2007: The Year of Kermit the Prog

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy

I just finished watching the entire deluxe edition DVD set of 'The Lord of the Rings' again, and I can't say how amazed I am at how well the movie has held up so far. I will put aside my gripes over the book to silver screen comparison and just say that this movie has left me speechless once again.

Peter Jackson has done a job that no one else could ever really do well: bring the greatest fantasy novel to life. With an incredible cast of actors, a stunning visual world, and a beautiful soundtrack, this movie is the be all end all of fantasy motion pictures. I truely believe that none will ever top this work of cinematic genius.

With 'The Fellowship of the Ring', he was able to lay down the foundation of the story in such a way that it never really dragged at all. The action was fastpaced and the introducing storyline was just incredible.

With 'The Two Towers', my personal favorite in both novel and movie form, Jackson turned the Battle at Helm's Deep into one of the most visually stunning things that I have ever seen in my life. And the amazing work at brining Gollum to life was just breathtaking.

'The Return of the King' was the only movie I had any gripes with, none of which I will mention now. The battles scenes were incredible, the CGI was fantastic, and the finale(s...s...s...) were the perfect way to bring this epic movie undertaking to a close.

I recently read that there may be a forthcoming movie for 'The Hobbit', but without Jackson at the helm. I somehow doubt it will be up to the standard of 'Rings', but I'll see it anyway.

For those of you who like fantasy stories but have been living under a rock, or are to stubborn to check this movie out, at least give it a chance. The only thing you have to lose is time... and a whole hell of a lot of it.

Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime II

When Queensryche announced their plans to return to 'Operation: Mindcimre' the reaction was mixed. Fans were wondering if the band could pull off such a maneuver without one of the primary songwriters of the original, ex guitarist Chris DeGarmo. After a brief tour featuring the entire first 'Mindcrime' and a couple tracks the band were working on, Queensryche once again went into the studio to create rock 'n roll history.

The opening track "Freheit Ouverture" immediately puts to rest the worries of the bands ability to craft a worthy follow up to one of the greatest concept albums of all time. The playing is tight and the music is just as good as anything from it's predecessor. The lead off cut to the story "I'm American" (played as a work in progress on the tour) is a balls to the wall rocker with some of the best vocal work seen from Tate in a long time.

The lyrics, inspired by the current political climate in the United States, are centered around Nikki's revenge and redemption. Many asked/unasked questions are answered in the nearly one hour story (although at times the story may be slightly unbelievable). Musically, this is the album that Queensryche fans have been waiting for. The crunch of the original re-appears, while the experience of these seasoned musicians shines throughout the album.

Reprising her role as Sister Mary, Pamela Moore returns to the story as a ghost of her memory in Nikki's head. One of the most surprising guest roles is Ronnie James Dio as the evil Doctor X.

Although the disc is not as good as the original 'Mindcrime' (what could be?!?), this sequel is not only a worthy addition to the already vastly impressive Queensryche discography, but it's more than worthy of the 'Mindcrime' title.

-YtseRob

LITTLE CHILDREN

Finally got to see this much aniticipated film starring one my favorites, Kate Winslet. I guess in short, Kate played a role I am pretty unfamiliar with seeing her play. The Infidelity part of her character stuck out. The director, Todd Fields, whose last movie a few years ago, IN THE BEDROOM, I felt was great. LITTLE CHILDREN has some similarities, which having seen both I can see how the same director could have made them both. LITTLE CHILDREN really focused a lot on whether the characters were doing the right thing, and in some ways, their infidelity actually may have been. Maybe the most liberal side to this film's plot was the character played by Jackie Earl Haley. Who portays a recently released from prison sex offender. After watching him for awhile it hit me that it was the kid who played Kelly from the BAD NEWS BEARS movies. Now he's 46, but that really caught me offguard. Believe it or not, the story lends you to ultimately feel for the guy, which when you see it, you'll realize why and why it's so strange. Haley ended up receiving a support nominations for the SAG awards announced this week. I suppose he would qualify for this, but his role was not tied to the leads much.

Overall, this was a very well written, well acted film. But it's not one that leaves you with smiles or even much relief. Very "Indie" I suppose in that respect. The resolution isn't crystal at the end, and it's hardly politically correct in many instances. It was based on a novel of the same name I guess, and the fact IN THE BEDROOM in a lot of ways had similar qualities and themes. But I guess my take was after seeing that film, as dark as it was, it still left me with the feeling that I was satisfied with the work the people who made it, put into it. It was one of those movies that has stuck with me over the years as an interesting and somewhat original plot twist. This new film from Todd Fields kind of left me more shocked and with the feeling that I struggled to watch it at times. That can be a good quality of a film, the deepness and impact, most recently in films I caught like THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS and especially ALFA DOG, but this one almost seemed more difficult, atleast thus far a few hours after seeing it. Or maybe a lot of that has to do with my adoration for Kate Winslet and how different she seemed in this movie, which I suppose ultimately is the mark of a good actor. But she LOOKED thinner and a bit different, which for an admirer, it kinda caught me offguard. Maybe it'll end up awarding her at the Globes or Oscars, sadly, maybe a bit makeup for previous roles she played she didn't win (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND perhaps?).

-Kyle

Rob's Top 10 of 2006

Okay people, 2006 is behind us, and with it comes the daunting task of picking my favorite 10 albums released during the year. There was a lot of great music released in 2006 and it has taken me some time to come up with my list. It has been even harder to put the ten into some particular order. Nevertheless, here is my list:


01 - Dream Theater: Score
This is without a doubt my number one pick for 2006. The album is a live retrospective of the bands 20 years together, recorded at Radio City Music Hall in 2006. Pulling from a catalogue that goes back to the band's 1986 Majesty days, there is something here for all DT fans. Of note is the 2nd set and encore which was performed live on stage with a full orchestra!

02 - Spock's Beard: Spock's Beard
Spock's Beard has got to be one of the hardest working bands in the progressive genre today. And while the band maybe aren't as "prog" as they were with Neal Morse at the helm, Nick D'Virgilio and company have explored the farthest reaches of their amazing artistic abilities on this album. Easily the most diverse disc in the bands entire catalogue.

03 - The Mars Volta: Amputechture
TMV's third studio album is a mix of the best elements of it's two successors. Taking the full out rock of 'Comatorium' and the experimental side of 'Frances', 'Amputechture' is the bands most cohesive and impressive release to date.

04 - Ben Averch: Washington State
Although he may not have a major label contract, Ben Averch has something that a lot of new and emerging major label acts don't have... talent. A multi-instrumentalist, Ben can rock out and drip emotion at the same time. There are times his music is very Rush like, and even more times when his work is very original and fresh.

05 - Frost: Milliontown
Frost is fronted by the incredible Jim Godfrey, and the debut album is the definition of "prog". Long instrumental passages, epic songs, and an array of musicians at the top of their field. Every note of the album is pure magic. Sadly, Godfrey has decided not to carry on the project past this album.

06 - Evanescence: The Open Door
The follow up to 'Fallen' is a bit more mellow than I had expected, but the band are playing great together, and Amy sounds better than she ever has. I must admit I was a bit sceptical about the album without Moody on board, but the band completely blew me out of the water.

07 - "Weird Al" Yankovic: Straight Outta Lynwood
It seems that the world forgets about "Weird Al" in between albums, however I don't think that will be the case this time around. With "White And Nerdy" Al was able to gain his highest charting single and album to date. The album contains some of Al's best parodies to date, and the original material is quite impressive as well.

08 - David Gilmour: On An Island
The new album from Pink Floyd mastermind David Gilmour is unlike anything Floyd have ever released. The tracks are emotional and the guitar playing is incredible. Then again, what else would you expect from one of the greatest guitar players of our time?

09 - Queensryche: Operation: Mindcrime II
Okay, so the plot of the album is a bit far fetched. There is no way Nikki should have ever been released from prison. If you put that fact out of your mind, this is a very fun album, with music that rivals anything the band have ever written. This is the album that should have put the 'ryche back on top.

10 - Tom Petty: Highway Companion
I have always been a sucker for Petty's voice, and here he has created an album that showcases just how great of a singer/songwriter he is. It's another mellow album (I'm noticing a pattern here), but a perfect way to end my list.


A few honorable mentions:
Tool: 10,000 Days
Sammy Hagar: Livin' It Up
Three Days Grace: One X
Muse: Black Holes and Revelations
OSI: Free
Iron Maiden: A Matter of Life and Death
Vanden Plas: Christ O
The Beatles: Love


And there you have it, YtseRob's Top 10 of 2006. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you back here next year with Rush, Dream Theater & Coheed riding very high on the list, I have no doubt in my mind of that.

2006 Band Discoveries

A 55 minutes audio version/podcast can be found HERE for those who don't mind babbling; or have a lot of TIME TO KILL/ARE BORED.

Kaddisfly - I can't get enough of this band's upcoming record SET SAIL THE PRAIRIE. If there is any justice, the band will receive an overwhelming response SET SAIL THE PRAIRIE will be the album that sets up their career. They have just written too good of an album to not receive some reciprocation. A ton of BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS went into composing and recording it.

Pure Reason Revolution - Very impressive and a pleasant breath of fresh air on Modern and Heavy Psychadelic Rock. Not really any other group out there today that uses complex Vocal harmonies like they do. Both editions of THE DARK THIRD flow amazingly well as if you wouldn't want to hear any of the songs without hearing the whole album in the same listening.

Klimt 1918 - DOPOGUERRA is one tremendously flowing atmospheric and melodic Hard Rock album. The layers and dynamics are superb. Their early stuff is not bad either. I am quite excited to see what they come up with next, likely in 2007.

Mew - Couldn't get into the vocal style, but with a 2nd assessment it and the band totally won me over especially when hearing FRENGERS. Their two full-lengths are both really good, but these guys I think may come up with a masterpiece down the road. Too much talent. Love the atmosphere and surreal layers and images including live and the videos they have done are a trip. Catheads in a dress floating down a road playing violins. How the hell did they come up with that?

Bend Sinister - This is totally great. They combine elements of Queen and The Mars Volta into their own brand of Progressive Indie-Rock. "Through the Broken City" their debut is a flawless debut album save for possibly is low production standards. The people unfamiliar with them don't know what they are missing. 2007 a new full-length is expected to come out.

Oceansize - I got won over by this band with their wall-of-sound, psych-metal. Like Mew, they could easily come up with a landmark record soon.

Anathallo - Quite original sounding band. Never really heard a group use horns and rock, in such an organic way. Almost like HS band-rock in a way. Great Vocal harmonies, Xylophone, percusssion. They may not want to, but if enough people heard them, they'd realize how talented this group really is. They recently released '"Anathallogy" which in my case, since I do not own anything from them other than their latest FLOATING~WORLD, is a great deal to get their entire backcatalog. Much of that is more guitar-driven but still great. I'm very curious where they go with their next release.

MuteMath - Poppy and atmospheric. Not a bad song on either the RESET EP or their debut record. They shine the most in concert. The singer crowd surfs playing the keytar and the drummer is tight as hell

Russian Circles - The best instrumental act I've heard since discovering Jazz-Rock a few years ago. These guys to me are very much like how Fates Warning would be if you took away the vocals and keys. Dynamics, muscular riffs and huge crescendos and HOOKS.

The Decemberists - THE CRANE WIFE is one of the most universally mentioned records of 2006. One of the best bands that writes folk songs like fables that include prog elements. "The Island..." is maybe the best Prog song of 2006. Their backcatalog is quite impressive as well. 2005's EP "The Tain"is a great 5-part suite epic. PICARESQUE and HER MAJESTY are two other albums I've enjoyed diving into this year as well.

The Receiving End of Sirens - This band is scary to me. They have something in their music I have learned to tolerate; Post-hardcore screaming. But their clean vocals are so good, especially when used as 2 and 3 part harmonies like Queen. And they write some of the most over-the-top melodies it's insane to believe they came on their debut record. Is their a "Prog-Pop-Emo" Genre?..these guys will scare you like Coheed or Ours if you're not careful. The day they end the screaming, is the day they become a staple group for me. The melodies are just too good to ignore.

Opus Dai - Great, fresh debut album. Crescendos are crazy at times, and the melodies stay in your head. They are even more crzay live.

3 - Great groovey and catchy Prog Metal band. They write some soaring melodies. The remastered WAKE PIG sounds even better than the original release.

Kiss Kiss - Truly going to be discovered in 2007 when their 1st full-length comes out (it's already on Itunes and I have it and LOVE IT). Progressive Indie-Rock's answer to King Crimson, Kansas, and Frank Zappa? Technical yet accessible?..I'm really loving this band right now, maybe than any new(er) band to me.

House Of Fools - Full length out in March, their S/T EP came out in October which had no bad songs on it. "Live And Learn" maybe being the best, but wait til more people hear the Queen-esque "Until It's Over." Some compare them to Keane or 10cc, but I just dig their pop-melodies and the crescendos.

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's - Debut record is infectious as hell. A large ensemsble group with a horn, violin, 2 drummers, male and female vocal harmonies. They are quite diverse and have a lot of variety to their style. Folky at times, technical at other times, poppy as well. I really am loving this band right now. 2007 a new record is expected out. Very excited for that.

Under The Influence Of Giants - Retro that is updated. About half of their debut album is really catchy and strong. The Bee Gees are echoed perfectly in "Mama's Room."

Men, Women And Children - Another updated retro sounding band that has 3 songs on their s/t debut album that are really great. "Dance In My Blood" "Lightning Strikes Twice In New York" and "Celebracion!" Similar to Earth, Wind And Fire but more guitar emphasis.

Portugal the Man - The 1st half of their debut album is very influenced by The Mars Volta, but without the experimenting. The 2nd half is just plain good. The Mars Volta fans not satisfied with AMPUTECHTURE may want to seek out this band's record. Opening for dredg in Santa Cruz didn't hurt them either.

Janus - Chicago based Progressive Indie Rock group. Their new stuff on their myspace is great, their debut record "Armor" from 2004 is inconsistent. The song "Severen" though is one killer song with some heavy riffs. The vocals are higher, but may remind people of as much of Rage Against the Machine as much as Coheed and Cambria. I'm looking to hearing their next full length hopefully in 2007 sometime.

Archive - Psychadelic, Atmospheric, and yet at times song-oriented and retro. I have been mesmerized by this band of late. Really blending a bunch of styles into one. Some Porcupine Tree fans could fall in love with them.

Kaura - Their 2005 S/T debut EP shows promise, but the myspace stuff is up to another level. Ethnic layers and heavy riffs. May remind people of Tool or dredg. 2006 was getting their name out there, 2007 could be getting their album in regular rotation.

Doves - Psych and Pop. Not too excessive, almost too subtle at times. They have some great songs that got me going back to them, especially their album "Lost Souls."

Aviatic - Great poppy hardrock. They should be on every adult contemporary station on the globe, and at times their song "Goodbye Beautiful Day." About half of their album "Arrival" I tend to go back to regularly.

The Appleseed Cast - I really like this band, yet I haven't become addicted quite yet. They are quite consistent, writing songs with a lot of textures and layers, yet never too longwinded. A band I 1st got into this year, but may get more into next year.

Vedera - Opening for dredg, MuteMath, and then Mae (and outclassing them a ton imo), really speaks volumes for this group. Their 2005 album "Weight of an Empty Room" has some nice moments. Kristin May's soaring vocals standout. And the new music they have played recently also raised my interest level in this band.

Brazil - The 2004 record "A Hostage and the Meaning of Life" has some incredible moments on it. The 2nd half of it especially. In a sense, they do what The Receiving End of Sirens do without the screaming on that album. Their newest "The Philosophy of Velocity" wasn't quite as consistent, but had moments as well. However, the stuff I heard were highly compressed mp3's and I haven't gotten around to hearing a better recording of it.

Between Two Skies - The local MN band with I foresee possibly the most potential. I 1st found out about them from a local dredg fan I met via myspace. These guys are spacey, yet technical enough to appreciate their skillfull musicianship. Upon a later exposure to them live, they really seemed to have honed their sound. Adding vocals, and maybe a bit more heaviness. Their singer reminds me of Maynard from Tool or Eddie Vedder to extent, but at the same time he's a bit more accessible. Definitely a band I look back on 2006 as a good discovery.

Bought their album/Listened To/Saw in Concert/Sampled (to varying degrees)
Aina, Aireline, Ambulette, Amity, Amplifier, The Autumns, Building Karma, Calexico,
Carpark North, Caspian, A Chinese Firedrill, Citay, Cog, The Cooper Temple Clause, Facing NewYork, Jason Falkner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Matthew Good, Gruvis Malt, James Hall, Head Automatica, David Hess, In Reverent Fear, Tyler Jakes, Jetliner, Katatonia, L.E.O., Roger Joseph Manning Jr, Adam Marsland, Matisyahu, Midnite Movies, Minus the Bear, The Mocha Nights, The Modern Skirts, Mogwai, Moon Safari, The New Pornographers, Joanna Newsom, Of the Hour, Oh My God, Ohm, Okkervil River, One Republic, One Thousand Pictures, Julia Othmer, People In Planes, Pineapple Thief, Polyphonic Spree, Protest the Hero, Red Sparrowes, Revere, Sam Roberts, Rogue Wave, RPWL, Sans Seraph, Screaming Headless Torso, Shiny Toy Guns, Sigur Ros, Sarah Slean, Solarcade, Super Furry Animals, The Sword, Talk Talk, Tortoise, Tortured Soul, TV On the Radio, The Underwater, Vast, Vocoder, Waiger, Woodwork, Wolfmother, World Leader Pretend, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Young Love

Local
Fitzgerald
Red Fox/Grey Fox
Absent I
Far From Falling
Living Spoon
A Violet Desire
Broken Noise
Stellar Vector
The Hollow Point
Cue the Doves
Down and Above
Stook

FANBOYS: New Star Wars Parody

Free Enterprise was a cult favorite of many William Shatner and Scifi junkies like myself. A funny and somewhat biographical film about two average guys who were very into Science Fiction and movies. The film was well written, funny, and maybe best of all, it didn't take itself too seriously. It also came out before people knew who Eric McCormack was and WILL AND GRACE had aired.

A sequel to FREE ENTERPRISE had been talked about and posted on imdb many years ago, and it looked like it may finally happen about 18 months ago with the end nearing for WILL AND GRACE and some other factors. However, it never did, or has not yet. And even it's sad to say just recently, the listing on imdb was removed. Hopefully it will comeback at some point.

So William Shatner does not have that coming up, but for those looking for something vaguely similar, he appears in the upcoming 2007 comedy "Fanboys."

IMDB listing

Plot Outline: Four guys from the Midwest drive across the country to honor the wish of their dying friend: to watch "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace" at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch before the movie's worldwide release

Quicktime Trailer

Youtube

Along with VERONICA MARS star Kristen Bell , STAR WARS, and some other notable hollywood cameos (Carrie Fisher, Christopher McDonald) this new film could be one to remember looking for in 2007. From the trailer it seems like it could be using the mocking humor that exists in the rivalry between Star Wars and Star Trek fans. And just the plain geek-mocking that can be done really well in the right context with Science Fiction fans.

FE 2 may or may not happen, but FANBOYS atleast potentially, could makeup for those down about no plans of a FREE ENTERPRISE sequel.

-Kyle

Kiss Kiss (no not the makeup wearing "Kiss" we all know)

1. Janet
2. Iris and Eyes
3. Sixth Sense
4. A Conch to the Ear
5. Machines6. Satellite
7. Dress Up
8. The Friend Who Bends His Bolts At
9. The Cats In Your House
10. To the Most Beautiful Birth Ever
11. Vagabond
12. Stay the Day

Homepage (currently defaulting to myspace)
Myspace

This anticipated semi-Full Length is set to come out in early February, but was made available on Itunes finally this week. I gotta tell you, if you want to hear a band who has grown and matured, somewhat like dredg or Kaddisfly recently, Kiss Kiss may be one of those bands. This new release is very polished. Not a bad moment on it. The only thing new listenors may be a bit weary of is the small hints of screaming, but for some reason it really doesn't matter in Kiss Kiss's music. In fact in some ways it adds something. "Machines" is a potential single..the same could be said about the opening track "Jane." The last 2 tracks, "Vagabond" and "Stay the Day" have some incredible moments..the use of strings works perfectly. The group stands out with their use of violin, vocal harmonies, percussion, dynamics, and time changes worthy of Frank Zappa. Lyircally from what I heard in a recent radio appearance, the title "Reality Vs. the Optimist" comes from the idea that partly the band wants the whole Rockstar fantasy to come true, and that part is fighting the "Reality" that it's no gurantee, especially for an Indie-Rock band like Kiss Kiss. One whose music is eclectic and progressive, but doesn't seem to be totally unaccessible. With many newer rock bands emphasizing musicianship, hopefully the Optimist will win out.

I don't think I will end up being wrong when I anticipated Kiss Kiss as being one of the breakthrough bands of 2007. Their new record already seems to be supporting that.

2005's S/T EP


1. Says My Doctor
2. Thoughts You Spoke
3. College Film
4. Drifts and Pulls
5. Killing the Son

This 1st release from NY-based Kiss Kiss is really worth checking out as well. If you combine the two releases, you have what adds up to about one average length album. Although the new record seems longer than the 32 minutes it clocks in at.

Roger Waters - In the Flesh Live (DVD)

With nothing new forthcoming from the Pink Floyd camp, I've been on a bit of a side project binge lately. I chanced upon Roger Waters' 'In the Flesh' DVD today at best buy and snatched it up. I am happy to say that I was very pleasently surprised with the content.

The concert is made up of mostly Pink Floyd material, and mostly the hits at that (with a few nice nuggets tossed in for some fun flavoring... "Southampton Dock" in particular is incredible!), andthe musicians that adorn the stage alongside Roger are extremely talented.

As the band play through such classics as the overplayed "Another Brick In the Wall, Pt. 2", a fiery rendition of "Comfortably Numb", "Welcome to the Machine", and a version of "Dogs" that could actually rival any PF boots I have heard, I was held enthralled by the sheer talent of the act.

There are also some Waters solo tunes in the set, like "Perfect Sense", "Amused To Death" and a personal favorite of mine "The Bravery of Being Out of Range". From start to finish the show is top notch.

Also of note are the extras which include a very cool Behind the Scenes documentary, some photgraphs, and lyrics, and band biographies as well.

The production on the DVD is fantastic, with a crisp clear sound, and a stunning picture, this is one you have to see to believe. If you are in need of a Pink Floyd fix, and sick of holding your breath for anything new, check out this disc (that is, if you haven't already).


--YtseRob2112

Michel Gondry...

Plot Outline: A man (Black) whose brain becomes magnetized unintentionally destroys every tape in his friend's video store. In order to satisfy the store's most loyal renter, an aging woman with signs of dementia, the two men set out to remake the lost films, which include Back to the Future, The Lion King, and Robocop.


I just downloaded a podcast the other day on Creative Screen Writing Dot Com that interviewed director Michel Gondry about his newest film "The Science Of Sleep"

...my personal film of the year (haven't seen the Globe-nominated LITTLE CHILDREN yet though).

Anyway, I remember reading on his imdb profile earlier this year about his next project being a film with Jack Black called "Be Kind Rewind"

Mos Def, Mia Farrow, Danny Glover among others star in it as well. Even though Jack Black has really nosedived since THE SCHOOL OF ROCK. But I think if he has a good writer and director, he still can excel.

This along with another project Gondry may be doing with Daniel Clowes, writer of GHOST WORLD..who actually is working on something right now in a similar vein to BE KIND REWIND, UNTITITLED RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK PROJECT

Plot Outline: Three young men make a shot-by-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark in their hometown. ).

I gotta admit, after THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP and ETERNAL SUNSHINE..Michel Gondry is a film-making savant right now to me. I am very curious about his upcoming movies.

Rob's Album of the Day: Sammy And the Wabos - Livin' It Up

Sammy Hagar has been around, and has played with arguably some of the finest musicians in the world, most prolifically of course within' his tenure with the mighty Van Halen. Sammy has many faces and talents, and the newest Wabo's disc features every one of those.

The album as a whole is a bit more laid back than Sammy is known for, but he pulls out all of the stops and makes a genuine, and fun record. With the unlikely Toby Keith cover "I Love This Bar", Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women", "One Sip", and "The Way We Live" the vocalist proves that it doesn't have to be heavy to be classic Hagar.

That's not to say that the rockers aren't in evidence. The disc opening "Sam I Am", with it's electric slide guitar, and the mid tempo rockers "Mexico" and "Let Me Take You There", while not blistering hard rock tunes, show yet another side to this incredible disc.

From country tunes, to rockers, a heart-wrenching ballad ("Some Day") and a very healthy dose of the blues, it's apparant that Sammy Hagar is still livin' it up, and is just as vital to music as he was in that other band.

Rob's Album of the Day: Guns 'n Roses - Appetite for Destruction

For this review let's forget all of the controversy that seems to follow this band wherever they go these days (and there is a lot) and just focus on their phenomenal 1987 release 'Appetite for Destruction'.

Unlike some of the bands releases, 'Appetite' contains not one moment of un-inspired playing. From the opening notes of "Welcome to the Jungle" right to the fade out of "Rocket Queen" this album is a bona-fide classic.

There is a little bit of everything within' the grooves of this album. From the crunch of "Nightrain" to the melodic beauty of "Sweet Child O' Mine", Axl and the gang churn out hit after hit for nearly fifty-five minutes.

I put this disc in tonight after at least a few years of "CD shelf obscurity" and was pleasantly surprised with how well it has aged over the years. So many albums from the late 80's to mid 90's have just grown stale, but this gem can still please.

The band were able to release two more rather pleasing discs in the form of the 'Use Your Illusion' set before dumping the drivel that was a rather unfortunate "incident" and, for all intents and purposes, disbanded... at least the band did anyhow.

Top 10 of 2006 Lists

With the end of the year approaching it's time for people to start compiling "Top 10 of 2006" lists. If you are not a member of this blog but would like to share your list, shoot us a message and we'll get the lists up shortly after the start of the new year.

Welcome!

We are still setting things up here. This blog will be for reviews of music, movies, television, books, etc. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer send us a message at: allmediareviews@gmail.com

In the future we are also looking at setting up a myspace page, and maybe even website. Check back often for updates and new reviews.


Thank you!