So making a video or videos about Kaddisfly was in the works, but not necessarily on this week's Half-day, but so be it. When something comes in the mail, it can motivate or influence these decisions.
Another long video of course, but I wonder if by trying to cram them in to be so short, it kind of defeats the purpose. I dunno. If they end up 10-18 minutes? so be it. And when I get around to some of the longer dicographies, making 2-4 videos shouldn't be all that surprising, especially considering COLLECTION SIZE, etc..singles, imports, pictures discs, etc.
But at any case, this was quite a cool thing to show and talk about today...
Showing posts with label Water and Bodies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water and Bodies. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Water & Bodies - American Dream EP (2012)
11/6/12 12:06AM
from their email list:
Happy Election day ya'll,
After you hit the ballot box tomorrow, make your way over to itunes and pick up a copy of our brand new EP American Dream. We recorded these songs over the summer in our Portland sound lab... aka (the basement). We then put the raw tracks in the hands of our dear friend Colton Holiday of The Panic Division to mix and master the album. We could not be more excited about the outcome of these songs! We think they are some of the most thought out songs of our career and hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Please share with your friends and dance about. Let's change the direction our world is heading.... one song, one word, one idea at a time. We love you all.
track list added below
Water & Bodies on CDBaby.com (hardcopies should be up for sale there in a matter of hours)
iTunes link
I bit the bullet and bought it via iTunes (as much as I hate to, I want to hear this thing snd support the band). I'll likely order a copy on cd later today as well.
Stuff is sounding pretty epic anyway.
10/25/12 9:32AM
Facebook post link
OUR NEW ALBUM AMERICAN DREAM COMES OUT NOV 6TH ON ITUNE. HARD COPIES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON CDBABY. PLEASE SUPPORT US. WE LOVE YOU.
This is I am assuming a new FULL LENGTH album based on the way they worded that. 2011's Light Year is/was an enjoyable debut record. The video for the song "4th of July" can be streamed below.
edit: it's an EP, not a full length as I asked them and they confirmed. So be it, I'm looking forward to it in a few weeks no matter the length.
Kind of a short notice/late in the year release, but these are the guys from Kaddisfly which the W&B's tunes they've written have been songs I've enjoyed and gone back to off an on still. I'm not sure what expectations will be for this, but I'm looking forward to it regardless.
from their email list:
Happy Election day ya'll,
After you hit the ballot box tomorrow, make your way over to itunes and pick up a copy of our brand new EP American Dream. We recorded these songs over the summer in our Portland sound lab... aka (the basement). We then put the raw tracks in the hands of our dear friend Colton Holiday of The Panic Division to mix and master the album. We could not be more excited about the outcome of these songs! We think they are some of the most thought out songs of our career and hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Please share with your friends and dance about. Let's change the direction our world is heading.... one song, one word, one idea at a time. We love you all.
track list added below
Water & Bodies on CDBaby.com (hardcopies should be up for sale there in a matter of hours)
iTunes link
I bit the bullet and bought it via iTunes (as much as I hate to, I want to hear this thing snd support the band). I'll likely order a copy on cd later today as well.
Stuff is sounding pretty epic anyway.
10/25/12 9:32AM
1 4th of July 4:43
2 All I Remember 4:30
3 Not Alone 4:20
4 Alive Again 3:50
5 Over Under 3:54
Facebook post link
OUR NEW ALBUM AMERICAN DREAM COMES OUT NOV 6TH ON ITUNE. HARD COPIES WILL BE AVAILABLE ON CDBABY. PLEASE SUPPORT US. WE LOVE YOU.
This is I am assuming a new FULL LENGTH album based on the way they worded that. 2011's Light Year is/was an enjoyable debut record. The video for the song "4th of July" can be streamed below.
edit: it's an EP, not a full length as I asked them and they confirmed. So be it, I'm looking forward to it in a few weeks no matter the length.
Kind of a short notice/late in the year release, but these are the guys from Kaddisfly which the W&B's tunes they've written have been songs I've enjoyed and gone back to off an on still. I'm not sure what expectations will be for this, but I'm looking forward to it regardless.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Water & Bodies - Fourth of July (Video)
Facebook link
Before you view our new video please take note on a few topics.
1. We recorded this record on our own the months of May-July in Chris's basement.
2. We gave the songs to our good friend Colton Holliday of THE PANIC DIVISION to mix and add his amazing touch.
3. We think these songs are some of the best we've ever written as a group of musicians and if you like this video/song please share it cause we could use the help spreading the word.
4. Our new EP, still don't have a name for it, will be coming out on EYOS Records this October!
This is a cool new tune and video by Water & Bodies. And as they posted on Facebook, it's coming from an upcoming EP expected in October.
I'm getting kind of a Jane's Addiction or I Mother Earth vibe from Aaron's guitar tone. A bit of Static as well (of Ours).
Pretty sweet.
Before you view our new video please take note on a few topics.
1. We recorded this record on our own the months of May-July in Chris's basement.
2. We gave the songs to our good friend Colton Holliday of THE PANIC DIVISION to mix and add his amazing touch.
3. We think these songs are some of the best we've ever written as a group of musicians and if you like this video/song please share it cause we could use the help spreading the word.
4. Our new EP, still don't have a name for it, will be coming out on EYOS Records this October!
This is a cool new tune and video by Water & Bodies. And as they posted on Facebook, it's coming from an upcoming EP expected in October.
I'm getting kind of a Jane's Addiction or I Mother Earth vibe from Aaron's guitar tone. A bit of Static as well (of Ours).
Pretty sweet.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Water & Bodies - We're Not Alone (new song)
Facebook post
I noticed this earlier and figure it's worth passing along. I guess they had 1 of the members of The Panic Division mix it. It sounds familiar. I'm wondering if I checked out a live video of it in the last few months.
I noticed this earlier and figure it's worth passing along. I guess they had 1 of the members of The Panic Division mix it. It sounds familiar. I'm wondering if I checked out a live video of it in the last few months.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
2011 Album Index 20-11
20. dredg - Chuckles & Mr. Squeezy
So many fans, whether they were longtime, dedicated fans, or even newer, fringe fans, HATE this album. Me? I actually never found it repulsive. I probably spent a good 2-3 weeks listening to it regularly, and I more or less enjoyed every song off it. Is it different? yes, for sure. Is it less "epic" yeah, it's probably their shortest record. Is hip-hop producer Dan the Automator's impact on it pretty notice-able? of course. But guess what? the songs still sound like dredg, and that being a FACT, is what matters first and foremost to me.
I don't anticipate it becoming a favorite of mine historically, but this was definitely a case of a band I love, making a somewhat different style of record, that I found still worked. Song-wise, my favorite still remains "The Thought of Losing You" which has one of the huge choruses I can't seem to get out of my head. "The Tent"? good tune, I don't follow why people have crucified that one. It's just a slower, moody track that certainly works within the flow of this album. "Upon Returning" ? I recall only being lukewarm about it live, but it definitely grew on me. Rather catchy, and the sarcastic lyrics I didn't mind.
The ballad "The Ornament" a lot of the fans have been waiting for, for a long time, and it turned out very well. "Down Without a Fight" even with the heavy synths, still really works. 'Somebody is Laughing" "Kalathat" "Another Tribe" etc, to me, EVERY SONG IS GOOD. A lot of people can't handle a band trying new, different things. Me? if the songs still sound good, I find it can almost be better that the artist did something different, just not to get stagnant.
Down the road here, perhaps more people will come around on this record, but for now I'm going to hold true to that I enjoyed this album when it came out, and applaud the band for doing something new. I love dredg, and while this album never became as addictive as their others, I am definitely not going to look at it the way so many others have. And I won't be surprised if others do come around on it eventually.
19. Brice Plays Drums - I Laugh at Your Greener Pastures
I saw this band at the so-called "Prog-gasm 2011" at the 400 Bar back in May with The Royal Veil, Orphan Bloom and Water Colors, and other than The Royal Veil, I'd never heard of any of the bands at that show. But I was impressed by more or less all of them. Brice Plays Drums specifically are a younger group of musicians who hail from the Hastings, MN area I guess. And this debut album of theirs was a long-time in the making.
Their sound, I suppose could be compared to a number of artists. Specifically, music like Carlos Santana, The Mars Volta, Cavil at Rest, RX Bandits, Kaddisfly among others. This record, is in-effect one 30 minute song, separated into 4 movements. Very much in the progressive rock tradition, but it also is successful in being less-is-more. I put it on many times this year, and would get through it, then wanting even more. Which while it sucks to want more, it does show how something may look long on paper, really isn't. It's rather refined, and tight sounding. The transitions from fast to slow, soft to heavy, really seem to fit perfectly. I'd guess some of that is how much time it took to finish.
It has those sections that I love, whether it be a jammy riff, a keyboard solo, the syncopation between guitar and keyboard, the spacey, almost-under-water-sounding parts, or even a lyric or two I enjoy. I'd also say, as their name suggests, the drum work at times really stands out.
A few quotes that come to mind:
"Little gnome, why don't you go back to your home"
"Did you realize?..did youuu reeeee-ahhhh-lyyyyyze??
"There lies an entire disassembled army, just waiting to get off their feet and move their ass's"
The band have another record expected in 2012 titled Man the Animal Cannon which I guess they played a lot of it live at shows I was and wasn't at. But with that coming, and with this debut record of theirs, they've immediately become one of my favorite local or band of any kind. And being as new/young as they are, hopefully this is just the beginning for them. Another band I can claim from my home state, doing progressive rock rather well, and holding promise for the future. Whether the prog-ignoring media sources like 89.3, Radio K, Citypages, Chris Riemenschneider, Jon Bream, Pitchfork, and other notable websites ever notice them? I'm skeptical. But this blog and whatever forums I'm on at least should receive mention from me. The progressive rock scene outside of Minnesota, the jury may still be out on.
18. O'Brother - Garden Window
The 1st time I saw this band's name, it was in I think Alternative Press 100 Bands You Need Know 2011, and why their name caught my eye was due to a comparison to among others, the band Annuals. I also recall reading the highly talented Timbre was going to be playing some Harp on their upcoming album.
I think I had seen their name previously, from them going on tour with a band I knew. It may have been The Dear Hunter, or another band. But they did tour in 2011 with The Dear Hunter, and were at the show at The Triple Rock Social Club in July.
At that show last Summer, I recall liking some of what I heard, but also was a little wary about their sludgey/doomy sound overall. Ironically, it wasn't that long after seeing doomy local band Zebulon Pike, and more or less writing them and most of that style of music off. But I recall being curious enough, I wanted to not forget to check out this record of theirs coming soon.
And the overall result ended up being a fair amount better than I expected. The flow, textures, styles explored, etc, really work on here. The doom Metal element I don't think hurts this album, in fact I think it adds to it. There's a very thick, heavy, almost wall-of-sound side to this album, that is impossible to ignore. There's also some extremely memorable, even catchy/poppy parts. I'd say the track "Easy Talk (Open Your Mouth)" is *easily* one of the best songs of 2011. I instantly loved it.
The echoing chorus "Why don't you open your mouth and let it out now" 30x's
That song is one of those tunes that stays with me. It reminds me of Kaddisfly, dredg, Ours, Fair to Midland, The Velvet Teen and a bunch of other bands, when they come up with a piece that just is so powerful, it stays with me. The dreamy vocal harmonies, soaring guitar textures give me goosebumps every fucking time I hear it.
This was beyond a pleasant surprise, but one I kind of a had feeling about. And O'Brother are now a band I'm on board with, and will look forward to what they do next. But this record of theirs is one I'm actually still discovering a lot about.
17. Vektor - Outer Isolation
2009's Black Future album took down that abhor-able Animal Collective record on rateyourmusic.com and I could never forget that. And I'll admit to checking that out, and up-rating it a bit, because I can't stand the childish activities so many of those users have by creating multiple accounts to down-rate an album that may be rated/ranked higher than their hipster trash (Radiohead also comes to mind). But there was some legitimacy to rating Black Future pretty high, as it was a really well composed, somewhat new spin on (progressive/modern) thrash metal.
So, naturally I was excited to hear this album, and I can't say it disappointed in any way really. It's filled with intricate parts, from the drumming, to the guitar solos, to even how the blackened vocals blend so well. It really is a badass, ballsy metal album. I can't say I'm a huge fan of thrash, but when it's done like this, in a really tasteful and punchy way, I get sucked in
I'd put this album on some times, and instantly get a high energy level. And that's one thing that scores well for me with any album, especially a Metal record.
16. For the Imperium - For the Imperium
As I posted about this album a few weeks ago, I have been more or less shocked how quickly I started to enjoy this, and how much. This is a new Finnish avant-garde Metal band's debut record. They sound like they are fans of a number of bands, namely Avenged Sevenfold, Faith No More, Coheed and Cambria and System of a Down. Their singer specifically. And some of the stuff written about them says how much of a Mike Patton fan he is, which may be true. However, I don't think it hurts this record at all.
I love it when a band is odd/weird/quirky/outrageous by combining genres and manages to do so while not losing song composition quality. It's not easy, but when pulled off, is some of if not my favorite kind of music. It shows they are taking chances, and trying to push boundaries. And For the Imperium have managed to do that on this debut album of theirs.
I'd say most notably, from about 3rd or 4th track on, it just comes at you left and right with unexpected parts, dynamics. Whether it be a really poppy chorus that almost sounds cheesy, but ends up sounding catchy. Or some technical section that is followed by something tongue-in-cheek.
And because I'm almost surprised what they pulled off here, I keep going back to this album. Like Apes and Androids, Crotchduster, Between the Buried and Me or some other out-there kinds of music (Mr.Bungle certainly, Unexpect), I am drawn to this stuff when it works. And it's melodic enough, and not boring, that I keep playing it and enjoying it more and more. I think this band may have just begun, in that a few years from now, I'll remember 1st hearing this band and album for the 1st time. I still need to check out their previous EP, but I'd certainly include this band with the likes of Painted in Exile, Leprous, Ne Obliviscaris and a few others in the next wave of experimental Metal bands actually doing different things, being progressive, and still being able to write impressive songs.
15. Bruce Peninsula - Open Flames
As I posted many times on this blog over the last year or more, this album was a minor miracle, with Bruce Peninsula's lead singer Neil Haverty being diagnosed with Leukemia. Thankfully, the Leukemia went into remission, and the band were able to finish this album and release it.
I got introduced to them I recall in early 2010 from a big fan on The Mars Volta forum.They released their debut record A Mountain is a Mouth in 2009, and had I heard it back then, it would likely have finished pretty high on my 2009 Index. It's a great record, filled with tribal drumming, frequent female-gang vocal harmonies, and some really nice, almost earthy melodies. Along with Haverty's trademark gruff vocal style, almost like a more digest-able Tom Waits.
And thanks to the same user from the Mars Volta forum, a lot of the new songs were made available live. Many of them intrigued me how they'd sound on recording. I'd say they for the most part were as good, if not better than I expected. They included more of those energetic percussive parts, and those passionate female vocals. Sometimes lead, sometimes harmonies. Songs like "Say Yeah," "Pull Me Under," "Chupacabra," "As Long As I Live" all have a hook or something I look forward to hearing each time I play this album. And I'd say there isn't any song I skip, including some of the ballads. My only disappointment might be Neil Haverty's lead vocals aren't as noticed as on A Mountain is a Mouth. But perhaps with their next album and some other related projects, that will return.
I guess the only other thing about this band is the bands they get compared to like The Rural Alberta Advantage, I don't really follow. Nor is their popularity probably close to what it should be. They're from Canada, the Toronto area specifically. I suppose they have sadly found the same fate of Bend Sinister, Neverending White Lights and a few others (People for Audio?) in that I know they could and should reach a much wider audience, but for various reasons, largely being in Canada, it hasn't happened, yet at least. Maybe in due time.
14. Jimmy Gnecco - The Heart: X Edition
Some people might remember from my 2010 Index including this album, the original, stripped-down version. And to be honest, as much as I love Jimmy and Ours, that album ended up as low as it did due to not being as impressed, attached, etc to it. Even a bit of swallowing on the vocals didn't help.
But, I often felt seeing those songs live, it might change my mind. And having seen many of them, in person or hearing/seeing live recordings, they did. And this is the re-recording of those songs like they are live; with the full band. And for some reason, they all pretty much sound even better. The piano, some electric guitar, or even a little bit of re-arranging/extended parts.
I knew songs like "Gravity," "Darling," "Mystery" were great live, but they finally came out bigger and more layered on this. Plus, I cannot discount the inclusion of the last/new track "The Bells" also improved how much I enjoy this. That tune is just terrific, although admittedly, it's more or less an Ours song. Except that, Jimmy and Ours are one in the same pretty much. But for anyone who loves Ours, loved 2008's Mercy or really any awesome, soulful screaming vocal parts, check out that tune. It's one of the best songs Jimmy's ever recorded.
go here, as it was uploaded by Jimmy himself on Youtube.
So, while the acoustic edition I bought, and still like a lot of, it's clear these songs were made greater to me with more of a full sound. And I'm not sure exactly the status of Jimmy with his solo work, because Static (Ours/Jimmy's guitarist) posted something recently about writing new Ours music. Plus he will be working with Slash and/or Velvet Revolver soon, along with Weathervane and even an appearance on the upcoming 2nd Neverending White Lights part of Love Will Ruin next Summer. But for now, this is another release supporting why he's my favorite singer and one of my favorite, and best songwriters working today. All the work he's doing right now also adds to that.
13. Water & Bodies - Light Year
The debut full-length from 4 of the 5-members of Kaddisfly, after 2 promising EPs in 2009 and 2010. Every time I listened to this album I enjoyed it, even given how different it is to Kaddisfly. It's more song-oriented and poppy I suppose in some ways. Some of the best songs, have those parts I always enjoy. From "Written & Read" with it's wonderful, sad guitar melody over subtle layers of synths. "Free World" being quite the rocker to "Moments in a Life" having the inspirational line "We've got to live before we die."
Some others like "Lonely Night" has this great groove to it and yet is rather catchy and upbeat at the same time. "1980," 'Echoes," and "Parallels" have really grown on me. The title track, and even the last epic, saying-goodbye track "Already Gone" really work for me. Tight songwriting, really nice blend of layers including the often slow, sad yet beautiful guitar work from Aaron Tollefson on many tracks. Those slow yet soaring lines just grab me and add such a richness to many of these songs.
I guess the reception to this album was mixed at best from others, with some being surprised, and others just sticking with wanting Kaddisfly back and nothing more. My feeling is now, nearly a year later, is it's still a very good, consistent album song-to-song. It's not really found the blow-me-away factor like Kaddisfly, but I also never really expected it to. It's just a solid album without a bad song it, with less amazing songs, but just one with many very good ones.
I'm not sure the immediate future for the guys, given the recent Kaddisfly demos that were shared and everything, and the level of success of this 1st album. They've sort of found their audience locally in Portland and somewhat on the West Coast, at least for touring. Whether it makes sense to focus still on W&B's or mix things up with both, I guess we'll see. I am still a fanboy of Kaddisfly, but at the same time I will continue to look forward to what Water & Bodies do in the future.
12. *Shels - Plains of the Purple Buffalo
This band I 1st listened in early 2008 with their debut album Sea of the Dying Dhow. I recall liking that album, but for some reason not going back to it all that much soon after. For some reason, I thought they broke up, but I may be thinking of another band of a similar name or style.
They are another one of these "post" bands making a rather distinct style of music. They use this thick wall-of -sound at times that is just breathtaking. Along with stuff like trumpet and vocal harmonies, they have this recipe that is really epic or just incredibly dense sounding. That is probably the best way I'd describe most if not this whole album.
And considering some factors, I really wondered after a little time, if this might be an album-of-the-year contender. But sadly, it never quite was. That outstanding combination of layers and textures works extremely well on Plains of the Purple Buffalo for maybe 40 or 45 minutes. But the final 3 or 4 tracks seem to go on a little too long for me to bump it into 4.5 star or album of the year status. Why that is, is I'm not sure they flow as well as those 1st 8 or 9 tracks, and some of the cymbals I recall clipping a bit here and there.
While that was the fate I gave this album up to this point, it's certainly one I'd suggest to anyone into a somewhat original style of Post-Rock. It's just ended up with a little too much on the end to find myself addicted to it. But I would certainly call myself a bigger fan of this UK band, and also might want to include something more on their last/debut record Sea of the Dhying Dhow as well.
11. Tangled Thoughts of Leaving - Deaden the Fields
I wrote about this band a lot this year. Like their fellow Australian "post" band Meniscus, they had a debut record coming, after some pretty impressive music on EPs previously. And the video footage the band shared online sounded awesome. Great dynamics, blending of textures. From major to minor keys, heavy to quiet, dark to beautiful.
As I wrote more than once, I really thought this record would be one of those statement debut albums, and in some ways it is or was. It's very meticulous and extensive in a lot of ways. It only has 6 songs on it, but it clocks in over an hour. That on paper, appears like an homage to many traditional progressive rock albums. One reason why it's as long as it is, or just each song is, is due to the fact the band write music within jam sessions. They love jazz, and a lot of jazz is composed in a similar way.
I guess I never grew addicted to it enough for it to find my top 10 due to a few factors. One being, the cymbals do clip on it intermittently. As sad as it is for me to accept, they do, and not just in one or two spots. Not to the point I wouldn't listen to this album again, but enough so, it hurts my feeling about it. Although a record like The Reign of Kindo's Rhythm, Chord & Melody I can claim the same about, yet I still love that album.
Another factor I suppose is how long some of it is, even though I'd support its flow for the most part. It never reached the point of wanting to play it everyday. The opening 17 minute piece "Landmarks" might be part of that.
But at the same time, there's more than enough to enjoy about it, to have it still hold intrigue for me. The interval patterns, driving piano parts, many of the songs have those gradual builds. And I will say, I happen to love the climax of the last song "They Found My Skull in the Nest of a Bird." It's incredibly intense and layered. It almost captures something from a movie score, and it's like a realization of something, or a reaching of a bigger, ultimate goal, in the final scene.
I would still highly endorse more people check it out, as this is one of the most talented instrumental bands in the music industry today, like *Shels, doing their own take on Post or just progressive rock. Are they carrying on a tradition from a band like Tortoise ? (jazzy post-rock), I guess I can't agree with that, but I honestly haven't heard an extensive amount of music from Tortoise to know. I guess it doesn't really matter at this point to me. Deaden the Fields is a very impressive debut album that I can see myself, even despite some tambourine-toned cymbals in spots, to explore in the future along with whatever else they put out.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Kaddisfly - Demos & Rarities (2011)
http://kaddisfly.bandcamp.com/
1. Man On a String 3:49
2. Lately 4:12
3. Hourglass 2:58
4. It Has To Be This Way 3:34
5. Conan 3:04
6. You Are A Painter 4:11
7. Slow Motion 4:10
Holee Fuck.
Seriously, these are TREMENDOUS. I dig Water & Bodies, but these are just, so fucking good. So big, dynamic, epic, powerful.
Most fans, including those who are very into W&B still stand by the belief K-Fly are more or less done. But if you do hear it from some that know the guys (Dan Fury and some others namely), they'll still stick with Kaddisfly is not ultimately done, and someday Horses Galloping on Sailboats will be fully written and recorded.
edit: This is a collection of demos and rarities recorded between 2007- 2008. There is no timeline for when Horses Galloping on Sailboats will be recorded. These songs are for all the fans that have stuck with us and shown their love. This marks our 10 year anniversary. Thank you.
credits
released 17 December 2011
Tracks 1-3 recorded at Rain City Studios (Portland, OR). Produced by Ryan Furlott.
Tracks 4-6 recorded at Interlace Audio (Portland, OR). Produced by Kris Crummett.
Track 7 recorded at East Lake Recording (Springfield, MA). Produced by Enoch Jenson.
Original Artwork by: Ryan Case
Cover Design by: Christopher Ruff
The last thing I heard in regards to Kaddisfly, was some talk of doing a reunion show, I want to say the hope was this fall, but I don't believe it ever happened.
Anyway, as far as this release, they sound awesome, and you know what? I am going to likely include these in my 2011 Index, as silly as it sounds. These songs I'll probably go back to, at least a few times in the coming weeks, to believe this collection, even just as demos (and what sounds like pretty damn well produced demos, at that), they are as good if not better than many records from earlier this year.
Also the fact, I fucking love Kaddisfly doesn't hurt.
Along with last year, while at least it was in November, those The River Empires Demos/Rarities were somewhat in a similar in coming-in-at-the-last-minute-but-still-too-good-not-to-forget.
I dunno, maybe putting these up may spark something new from Kaddisfly camp in 2012? Water & Bodies have done their thing, 2 EPs and a full-length. If Kile and Beau are both available in some capacity, maybe those guys could find the time next year. I know a ton of fans would be totally overjoyed. In the mean time, I and those fans are going to love the fuck out of these tunes.
And to think, some moron at Atlantic Records chose Circa Survive over hearing these? lol. So typical, yet still incredibly pathetic.
oh and one other note, I likely would have been on these earlier, but I just saw The Book of Right On headline at The Cedar Cultural Center. Incredible show (from them namely). But to say that along with a cold and stuff with the gf may make the near impossible, just that (impossible) given net hours to write 50 some blurbs. My best guess will be I'll email and call-in to Used Bin Radio on Tuesday night, and at least by the time said show is aired the next week on purerockradio.com along with the podcast shared, a great amount if not all 50 + blurbs will be available.
But for now, tomorrow, maybe Monday, I will only get done what I can, and publish what makes sense. All of it by Tuesday's call-in? if I get in-the-zone, perhaps. But pulling that off would be one of those miracle-jobs of mine.
It also is probably worth mentioning, the 5-year anniversary of this blog came on December 4th, 2011, but I didn't write anything officially until December 21st. So this Wednesday is sort in-effect my 5-year anniversary. What may I do for it? I honestly don't know right now; perhaps something along the lines of sharing 1 or 2 memories/entries or something, lol. Or maybe nothing more than writing "Happy 5 years. Now it's time for me to quit..or maybe my goal now is to see if I can waste more of my life away in the next 5 years, so by December 21st, 2016 I'll know."
1. Man On a String 3:49
2. Lately 4:12
3. Hourglass 2:58
4. It Has To Be This Way 3:34
5. Conan 3:04
6. You Are A Painter 4:11
7. Slow Motion 4:10
Holee Fuck.
Seriously, these are TREMENDOUS. I dig Water & Bodies, but these are just, so fucking good. So big, dynamic, epic, powerful.
Most fans, including those who are very into W&B still stand by the belief K-Fly are more or less done. But if you do hear it from some that know the guys (Dan Fury and some others namely), they'll still stick with Kaddisfly is not ultimately done, and someday Horses Galloping on Sailboats will be fully written and recorded.
edit: This is a collection of demos and rarities recorded between 2007- 2008. There is no timeline for when Horses Galloping on Sailboats will be recorded. These songs are for all the fans that have stuck with us and shown their love. This marks our 10 year anniversary. Thank you.
credits
released 17 December 2011
Tracks 1-3 recorded at Rain City Studios (Portland, OR). Produced by Ryan Furlott.
Tracks 4-6 recorded at Interlace Audio (Portland, OR). Produced by Kris Crummett.
Track 7 recorded at East Lake Recording (Springfield, MA). Produced by Enoch Jenson.
Original Artwork by: Ryan Case
Cover Design by: Christopher Ruff
The last thing I heard in regards to Kaddisfly, was some talk of doing a reunion show, I want to say the hope was this fall, but I don't believe it ever happened.
Anyway, as far as this release, they sound awesome, and you know what? I am going to likely include these in my 2011 Index, as silly as it sounds. These songs I'll probably go back to, at least a few times in the coming weeks, to believe this collection, even just as demos (and what sounds like pretty damn well produced demos, at that), they are as good if not better than many records from earlier this year.
Also the fact, I fucking love Kaddisfly doesn't hurt.
Along with last year, while at least it was in November, those The River Empires Demos/Rarities were somewhat in a similar in coming-in-at-the-last-minute-but-still-too-good-not-to-forget.
I dunno, maybe putting these up may spark something new from Kaddisfly camp in 2012? Water & Bodies have done their thing, 2 EPs and a full-length. If Kile and Beau are both available in some capacity, maybe those guys could find the time next year. I know a ton of fans would be totally overjoyed. In the mean time, I and those fans are going to love the fuck out of these tunes.
And to think, some moron at Atlantic Records chose Circa Survive over hearing these? lol. So typical, yet still incredibly pathetic.
oh and one other note, I likely would have been on these earlier, but I just saw The Book of Right On headline at The Cedar Cultural Center. Incredible show (from them namely). But to say that along with a cold and stuff with the gf may make the near impossible, just that (impossible) given net hours to write 50 some blurbs. My best guess will be I'll email and call-in to Used Bin Radio on Tuesday night, and at least by the time said show is aired the next week on purerockradio.com along with the podcast shared, a great amount if not all 50 + blurbs will be available.
But for now, tomorrow, maybe Monday, I will only get done what I can, and publish what makes sense. All of it by Tuesday's call-in? if I get in-the-zone, perhaps. But pulling that off would be one of those miracle-jobs of mine.
It also is probably worth mentioning, the 5-year anniversary of this blog came on December 4th, 2011, but I didn't write anything officially until December 21st. So this Wednesday is sort in-effect my 5-year anniversary. What may I do for it? I honestly don't know right now; perhaps something along the lines of sharing 1 or 2 memories/entries or something, lol. Or maybe nothing more than writing "Happy 5 years. Now it's time for me to quit..or maybe my goal now is to see if I can waste more of my life away in the next 5 years, so by December 21st, 2016 I'll know."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
2011 Music Preview: 1st Quarter (January-March)
This/these posting will largely drawing from individual album entries and
this list on rateyourmusic.com "2011 Anticipation"
This is the 1st of I project at least 4 different previews of sorts for records that are or look-to be released during said 3-month period. January-March (1st Quarter), April-June (2nd Quarter), July-September (3rd Quarter) October-End of the Year (4th Quarter).
A lot of blogs and websites do a Yearly preview, and I have done that before, or at least tried to, but it ultimately ends up with some inaccurate details like names of albums and times they may be released. And even some artists and actual albums that have titles, that never actually get released said year.
So the interest in stripping it down to quarters, is to do it in a shorter window of time and hopefully the accuracy and immediacy of the information will be at a higher clip.
But this is also just guesswork on my part. Some of this particular preview/forecast actually isn't entirely a preview but relatively new reviews instead given I have heard a number of these records. And in fact many of the records talked about in these, that will likely be the case, partially due to them already being released, but also the ole leaked-early situation (avg used to be about 3 weeks, but it can be many months of course, and it also can be even after a street date believe it or not).
I've made up a figure or odds rating on some of these due to there's no guarantee they actually get released when they are expected/projected. "a.o." being "anticipated odds" and it's out of 5. 5 out of 5 being the best/most likely chance it'll come out then. And 0 out of 5 being no chance it'll be released when it has been expected/projected.
Also of course there will inevitably be records I'm totally unaware that get released (or leak and then get released later) of by artists I know, but just weren't up on that new record news. And of course, a large oncoming list of records, eps and what not of artists who have albums come out which I've never heard of, or never heard (but maybe heard-of).
That last chunk is probably my favorite part. The Apes and Androids and Emanuel & the Fear's out there right now, waiting to be discovered. What I guess will ideally happen is either a bump of said older Preview entry with that undiscovered or unknown record's info. Or more likely, an extra section of "to add to last quarter's preview/reviews" part. This 1st Quarter Preview/Review doesn't have any at this time (although it may since those kind of releases can pop up any day/hour and easily by the time this thing gets published).
Modern Skirts - Gramahawk
d: 1/15/11
A power-pop band whose put out 2 other albums I've heard/own. Having listened to this one a couple of times, it's a bit different in that they added more electronic textures. But overall, I'm finding less here to enjoy sadly. Maybe it'll grow some.
"Bumper Car" and "Happy 81" available to download here
The Decemberists - The King Is Dead
d: 1/18/11
Alt-country Folk with R.E.M.'s Peter Buck on board. Not The Crane Wife nor Picaresque. For what this is, it's okay, but not really something I attach to. Maybe later in the year I will.
"Calamity Song" Youtube stream
Amanda Palmer - Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under
d: 1/21/11
Amanda's mostly live recordings from down under of all unreleased songs I guess. But honestly, it comes across as sort of a comedic live b-sides album. Perhaps a few of these tunes will end up on her next record.
"Ship Song" Youtube Stream
Deerhoof - Deerhoof vs. Evil
d: 1/25/11
I want to get into this band more than I ever have. On paper, they have a lot I like. This album, early on, is more or less par for their course. Not any bad songs, and a few with some great moments to enjoy. Maybe seeing them live next month will jump start more appreciation for this album. And perhaps more of their back catalog, as I'll confess really only being familiar with 2008's Offend Maggie somewhat.
"Super Duper Rescue Heads" Youtube Stream
Hotel of the Laughing Tree - Terror and Everything After
d: 2/1/11
More or less what needs to be said, is in this review I wrote a few weeks ago.
But something to add I suppose, is right now and probably for the entire 1st quarter of the year, there is this album, and then everything else. Water & Bodies, Neverending White Lights and Protest the Hero are probably the only records that may give it some pressure this quarter. Although, as I have come to learn, I love to and have been often wrong about those things.
Stream "Bad Canterbury" on their facebook page
...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead - Tao of the Dead
d: 2/4/11
I actually saw this band open for Dethklok a few years ago at the University of Minnesota. Not that that show left any lasting impression with me. I've seen their cds at Cheapo and have known about them for many years. I think they even covered the Genesis song "Back In N.Y.C." on 1 record (or maybe live?).
And they share a label (Superball Music) with Oceansize, Pure Reason Revolution, Long Distance Calling and dredg among others.
But to say I'm even mildly intrigued by this album would probably be wrong. But I know about it, so it's still one to be aware of, and might be worth checking out at some point in 2011.
Stateless - Matilda
d: 2/7/11
3-stars. This thing leaked awhile ago and I haven't been attached to it. But it does include like 5 or maybe 6 tracks that are good. It's just not at the level of their 2007 Self-Titled debut record unfortunately. It's not terrible either. However, it may find itself getting passed up by many other records this year in the 2011 Index race.
Stream "Assassinations" on Youtube
Nicole Atkins - Mondo Amore
d: 2/8/11
Well, I just heard this a bit ago via pc speakers, and I gotta say, I was a lot more impressed than I expected. I did/do enjoy 2008's Neptune City off an on, back in 2008 mostly. I even saw her live that year. But I am guilty of not revisiting it much since that year. This new record might be so good, I may be forced to again.
This might be a sleeper record. Some really nice guitar work on it along with an epic nature. 1 tune has some great twangy tones. The closing piece is rather epic too. Wow Nicole, what do you have here?
edit: I've played it twice with headphones since, and frankly, it's A LOT BETTER than I expected. It's different in many ways from Neptune City A lot of varied styles explored. Namely bluesy rock including 1 piece with a distinct twang part.
Definitely the 1st real surprise of 2011, and less than a week ago I had no idea she even had an album coming out.
"Vultures" Youtube stream/video
Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
d: 2/14/11
Not a ton to say, given I barely would say I'm a fan. It's post-rock, and they are regarded as one of the biggest names. I've heard maybe 2 or 3 songs by them in my time, that I thought impressed me.
Long Distance Calling - Long Distance Calling
d: 2/18/11 - 2/22/11 (US)
The 1st tune below is not bad, but I'll confess to being a little gun shy about pre-ordering this album. Why? I have been burned before doing pre-orders. LDC doesn't really deserve that I suppose given I loved their 2009 breakthrough Avoid the Light. However, it may be hard to match or even top that.
I'm still excited to hear this, but I may just delay my hardcopy purchase for a bit.
Stream "The Figrin D'an Boogie" on Youtube
Water & Bodies - Light Year
d: 2/22/11
This is it. The first big work these guys have made since 2007's Set Sail the Prairie. The sampler/teaser they posted emphasizes strings. So will this album be rather orchestral? I'm kind of optimistic about that aspect of this album.
Some of the tunes from their eps "Celebration Song," "Free World," "Written & Read," and "Moments in a Life" are included on this record. However, I think the versions on this may be a fair amount different.
I really love these guys and of course Kaddisfly's music. And have been intrigued for the past 2+ years about this new project of theirs. Unlike some, I am not meaning to compare it to Kaddisfly, but, I think it is fair to have big hopes. Especially with some of the comments from some people on the forums about it.
I guess that is partially why it is a bit of a make or break for others and myself a bit. I dunno. I suppose no matter what, Kaddisfly is not gone/done forever, but how good this becomes may dictate my feeling about my interest in their work.
I should know soon, as being someone who donated/pre-ordered via their Kickstarter campaign, I should be hearing this a little early I guess (like the 1st week in February even).
edit: a new song "Lonely Night" can be streamed and downloaded (email list) on their homepage there.
Album Teaser
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - All Out of Peaches
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - Songs We Didn't Write, Vol. 2
d: 2/26/11
"NewGrass Art Rock" as they are being called I guess. These guys are prog and bluegrass and fusion and bluesy. I have enjoyed both their lives show(s) and their 1 proper studio record 2009's Lookin' For a Little Strange over the last couple of months. John Wright of Lehto & Wright is of course a big part of this band, along with his wife Lisi and 2 others Dan Neale on guitar and Mark O'Day on drums.
One of the best "prog" related groups (or any groups for that matter) from Minnesota. They are releasing both of these cds on February 26th at their "Double CD Release concert" at Minneapolis Urban World Theater.
I'm pretty excited about that show and the 2 cds, namely All Out of Peaches. Lehto & Wright's Children's Songs of course got out of the gate early last year and stayed near the top all year. Can another one of John Wright's albums repeat that again in 2011? We'll see.
The Human Abstract - Digital Veil
d: 3/8/11
I like/liked 2006's Nocturne their debut album, to a point. Kind of a kid-sister band to Protest the Hero. And the truth is, I never really spent much time with their follow-up 2008's Midheaven. But that record was constantly dogged on, that I gave those reviews the benefit of the doubt.
So, I'm kind of at a low expectation here. If this is good, I'll be happy and surprised. But if it sucks and ends up sounding like a PtH tribute or sort of run-of-the-mill djent-y metalcore. I can probably completely forget about this band.
They're not as good as Protest the Hero. They never have been. Some people like to say they are, lol. Sorry. But, what might be nice is if they would do something totally new and different than PtH, I might be more curious than I am.
This new song "Faust" below however, initially isn't doing much for me. There's also another new track on their Facebook, which I am going to pass on at this point.
Stream "Faust" on Youtube
Panic! at the Disco - Vices and Virtues
d: 3/8/11
2008's Pretty. Odd I liked. It was sort of taking their modern power-poppy-punk (emo) style and using a Beatles/Beach Boys or even showtunes element effectively at times.
Well, this 1st tune is not so much evident of that, as from their 1st record 2005's A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. Which is not as much my thing. I guess 1 song does not define a record. Whether it be more like their debut album, Pretty. Odd or maybe something else, I will check this out. But not with huge expectations.
"The Ballad of Mona Lisa" stream on Youtube
Protest the Hero - Scurrilous
d: 3/22/11
2008's Fortress broke them through to a wider audience. More of the Dream Theater and progressive metal fans especially. But I and some others came to feel, or always did, that their debut album 2006's Kezia is clearly their superior work. 3 things. The acoustic sections, the vocal harmonies (including the female vocals from Jadea Kelly), and as I came to realize recently, the production are all parts of what makes it better.
Well, the video clips look and sound promising. They also include some strings and Jaydea being back.
This album could see the band going further into progressive metal. Which, how they do it, might totally work. Although there's a percentage of their fans that are going to hate it if they do. The ole "they're becoming Dream Theater, lol." So cliche, so predictable reactions. Between the Buried and Me and Pain of Salvation have gone through the same thing in recent years.
I guess I want to hear the finished product before having anything like that cross my mind. These guys are too talented and have too much left to say to not have optimism about their music, even if it has more prog in it (for the sake-of or not).
Why I'm very excited to hear this album. The 3rd week of March (or likely earlier, when it leaks. It could be even in February perhaps).
"Stewdio Pupdate" from 1 month ago
Born of Osiris - The Discovery
d: 3/22/11
2009's A Higher Ground was a big disappointment. No keys, and the production along with lacking memorable moments killed it. Repetitive, predictable breakdowns. It was really the opposite of their charming 21 minute debut album The New Reign from 2007.
So, my optimism isn't high. But like a few others, I will check it out in a make-or-break (like it and rekindle my interest/suck and forget about them) situation. I truly hope it's a comeback record. For various reasons, but the extreme metal and especially Metalcore genre has become kind of stale the last couple of years. A better album from them along with a few others might prove that perception wrong.
Blackfield - Welcome to My DNA
d: 3/28/11
ao: 4.5/5
Both previous Blackfield albums were good records, and in some ways, albums I listened to more than Porcupine Tree. They are kind of part-PT anyway. The 1st record, I will always associate with Ariel Daniel, the 17 year-old Wisconsin girl hardcore PT/Steven Wilson fan who died in November of 2005.
The 2nd record is about as good in terms of depth, but the best songs on the 1st record are a bit better/sadder/more moving.
What happens here? Some 4 years after the last album. The samples sound like a mixed bag of the previous BF music and adding some new things like strings. "Welcome to My DNA" sounds like some joke title or concept album about cloning. Is Blackfield going to go more political? I really hope not. But if the music is good, I won't really care I guess (save for them taking after Serj Tankian).
Stream "Glass House" on Youtube
Obscura - Omnivium
d: March 29th
ao: 4.5/5
This band includes members of Necrophagist among others. The name I think is referencing the classic record by Gorguts. I honestly don't know how much to get excited here. My best memory of this band is seeing their name a lot in 2009 and sampling their last album Cosmogenesis once or twice, and then kind of forgetting about it. And then in the home stretch of 2009, I went back to it and enjoyed it a little more. But it still didn't differ enough from a lot of the technical death metal, for me to want to go back to it. Part of that is mood I guess. So I might owe it to myself to go back again to that album more. And especially when hearing this one, it may help.
But I still ask myself the question I ask about a lot of tech/death albums/bands. What are they doing that is different, distinctive, unique, addictive, etc? I hope to find an earworm, a mind blowing solo, something outrageously funny, or anything that allows them to stand out and gives me reason to go back to playing their album.
"Septuagint" can be streamed here
Neverending White Lights Act III: Love Will Ruin
hopes to release the first single from the album, Neverending White Lights, Act 3: Love Will Ruin, by the end of February, with the full album to follow two to four weeks later.
d: 3rd or 4th week of March
ao: 3.5/5
Kind of fitting timing that this may be released around the time of another melancholy music project like Blackfield. I could probably say about 25 different things for this. But to be as short as possible. Daniel Victor, the mastermind behind Neverending White Lights, from online accounts at least, has SLAVED and STRESSED over this record for FAR TOO LONG.
I really look forward to the day it's released and he can hopefully relax a bit. Because, I really love the music in the 1st 2 NWL albums, and I also like him and care about him (for what that can be worth) as a fan and human being.
The guy is a great talent and this project is really original. He is the lone common part of each song in this project. But every song has a different voice, musicians, etc. A lot of their music is sad or very emotional/passionate. And thus, very moving and pretty much mood-music. But incredible mood-music.
The 1st single comes at the end of February, and I hope everything is good to go soon after that. But if this doesn't drop by the end of March, don't be surprised. This album could have originally been released as far back as the fall of 2009. So, any more kind of delay should not come as a surprise. But if the stars align like they should (and Daniel along with fans like myself deserve), they will and we'll be hearing the 3rd Act in late March.
Between the Buried and Me - TBA
any week/month now.
ao: 2.5/5
The a.o. might have to be bumped up to about 3.5 or more, as the band just posted something on twitter about an update any time "soon."
This is for the EP they worked/have-been-working on. Their next full-length is possibly coming in 2011 as well, but this is 1st.
Assuming it does come SOON, and in this 1st quarter. I will be very excited about it of course. These guys are still among my favorite extreme/progressive Metal of any kind band. Even with the fact 2009's The Great Misdirect didn't entirely work for me. I'm willing to give them a pass certainly. And an EP might be just what the doctor ordered as it may get them to write more concisely. Or perhaps it may be 1 well constructed epic. Or maybe 2.
You think of the great EPs. Music For Nurses, A Twist of Fate, A Change of Seasons. Or even stuff like Distrails Virginia Creeper or Warpaint's Exquisite Corpse. They all don't have any filler. They are all well thought-out. And they also leave you with a lasting hope for more. The ole, "damn, that was good. I can't wait to hear more of this stuff."
BTBAM can and should be able to do that. And TGM actually, had enough ideas in it where had they been refined and isolated, might have found that kind of quality as well.
Bottom line is, Colors, Alaska and even The Silent Circus are more than enough proof this band are elite. Hopefully we'll see a bounce back ep here, and then it'll end up bringing the return level of anticipation for the full-length whenever that comes as well.
"Soon 2" documentary footage
next quarter:
Jeniferever - Silesia
d: 4/11/11
ao: 4.5/5
Sound & Shape - TBA
ao: 4/5
Emanuel & the Fear (EP)
ao: 3/5
dredg - April 19th
ao: 3.5/5
Arch/Matheos
ao: 3.5/5
Fair to Midland - TBA
ao: 3.5/5
The Age of Rockets - TBA
ao: 3/5
House of Fools - TBA
ao: 3.5/5
The Antlers - TBA
ao: 4/5
Between Two Skies - TBA
ao: 2.5/5
Painted In Exile - TBA
ao: 3/5
The Dear Hunter - The Colors Spectrum EPs
ao: 3.5/5
Other Lives - TBA
3.5/5
Tangled Thoughts of Leaving - TBA
3.5/5
The Jelly Jam - Shall We Descend?
ao: 3/5
Falling Up - TBA
ao: 4/5 newest video said June.
Pain of Salvation - Road Salt Two
ao: 4/5 the original word was March, so hopefully it'll manage to come out sometime in the 2nd Quarter
Judgement Day - TBA
ao: 3/5 their kickstarter campaign was a success, so it may find it's way to being ready this Spring.
Steve Morse,Neal Morse,Mike Portnoy,Dave LaRue,Casey McPherson Project - TBA
ao: 1/5
3rd and 4th Quarter names:
The River Empires - Mars/Brighton II, Thurisaz - The Cimmerian Years, Akphaezya - Anthology IV, Annuals, The Appleseed Cast, Battles, Bed of Stars, Bend Sinister, Between the Buried and Me, Big Fresh, Bruce Peninsula - Open Flames, Coldplay, Decapitated, The Dear Hunter/The Felix Culpa, Diablo Swing Orchestra, Disillusion, Dream Theater, East of the Wall, The End, Early Ghost, The Faceless, Fates Warning, Fish, The Fleet Foxes, Flying Forms, The Gloomcatcher, Jimmy Gnecco, Imogen Heap, Jazzkamikaze, Kacica, Karnivool, Klimt 1918, Late of the Pier, Local Natives, Marillion, The Mars Volta, Meniscus, Pat Metheny, Mew, Mute Math, Ne Obliviscaris, Opeth, OSI, Paper Route, Ramona Falls, Renaissance, Rush - Clockwork Angels, Russian Circles, Scale the Summit, Shattered -Behold the Sands of Time, Part 1: Uprising, Sigmund Droid, Sigur Rós, A Silent Film, Spawn of Possession, Strange Creatures, Subterranean Masquerade - In Pastille Colors, This Will Destroy You - Tunnel Blanket, Total Babe, Tool, Devin Townsend - Deconstruction, Devin Townsend - Ghost, Transatlantic, Unexpect, Van Halen, Vektor, The Velvet Teen, U2 - Songs of Ascent,, Ulver - Critical Geography, Steven Wilson, Steven Wilson and Mikael Akerfeldt - Storm Corrosion, Wolfmother, Yes
AllMR 2011 Album Preview 1st Quarter by user1544441
this list on rateyourmusic.com "2011 Anticipation"
This is the 1st of I project at least 4 different previews of sorts for records that are or look-to be released during said 3-month period. January-March (1st Quarter), April-June (2nd Quarter), July-September (3rd Quarter) October-End of the Year (4th Quarter).
A lot of blogs and websites do a Yearly preview, and I have done that before, or at least tried to, but it ultimately ends up with some inaccurate details like names of albums and times they may be released. And even some artists and actual albums that have titles, that never actually get released said year.
So the interest in stripping it down to quarters, is to do it in a shorter window of time and hopefully the accuracy and immediacy of the information will be at a higher clip.
But this is also just guesswork on my part. Some of this particular preview/forecast actually isn't entirely a preview but relatively new reviews instead given I have heard a number of these records. And in fact many of the records talked about in these, that will likely be the case, partially due to them already being released, but also the ole leaked-early situation (avg used to be about 3 weeks, but it can be many months of course, and it also can be even after a street date believe it or not).
I've made up a figure or odds rating on some of these due to there's no guarantee they actually get released when they are expected/projected. "a.o." being "anticipated odds" and it's out of 5. 5 out of 5 being the best/most likely chance it'll come out then. And 0 out of 5 being no chance it'll be released when it has been expected/projected.
Also of course there will inevitably be records I'm totally unaware that get released (or leak and then get released later) of by artists I know, but just weren't up on that new record news. And of course, a large oncoming list of records, eps and what not of artists who have albums come out which I've never heard of, or never heard (but maybe heard-of).
That last chunk is probably my favorite part. The Apes and Androids and Emanuel & the Fear's out there right now, waiting to be discovered. What I guess will ideally happen is either a bump of said older Preview entry with that undiscovered or unknown record's info. Or more likely, an extra section of "to add to last quarter's preview/reviews" part. This 1st Quarter Preview/Review doesn't have any at this time (although it may since those kind of releases can pop up any day/hour and easily by the time this thing gets published).
Modern Skirts - Gramahawk
d: 1/15/11
A power-pop band whose put out 2 other albums I've heard/own. Having listened to this one a couple of times, it's a bit different in that they added more electronic textures. But overall, I'm finding less here to enjoy sadly. Maybe it'll grow some.
"Bumper Car" and "Happy 81" available to download here
The Decemberists - The King Is Dead
d: 1/18/11
Alt-country Folk with R.E.M.'s Peter Buck on board. Not The Crane Wife nor Picaresque. For what this is, it's okay, but not really something I attach to. Maybe later in the year I will.
"Calamity Song" Youtube stream
Amanda Palmer - Amanda Palmer Goes Down Under
d: 1/21/11
Amanda's mostly live recordings from down under of all unreleased songs I guess. But honestly, it comes across as sort of a comedic live b-sides album. Perhaps a few of these tunes will end up on her next record.
"Ship Song" Youtube Stream
Deerhoof - Deerhoof vs. Evil
d: 1/25/11
I want to get into this band more than I ever have. On paper, they have a lot I like. This album, early on, is more or less par for their course. Not any bad songs, and a few with some great moments to enjoy. Maybe seeing them live next month will jump start more appreciation for this album. And perhaps more of their back catalog, as I'll confess really only being familiar with 2008's Offend Maggie somewhat.
"Super Duper Rescue Heads" Youtube Stream
Hotel of the Laughing Tree - Terror and Everything After
d: 2/1/11
More or less what needs to be said, is in this review I wrote a few weeks ago.
But something to add I suppose, is right now and probably for the entire 1st quarter of the year, there is this album, and then everything else. Water & Bodies, Neverending White Lights and Protest the Hero are probably the only records that may give it some pressure this quarter. Although, as I have come to learn, I love to and have been often wrong about those things.
Stream "Bad Canterbury" on their facebook page
...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead - Tao of the Dead
d: 2/4/11
I actually saw this band open for Dethklok a few years ago at the University of Minnesota. Not that that show left any lasting impression with me. I've seen their cds at Cheapo and have known about them for many years. I think they even covered the Genesis song "Back In N.Y.C." on 1 record (or maybe live?).
And they share a label (Superball Music) with Oceansize, Pure Reason Revolution, Long Distance Calling and dredg among others.
But to say I'm even mildly intrigued by this album would probably be wrong. But I know about it, so it's still one to be aware of, and might be worth checking out at some point in 2011.
Stateless - Matilda
d: 2/7/11
3-stars. This thing leaked awhile ago and I haven't been attached to it. But it does include like 5 or maybe 6 tracks that are good. It's just not at the level of their 2007 Self-Titled debut record unfortunately. It's not terrible either. However, it may find itself getting passed up by many other records this year in the 2011 Index race.
Stream "Assassinations" on Youtube
Nicole Atkins - Mondo Amore
d: 2/8/11
Well, I just heard this a bit ago via pc speakers, and I gotta say, I was a lot more impressed than I expected. I did/do enjoy 2008's Neptune City off an on, back in 2008 mostly. I even saw her live that year. But I am guilty of not revisiting it much since that year. This new record might be so good, I may be forced to again.
This might be a sleeper record. Some really nice guitar work on it along with an epic nature. 1 tune has some great twangy tones. The closing piece is rather epic too. Wow Nicole, what do you have here?
edit: I've played it twice with headphones since, and frankly, it's A LOT BETTER than I expected. It's different in many ways from Neptune City A lot of varied styles explored. Namely bluesy rock including 1 piece with a distinct twang part.
Definitely the 1st real surprise of 2011, and less than a week ago I had no idea she even had an album coming out.
"Vultures" Youtube stream/video
Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
d: 2/14/11
Not a ton to say, given I barely would say I'm a fan. It's post-rock, and they are regarded as one of the biggest names. I've heard maybe 2 or 3 songs by them in my time, that I thought impressed me.
Long Distance Calling - Long Distance Calling
d: 2/18/11 - 2/22/11 (US)
The 1st tune below is not bad, but I'll confess to being a little gun shy about pre-ordering this album. Why? I have been burned before doing pre-orders. LDC doesn't really deserve that I suppose given I loved their 2009 breakthrough Avoid the Light. However, it may be hard to match or even top that.
I'm still excited to hear this, but I may just delay my hardcopy purchase for a bit.
Stream "The Figrin D'an Boogie" on Youtube
Water & Bodies - Light Year
d: 2/22/11
This is it. The first big work these guys have made since 2007's Set Sail the Prairie. The sampler/teaser they posted emphasizes strings. So will this album be rather orchestral? I'm kind of optimistic about that aspect of this album.
Some of the tunes from their eps "Celebration Song," "Free World," "Written & Read," and "Moments in a Life" are included on this record. However, I think the versions on this may be a fair amount different.
I really love these guys and of course Kaddisfly's music. And have been intrigued for the past 2+ years about this new project of theirs. Unlike some, I am not meaning to compare it to Kaddisfly, but, I think it is fair to have big hopes. Especially with some of the comments from some people on the forums about it.
I guess that is partially why it is a bit of a make or break for others and myself a bit. I dunno. I suppose no matter what, Kaddisfly is not gone/done forever, but how good this becomes may dictate my feeling about my interest in their work.
I should know soon, as being someone who donated/pre-ordered via their Kickstarter campaign, I should be hearing this a little early I guess (like the 1st week in February even).
edit: a new song "Lonely Night" can be streamed and downloaded (email list) on their homepage there.
Album Teaser
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - All Out of Peaches
The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra - Songs We Didn't Write, Vol. 2
d: 2/26/11
"NewGrass Art Rock" as they are being called I guess. These guys are prog and bluegrass and fusion and bluesy. I have enjoyed both their lives show(s) and their 1 proper studio record 2009's Lookin' For a Little Strange over the last couple of months. John Wright of Lehto & Wright is of course a big part of this band, along with his wife Lisi and 2 others Dan Neale on guitar and Mark O'Day on drums.
One of the best "prog" related groups (or any groups for that matter) from Minnesota. They are releasing both of these cds on February 26th at their "Double CD Release concert" at Minneapolis Urban World Theater.
I'm pretty excited about that show and the 2 cds, namely All Out of Peaches. Lehto & Wright's Children's Songs of course got out of the gate early last year and stayed near the top all year. Can another one of John Wright's albums repeat that again in 2011? We'll see.
The Human Abstract - Digital Veil
d: 3/8/11
I like/liked 2006's Nocturne their debut album, to a point. Kind of a kid-sister band to Protest the Hero. And the truth is, I never really spent much time with their follow-up 2008's Midheaven. But that record was constantly dogged on, that I gave those reviews the benefit of the doubt.
So, I'm kind of at a low expectation here. If this is good, I'll be happy and surprised. But if it sucks and ends up sounding like a PtH tribute or sort of run-of-the-mill djent-y metalcore. I can probably completely forget about this band.
They're not as good as Protest the Hero. They never have been. Some people like to say they are, lol. Sorry. But, what might be nice is if they would do something totally new and different than PtH, I might be more curious than I am.
This new song "Faust" below however, initially isn't doing much for me. There's also another new track on their Facebook, which I am going to pass on at this point.
Stream "Faust" on Youtube
Panic! at the Disco - Vices and Virtues
d: 3/8/11
2008's Pretty. Odd I liked. It was sort of taking their modern power-poppy-punk (emo) style and using a Beatles/Beach Boys or even showtunes element effectively at times.
Well, this 1st tune is not so much evident of that, as from their 1st record 2005's A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. Which is not as much my thing. I guess 1 song does not define a record. Whether it be more like their debut album, Pretty. Odd or maybe something else, I will check this out. But not with huge expectations.
"The Ballad of Mona Lisa" stream on Youtube
Protest the Hero - Scurrilous
d: 3/22/11
2008's Fortress broke them through to a wider audience. More of the Dream Theater and progressive metal fans especially. But I and some others came to feel, or always did, that their debut album 2006's Kezia is clearly their superior work. 3 things. The acoustic sections, the vocal harmonies (including the female vocals from Jadea Kelly), and as I came to realize recently, the production are all parts of what makes it better.
Well, the video clips look and sound promising. They also include some strings and Jaydea being back.
This album could see the band going further into progressive metal. Which, how they do it, might totally work. Although there's a percentage of their fans that are going to hate it if they do. The ole "they're becoming Dream Theater, lol." So cliche, so predictable reactions. Between the Buried and Me and Pain of Salvation have gone through the same thing in recent years.
I guess I want to hear the finished product before having anything like that cross my mind. These guys are too talented and have too much left to say to not have optimism about their music, even if it has more prog in it (for the sake-of or not).
Why I'm very excited to hear this album. The 3rd week of March (or likely earlier, when it leaks. It could be even in February perhaps).
"Stewdio Pupdate" from 1 month ago
Born of Osiris - The Discovery
d: 3/22/11
2009's A Higher Ground was a big disappointment. No keys, and the production along with lacking memorable moments killed it. Repetitive, predictable breakdowns. It was really the opposite of their charming 21 minute debut album The New Reign from 2007.
So, my optimism isn't high. But like a few others, I will check it out in a make-or-break (like it and rekindle my interest/suck and forget about them) situation. I truly hope it's a comeback record. For various reasons, but the extreme metal and especially Metalcore genre has become kind of stale the last couple of years. A better album from them along with a few others might prove that perception wrong.
Blackfield - Welcome to My DNA
d: 3/28/11
ao: 4.5/5
Both previous Blackfield albums were good records, and in some ways, albums I listened to more than Porcupine Tree. They are kind of part-PT anyway. The 1st record, I will always associate with Ariel Daniel, the 17 year-old Wisconsin girl hardcore PT/Steven Wilson fan who died in November of 2005.
The 2nd record is about as good in terms of depth, but the best songs on the 1st record are a bit better/sadder/more moving.
What happens here? Some 4 years after the last album. The samples sound like a mixed bag of the previous BF music and adding some new things like strings. "Welcome to My DNA" sounds like some joke title or concept album about cloning. Is Blackfield going to go more political? I really hope not. But if the music is good, I won't really care I guess (save for them taking after Serj Tankian).
Stream "Glass House" on Youtube
Obscura - Omnivium
d: March 29th
ao: 4.5/5
This band includes members of Necrophagist among others. The name I think is referencing the classic record by Gorguts. I honestly don't know how much to get excited here. My best memory of this band is seeing their name a lot in 2009 and sampling their last album Cosmogenesis once or twice, and then kind of forgetting about it. And then in the home stretch of 2009, I went back to it and enjoyed it a little more. But it still didn't differ enough from a lot of the technical death metal, for me to want to go back to it. Part of that is mood I guess. So I might owe it to myself to go back again to that album more. And especially when hearing this one, it may help.
But I still ask myself the question I ask about a lot of tech/death albums/bands. What are they doing that is different, distinctive, unique, addictive, etc? I hope to find an earworm, a mind blowing solo, something outrageously funny, or anything that allows them to stand out and gives me reason to go back to playing their album.
"Septuagint" can be streamed here
Neverending White Lights Act III: Love Will Ruin
hopes to release the first single from the album, Neverending White Lights, Act 3: Love Will Ruin, by the end of February, with the full album to follow two to four weeks later.
d: 3rd or 4th week of March
ao: 3.5/5
Kind of fitting timing that this may be released around the time of another melancholy music project like Blackfield. I could probably say about 25 different things for this. But to be as short as possible. Daniel Victor, the mastermind behind Neverending White Lights, from online accounts at least, has SLAVED and STRESSED over this record for FAR TOO LONG.
I really look forward to the day it's released and he can hopefully relax a bit. Because, I really love the music in the 1st 2 NWL albums, and I also like him and care about him (for what that can be worth) as a fan and human being.
The guy is a great talent and this project is really original. He is the lone common part of each song in this project. But every song has a different voice, musicians, etc. A lot of their music is sad or very emotional/passionate. And thus, very moving and pretty much mood-music. But incredible mood-music.
The 1st single comes at the end of February, and I hope everything is good to go soon after that. But if this doesn't drop by the end of March, don't be surprised. This album could have originally been released as far back as the fall of 2009. So, any more kind of delay should not come as a surprise. But if the stars align like they should (and Daniel along with fans like myself deserve), they will and we'll be hearing the 3rd Act in late March.
Between the Buried and Me - TBA
any week/month now.
ao: 2.5/5
The a.o. might have to be bumped up to about 3.5 or more, as the band just posted something on twitter about an update any time "soon."
This is for the EP they worked/have-been-working on. Their next full-length is possibly coming in 2011 as well, but this is 1st.
Assuming it does come SOON, and in this 1st quarter. I will be very excited about it of course. These guys are still among my favorite extreme/progressive Metal of any kind band. Even with the fact 2009's The Great Misdirect didn't entirely work for me. I'm willing to give them a pass certainly. And an EP might be just what the doctor ordered as it may get them to write more concisely. Or perhaps it may be 1 well constructed epic. Or maybe 2.
You think of the great EPs. Music For Nurses, A Twist of Fate, A Change of Seasons. Or even stuff like Distrails Virginia Creeper or Warpaint's Exquisite Corpse. They all don't have any filler. They are all well thought-out. And they also leave you with a lasting hope for more. The ole, "damn, that was good. I can't wait to hear more of this stuff."
BTBAM can and should be able to do that. And TGM actually, had enough ideas in it where had they been refined and isolated, might have found that kind of quality as well.
Bottom line is, Colors, Alaska and even The Silent Circus are more than enough proof this band are elite. Hopefully we'll see a bounce back ep here, and then it'll end up bringing the return level of anticipation for the full-length whenever that comes as well.
"Soon 2" documentary footage
next quarter:
Jeniferever - Silesia
d: 4/11/11
ao: 4.5/5
Sound & Shape - TBA
ao: 4/5
Emanuel & the Fear (EP)
ao: 3/5
dredg - April 19th
ao: 3.5/5
Arch/Matheos
ao: 3.5/5
Fair to Midland - TBA
ao: 3.5/5
The Age of Rockets - TBA
ao: 3/5
House of Fools - TBA
ao: 3.5/5
The Antlers - TBA
ao: 4/5
Between Two Skies - TBA
ao: 2.5/5
Painted In Exile - TBA
ao: 3/5
The Dear Hunter - The Colors Spectrum EPs
ao: 3.5/5
Other Lives - TBA
3.5/5
Tangled Thoughts of Leaving - TBA
3.5/5
The Jelly Jam - Shall We Descend?
ao: 3/5
Falling Up - TBA
ao: 4/5 newest video said June.
Pain of Salvation - Road Salt Two
ao: 4/5 the original word was March, so hopefully it'll manage to come out sometime in the 2nd Quarter
Judgement Day - TBA
ao: 3/5 their kickstarter campaign was a success, so it may find it's way to being ready this Spring.
Steve Morse,Neal Morse,Mike Portnoy,Dave LaRue,Casey McPherson Project - TBA
ao: 1/5
3rd and 4th Quarter names:
The River Empires - Mars/Brighton II, Thurisaz - The Cimmerian Years, Akphaezya - Anthology IV, Annuals, The Appleseed Cast, Battles, Bed of Stars, Bend Sinister, Between the Buried and Me, Big Fresh, Bruce Peninsula - Open Flames, Coldplay, Decapitated, The Dear Hunter/The Felix Culpa, Diablo Swing Orchestra, Disillusion, Dream Theater, East of the Wall, The End, Early Ghost, The Faceless, Fates Warning, Fish, The Fleet Foxes, Flying Forms, The Gloomcatcher, Jimmy Gnecco, Imogen Heap, Jazzkamikaze, Kacica, Karnivool, Klimt 1918, Late of the Pier, Local Natives, Marillion, The Mars Volta, Meniscus, Pat Metheny, Mew, Mute Math, Ne Obliviscaris, Opeth, OSI, Paper Route, Ramona Falls, Renaissance, Rush - Clockwork Angels, Russian Circles, Scale the Summit, Shattered -Behold the Sands of Time, Part 1: Uprising, Sigmund Droid, Sigur Rós, A Silent Film, Spawn of Possession, Strange Creatures, Subterranean Masquerade - In Pastille Colors, This Will Destroy You - Tunnel Blanket, Total Babe, Tool, Devin Townsend - Deconstruction, Devin Townsend - Ghost, Transatlantic, Unexpect, Van Halen, Vektor, The Velvet Teen, U2 - Songs of Ascent,, Ulver - Critical Geography, Steven Wilson, Steven Wilson and Mikael Akerfeldt - Storm Corrosion, Wolfmother, Yes
AllMR 2011 Album Preview 1st Quarter by user1544441
Monday, January 24, 2011
Water & Bodies - Light Year (2011) (1.0)
1/24/11 4:56PM
cover link
posting on their tumblr
Track Listing:
1. Celebration Song
2. Free World
3. Moments in a Life
4. Parallels
5. Echoes
6. The Return
7. Light Year
8. 1980
9. Lonely Night
10. Written & Read
11. Already Gone
Water & Bodies Tour Dates:
February 18 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir w/ The Dimes, Archeology, UHF
February 19 - Seattle, WA @ Skylark Club w/ No Kind Of Rider & Viva La Villians
March 4 - Eugene, OR @ TBA
March 5 - Bend, OR @ Silver Moon Brewery w/ Tango Alpha Tango, Ex Cowboys
the cover honestly, I hate to say it, but it reminds me a bit of promo pics from Pain of Salvation's
Road Salt One
and
22's "Flux" album cover.
But I suppose once getting to hear the album and realize what it's about lyrically (conceptually?), the cover art might seem more logical.
1/3/11 5:53PM
previous info about how it was funded, etc here
Interlacing the passion and raw hooks of 90's alternative rock with their already-streamlined sound, Water & Bodies' new record "Light Year" will undoubtedly scream to those who want to hear something real. Music lovers from all walks of life will be able to take something positive from this fresh collection of heart-felt, energetic songs.
Available Feb 22, 2011 at
itunes, amazon, cdbaby.com, & www.waterandbodies.com
More details to come: Track list, cover art, etc. But being a "backer" as I am, I'm looking forward to this even before that initial 2/22/11 release date. The 2 eps were good, but I can't deny, this is probably the 1st time I've been really excited about their music since hearing some of the Horses Galloping Kaddisfly stuff.
cover link
posting on their tumblr
Track Listing:
1. Celebration Song
2. Free World
3. Moments in a Life
4. Parallels
5. Echoes
6. The Return
7. Light Year
8. 1980
9. Lonely Night
10. Written & Read
11. Already Gone
Water & Bodies Tour Dates:
February 18 - Portland, OR @ Doug Fir w/ The Dimes, Archeology, UHF
February 19 - Seattle, WA @ Skylark Club w/ No Kind Of Rider & Viva La Villians
March 4 - Eugene, OR @ TBA
March 5 - Bend, OR @ Silver Moon Brewery w/ Tango Alpha Tango, Ex Cowboys
the cover honestly, I hate to say it, but it reminds me a bit of promo pics from Pain of Salvation's
Road Salt One
and
22's "Flux" album cover.
But I suppose once getting to hear the album and realize what it's about lyrically (conceptually?), the cover art might seem more logical.
1/3/11 5:53PM
previous info about how it was funded, etc here
Interlacing the passion and raw hooks of 90's alternative rock with their already-streamlined sound, Water & Bodies' new record "Light Year" will undoubtedly scream to those who want to hear something real. Music lovers from all walks of life will be able to take something positive from this fresh collection of heart-felt, energetic songs.
Available Feb 22, 2011 at
itunes, amazon, cdbaby.com, & www.waterandbodies.com
Hey all. The new record will be called "Light Year". It will come out Feb 22, 2011. Thanks again for your continued support of Water & Bodies and please help spread the word about the album! You should start seeing your packages first week of Feb!
cheers
W&B
More details to come: Track list, cover art, etc. But being a "backer" as I am, I'm looking forward to this even before that initial 2/22/11 release date. The 2 eps were good, but I can't deny, this is probably the 1st time I've been really excited about their music since hearing some of the Horses Galloping Kaddisfly stuff.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The River Empires - Kickstarter Campaign
We plan to track the 14 song album over the course of two months during winter 2010/11. Being that our musical style combines bluegrass with film-like soundtrack/scores, we require several hire on musicians to perform the symphonic sounds we are aspiring for. On our first album, we had a very talented harpist, french horn, oboe, clarinet, flute, trumpet, trombone, and bowed contrabass players. We are hoping to continue through that vein of style and so most of the budget would be going toward adding all the extra instrumentation. Essentially we require a small symphonic orchestra to complete our vision of this next album.
In addition, the budget will go toward other production costs, including several weeks of mixing engineering in post.
We are also hoping to really have the time to create, like our first one, a pure and organic album. We don't use auto tune on vocals and we don't quantize instrument performances. We take the time to get take after take until we are happy with it. And we believe that creates much more of an honest sound that is missing these days in the music industry. So this also requires a bit more time in the studio than normal and a lot more attention and devotion to detail.
This band/project have released to me, clearly the best record of 2010 in Epilogue Well now they are working on their 2nd record and are looking to do as much as they can with it budget-wise (as Jessy says in the video, he mentions more or less having to sell everything he could to fund the 1st one).
28 Days, $8,000.
kickstarter.com link
I just pledged $25. When I win the Powerball one of these times, I imagine my pledge will go up ;)
So I've shameless-ly plugged that in as many spots as I could, although possibly more to follow.
But in being totally honest with this. For one, I have seen a handful of projects use Kickstarter:
-The Age of Rockets
-Water & Bodies (twice, one successful, one not)
-Kevin Moore
-Field Mouse (aka Rachel Browne)
none of them I don't recall had not only that high ($8,000) of a GOAL. But also none of them had that short of a expectation as well (28 days or 1 month in effect).
I guess while I obviously hope they meet that goal and in that short of time, I am not expecting it. Stranger or more surprising things have happened. I believe Water & Bodies original goal was $5,000 and it was maybe 2 months. And they possibly were helped by the following they already had from Kaddisfly at least. Although the counter argument to that point is The River Empires has a following from Falling Up. But the number of listeners on last.fm for example doesn't totally support that really
(355 listeners as opposed to the 110,000 on Falling Up's last.fm ..which honestly, that is rather baffling. Forget The River Empires reaching widespread/mainstream success, that is a huge number of fans that haven't caught on to them. The only reason behind that might be the fact Falling Up is kind of molded in the Christian Rock genre/scene and TRE are not. But it still doesn't add up).
So, we'll see in 4 weeks what happens. If they don't make their goal, I hope they consider setting up another, maybe more realistic goal soon after. How about $3,000 and 60 days? Baby steps may become more effective.
I do wonder why I haven't seen Casey Crescenzo talk much about TRE's. Why? maybe he has and I haven't seen it. Or maybe he feels it's Jessy's thing to promote? I dunno, but with 4 weeks to raise $8,000, I would think any and all the help it can get would make sense. I also wonder if spreading the word to people who are into music like Sufjan Stevens and The Decemberists namely might be an untapped resource. But who knows.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Water & Bodies - "Wicked Game" (Chris Isaak cover)
From
Water & Bodies Soundcloud.com page
Wicked Game (Chris Isaak Cover) by waterandbodies
Hauntingly beautiful. That song really works with Chris Ruff's voice.
Water & Bodies Soundcloud.com page
Wicked Game (Chris Isaak Cover) by waterandbodies
Hauntingly beautiful. That song really works with Chris Ruff's voice.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Water & Bodies - The Rain City Sessions 1 & 2 [HELP PRE-ORDER]
kickstarter pre-order fund link
I of course already pre-ordered the vinyl + cd there. Like The Age of Rockets did and The Red Paintings did on a larger scale, that Water & Bodies are now doing as well.
Someone put up $500 just last night, so they are starting to get a little momentum. $4,000 I noticed is their goal there, and the $670 they have right now is at 17%. 55 days remain (although who knows if that number of days/weeks is set in stone).
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Water & Bodies update/documentary
BUMP 1/20/10 2:42AM
Apparently they are going to release "Rain City Sessions 1 and 2" likely by the Spring. On Vinyl and likely a cd.
The new ep is titled "Water & Bodies EP 2" and will be available digitally this month via Rain City Records.
They are looking to sign with a small label in 2010 and are working on their 1st full-length that I would imagine will not consist of many if any of either of the 2 eps/rain city sessions 1 and 2.
The label might be Sub-Pop or another small but "indie" label.
BUMP. 1/15/10 10:10PM
facebook page
ilike.com page
New Song Added.
We just posted a brand new song off our upcoming new Self Titled EP2 on our ilike page. The track is called "Hard to Pin" Listen, share, enjoy.
holee shite, this new song is tremendous! especially the middle section.
1/11/10 3:02AM
ep release show is on Wednesday January 13th.
Apparently they are going to release "Rain City Sessions 1 and 2" likely by the Spring. On Vinyl and likely a cd.
The new ep is titled "Water & Bodies EP 2" and will be available digitally this month via Rain City Records.
They are looking to sign with a small label in 2010 and are working on their 1st full-length that I would imagine will not consist of many if any of either of the 2 eps/rain city sessions 1 and 2.
The label might be Sub-Pop or another small but "indie" label.
BUMP. 1/15/10 10:10PM
facebook page
ilike.com page
New Song Added.
We just posted a brand new song off our upcoming new Self Titled EP2 on our ilike page. The track is called "Hard to Pin" Listen, share, enjoy.
holee shite, this new song is tremendous! especially the middle section.
1/11/10 3:02AM
ep release show is on Wednesday January 13th.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Water & Bodies + 3
Water & Bodies whose debut EP was released back in May have mentioned looking to release their debut full-length soon. And by meaning soon, I got the sense from some people on the boards, and now their blog (Beau their drummer mainly) that it could happen rather soon. They have a lot of songs; many of which I guess if they end up on that debut album, will not include any of the songs on the EP perhaps. But here's the important bit from that blog the other day:
3. We’ve been writing like crazy in all our spare time and things are sounding fab! We have a big surprise to tell you all about, but we might just drop it on you when it finished! hint hint. All I can say is September will be a busy month, busy in a good way ;)
so, something's cooking; and it'll likely be announced next month. Perhaps it'll be the EP as a vinyl sales, or a bigger tour, but the way that reads, it more likely will be
a) details on the debut album, and even perhaps it being released in September or by the end of the year.
b) if not it being released in 2009, details on it, and WHEN, like early in 2010.
If that were possible..within the last week news about them, Transatlantic today, and Kevin Gilbert's 2 cds. Potentially, THAT DEPTH for the year just got hiked up a bit, close to where I thought it might be early in the year.
However, it won't mean all that much if these albums aren't amazing..heck, even just 1 of the 3(4) are. No gurantees, but it's interesting how within a short period of time, once I start to question things a bit, stuff starts to excite me again. The fact is, with really only 2 1/2 months left, the anticipated and known work to come out, will happen rather fast. But that goes back to my point about procrastinating artists. Maybe there's something about releasing an album in the fall like movies? It's not for Grammy's, but maybe for Holiday gifts or something. I wonder if more artists just considered that habit of trying to get an album out by the end of the year, and instead think of it more like in Quarters. How about try and get it out by May, or July.
Deadlines suck, I know, but it just seems like many of them CRAM shit in at the last minute every fucking year now. Or they push it back until "early [insert next year]" which then ends up more like Spring or Summer. And before you know it, it's been a year since the original target date. There is such a thing as TAKING TOO LONG and getting COMPLACENT. OVERTHINKING, OVER-DOING. Sure, it helps to be a perfectionist, but how many times have some of the original versions of songs end up being better than what ends up on the record? A lot more often than I'd imagine.
3 they just announced today "Revisions Volume 1: Anyone Human" will be released on October 27th. Couple of points to be made right off the bat.
http://blogs.myspace.com/officialbandthree
New "3" record: "Revisions" to be released on October 27th / upcoming "3" related performances
Hey Everybody,
We've been hard at work making music ever since we got home from our last tour and now we finally have the word on when our next record is coming out. On OCTOBER 27th "Revisions" will be released to the world!
A word on "Revisions"
"3" has always been a band apart. We've never been afraid to follow the artistic impulse, whether it has lead us to genre bending progressive experimentation, or, as in the case of "Revisions," drawn us into a world defined more by melody and lyric than by instrumental prowess. It goes without saying that our goal has always been to create a symbiosis between these qualities, but on this record we find the poles have shifted in favor of the singer-songwriter element of what we do. This collection taps the rich history of "3" by reexamining some of the earlier songs that made us who we are today. Some of them are known from early live bootlegs, others existed only on cassette and were transferred to the internet by dedicated fans who some how dug them up(possibly out of my garage). In any event, these are songs that we felt deserved a second chance, a "revision," if you will. Our passion for music is truly the common thread that binds our diverse body of work.
Upcoming "3" related performances...
Friday, August 28th, 9pm / Joey Eppard - Gartdrumm & JB Tenney
Live @ Keegan Ales - St James Street, Kingston, NY - - no cover
Saturday, August 29th, 10pm / Joey Eppard solo acoustic! (w/Special guests)
Dave's Coffee House
Partition Street, Saugerties, NY
Joey Eppard solo acoustic!
Saturday, September 5th, 10:15pm / Joey Eppard solo acoustic!
Live @ Sober in the Sun - Coffee House Stage
Treasure Valley Boyscout Camp in Rutland / Oakham, MA
Saturday, September 19th / Joey Eppard solo acoustic!
Live @ Alchemy, Woodstock, NY
a) this is an album of OLD/EARLY songs never recorded or re-arranged. It's not NEW music they've written. And it'll probably end up sounding more in the vein of some of the stuff on "Paint By Number" just guessing. Maybe more heavy on the funk stylings, which might be good, but may not be as catchy or like their last 3 albums which I and many fans enjoy most.
b) they have another album, of all-new music, that'll be released on RoadRunner Records. The idea was this year sometime. Given that posting, I'm kind of skeptical. This again goes back to time-left-in-the-year/season.
c) I'm hoping this will be good, but even if it's not that great, my thoughts about their new songs writings (Joey Eppard) on the RR debut, will be an easy thing to fall back on.
To add to this, not involving the band themself or their label, but with mp.com. Why do I post shit there and expect people to remember/find it when more news comes in about it? Seriously, it's turning into a PREDICTABLE waste of long-term rarely-if-ever-bumped topics INSTEAD OF THEM BEING SEARCHED FOR.
While I may have looked foolish in the TA announcement by seeing "coming in October" and what i thought were missing release dates from another site, I would think the attention-seeking users (whores) who continue to create new topics that fail to find or even SEARCH for an older topic should feel just as foolish. But do they?..I have no idea. But it's not just me, and certainly I've been guilty of it in the past..and guilty with the release-dates-in-the-topic-title-that-ultimately-change-but-the-topic-title-is-never-since-the-forum-software-won't-allow-nonmoderators-to-do-so.
But what ends up happening is all my effort (and ego-stroking, I won't deny) for announcing a new release in a brand new topic ends up being a 1-day or 5-hour thing, and these people don't consider the user who started the 1st thread on said album (or just the band in general) never feel learn. I don't keep track of if some users continue to do so. But I think it's an attention thing, and a NEW-TOPIC thing. A freshly posted new topic looks better.
For some reason though, mp.com is maybe the only board I'm on that continues to have this problem. Pretty much every other board, save for progressiveears which really is pretty fucked up without more than 1-month of history anyway, if a new topic is made, a suave happens and new topic gets locked. Most the users do use the search function better and more regularly. It's really not that hard. But the mp.com people often don't care or think about it.
I dunno, my new year's resolution may be modified but become more of a reality next year. No new topics about albums, and NO REPLIES. Frankly, pretty much lurk-mode on the busy boards. But I need more discipline to do that of course. {Perhaps just try and finish out this year and decade I suppose. But I would think those who really care or notice will stumble their way over here. And certainly, what this blog could be is just commenting and fwd-ing shit I see on the forums.
I've thought of just making 1 topic over on progressiveears "mnprogger's music news" but now thinking about that, it's rather silly because ultimately it'll look much like the modern indie thread anyway, and most people barely can keep up with it. I doubt it'd fly, but I think there is something to be said about 1 topic being focused on JUST MY BACKGROUND. Too many times those threads end up having shit posted in them I don't care about, and hurt the thread's intention. With a narcissistic, self-indulgent thread, it would be like passing along shit in this blog mostly anyway, but those people don't come here as far as I know. It would force my shit to be there.
but I still say they have got to get a real fucking message board with history that goes back years. Marillion.com forum is like that, but much worse. Short-term forums suck. Topics should be searched for and bumped. I don't see why it's not looked at as, as necessary as it should be.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March: Bands, Prog Rock info, Concert Calendar
The new U2 album "No Line on the Horizon" I like. About 6 or 7 tracks especially I think work well. Not an AotY candidate or anything, but it's a nice change to being more experimental. Change in production and textures. I dig the piano and strings among others. The new single "Get On Your Boots" however, is probably the worst song on it, lol.
Doves hitting The Varsity Theater in May makes the upcoming concert plate a bit more frequent in April and May.
March:
20th Bridge Over Troubled Water
30th Bloc Party @ First Ave (maybe)
April
5th Fair to Midland (The Rock)
10th dredg (Varsity)
13th Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (The Triplerock)
26th Neko Case (State Theater) time/$ permitting
29th Mastodon (The Fine Line)
May
3rd Leonard Cohen (Orpheum Theater) time/$ permitting
15th Protest the Hero (Station 4)
28th Doves (Varsity)
I'm sure I'm missing a few dates.
OSI's "Blood" is released on May 19th in the US.
info
01. The Escape Artist
02. Terminal
03. False Start
04. We Come Undone
05. Radiologue
06. Be The Hero
07. Microburst Alert
08. Stockholm
09. Blood
Disc 2
01. No Celebrations
02. Christian Brothers
03. Terminal (endless)
Classic Rock (magazine) Presents: PROG
I'm definitely curious about this new magazine, as I have enjoyed Classic Rock Magazine's special "Prog" issues in the past. So it appears they're going to try to do a semi-regular publication on it.
CLASSIC ROCK PRESENTS PROG
The already burgeoning prog rock scene receives another welcome boost with the announcement of the imminent arrival of Classic Rock Presents Prog, a new quarterly journal of progressive music that's set to offer prog rock fans a wealth of coverage of their favourite bands, artists and music.
Issue one sets out its stall by covering true giants of the genre like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and ELP all the way through to modern day protagonists such as Dream Theater, Coheed & Cambria, Queensrcyhe and Porcupine Tree. New acts such as The Reasoning, Frost* and Demians find themselves nestling alongside established prog heroes like Marillion, Rush and Asia.
Packed with exclusive interviews, news and reviews, the whole spectrum of astounding sounds and amazing music gets the Classic Rock treatment in March. Issue One hits the news stands March 25. It's a date you don't want to miss.
Oceansize's Australian Tour
I guess supporting Cog is a big reason how they are able to afford it.
Thu 4/06/2009 NSW Fremantle Metro
Fri 5/06/2009 SA Adelaide The Gov
Sat 6/06/2009 VIC Melbourne Hi Fi
Sun 7/06/2009 VIC Melbourne Hi Fi
Thu 11/06/2009 QLD Brisbane Hi Fi H
Fri 12/06/2009 NSW Newcastle Panthers
Sat 13/06/2009 NSW Sydney Selinas
my curiosity is, if they can afford that, perhaps they could afford something similar soon in the US.
Archive's new album is called "Controlling Crowds" and is listed to be released on March 30th.
The 1st single "Bullets" (youtube link above) I definitely like and am looking forward to this album a lot more than I expected. "Lights" from 2006 was okay, but not of the quality of "Noise" and "You All Look the Same to Me."
Fields album "Hollow Mountains" I've seen 2 release dates listed being March 2nd and March 9th. And of course "March." But with no track-list nor artwork, and some mention on their last.fm page about it's status and the band lacking a record label I guess, it's release date/time is really uncertain.
Kiss Kiss, Local Natives, even dredg to a point, kind of are (or were) in a similar spot. Local Natives at least, last night on the NBC show "Chuck" had 1 of their new songs "Airplanes" played for a short while in the background. Being a Street Team member and genuine hugely optimistic fan of theirs, my jaw literally dropped to the floor hearing that. The point being, they are a fucking great band, and more people should and I gotta believe will like them. Many of those Fleet Foxes ass-kissers (among others..Panda Bear, Animal Collective, Miracle Fortess even) are gonna find out when they get the exposure they deserve. They're just too damn good not to.
Water & Bodies began recording last week, what is I guess to be a 7-song EP that likely will be released digitally. CD and/or Vinyl as well, most likely available through their website and @ Concerts directly from the band. I'm extremely excited to hear these songs recorded after hearing samples live the past few months. I realize this is not Kaddisfly but it may be something even better for all anyone knows. And maybe best, going directly through them, it'll be available rather soon. Like perhaps by April or even earlier.
Soundscape's "Grave New World" I will be hearing in the coming weeks. It's been a 10-year wait, but I am without question overjoyed to finally get to hear it. Expect some kind of in-depth review on this blog among other spots soon after. My s/n on many sites isn't "Soundcape(MN)" for nothing of course :P. "Discovery" is a life-changing record for myself anyway. If GNW is even 1/10 of that, it'll be an AotY contender (to be honest, it already is).
dredg's new album "The Pariah, The Parrot, the Delusion" is coming out on May 19th (same day as the US release of OSI, wow!)
cover art:
Mew's new album is expected in June.
King's X are headlining 3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival I guess. Honestly, this is pretty surprising. Maybe it's a $ thing or I'm totally off on their current approach live. I would never expect them to play a "Prog" festival. But then again, many years ago Porcupine Tree did as well. Hopefully they'll do some more touring in 2009 and comeback to Minneapolis, a place they used to never skip (I saw them 10 times from 1996 to 2005 for example).
Muse new album to have a heavy Classical music influence?
bbc article
By Georgie Rogers
6 Music News reporter
The band have their own recording studios at Lake Como in Italy
Muse's new studio album could see them move away from their traditional rock sound to create a more "orchestral", classical offering.
Frontman Matt Bellamy said: "There's some really brilliant songs coming out, some of our best material I think."
The follow-up to 2006's Black Holes And Revelations is expected later this year coinciding with an Autumn tour.
Last month, the Devon band picked up the NME award for best live band for the second year in a row.
Speaking to BBC 6 Music, Bellamy revealed the record's sound could see the band abandoning their traditional rock leanings completely. We'll be knocking on Classic FM's door, you know
Muse frontman, Matt Bellamy
"A symphonic album has turned up here, like a full collaboration with an orchestra," he said.
"There's definitely a few things on the album which are segueing into each other and it's all very orchestral, but that could take over the album, so it could actually be kind of classical act basically, and move away from rock all together.
"We'll be knocking on Classic FM's door, you know?"
Doves hitting The Varsity Theater in May makes the upcoming concert plate a bit more frequent in April and May.
March:
20th Bridge Over Troubled Water
30th Bloc Party @ First Ave (maybe)
April
5th Fair to Midland (The Rock)
10th dredg (Varsity)
13th Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (The Triplerock)
26th Neko Case (State Theater) time/$ permitting
29th Mastodon (The Fine Line)
May
3rd Leonard Cohen (Orpheum Theater) time/$ permitting
15th Protest the Hero (Station 4)
28th Doves (Varsity)
I'm sure I'm missing a few dates.
OSI's "Blood" is released on May 19th in the US.
info
01. The Escape Artist
02. Terminal
03. False Start
04. We Come Undone
05. Radiologue
06. Be The Hero
07. Microburst Alert
08. Stockholm
09. Blood
Disc 2
01. No Celebrations
02. Christian Brothers
03. Terminal (endless)
Classic Rock (magazine) Presents: PROG
I'm definitely curious about this new magazine, as I have enjoyed Classic Rock Magazine's special "Prog" issues in the past. So it appears they're going to try to do a semi-regular publication on it.
CLASSIC ROCK PRESENTS PROG
The already burgeoning prog rock scene receives another welcome boost with the announcement of the imminent arrival of Classic Rock Presents Prog, a new quarterly journal of progressive music that's set to offer prog rock fans a wealth of coverage of their favourite bands, artists and music.
Issue one sets out its stall by covering true giants of the genre like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and ELP all the way through to modern day protagonists such as Dream Theater, Coheed & Cambria, Queensrcyhe and Porcupine Tree. New acts such as The Reasoning, Frost* and Demians find themselves nestling alongside established prog heroes like Marillion, Rush and Asia.
Packed with exclusive interviews, news and reviews, the whole spectrum of astounding sounds and amazing music gets the Classic Rock treatment in March. Issue One hits the news stands March 25. It's a date you don't want to miss.
Oceansize's Australian Tour
I guess supporting Cog is a big reason how they are able to afford it.
Thu 4/06/2009 NSW Fremantle Metro
Fri 5/06/2009 SA Adelaide The Gov
Sat 6/06/2009 VIC Melbourne Hi Fi
Sun 7/06/2009 VIC Melbourne Hi Fi
Thu 11/06/2009 QLD Brisbane Hi Fi H
Fri 12/06/2009 NSW Newcastle Panthers
Sat 13/06/2009 NSW Sydney Selinas
my curiosity is, if they can afford that, perhaps they could afford something similar soon in the US.
Archive's new album is called "Controlling Crowds" and is listed to be released on March 30th.
The 1st single "Bullets" (youtube link above) I definitely like and am looking forward to this album a lot more than I expected. "Lights" from 2006 was okay, but not of the quality of "Noise" and "You All Look the Same to Me."
Fields album "Hollow Mountains" I've seen 2 release dates listed being March 2nd and March 9th. And of course "March." But with no track-list nor artwork, and some mention on their last.fm page about it's status and the band lacking a record label I guess, it's release date/time is really uncertain.
Kiss Kiss, Local Natives, even dredg to a point, kind of are (or were) in a similar spot. Local Natives at least, last night on the NBC show "Chuck" had 1 of their new songs "Airplanes" played for a short while in the background. Being a Street Team member and genuine hugely optimistic fan of theirs, my jaw literally dropped to the floor hearing that. The point being, they are a fucking great band, and more people should and I gotta believe will like them. Many of those Fleet Foxes ass-kissers (among others..Panda Bear, Animal Collective, Miracle Fortess even) are gonna find out when they get the exposure they deserve. They're just too damn good not to.
Water & Bodies began recording last week, what is I guess to be a 7-song EP that likely will be released digitally. CD and/or Vinyl as well, most likely available through their website and @ Concerts directly from the band. I'm extremely excited to hear these songs recorded after hearing samples live the past few months. I realize this is not Kaddisfly but it may be something even better for all anyone knows. And maybe best, going directly through them, it'll be available rather soon. Like perhaps by April or even earlier.
Soundscape's "Grave New World" I will be hearing in the coming weeks. It's been a 10-year wait, but I am without question overjoyed to finally get to hear it. Expect some kind of in-depth review on this blog among other spots soon after. My s/n on many sites isn't "Soundcape(MN)" for nothing of course :P. "Discovery" is a life-changing record for myself anyway. If GNW is even 1/10 of that, it'll be an AotY contender (to be honest, it already is).
dredg's new album "The Pariah, The Parrot, the Delusion" is coming out on May 19th (same day as the US release of OSI, wow!)
cover art:
Mew's new album is expected in June.
King's X are headlining 3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival I guess. Honestly, this is pretty surprising. Maybe it's a $ thing or I'm totally off on their current approach live. I would never expect them to play a "Prog" festival. But then again, many years ago Porcupine Tree did as well. Hopefully they'll do some more touring in 2009 and comeback to Minneapolis, a place they used to never skip (I saw them 10 times from 1996 to 2005 for example).
Muse new album to have a heavy Classical music influence?
bbc article
By Georgie Rogers
6 Music News reporter
The band have their own recording studios at Lake Como in Italy
Muse's new studio album could see them move away from their traditional rock sound to create a more "orchestral", classical offering.
Frontman Matt Bellamy said: "There's some really brilliant songs coming out, some of our best material I think."
The follow-up to 2006's Black Holes And Revelations is expected later this year coinciding with an Autumn tour.
Last month, the Devon band picked up the NME award for best live band for the second year in a row.
Speaking to BBC 6 Music, Bellamy revealed the record's sound could see the band abandoning their traditional rock leanings completely. We'll be knocking on Classic FM's door, you know
Muse frontman, Matt Bellamy
"A symphonic album has turned up here, like a full collaboration with an orchestra," he said.
"There's definitely a few things on the album which are segueing into each other and it's all very orchestral, but that could take over the album, so it could actually be kind of classical act basically, and move away from rock all together.
"We'll be knocking on Classic FM's door, you know?"
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