would go maybe but not quite 3 hours, but close.

When You Feel Like Your Taste is in No Man's Land

Been feeling this way for ages, but maybe more so relatively recently.

Bands I love, champion and try to promote, just don't do much or get a comparison that doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Pepe Deluxe is a big one. I get it, they are inspired by and similar to some of these genre-blending artists that are only appealing to a certain demographic.

Mr. Bungle of course. Thrash Metal meets Ska and Pop with even some quasi-rapping? and older styles (50's/60's lounge?) and Soundtracks.

Pepe Deluxe don't fit all of that exactly, but the DJ element and quirky style just doesn't work for many including progressive rock fans. Why? well, for one, many progressive rock fans are much like pop fans, rap fans, metal fans, etc..their tastes and open-mindedness and patience isn't all that high.

They like their prog a certain way, it has to have certain things, otherwise, no thanks.

Small Leaks Sink Ships, similarly, I find them brilliant and unique sounding. Their vocals are kind of odd and quirky, but not over the top weird. And the songs have a lot to discover. But progressive rock fans, even people who enjoy "indie" etc stuff, don't find them impressive and immediately engaging.

It's like so many of these music fans have short attention spans, so even if they might like their music with time, they'll never give their music enough time to know.

I suppose I am guilty of that somewhat as time is a valued commodity, and honestly, I am much more attached to Talk Radio and podcasts/YouTube than even investing a certain number of hours with many albums I have yet to hear or hear enough times.

But it doesn't change the frustration and just apathetic feeling about others liking music I love if it's not well known enough.

Even Bend Sinister. They are hardly super niche sounding, but, they're from Canada and they channel Classic Rock too much for some people. Maybe it's just there's too many other bands and albums for them to compete with, i dunno.

I really do want to try and make those shorts with clips for Facebook and Instagram and maybe TikTok. Although I don't think TikTok has the ability to add from a music database like Instagram and Facebook does. 

I wish there was a way to access the database of song clips online. And I sadly have concluded, it's only available on a Phone of course. So, what I likely will want to do is some combination of shooting a brief clip or image of my physical copies on my Phone and then upload it via the phone. I just am skeptical if a lot of super obscure music is available on there like Distrails or Brice Plays Drums or something. Maybe a lot of them are. A lot of Kevin Gilbert's music of course is not, but Toy Matinee and Thud are at least.

But finding a long if not complete list of the database of clips Instagram and Facebook have I don't know if is available. It might be worth posing to somewhere on Reddit actually.

Because I sort of envision doing like a Short/Story of a Song of the Day or Song from an Album of the Day at least. or more ideally, 5 great songs from 2005, etc and then include a pic or video showing the 5 albums (vinyl or cds likely) and then it plays a clip from all 5 in the short. Aka a REEL of course.

Ideally, that would work, but I'm thinking more practically, it'll just have to be 1 song from 1 album or just 1 song per clip. But if it works, so be it. Beggars can't be choosers.

Afa as all the Projects..MPAR Calendars..my immediate plan is to do 2008 and then 2009, likely 2 videos for each year given the length. And then take a break. 

I will then likely go back to the CD's A-Z.

And maybe, just maybe I will also start the Movies of the Year.

The Kevin Gilbert Shaming Tracks series will be anticipated. Massive deal, but a super labor of love much like the Thud Tracks. It will all be contingent on when the Shaming Multi-Disc arrives.

Yes, 2024 AOTY video is coming, probably next week. And there's a laundry list of albums that will be MIA.

And a 2025 Preview video. Unsure if the Calendars will be done again or at least as often. Maybe just QUARTERLY + anticipation (which felt like a lot of REHASH doing this year at times)

And the thing I proposed towards the end of the Prog Corner's Sunday stream last week of a Top Albums of the 2020's So Far now that we are 5 full years-into the decade,

I'll make a video for that, and if someone else doesn't do 1, I should create a topic on the DTF and maybe Reddit for it.

I can say though, my belief for years now, 2000's > 2010's > 2020's

And there's a big gap between the 2010's and 2020's. Granted, it's only 5 years in for the 2020's and we have 5 more years left. And of course there's a lot of 2020's albums I have yet to hear, that I may in the next 5 years+ anyway. But no, as of right now for my taste, the 2020's is a big dip in depth. I'd love to be wrong or off, but the 2020's could for me, very likely be the lightest decade for favorites and great albums since the 1960's actually. But we'll see in fairness. At the end of 2029 or in 2030 2031, I may not feel that way.

The Social part of YouTube continues to kind of get to me as well (FP's). 423 Subscribers and I make those epic MPAR and AOTY videos and barely anyone watches them. They still have value to me, even just for dictation. But it goes back to is YouTube fully worth my time and effort? 

I do still want to make a MPAR doc or doc series. Voiceover and using stock footage or pics, but you know instead of having the ambition of doing 5 year periods and whatnot. I should try and just make 1 video that just scratches the surface. Maybe talk about 5 albums only. Or maybe 10.

And I sadly MUST write a script for it.

But it's something that to put on expectations from a time frame standpoint is maybe not best. It could be made in a year, it could 10 or more years. I suppose if I actually didn't need to work. You know, the day I reach retirement in 19 years or whatever, I could at that point in 2044 or whatever, give the needed time to actually be able to create 1 given my lack of work hours obligation.

That's also assuming I'm alive and not suffering physically too much to be able to.

I dunno, maybe the Calendars and like a Playlist. Then maybe Ranking Videos actually. But if I do them, I guess I would limit them to a Top 10+ HM's maybe. Maybe that'll be it and maybe I go back to just writing about MPAR instead.

That was my original plan anyway. And maybe it's just in this fucking blog. No book deal, etc. Just in here for now. I dunno.

I just feel Modern progressive Art (and Atmospheric) Rock deserves a documented story, and I'm 1 of like 3 or 4 people who could tell it. And I would like it to be done and then out there to be discovered by current and future music listeners, 20, 50 even 100+ years from now. And if I don't do it soon, it may never be done (or it'll be done by someone in a few decades who was not around when it was happening).

Also I wish I could curate my own radio station. It may seem kind of silly, but i could sort of do a fantasy/fictional Playlist. Spotify and/or YouTube I suppose. I dunno, maybe Internet Radio could be in my future at some point like my friend Rai on Wild Dogs Radio. That fantasy of a Station that throughout every week, would play songs from a different year around the clock. Every hour, a different year, the following year, etc. Hypothetical, but it would be neat.

Modern Progressive Art Rock Albums (#1-201)

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

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

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

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

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

List on Rateyourmusic.com

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

released February 11, 2008

1 Apes and Androids - Blood Moon

released October 8, 2002

2 dredg - El cielo

released May 15, 2001

3 Ours - Distorted Lullabies

released September 20, 2005

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

released March 6, 2007

5 Kaddisfly - Set Sail the Prairie

released April 6, 2010

6 The River Empires - The River Empires (Epilogue)

released May 22, 2007

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

released January 30, 2012

8 Pepe Deluxé - Queen of the Wave

released April 26, 2005

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

released October 21, 2008

10 Bend Sinister - Stories of Brothers, Tales of Lovers

released April 15, 2008

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

released October 23, 2003

12 Menomena - I Am the Fun Blame Monster

released February 21, 2015

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

released September 19, 2005

14 Oceansize - Everyone Into Position

released April 10, 2006

15 Pure Reason Revolution - The Dark Third

released October 1, 2007

16 Oceansize - Frames

released September 19, 2005

17 Mew - And the Glass Handed Kites

released August 26, 2008

18 The Reign of Kindo - Rhythm, Chord & Melody

released June 9, 2009

19 dredg - The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion

released June 21, 2015

20 Kaddisfly - Horses Galloping on Sailboats

released September 14, 2010

21 Cloud Cult - Light Chasers

released June 21, 2005

22 dredg - Catch Without Arms

released March 1, 2005

23 The Mars Volta - Frances the Mute

released July 18, 2005

24 Imogen Heap - Speak for Yourself

released October 4, 2011

25 Mutemath - Odd Soul

released September 4, 2015

26 The Dear Hunter - Act IV: Rebirth in Reprise

released June 16, 2003

27 Mew - Frengers

released May 22, 2000

28 Porcupine Tree - Lightbulb Sun

released February 2004

29 Blackfield - Blackfield

released October 21, 2008

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

released May 31, 2010

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

released June 17, 2003

32 The Mars Volta - De-Loused in the Comatorium

released August 3, 2004

33 The Velvet Teen - Elysium

released February 1, 2005

34 Bend Sinister - Through the Broken City

released August 29, 2011

35 Kimbra - Vows

released June 12, 2007

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

released April 16, 2012

37 Anathema - Weather Systems

released May 10, 2010

38 Foals - Total Life Forever

released March 28, 2005

39 Porcupine Tree - Deadwing

released January 20, 2009

40 Umphrey's McGee - Mantis

released June 15, 2015

41 Everything Everything - Get to Heaven

released February 12, 2016

42 Cloud Cult - The Seeker

released March 12, 2002

43 Archive - You All Look the Same to Me

released June 14, 2011

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

released August 19, 2009

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

released August 22, 2017

46 Dirt Poor Robins - The Raven Locks Act 3

released October 11, 2011

47 3 - The Ghost You Gave to Me

released February 1, 2011

48 Hotel of the Laughing Tree - Terror and Everything After

released September 26, 2006

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

released March 6, 2007

50 House of Fools - Live and Learn

released April 24, 2009

51 Long Distance Calling - Avoid the Light

released September 21, 2018

52 Eldren - Miss Information Aged

released April 25, 2005

53 Klimt 1918 - Dopoguerra

released July 24, 2007

54 Three - The End Is Begun

released October 23, 2012

55 Vuvuzela - The Hollow Choir

released May 18, 2010

56 Janelle Monáe - The ArchAndroid

released February 6, 2007

57 Kiss Kiss - Reality vs. the Optimist

released October 12, 2017

58 Small Leaks Sink Ships - Golden Calf

released October 26, 2004

59 3 - Wake Pig

released January 9, 2010

60 Lehto & Wright - Children's Songs

released January 19, 2006

61 Mutemath - Mutemath

released October 16, 2020

62 Dirt Poor Robins - Deadhorse

released June 5, 2004

63 Fair to Midland - Inter.Funda.Stifle

released September 25, 2008

64 夢中夢 [Mutyumu] - イリヤ -Il y a-

released July 7, 2009

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

released February 25, 2014

66 The Family Crest - Beneath the Brine

released September 9, 2016

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

released September 8, 2017

68 Mutemath - Play Dead

released November 5, 2002

69 Ours - Precious

released March 30, 2009

70 Archive - Controlling Crowds

released July 10, 2012

released August 15, 201472 Bend Sinister - Small Fame

71 Kimbra - The Golden Echo

released July 10, 2012

72 Bend Sinister - Small Fame

released February 25, 2013

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

released September 29, 2003

74 Muse - Absolution

released March 31, 2007

75 Silverchair - Young Modern

released October 2, 2006

76 The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

released March 3, 2009

77 The Antlers - Hospice

released March 30, 2008

78 Kacica - Mosaic

released September 24, 2002

79 Porcupine Tree - In absentia

released July 30, 2013

80 The Reign of Kindo - Play With Fire

released August 18, 2017

81 Everything Everything - A Fever Dream

released June 4, 2014

82 Anathema -Distant Satellites

released November 8, 2019

83 Vonavi - Reflection

released May 25, 2015

84 Vennart - The Demon Joke

released May 13, 2022

85 Gospel - The Loser

released August 23, 2002

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

released August 16, 2012

87 Brice Plays Drums - Man the Animal Cannon

released April 26, 2005

88 Time of Orchids - Sarcast While

released June 23, 2009

89 The Dear Hunter - Act III: Life and Death

released September 29, 2003

90 Oceansize - Effloresce

released March 24, 2008

91 Foals - Antidotes

released October 7, 2003

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

released February 7, 2005

93 Karnivool - Themata

released April 29, 2016

94 Long Distance Calling - Trips

released October 28, 2002

95 Sigur Rós- ( )

released April 3, 2000

96 Doves - Lost Souls

released February 22, 2000

97 Call Florence Pow - These Are the Plans

released February 25, 2006

98 Anathallo - Floating World

released April 6, 2018

99 The Family Crest - The War: Act I

released 2002.

100 Clann Zú - Rua

released August 18, 2009

101 Ramona Falls - Intuit

released January 25, 2006

102 東京事変 [Tokyo Jihen] - 大人 (Adult)

released October 25, 2010

103 Warpaint - The Fool

released August 20, 2007

104 Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice

released July 13, 1999

105 Self - Breakfast With Girls

released November 18, 2008

106 Anathallo - Canopy Glow

released April 27, 2015

107 Mew - + -

released October 7, 2008

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

released October 30, 2007

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

released September 5, 2000

111 Self - Gizmodgery

released December 30, 2011

112 House of Fools - Versus the Beast

released August 25, 2017

113 sElf - Ornament & Crime

released January 24, 2014

114 Major Parkinson - Twilight Cinema

released June 1, 2012

115 Gatherer - So Be It

released October 14, 2011

116 Team Me - To the Treetops

released January 1, 2001

117 Anathallo - Luminous Luminescence in the Atlas Position

released October 14, 2003

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

released March 9, 2009

119 Pure Reason Revolution - Amor vincit omnia

released September 11, 2012

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

released November 17, 2017

121 King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard - Polygondwanaland

released July 3, 2006

122 Muse - Black Holes and Revelations

released August 7, 2007

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

released March 8, 2010

124 Jazzkamikaze - Supersonic Revolutions

released August 18, 2009

125 Mutemath - Armistice

released October 12, 2010

126 Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz

released January 23, 2007

127 Menomena - Friend and Foe

released May 1, 2012

128 Ramona Falls - Prophet

released August 27, 2014

129 Team Me - Blind as Night

released November 2, 2009

130 Local Natives - Gorilla Manor

released September 22, 2010

131 22 - Flux

released August 18, 2014

132 Imogen Heap - Sparks

released June 4, 2007

133 Biffy Clyro - Puzzle

released July 27, 2010

134 Timmy Sean - Songs From & Inspired By Noisewater

released January 31, 2014

135 Dream the Electric Sleep - Heretics

released March 13, 2014

136 Grimus - Emergence

released September 9, 2014

137 The Tea Party - The Ocean at the End

released February 3, 2009

138 Bruce Peninsula - A Mountain Is a Mouth

released August 20, 2013

139 Typhoon - White Lighter

released October 28, 2014

140 Clone - Clone

released June 17, 2008

141 Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

released May 7, 2021

142 Squid - Bright Green Field

released September 10, 2013

143 Janelle Monáe - The Electric Lady

released April 4, 2004

144 The Dissociatives - The Dissociatives

released April 13, 2018

145 Kindo - Happy However After

released August 4, 2018

146 Childish Japes & Dave Vives - Salamander

released May 20, 2022

147 The Family Crest - The War: Act II

released June 1, 2004

148 Clann Zú - Black Coats & Bandages

released August 18, 2017

149 Steven Wilson - To the Bone

released May 30, 1999

150 dredg - Leitmotif

released October 14, 2006

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

released February 24, 2010

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

released October 22, 2021

153 Pepe Deluxé - Phantom Cabinet Vol. 1

released May 16, 2006

154 Russian Circles - Enter

released May 15, 2007

155 People for Audio - The New Ancients

released March 2, 2015

156 Steven Wilson - Hand. Cannot. Erase.

released October 18, 2018

157 Esperanza Spalding - 12 Little Spells

released May 14, 2007

158 Battles - Mirrored

released August 23, 2005

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

released October 9, 2000

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

released November 6, 2020

161 Vennart - In the Dead, Dead Wood

released September 30, 2014

162 Dirt Poor Robins - The Raven Locks Act 2

released January 29, 2013

163 Local Natives - Hummingbird

released August 18, 2009

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

released February 2, 2009.

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

released February 22, 2019

166 The Claypool Lennon Delirium - South of Reality

released September 3, 2014

167 The Mercury Tree - Countenance

released November 22, 2019

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

released April 10, 2007

169 Cloud Cult - The Meaning of 8

released October 6, 2009

170 Brooke Waggoner - Go Easy Little Doves

released February 6, 2007

171 Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City

released April 26, 2019

172 Local Natives - Violet Street

released March 8, 2005

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

released November 15, 2022

174 Dirt Poor Robins - Queen of the Night

released November 7, 2011

175 Jimmy Gnecco - The Heart: X Edition

released September 9, 2016

176 Local Natives - Sunlit Youth

released November 19, 2013

177 Dirt Poor Robins - The Raven Locks Act 1

released March 18, 2022

178 Midlake - For the Sake of Bethel Woods

released March 11, 2014

179 Bend Sinister - Animals

released September 11, 2008

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

released June 4, 2021

181 Giant Sky - Giant Sky

released March 5, 2013

182 Cloud Cult - Love

released August 30, 2021

183 The Mask of the Phantasm - New Axial Age

released September 13, 2008

184 Amanda Palmer - Who Killed Amanda Palmer

released September 19, 2014

185 Markéta Irglová - Muna

released April 7, 2015

186 Timbre - Sun & Moon

released April 2, 2013

187 The Dear Hunter - Migrant

released May 20, 2016

188 Bent Knee - Say So

released April 3, 2020

189 Pure Reason Revolution - Eupnea

released February 12, 2007

190 Blackfield - Blackfield II

released June 18, 2001

191 Muse - Origin of Symmetry

released February 6, 2007

192 The Apples in stereo - New Magnetic Wonder

released April 2, 2007

193 fields. Everything Last Winter

released August 3, 2010

194 The Reign of Kindo This Is What Happens

released April 8, 2008

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

released March 4, 2016

196 Esperanza Spalding - Emily's D+Evolution

released October 17, 2006

197 Annuals - Be He Me

released August 11, 2008

198 Late of the Pier - Fantasy Black Channel

released March 9, 2010

199 Emanuel and The Fear - Listen

released April 2008

200 The Chap Mega Breakfast

released July 23, 2021

201 A Formal Horse - Meat Mallet

College Progressive Rock (Video)

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

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

Local Natives on 89.3 (from Monday 5/17/10)

go here



St. Paul, Minn. — Everyone from Stereogum to Pitchfork has been heavily recommending Local Natives to the music world for the last year, and they're right.

Mixing Americana templates with a sunny L.A. outlook, Local Natives' debut record, "Gorilla Manor," has given them the chance to go from Silver Lake to the clubs around the country. Local Natives dropped in The Current studios for a live performance.

Songs performed: "Wide Eyes," "Sticky Thread," and "Airplanes."

They did "Sticky Thread" which of course was the only track off Gorilla Manor they weren't able to play the other night.

good performance of course, and actually the interview wasn't bad either. "Americana mixed with Sunny LA." That one is vague. Of course the word prog or art-rock never comes up. But I will maintain, they are as effective at genre-blending as any progressive rock out there. The media and blogs just either don't realize it, or even if they believed it, they wouldn't want to use the p-word. Cowards.

They're going to be releasing "World News" as a single in July, plus they were just at Daytrotter again and from what Taylor told me, they're some cool re-arranged songs they recorded there which should be released soon.

2007: The Year of Kermit the Prog

2007 is looking to be a HUGE year for new albums and music in general. In recent years Progressive Rock has seen a gradual resurgence in cult fanbases and even among the demographics who are into more popular kinds of music. "Prog" once was looked down upon, now is becoming somewhat cool again. Music listenors are grasping onto bands who are into playing music that makes you think. This new year of ours could see the biggest resurgence in visibilty and accessibility to Progressive music. The following records are among the key releases the fans may look back on 2007 for being a significant year for Progressive Rock.


Kaddisfly - SET SAIL THE PRAIRIE
Release Date: March 6th, 2007
This is the 2nd full length on Hopeless Records for Oregon's Kaddisfly. A concept record that has fourteen tracks, twelve of which each represent a separate month on the calendar and a location on a map. The music itself is quite diverse: ranging from soaring ballads to headbang-able crescendos. Each song, like each month, has a flavor of it's own. The experience hearing this record from beginning to end is a journey. It truly is a record that is much greater than sum of all it's parts. In many cases Kaddisfly are a band who effectively grow on you with repeated listens. Their previous record "Buy Our Intention: We'll Buy You a Unicorn" had many of those same qualities, but it's clear how much this group has learned and matured from that previous album. And to note, "Set Sail the Prairie" is the 2nd of a planned Trilogy of albums conceptually. The trilogy of songs off the previous album "Buy Our Intention: We'll Buy You a Unicorn," "Set Sail the Prairie," and "Horses Galloping On Sailboats" are a map of the groups recent past, present, and future in song and in potential experience. I believe this record will put this band "on the map." All that is required now is time.
Track Suggestions: The whole record. Sampling: Campfire, Via Rail, Forest, Harbor, Empire
Recommended If You Like: dredg, MuteMath, Coheed and Cambria, Enchant, Oceansize, Minus the Bear.
kaddisfly.com
myspace


Pain of Salvation - SCARSICK.
Release Date: January 30, 2007
This has been a long awaited full length album from this Swedish Metal band. Ever since 2002's "Remedy Lane" the band haven't released a traditional studio album; with 2003's live acoustic record "12:5," and 2004's highly conceptual Opera of sorts "Be." The people who do know this group have wanted another classic full length recording to feast upon. With this album, the band seem to be "progressing" in it is an album that has them still being quite different than their previous work. Pain of Salvation are a band about growing, changing, and trying to push envelopes in sound and in art. Highly political, it is not easy to ignore the messages founding member Daniel Gildenlow is expressing here about American society and it's impact on the rest of the globe's lives. Beyond the messages and the politics, there still exists many elements to value on this release. There is Pain of Salvation's trademark experiemental vocals, odd time signatures, and infectious use of heavy and melodic; thrash with beauty, and Daniel Gildenlow's large spectrum of characterized vocals. Among the songs, the opening title-track catches your attention. "Disco Queen" is a song that like this album, may grow on you as an older and new listenor. On the surface it sounds like it's a sarcastic tribute to the Bee Gees, however, within the whole piece it has some of their most ironic and brilliant work. How does a band write a song that sounds like you should dance to it, and then it becomes emotionally charged thrash? Somehow this band manages to pull it off without it turning into a mess. "Flame to the Moth" and "Idiocracy" are two other pieces that over time will stand out. And the closer "Enter Rain" some may find to be best heard like meditative hymn, may grow on you like many of their other songs. It's also not to be forgotten this record has been proclaimed the 2nd Chapter of "The Perfect Element" story. The previous part, which was released in 2000, is to some, the band's most moving achievement thus far. Over time, this chapter, may carry on that feeling until we hear more to the story.
Track Suggestions: The whole record. Sampling: Scarsick, Flame to the Moth, Idiocracy, Kingdom of Loss, Disco Queen
Recommended If You Like: Dream Theater, Faith No More, Fates Warning, Opeth, Tool.
painofsalvation.com
myspace


Marillion - SOMEWHERE ELSE
Release Date: April 9th, 2007
The follow up to 2004's doubled-sided opus "Marbles" which was possibly their most well received release in many years. This new record I imagine seeks to continue on with the quality of craft of that record. MARBLES was an album very polished and with much depth. This upcoming album on the surface does not have a similar structure. But in recent times, Marillion have not necessarily found depth and large scale epics to be their only if not best quality. Beneath so much of their progressive rock roots, this group has always been about infusing incredible levels of passion and surreal melodies. They are as much a clever pop band as a tight collection of musicians. Steve Hogarth frequently comes up with moments that etch in the listenors brain long after they have heard them. 2001's "Anoraknaphobia" and 1999's " Marillion.com" were both records that recognized the band could be Progressive and still emphasize good songwriting. Many bands like to stress how their current record is not entirely like, but still a reflection of their last. "Somewhere Else" does not have any lenghtly pieces as Marbles did, but it may echo some of what their recent albums all had in them.
Track Suggestions: Somewhere Else, Wound, Voice From the Past
Recommended If You Like: Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Porcupine Tree, Genesis, U2.
marillion.com
myspace


Release Date: April 24th, 2007
Porcupine Tree - FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET.
This highly anticipated record includes mostly material that the band performed live on their fall tour in 2006 to support their 1st live DVD "Arriving Somewhere." From many accounts, the material has the group going into some territory they have yet to explore. In recent years, they have incorporated a lot of heavier elements into their music. Frontman and founder Steven Wilson's experience and relationship with Opeth frontman Mikael Akerfeldt, has impacted Porcupine Tree's sound as much as anything. 2002's "In Absentia" sonically was very impressive, but also showed how much different the band could be. From many accounts, this one may exceed that amount of emphasis even more. Particularly the epic "Anesthesize." Porcupine Tree craft clever songs and touching melodies with atomsophere and adrenaline. Spacey hard-rock with loops and layers. There are many things to notice about this group's music, and with each release, their comes more reasons to listen. On 2005's "Deadwing" the band included guest performances from King Crimson's Adrian Bellew and Opeth's Mikael Akerfeldt. On this upcoming record, the listenors are treated to contributions from King Crimson's Robert Fripp and Rush's Alex Lifeson. If for no other reason, those names add more interest for this one.
Track Suggestions: Anesthetize, Sentimental
Recommended If You Like: Pink Floyd, Radiohead, King Crimson, Marillion, Muse, Mew, Rush.
porcupinetree.com
myspace


Rush - SNAKES AND ARROWS
Release Date: May 1st, 2007
The famed Canadian Power Trio's return to the studio in a few years may embark upon a new zest for ideas and interest in the band. From some reports this new record has the band incoporating many elements of their classic periods. The band at one time were one of the most visible Progressive Rock groups. From the buzz among fan communities, this album could be much different than their most recent modern-rock sounding efforts. The band themselves have even mentioned the great energy and creative juices that they put into it. We may see a return to their progressive past with it. No matter, Rush have always been about trying to move forward, and this very well may be their best effort in many releases at doing so. The impact of Neil Peart and Alex Lifseon listening to some newer Progressive Rock groups like The Mars Volta and Porcupine Tree, may have influenced some of the direction of this one. That could raise the level of curiousity, and of how much this album reflects that.
Track Suggestions: The Main Monkey Business, Far Cry
Recommended If You Like: Dream Theater, The Mars Volta, Porcupine Tree, Muse, Led Zeppelin.
rush.com
Neil Peart's myspace


Dream Theater - SYSTEMATIC CHAOS
Release Date: June 2007
The Ninth full-length album from NYC-based quintet Dream Theater marks a new chapter in their history. The band recently signed to a new record label, RoadRunner Records, and seems to be expanding their fanbase with each album and passing year. By some, their classic period was their early days, while other fans have caught-on in the last few years to enjoy the band. They don't deny their influenced by the original Progressive Rock bands, but as much if not moreso by older Heavy Metal and many modern Rock and Metal bands. There is a lot to digest and emphasize about this band's sound. Many enjoy their astute musicianship, while others find the musicianship complements their melodic side. The fact the band seem to have found this upcoming release to be a "new chapter," may suggest it to be their most significant album since 1999's "Scenes From a Memory." That record clearly was the band attempting to make a statement, and go-in with a new approach. This new record may be much in the same, in that just when you think you know what to expect from Dream Theater, the band manages to turn your head again. So don't be surprised to see another strong statement from this group, largely considered the most visible "Progressive Rock" band to surface in the last 20 years.
Track Suggestions: N/A
Recommended If You Like: Rush, Yes, Pink Floyd, Tool, Metallica, Queen, Steve Vai.
dreamtheater.net
myspace

Coheed And Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World For Tomorrow
Release Date: Fall
This new record (unofficially titled "Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World For Tomorrow. Part Four of The Amory Wars (Volume 2)") from Upstate NY based Coheed and Cambria is highly aniticipated by many. This group is known for it's records connecting through a Science Fiction story accompanied by a graphic novel. Their music is highly catchy, and not without flash and flare. With each record, they seem to have developed more tight musicianship and strong songwriting. 2005's "Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV: Fear Through the Eye Of Madness" was a marathon of hook after hook, melody after melody, and crescendo after crecendo which by the time it ended, you wondered how there could be anymore to the story. Their new release may flow and progress even further. This band just knows how to kick your ass with complexity and some of the most mindblowing hooks ever recorded. I would not be surprised to find this record in heavy rotation among many new and casual listenors' playlists for quite awhile.
Track Suggestions: N/A
Recommended If You Like: The Mars Volta, dredg, Dream Theater, Rush.
coheedandcambria.com
myspace


dredg - TBA
Release Date: Fall 2007 (tentative)
Dredg are a four-piece group that has changed and evolved an incredible amount over their history with three studio and one live album. They are constantly adding colors and layers to their style and sound that it is very difficult to pinpoint how to describe their music. 2002's "El Cielo" was a concept record involving many different factors. Inspired by the artwork of Salvador Dali, it trancends the visual, but also reaching in and telling the heartfelt story of many suffering from the condition of sleep paralysis. 2005's "Catch Without Arms" examined many challenges the band faced as professional musicians, as well as reflecting upon their recent success of the previous record. The next album might have them introducing new elements to their sound, but also including what made their last two records great. Organic touches of strings and horns. The vocals have been a big part of their sound. Gavin Hayes seems to be improving a ton with experience and age as a singer and writer. Word is he is to play some guitar as well on this new album. Like every other dredg studio release, this album will have a concept. The concept and beauty that has come from this group's past, very easily could standout again with this one.
Track Suggestions: N/A
Recommended If You Like: The Mars Volta, Marillion, The Police, U2, Tool, MuteMath.
dredg.com
myspace


Oceansize - TBA
Release Date: Fall 2007 (tentative)
This newer group from the UK have impressed many with their wall-of-sound layering and psychadelic trips. They truly have a "big sound" and when embraced, will slam right it into your brainwaves like you didn't know what hit you. Adrenaline is clearly involved, but their sound still manages to segue into the gentle and melodic. Both of their previous full-lengths have orgasmic moments that will not allow you to forget. However, each one also seems to be inkling on the potential that there is a more complete work to come. They could put-out a record soon that may become the trademark release which often happens early in a band's career. Oceansize's 2007 output may result in that.
Track Suggestions: N/A
Recommended If You Like: Pink Floyd, Pain of Salvation, Porcupine Tree, Kaddisfly
oceansize.co.uk
myspace


Mew - TBA
Release Date: Fall 2007 (tentative)
Surreal, ethereal, dreamy are all qualities one could describe the danish band Mew. Four releases, but really only known well for two full-lengths. There seems to be a ton to enjoy about this band's music. "And the Glass Handed Kites" seems to have two sides to it of different flavors. The first side is very flowing and energetic. The second more mellow and inconsistent. The previous album, "Frengers" was an introduction to most fans outside of Denmark. It has a ton to like, but also could be foreshadowing with more to come. The band seemed to be inspired by some darker and heavier things with "Kites." With their next recording they may combine the influences of both of these albums, but at the same time "progressing." They could be on the brink of a classic in their near future, possibly what they put out in 2007.
Track Suggestions: N/A
Recommended If You Like: Porcupine Tree, Sigur Ros, Pure Reason Revolution, Muse, Yes
mewsite.com
myspace


Pure Reason Revolution - TBA
Release Date: Fall 2007 (tentative)
An "epic subconscious space tale" is one description of Pure Reason Revolution's debut album "The Dark Third" from 2006. In its many different versions, it managed to flow and capture many listenor's attention. What will come next is uncertain, but this ensemble seem to have enough ambition to potentialy conceive something more bold. The Trip-Hop element may surface more prominently based on a bonus track "Golden Clothes," which was included on the newest version of their debut disc, just recently released on InsideOut Music in Europe. For all the momentum they gained through almost a year of support of The Dark Third, the sophmore effort could bring on even greater reason to be jazzed about how "Ace" this group is.
Track Suggestions: N/A
Recommended If You Like: Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Muse, The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin.
purereasonrevolution.com
myspace


The Mars Volta - TBA
Release Date: Summer 2007 (tentative)
The fourth full-length LP from this somewhat contraversial ensemble was written at the same time as their most recent record, 2006's "Amputechture." Largely influential and highly experimental, fans have seen this group continue to change and expand on their influences. The Rick Rubin produced debut "Deloused in the Comatorium" was rather impressive for a first output as well as being different than most commercially visible music. The follow-up "Frances the Mute" met more contraversy, but also more praise at times. More epic in scale and length, The Mars Volta added a lot more color. The record that followed that one seemed to be an attempt at combining the experimental side of FRANCES and the flow of the their debut, but ultimately may have fallen short. Some of the best ideas may have been held over for this fourth studio release, saving for the fact their drummer Jon Theodore has left the group and been replaced live three times, most recently by Berklee College of music alum Thomas Pridgen. Like their previous three, this next record is to be another concept album. This band have enough ideas and talent to potentially top everything they've done. By the end of this year, we may see that.
Track Suggestions: N/A
Recommended If You Like: King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Coheed And Cambria, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Yes.
themarsvolta.com
myspace

Like in most years, many unknown groups pop-up, but in support of how much progressive music could come out this year, and how much depth 2007 could have for this style of music, here are a number of other groups who are noteworthy bands to look for albums out in 2007:

Kiss Kiss: This NY-based ensemble released an impressive debut LP in February "Reality Vs. the Optimist" that is one of those albums that seems to be more than the 32 minutes it clocks in at. RIYL: King Crimson, Queen, System of a Down, Murder By Death

House Of Fools "Live And Learn" was released in early March. "The Flaming Lips trying to cover the Beatles in a Rock Opera" is one reasonable description. RIYL: Queen, 10CC, Ben Folds.

The Dear Hunter 1st side-project turned full-time group for former The Receiving End Of Sirens member Casey Crescenzo. The debut EP released in 2006 is the springboard for the first full-length Chamber Rock chapter. RIYL: The Receiving End Of Sirens, The Beach Boys, Queen, Coheed And Cambria, dredg.

Klimt 1918 Gothic progressive Hard-Rock. 2005's "Dopoguerra" was a breakthrough for this Italian band. the follow-up is anticipated to come out sometime in 2007. RIYL: dredg, Katatonia, Mew.

Superior German Progressive Metal band have a new album coming out in May called "New World Order." This is their first release in nearly five years. RIYL: Dream Theater, Savatage, Pain of Salvation, Metallica.

Fair To Midland The first fully distributed full-length release "Fables From a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times Is True" is expected out in early June from this Texas-based band. David Bottrill produced it, who is known for work with the likes of Tool, Peter Gabriel, and King Crimson among others. RIYL: dredg, System of a Down, Opus Dai.

The Receiving End of Sirens The follow-up to 2005's classic "Between the Heart and the Synapse." Key singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Casey Crescenzo is gone, but the band managed to tour and now write another album "The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi" expected out in July. RIYL: The Dear Hunter, Coheed And Cambria, Kaddisfly, dredg, Circa Survive.

Demians Brainchild of french musician Nicolas Chapel, the long awaited debut release "Building An Empire" could finally be available in 2007. To note, french metal band Gojira is on the same record label as this group; and Gojira over the course a few months became very popular. The same may hold true for this band soon. RIYL: Devin Townsend Band, Pain of Salvation, Peter Gabriel.

Janus Somewhat unknown Chicago-based progressive metal band. 2004's debut "Armor" showed some potential. The band have a new record in the works which many of the songs they have on their myspace likely will include. RIYL: 3, Coheed And Cambria, Rage Against the Machine, Circa Survive.

Anathallo is anticipated to make the follow-up to 2006's well received "Floating~World." Chamber-Rock of a sort, this group has always put out impressive music, which lends one to not question the beauty and quality of their next album potentially out in the fall of 2007. RIYL: Margot & the Nuclear So and So's, Frank Zappa, dredg, Sufjan Stevens, Revere, My Latest Novel.

Margot and the Nuclear So And So's have a large collection of songs written for the follow-up to the debut LP "The Dust of Retreat." Song-oriented chamber-rock. Plenty to like and "progressive" about this large ensemble. RIYL: Anathallo, Sufjan Stevens, dredg, Ours, Revere.

3 have spent some time recently in the studio working on the follow-up to 2004-05's breakthrough "Wake Pig." The neext album is expected to come out in June on Metal Blade Records.RIYL: Coheed And Cambria, King's X, Janus.

Enchant remain an active and still somewhat underground Neo-progressive Hard Rock band. They have been working off and on their next full-length album to follow-up 2004's "Tug of War." Word is it may be released by the fall of 2007. RIYL: Rush, Marillion, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, Kaddisfly.

Bend Sinister hail from Vancouver, BC. Very unknown, yet impressive for a band so early in their history. A full-length or EP could manage to come in 2007 for this band who have had a bunch of new songs on their myspace for awhile. It will be the follow-up to a classic debut record "Through the Broken City" that came out in 2005. RIYL: Queen, The Mars Volta, Jeff Buckley.

Ours have worked for nearly five years on the third full-length record "Dancing for the Death of an Imaginary Enemy" which was announced the title early in 2007. It is only a matter of having their record label's situation put in ink as to when the album comes out. Likely to be the group's most "progressive" and diverse album, many of the songs have been played for years live. RIYL: U2, dredg, Jeff Buckley, Jellyfish.

Opeth, swedish progressive black-metal group are anticipated to release the follow-up to 2005's "Ghost Reveries" sometime late in 2007. RIYL: Pain of Salvation, Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, Katatonia.

King's X have a twelfth studio album expected out as early as the Summer of 2007. "Go Tell Somebody" it was mentioned on a recent myspace blog, is the title. An interview given recently, singer/bassist Doug Pinnick talked about how this album has a large Beatles and classic King's X influence. RIYL: Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Beatles, Fishbone, Living Colour.

Andre Matos Band Andre Matos, formerly the frontman/singer/keyboardist/composer of Brazilian Progressive Metal bands Angra and Shaman is expected to release a solo debut album in 2007. A demo is available to stream on his website. RIYL: Dream Theater, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Savatage.

Blackfield is maybe Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree most welll-known and accessible sideproject with Israeli singer/songwriter Aviv Geffen. "Blackfield II" was released early in 2007. Although more stripped down and song-oriented than Porcupine Tree, there are a lot elements of Progressive Rock with this band and their newest release. RIYL: Porcupine Tree, Radiohead, Nick Drake, Depeche Mode.