Vinyl Update 3/23/16 Part 1 of 2, 13 mins

As I mentioned, I'm splitting up or waiting to make another vinyl video once I pickup the record that's at the post office currently.

In this video:


Kevin Gilbert - Thud (Kashmir EP)
Transatlantic - SMPTe
Transatlantic - Bridge Across Forever
Fates Warning - A Pleasant Shade of Gray
The Tea Party - The Edges of Twilight
Kerry Livgren - Seeds of Change
Queen - A Kind of Magic

React To Watchmojo.com Underrated Movies + Vinyl Video coming

Here on the Non-Music Blog

I'd love to spend time just talking about many of the movies I mentioned, and for that matter, many I didn't even, as there are a lot of 4-star movies that I didn't include, that aren't incredibly popular, etc.

Time of course.

Also I have a good stack of new vinyls to make a video about in the next day or 2. I guess just as a preview it includes:

Transatlantic
Fates Warning
Jeff Buckley
Coheed and Cambria
The Tea Party
Protest the Hero
Kerry Livgren
Queen

and I have some others in progress like Galactic Cowboys, Savatage, Extreme and Hawkwind, Dream Theater, Fates Warning and Marillion potentially. Although, I am still trying to save/pay for a wedding in September, lol.

Anderson / Stolt - Invention of Knowledge (2015-2016)

3/18/16 8:46PM
I saw some stuff about this, I forget when, maybe a couple of weeks ago? Or it may have been just over last weekend. Anyway, the thing about this is, I tend to notice like Neal Morse, most things Roine Stolt does, sound like him and The Flower Kings. So I guess my hopes and expectations for this would be for it to sound like TFK's with Jon singing.

Now with the emphasis and inpsiration even more from classic, 70's epic Yes stuff, and especially having Jon involved, it may not ultimately quite come out like The Flower Kings with Jon Anderson singing.

And it is impressive to have this come out, with Jon's track record of projects that are in-the-works but never seem to actually come out.

And just noticing the guests, I am curious what role Daniel Gildenlow will have? he may just sing some harmonies and play guitar on some of it, I dunno. And from creative standpoint, his role may be minimal at best. Since even the stuff he did with The Flower Kings I never fell head over heals with exactly.

But all that being said, I will certainly check this out and maybe at least hope to be pleasantly surprised by it. If they capture some of the Tales and Relayer/CTTE/Heart of the Sunrise vibe (or even "Mind Drive" for that matter) I cannot see myself not listening to it a fair amount.


insideoutmusic.com



1. Knowing 17:45
2. Everybody Heals 13:20
3. Invention Of Knowledge 23:10
4. Know 11:20

Anderson / Stolt, the brand new duo of legendary Yes vocalist & singer/songwriter Jon Anderson and progressive rock veteran Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic), have announced the release of their collaborative album 'Invention Of Knowledge' for 24th June 2016 via InsideOut Music.

Jon Anderson had this to say: ".....Music is always the driving force in my life...working with such a wonderful musician as Roine Stolt made the creation of this album very unique,we are very excited with the release of 'Invention of Knowledge'."

Roine Stolt adds: "It is not aiming at being new Yes music; just new music, modern and classical, rock and ethno, tribal and orchestrated, grooving and floating. Hopefully in the true spirit of "progressive" - leaning forward, surprising and also comforting with familiar run-arounds. 

We've been "inventing" as we go along - Jon is an endless source of new ideas. We've been bouncing ideas back and forth for months and as a result there are probably dozens of versions of these songs. It's been a very interesting and rewarding time and the result is just insanely detailed."

InsideOut label-head Thomas Waber comments: "I have been talking to Jon for ages about making an album of 'Yes music' - as Jon calls it - and Roine seemed like the perfect guy for him to work with. I am really happy that it has finally happened and I am also thrilled with the material they have come up with. I think it will please a lot of fans!"


The idea came to life swiftly off the back of a performance from Roine's band Transatlantic, and Jon Anderson on the Progressive Nation At Sea Cruise in 2014, and was initially instigated by InsideOut Music label boss Thomas Waber. The duo set about crafting new music in the spirit of early epic works such as 'Tales From Topographic Oceans', 'Awaken' & 'Olias Of Sunhillow', but giving it a modern twist.

Written & recorded over the course of 1 and a half years, the tracks have been in a state of constant change as Roine and Jon swapped & refined ideas by sending tracks to each other via the internet. In March 2015, an ensemble was put together by Roine to realise the music live in the studio. Joining him there was Tom Brislin (who played on the Yes Symphonic tour) & Lalle Larsson on keys, Jonas Reingold & Michael Stolt on bass and Felix Lehrmann on drums. The sessions were also bolstered by appearances from Daniel Gildenlöw, Nad Sylvan, Anja Obermayer, Maria Rerych and Kristina Westas who all provided backing vocals.

Random Artist Feature: Oceansize (17 mins)

Another one, 17+ mins is kind of par for the course for these. I'd love to make them shorter, but at the same time I'd like to tell as much of my history and the band's history with each.

As for Oceansize, I need to pickup both Effloresce and Music for Nurses on Vinyl. The latter may happen soon. Self Preserved perhaps as well. And the Feed to Feed boxed set as I mentioned,

I always meant to write up a more in-depth dissection of their catalog, which I could still do someday, but time always is not on my side. That and desire to cover more ground and music, etc.

3/12/16 Cloud Cult at the State Theatre Minneapolis, MN

Guess-estimated Set List:

The Great Unknown
Running With The Wolves
Sleepwalker
Time Machine Invention
Everything You Thought You Had
You Were Born
Story Of The Grandson Of Jesus
Days to Remember
Transistor Radio
Meet Me Where You're Going
Light at the End of the Tunnel?
No Hell
The Man Jumped Out the Window
Blessings
Love You All
There's So Much Energy In Us
Complicated Creation
Through the Ages

Another uplifting show from Cloud Cult, supporting their new record/film The Seeker which has become my favorite record of 2015-2016 thus far, and among if not my favorite of theirs overall.

The set list is likely not 100% accurate both in titles and order as I was not able to find it anywhere online (setlist.fm namely at this point), but it's relatively close to this. I did try to get a set list sheet after the show as I saw them on stage, but the security people wouldn't allow me to grab it, or have one of them go up and get one for me unfortunately.

But in terms of what is included, it is quite good and it has a lot material from of course The Seeker, Love and Light Chasers. Love, got a lot of *love*, although I was expecting them to play "Good Friend" after they kept playing tracks off it. But "Sleepwalker" is one of my favorites from that record and I was really happy to hear it last night.

I suppose I would have lost it probably had they included "You Never Were Alone" which has become maybe their saddest song to me ever, at least how the music sounds along with the lyrics hit me. I dunno, I wonder if they will eventually bring it out on another leg, or perhaps they'll play the entire The Seeker record at some point. Which that would also include "The pilgrimage" which has become a favorite of mine.

But the show, I guess while being sold out, many of the tickets were held by the band members for family, etc. I was fortunate enough to meet a gentleman named Gary who had an extra ticket. he was nice enough to give me. And his seats were pretty good, about 20 rows back on the right side in front of Sarah Perbix, Cloud Cult's keyboard/trumpet/french horn and vocalist (and whom I sort of know personally as I took some piano lessons from her a few years ago).

But it was more or less a capacity crowd at the State Theatre. And it had the crowd standing frequently, which I have mixed feelings about. For one, I like to see the whole band and the paintings that are being made by Scott West and Connie Minowa. And I also am not crazy about standing for long lengths of time, especially considering this show went well over 2 hours.

And the Cloud Cult fans also seem to enjoy standing, and even dancing, which I follow I suppose to a point. But what it led to was a lot of standing up, and sitting down. By about the middle of the set, I just couldn't sit anymore given some folks a couple of rows up were not going to sit anymore.

Which makes me wonder if they will do more shows at any of the Hennepin theaters, or go back to First Ave when they do shows in the Twin Cities, save for an outdoor event like Rock the Garden or whatever. Although considering they have played at Orchestra Hall and the Southern Theater, I suppose playing theater shows is not new to them. I was at the Orchestra Hall show back in 2011? I think it was, and it worked really well. I just don't recall the sitting-standing-sitting-standing-sitting-standing thing as much as last night.

But alas, it's been 3 years since I last saw them supporting Love, and even with a little bit of personnel changes, they still are infectious live act. I just feel a bit spoiled I suppose to have them from my hometown, so much that I don't try and see them every chance I get because of time, budget, and priority. But I mentioned to Gary, if they were from another town and came to Minnesota even once every other year, I'd likely never miss a show. They're still THAT good live.

And maybe someday they'll want to play like the complete Light Chasers live, which would probably be a dream set list for me for them.

Oddland - Origin (2015-2016)

article talking about album and signing to Sensory Records



Finnish progressive metal band Oddland have signed with Ken Golden's related Metal label Sensory Records for their 2nd LP Origin.

A Summer release is expected per that article.

I'll be bumping this topic of course when more details come. I enjoy 2012's The Treachery Of Senses quite a bit. The Opeth influence is there, in a good way.

Here's the video linked on that article live at ProgPower Europe.

Keith Emerson Rest in Peace

Another revered musician from MY world is gone! Anyone's world I suppose. George Martin lived a full life, etc, but it is still sad.

But now Ketih.

I saw Keith once in 1998 at Grand Casino Hinckley with Dream Theater and Deep Purple. It was a very memorable show, including his famous work of getting on top of his piano and using a knife I recall.

While ELP aren't absolute favorite of mine, they are a band I have always enjoyed, and their best records like Tarkus and Brain Salad Surgery especially.

Godspeed..jeez, this has been one tough calendar year, and it's only March 11th :{

I hope this is the last for a long time.

But in the mean time, welcome back friends to the show that never ends, come inside come inside, and don't forget the life and work of the great Keith Emerson.

oh and I need to now for certain, spend time with his band The Nice. I guess him and Jimi Hendrix are now jamming up in heaven as they always did and meant to do after after 1970 (HELP happened in a parallel universe I will always believe).



Carl Palmer's Facebook

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson. Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come. He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz. I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humor, compelling showmanship, and dedication to his musical craft. I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did, together. Rest in peace, Keith.

Carl Palmer
March 11, 2016

Amanda Palmer - Machete [Single]

Good tune, not all that different for Amanda. The inspiration is interesting as usual. Cool that Ben Folds is included in the credits.

this song was written in memory of anthony: best friend, cancer victim, weapons enthusiast, life-saver and….it’s a long story. but a good one. read it here: bit.ly/AFPMachete 

PLEASE LISTEN WITH HEADPHONES IF POSSIBLE. 
this recording was able to come into being created because of my incredible patreon community. 
if you want to support more making of Things, please consider joining us: www.patreon.com/amandapalmer 

the band: 
amanda palmer - piano and vocals 
jherek bischoff - electric bass, string arrangement, mixing & mastering engineer, bad-ass 
ben folds - drums, spiritual editor 
ryan lerman - electric guitar 
aniela marie perry - cello 
lauren elizabeth baba - viola 
crystal brooke alforque - violin 

sound engineers: 
chris kahn at eastwest studio LA (band) 
jaron luksa at the rattle room (vocals and strings) 

thanks to mayumi heider for cat-herding, and to mayumi, risa luksa, and gracie folds for childcare.
lyrics
lyrics: 

MACHETE. 

i have never liked the box of knives 
you said was a paradox because you’re kind 
but withstood a childhood that robbed you blind 
of love that was safe and so you learned to fight 
x3 

what do i do with this stuff? 
it seems like yesterday i called you up 
i had a terrible case of the past 
i didn’t know how to get it off 
i didn’t know how to get it off 

and you took 
your machete 
and you sliced through the vines that wrapped around me 
and you said 
i don’t know what i’m doing 
so i’ll just keep on cutting 
it’s worth a little blood to get your arms free 

i have never liked the box of knives 
you said was a paradox because you’re kind 
but withstood a childhood that robbed you blind 
of love that was safe and so you learned to fight 
x2 

what do i do with this stuff? 
it seems like yesterday i was in love 
i kept of covering the soft parts up 
i didn’t know how to get them off 
i didn’t know how to get them off 

and you took your machete 
and you hacked through the woods in the surrounding 
and you said 
i don’t know where i’m going 
i just know that i’m heading from 
the dead things piling up behind me 

and you took 
your machete 
and you carved out a path to my chest and you said see 
there’s nothing not worth keeping 
you’ve felt so many beatings 
but 
nothing’s going to work if you believe me 
nothing’s going to work if you believe me 

i have never liked the box of knives 
you said was a paradox because you’re kind 
but withstood a childhood that robbed you blind 
of love that was safe and so you learned to fight 
x2 

i have never liked the box of knives 
i took it to the oceanside the day you died 
i stood out on the dock 
no matter how hard i tried 
i couldn’t drop them in 
and i collapsed and cried: 

what do i do with this stuff? 
it seems like yesterday you were alive 
and it’s as if you never really died 
and it’s as if you never really died. 

and you took 
your machete 
and you said boo guess who 
but seriously, beauty 
you said 
see ? 
you get the drill now don’t you 
it’s not a will or won’t 
you can’t keep making symbols out of nothing 

so i took your machete 
and i sliced off your head and you laughed 
and you said see 
it’s just like anti matter 
it’s dumbo’s magic feather 
you don’t need me here to cut you 
you don’t need me here to cut you 
you don’t need me here to cut you 
you don’t need me here to cut you 

free.
credits
released March 9, 2016

Who the F*@% is Frank Zappa? (new Zappa doc campaign)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alexwinter/frank-zappa



Documentary Kickstarter for this doc on Zappa. I have to admit, I would like to see this, even with my sort of love/not-so-love relationship with Zappa's music (i.e. From the limited amount I have heard, I enjoy a lot of it, but there's also a lot of it I don't care for).

Alex Winter of course from the Bill and Ted series of movies and who made the Napster documentary a few years ago titled Downloaded, is behind it.

Alex Lifeson interview about the future of Rush (in 2016 and Beyond)

RS story



This is not really news, except for it being more or less official now. Altough the quotes from Alex in that are more or less what he's said in interviews over the last 6 months about Neil and the R40 tour being difficult/painful for him.

And there's not an actual quote from Alex, at least that I can tell, that says they are never going to ever tour again.

It just has this quote

"We had such a great time on the tour," Lifeson tells Rolling Stone. "And it was really nice to go through all the material in reverse chronology, and I think our fans really enjoyed it. I think that no matter how long it would have been, it would have been too short. Neil was prepared to commit to 30 dates and he told us that right from the very beginning. He didn't even want to do the tour, to be honest with you. It's been increasingly difficult for him, but he committed to the tour and we got through it. As far as he was concerned, that was the end of touring."

But anyway, this has been more or less the belief long before the R40 tour even. I imagine they will still play the 1-offs or special shows at some point. Or Geddy and Alex will end up doing some shows either together or alone perhaps down the road.

And they may put out more recordings at least.

For me personally, I saw them I count 8? times, so I can't complain.

Random Artist Feature: dredg

So I did a couple of videos about dredg.

I love dredg so much, I could see going back and doing more in detail album reviews at some point, but we'll see.

Black Mountain - IV (2015-2016)

3/6/16 1:49AM

2nd single and animated video for "Florian Saucer Attack."


2/13/16 2:06PM
I don't have a ton of time right now to elaborate on this, but I suppose I can just say this 1st single  (and trippy as hell video below) "Mother of the Sun" is 8.5 minutes and pretty much capturing a lot of what I used to love  .about this Canadian heavy psych/stoner/prog band who feature both male and female vocals, (namely from the In the Future period in 2008)

This 1st new album, after 6 years, since 2010's Wilderness Heart, drops on April 1st.
http://www.jagjaguwar.com/onesheet.php?cat=JAG277


1 Mothers of the Sun
2 Florian Saucer Attack
3 Defector
4 You Can Dream
5 Constellations
6 Line Them All Up
7 Cemetery Breeding
8 (Over & Over) The Chain
9 Crucify Me
10 Space to Bakersfield

Nerf Herder - The Girl Who Listened to Rush

http://exclaim.ca/music/article/nerf_herder-the_girl_who_listened_to_rush

This is a song from geeky pop/punk band from California, Nerf Herder from their upcoming record Rockingham, which is released on March 11th.



This is pretty much gold although on Sound Opinions last week with Geddy and Alex the lack of Female Rush fans was addressed. And at the end of the current week's episode of Sound Opinions, some female Rush fans called in of course.

Kevin Gilbert - The City of the Sun live + a Mix

I'm pretty sure I've heard some of the alternate live versions of "The City of the Sun" and a few of the other 'Shaming tracks. Perhaps even this version, I forget.

But this is cool to revisit again, even as different and stripped down as it sounds live. The Spoken Word does add a bit as well.

Kevin Gilbert - The City Of The Sun (Live + More Mix) 2016...just for fun.

Kevin Gilbert - Bass and Vocals
Nick D'Virgilio - Drums
Russ Parrish - Guitar

Spoken Word - Jamie DeWolf

Live at:
Rittenhouse Square (outdoors)
Philadelphia
Aug 23, 1995

iamthemorning - Lighthouse (2015-2016)

3/1/16 1:54PM
1st track "Chalk and Coal" ..haven't listened yet, but should later today.



1/28/16 10:13PM
This is the new/upcoming album from Russian modern-classical influenced prog duo iamthemorning.
I really enjoyed Belighted from 2014 and the older records after finally being won over by their sound.

Gavin Harrison, Colin Edwin and KScope labelmate Marius Duda among the guests, adds curiosity.

Release date is April 1st. 




1. I Came Before the Water (pt. I) [1:41]
2. Too Many Years [5:09]
3. Clear Clearer [4:35]
4. Sleeping Pills [3:43]
5. Libretto Horror [2:13]
6. Lighthouse (feat. Mariusz Duda) [6:13]
7. Harmony [5:18]
8. Matches [4:18]
9. Belighted [3:26]
10. Chalk And Coal [4:56]
11. I Came Before the Water (pt. II) [2:56]
12. Post Scriptum [2:43]

Vinyl Preorder
CD Preorder

Featuring guests Gavin Harrison, Colin Edwin and Mariusz Duda (Riverside, Luantic Soul) and engineered/mixed by Marcel Van Limbeek (Tori Amos), Lighthouse is the 2016 album from Russian Post-Progressive duo iamthemorning. 

Rich and eclectic, Ligthouse possesses elements of Classical music, Canterbury Prog, northern Folk, Jazz and Ambient music. 

Recorded across London, Moscow and St Petersburg, the core instrument of the band, the grand piano, was recorded in Mosfilm Studios Moscow, the largest and oldest studios in Russia. Founded in 1920, Mosfilm is renowned for recording orchestras for soundtracks for the most famous Soviet-era films, including works by Tarkovsky and Eisenstein. 

Lighthouse chronicles the progression of mental illness. The album takes the listener through the stages of breakdown via a central character - her attempts to fight it, temporal remission leading to a final collapse and has been inspired by the works and lives of Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath. 

The album artwork for Lighthouse was created by watercolour artist and long-term collaborator, Constantine Nagishkin. 


iamthemorning on Facebook