Significant Albums: Oceansize - Frames (2007)

This is an album I have enjoyed and held in very high regard for quite awhile. After struggling but eventually being won over by Oceansize in 2006, I had a ton of high hopes for this record. And it honestly, in no way disappointed me.

It has great flow to it song-2-song. The production is excellent. The songs seem to all have something unique about them, from a trademark, driving Oceansize riff, to the chaotic harmonies. Some of the best use of strings at times are included on Frames.

I guess this album could be regarded loosely as a concept album about the movie/movie-series Friday the 13th. I'd say, mostly the 1st movie from 1980, "An Old Friend of the Christies" is a blatant reference, along with the bonus track "Voorhees.

I think it is "Sleeping Dogs Dead Lions," specifically the really dissonant, mad chugging riff, where I always think of a scene from the 2nd F13th movie of the cop running through the woods being chased by Jason, holding a rifle.


-I for a while have felt this album was not quite as good as Everyone Into Position, but over time, I'd be kidding myself to feel that way. I see them as 2 different kinds of albums, but basically equal.

-The 1st 2 tracks "9/11 Commemorative T-Shirt" and "Unfamiliar" have a great crescendo together. There is just such a powerful emotion in the guitars and Mike Vennart's vocals, to the point I often wish Unfamiliar went on 3 or 4 more minutes.

-the closing track "The Frame" is so incredibly melancholy, yet hugely powerful and gorgeous..It's very Post Rock-like with the slow but gradual build an the enormous climax. It's one of the greatest closing tracks on any album I've ever enjoyed, and certainly 1 of the best Oceansize songs. The interval pattern that's repeated I always think-of with this album and the band. It's almost a celebration of Oceansize and the ending of the trip this record takes you through.

Trail of Fire, Only Twin and Savant all are songs that only get or got better with hearing this more.

I was thinking earlier, in 2007, I wrote a long winded album review countdown, but never finished the top 20 I recall. Frames finished #4 I remember right ahead of Fair to Midland and right behind Between the Buried and Me. But that whole group of albums, I never really got to elaborate that much on given I was so worn out trying to write up the rest of that list. This record is due some of that, so this sadly is maybe the 1st time I even wrote vaguely about it in some level of detail.

Oceansize, as I sensed even before they broke up, were a band who really were a cult band, that the cult loved dearly and so wanted them to continue making music. But they didn't make it viably financially unfortunately, unlike some of their contemporaries from the UK like Muse or Biffy Clyro.

This record and their others as well, likely could become a statement about music, progressive, heavy rock, post rock, etc..rock of some kind was like in the 2000's. And it may become their go-to release for decades possibly, if a reunion never happens. The fans, including the progressive rock scene, look to it the most that I've seen. It really put them on the prog rock map in fact.

I guess maybe the biggest thing about Frames is its continued significance beyond when it 1st came out, as it's the record I still listen to the most by Oceansize some 6+ years after it came out.

Dream Theater finally play Space Dye-Vest live

First off, I want to pass along This Entry from a couple of years ago about when James and Jordan played it, and my reaction to that.



This? I actually like this a little more. But of course playing it with, or hearing Kevin Moore do it would likely mean a ton more to many including myself..

James singing the outro kind of in his own interpretation? while it is not loyal to the studio recording, I am okay with. I'd love to hear him sing it live like the studio version, but I can respect him at least trying to update or put a *live* stamp on it in some ways.

The JP guitar solo? I kind of feel the same about, but I guess I would have gone for the dreamy floating synths still, like on the studio version, as it's my favorite part of the song.

All in all, nearly 20 years later, it's fine to do it. Respecting Kevin Moore, blah blah, I wonder

a) if Kevin Moore will even find out about this, even if they play it on every show this tour and release it on a live cd/dvd

b) even if he does, why he would care if they ever played it live, especially after now 20 years?

c) and caring what he thinks, when he has done mostly everything to distance himself from Dream Theater anyway

.But that all being said, if he were to be asked about this (which whoever did, an interviewer or fan, would have to have some cojones to do so), it would be interesting to hear his thoughts, if he has any. But I'll reiterate, I would still go for having HIM PLAY IT, even just once, with or without Dream Theater instead in a heartbeat.

That all being said, nice to see. I look forward to it in April. I guess they played Scarred as well which is nice.

Now, if they only would consider playing "Don't Look Past Me." Someone ought to ask this question in a Q&A to JP and the others at some point. It's the 1 significant song they have yet to play live. Maybe, just maybe it'll happen if it's asked of them as the guys are into pulling out things for the fans live and the obscure track once in a blue moon ("Raise the Knife" for example a few years ago, which ended up on Score).

Daniel Johns 2014: Solo Record and more

1/16/14 10:44PM

Here's the track "Impossible (Ft Daniel Johns)" from Hip-Hop artist 360.

I'm a bit torn; on 1 hand, the dubstep can be at times rather repulsive, and even some of the rapping. But overall, the piece kind of works, namely the parts with Daniel and the layering. It kind of reminds me of "Queen (ft. Erykah Badu)" by Janelle Monae. Combining hip-hop with rock and other instrumentation can work, if you get talented people doing it.

Am I excited to hear more from 360 and this, especially compared to his solo record and The Dissociatives? of course not. But just on 1st impression, this isn't too bad.



11/20/13 5:40PM
Thanks to a user on the Incubus Fans forum, a couple of stories were shared and it provides some more about how 2014 looks to be a pretty big year for Daniel Johns.



News source/story

“Daniel’s making a solo record, it’s looking extremely likely that it’ll be out next year.”

2nd story, which includes a lot about Lorde, lol

The debut solo outing for the rock frontman was first flagged back in 2011 around the time the group decided to call it quits. It was suggested at the time by a number of sources close to the band that Daniel Johns may release a solo album using material that was intended for the next Silverchair album, which the three-piece had been working on before the group fell apart.

“Johns was doing nearly all of the recording with bassist Chris Joannou and drummer Ben Gillies only present in the studio when called upon by Johns to lay down tracks,” a source told The Daily SPA at the time. “With the material, dictated almost wholly by Johns, moving in a new direction—reportedly both more thematic and stripped back in parts—at one point there were enough tracks to release a double album, an idea that was being considered by the Silvechair parties.”

So for 2014 is appears Daniel Johns will potentially be:

1) Releasing his 1st? solo record
2) The Dissociatives comeback single/ep (or LP? even)
3) Appearing on Kimbra's new record along many other guests
4) Appearing on 360's new album

But it sounds like Silverchair getting together is still unlikely next year or anytime soon.

His career/Silverchair is starting to remind me of Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree a bit.

Self - Subliminal Plastic Motives Reissue/Vinyl

I guess I am unable to post about every reissue and vinyl release, just because, I don't have enough time. But for now, I guess I'll pass this along. This is the debut record from Self, being re-released/remastered and printed on Vinyl,

Subliminal is not my favorite Self record, but I enjoy it. And want to support Matt, I didn't want to pass on this.

I am hoping this may lead to some of the other Self records being printed on Vinyl as well, namely Gizmodgery and Breakfast With Girls. We'll see.

BUY HERE
http://www.fatpossum.com/news/383


Fat Possum Records and the band Self release 1995's Subliminal Plastic Motives on vinyl, 20 years after its original release, and reunite for their first concert in almost 10 years at the Gramercy Theatre on January 10.


It's been almost twenty years to the day since Self released their hit cult record Subliminal Plastic Motives. The record's dense and eclectic take on 90's rock still resonates with fans two decades later, and will soon be discovered by a new generation of indie rock lovers asFat Possum Records prepares to release SPM on vinyl later this year.


The recent signing of founding and principal member of Self, Matt Mahaffey, by Fat Possum Records allows fans to take in SPM on vinyl for the first time and will open the door to long awaited new material from the band.


Since the original release of Subliminal, Mahaffey has become a legend in his home state of Tennessee. An accomplished Producer and Composer, Matt has produced hit records for HelloGoodbye, Parachute, The Sounds, Forever the Sickest Kids and many others while also composing music for hit TV shows and feature films such as Shrek. Mahaffey has withstood the test of rock n roll, proving himself to be a talented and diverse musician and creator.


With the original lineup in tow, Self now prepares to hit the stage for their first show in nearly a decade, playing at the Gramercy Theatre in NYC on January 10th. This show is sure to bring fans back to the days of Subliminal Plastic Motives while readying them for an upcoming new release from the band. The bill also includes Chicago's I Fight Dragon's


Tickets for this show are on sale now through Ticketmaster and the Gramercy Theatre Box office with a limited number of tickets being offered to include a copy of the new Fat Possum vinyl release of Subliminal Plastic Motives.

NOT FROM THIS REMASTERING:

Regardless the solo in this song is amazing.

Significant Albums: Jellyfish - Spilt Milk (1993)

This album. I can't recall the exact time, even year exactly, but it had to have been in the mid 90's, possibly 1996 or 1997, when I would guess Mike Portnoy had dropped the name Jellyfish in 1 or more interviews I read. Per Metal Edge or maybe even on the old "Under a Cyber Moon" Dream Theater website.

But I distinctly remember checking this album and Bellybutton out, and finding both for not a lot, likely at Cheapo. And the truth was, I wasn't crazy about them. Maybe it was the title "Spilt Milk" or the girl on the cover, but it didn't jump out at me.

So, they both remained in my cd collection, and I think the next point their name came up was when I was at KFAI around 2000, interviewing of all bands, local prog metal/Queensryche-like band Conditioned Response. And one of those guys on the air mentioned that he was listening to Jellyfish.

So, at that point I recall re-checking them and those cds I had out. And I do remember liking them, actually Bellybutton more.

And in the coming years, with listening to both albums more, and also seeing Mike Portnoy and some others online use their name more and more, I became pretty won over by them.

And I'd say over the last 7 or 8 years at least, maybe more, they have stood out more and more as being ahead of their time in a lot of ways.

Now with this album compared to Bellybutton, I came to see them as about equal, but in the past 4 or 5 years, I've given in to the fact this is their finest work. It just works so well on a production level, and on a flow or track-2-track level.

I recall once thinking and telling people about them as being like The Beach Boys doing progressive rock, which in a vague sense still makes some sense. But I also hear a ton of Beatles influence, as well as Queen, XTC and even groups like ELO. Along with sharing some qualities with some of their contemporaries like King's X, Galactic Cowboys and even Faith No More to a small degree. And Toy Matinee even I would later come to hear/agree with.

Even people like local Minnesota songwriter/popstress Jenny Case and Jimmy Gnecco of Ours have spoken about their love of Jellyfish and this album.

They just found a way to combine power-pop with a classic rock feel, that somehow sounded really clean and modern. When you listen to Jellyfish, and Spilt Milk specifically, you think it was music made in the 70's, but like it was remastered or something, because the recording sounds very hot and almost glitzy and layered.

To not name some of my favorites would be silly. Songs like "New Mistake" and "Sabrina Paste and Plato" are just so catchy and ear-worm like, they are impossible to not love, the more I hear them.
"So serene, Sabrina makes me feel..dah dah dah dah dah dah dahhhhhhhhhh"

"Joining a Fanclub" is a great sort of track to kickstart this album off, which I always think of Andy Sturmer and Roger Manning being in some Beatles fanclub.

Andy Sturmer, not only is an incredible drummer, but his voice is 1 of the biggest reasons I think Jellyfish stands out. It is just so crisp and the little raspy element makes it sound so distinct.

I have always felt the 1st half of this album has this amazing energy, which has only seldom been matched, so much so, I always look for, but rarely find other albums that have that.

Also the lyrics seem to stay with me frequently,

like from Ghost at Number 1:

 "how does it feel to be the only one that knows that you're right"

That certainly is a line that I can and have related to in many ways.

I'm sure there are a ton of points I am not remembering at this very moment about this album, that I may or may not try and edit in eventually. But the thing about Jellyfish and Spilt Milk is, it was clearly to me ahead of its time, and frankly. there has not been a band to make a record as good or quite like it since in this sort of progressive power-pop. Combining similar if not the same influences. Some have tried like The Wondermints or recently The Pillbugs (or even Bleu), but it hasn't happened. I guess I keep waiting for it to happen. The New Pornographers and The Apples in Stereo are sort of the closest thing to modern bands who have made power-pop I enjoy a lot (or getting a bit looser, stuff like Self, The Dissociatives, Bend Sinister and many others), but neither have come close to matching either JF LP, and this being their Swan Song thus the 1 to think of.

A reunion would be a miracle at this point as Roger and Andy can't stand each other I guess, so their likely is a better chance I join 1 of them live or in the studio, but I guess I still keep a small fraction of hope it could happen before I die.

If only I had been a fan and been old enough to go, I probably would have seen them at First Ave supporting this album in '93 (or '94).

The thing is, when Jellyfish came out, they were such a contrast to the whole Grunge movement, that it probably was as big of a reason they ended. Why a band like Dream Theater didn't go by the wayside, and they did? I dunno, maybe personalities. But the 90's pop and alternative music really doesn't compare to them in so many ways. A band like Weezer for example, were around not long after, but because they had enough of a garage sound, I think made it.

It's kind of a shame, but also likely a case where had Jellyfish continued on, their music may have suffered. So in that sense, their legacy never got tainted.

It is also definitely worth mentioning how this was their Swan Song, after 3 years from Bellybutton their debut album. Spilt Milk does not include the work of singer/songwriter Jason Falkner, who was on Bellybutton. Why this album is as good as it is may speak to why Jason left, i.e. he wasn't getting enough of his songwriting involved with the band. Of course there's no way to know what this or other work may have been like with him, but it may have ultimately been for the benefit of both JF and Jason.

Significant Albums: Soundscape - Grave New World (2009)

Original Long-winded review from 2009



I'm not sure how much more I can add to this Significant Album listing from that extensive review I wrote in 2009, that wouldn't be a ton of rehash.

I guess given it's been 5 years, I have not played this record extensively since that year, but I have had it on my mind still, especially recently for some reason.

I think part of my thought about it is, I still love it, and it is a big step up in production from Discovery. Soundscape also still stand out over a lot of the so-called "prog metal" that keeps being made, so much so, I think that is why I love this record even beyond my unhealthy fanboy-ism for the band.

But, I guess in retrospect, expecting a lot of people to catch-on to them was a bit naive. Forgetting the fact they were a name from the past, that never got much recognition when they 1st came out. Really, only among a select few into progressive metal and Dream Theater.

But traditional sounding prog metal has become watered down so much, even if a band like Soundscape stands out to me, to others? they are just caught up in a large numbers game.

But then again, to my ears they do stand out, and this record stands out in many ways. I just can't fathom seeing new fans acquiring even half the amount of interest I had, even if they love Rush and Fates Warning like I do.

But, it doesn't matter all that much now anyway. The record stands up, and this was a huge deal to finally get released in 2009, after waiting 10 years, and not really believing it would ever be released (but knowing it was made in some form at least).

Production was maybe the biggest thing that stood out on this record. It's incredibly clean and clear. It showed why the 10-year wait was well worth it.

I guess I can claim this to be 1 of if not my favorite more traditional sounding prog metal records, released in the last 5 years. And that is why I still find it stands out as well.

There's not any music on it that drags, or seems out of place, or just bugs me. The vocals, the guitar work, the keyboard textures, which are maybe even greater in many ways than on Discovery. I used to describe Soundscape like Fates Warning with really bubbly keys, and that is still present on Grave New World.

I dunno, I probably should and will go back to it soon and be even more reassured how much I enjoy about this record. It's 76 minutes, but it never feels long to me.

Is it their last work? likely. I would love to even just see them live once, but odds are maybe better I win the Megamillions, lol. At ProgPowerUSA would be the only likely time, and the cost of that festival and priorities seem low, even if they did go. I would go for just seeing a reunion show in Connecticut instead. It's too bad, Rob Thorne's activity with Sacred Oath still happens, so you'd think at some point the opportunity, desire, or even IDEA might still come up. But if it did, he might contact me. Maybe when his kids are older? lol..wishful thinking of course.

Soundscape's Facebook page

Stream some sample tracks per FB

Warpaint - Warpaint (2014)

1/13/14 12:35AM
WHOLE ALBUM on NPR.ORG to stream

Embed? n/a typically with these npr.org posts.

Is it out there?..go look for it.


12/13/13 6:32PM


12/12/13 3:30AM

update on the Tour Dates: they finally added a show in MINNEAPOLIS on Saturday March 29th! I wish I could have seen them at The Varsity Theater in March of 2011, but their driving in the Snow issues usurped that. I also got a ticket already. I have no clue if tickets went on sale last Friday, or not, but they are for sale on First Ave's Website already.

edit: yep, lol. I can't stand 87% of the tripe that they book there, I shouldn't have to follow their twitter posts religiously just to find this shit out. Blech, of well, better now than after the show may sell out (although it may not, as they are not quite the buzz band they were a few years ago it seems, despite this Calvin Klein ad with 2 million views, going back to late September ).

It bugs me that they may have gone on sale last week and I didn't realize it. That show, and as it turns out, BEND SINISTER at the Turf Club the VERY NEXT EVENING, lol.


MON 01/20/14 PARIS, FRANCE — The Trabendo
THU 01/23/14 BRIGHTON, UK — Brighton Dome Concert Hall
SAT 01/25/14 OXFORD, UK — O2 Academy
FRI 01/31/14 BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — Laneway Festival
SAT 02/01/14 MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — Laneway Festival
SUN 02/02/14 SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — Laneway Festival
FRI 02/07/14 ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA — Laneway Festival
SAT 02/08/14 FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA — Laneway Festival
WED 02/12/14 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — Bentley Music Auditorium
THU 02/13/14 MANILA, PHILLIPINES — Metro Tent Convention Center
FRI 02/14/14 HONG KONG, HONG KONG — Music Zone
SUN 02/16/14 TOKYO, JAPAN — Hostess Club Weekender
TUE 02/18/14 LONDON, UK — KOKO
WED 02/19/14 LEEDS, UK — O2 Academy
THU 02/20/14 LIVERPOOL, UK — O2 Academy
FRI 02/21/14 BRISTOL, UK — O2 Academy
SUN 02/23/14 COLOGNE, GERMANY — Gloria
MON 02/24/14 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — Paradiso
TUE 02/25/14 MUNICH, GERMANY — Strom
WED 02/26/14 HAMBURG, GERMANY — Gruenspan
FRI 02/28/14 MADRID, SPAIN — Sala But
SAT 03/01/14 LISBON, PORTUGAL — Aula Magna
SAT 06/07/14 LONDON, UK — Field Day
FRI 03/21/14 NEW YORK, US — Webster Hall
SAT 03/22/14 PHILADELPHIA, US — Union Transfer
MON 03/24/14 WASHINGTON, US — Black Cat
TUE 03/25/14 TORONTO, CANADA — Danforth
WED 03/26/14 DETROIT, US — Magic Stick
FRI 03/28/14 CHICAGO, US — Metro
SAT 03/29/14 MINNEAPOLIS, US — First Ave

12/6/13 3:39AM
Stream and/or Download "Biggy" Here
Not bad, although another mid-tempo tune, that the outro has the most interesting moments initially.


10/29/13 10:39PM
Well, here it is finally. Like I posted the other day, the 1st single "Love Is to Die" is dreamy as people know Warpaint. Simple song titles.

Glad they aren't rushing it out at the end of the year.

And the fanboy in me couldn't pass up one of those 1st 1000 yellow vinyls + the stencil. Although I still would hope they would find a tour coming to Minnesota soon, and I would think they'll do a few North American tours to support this S/T sophomore LP of Warpaint's, and include at least 1 or more dates in Minnesota (and not have them miss due to snow/weather).

Because they totally stand out live as the videos and the 1 show I did see support.

But for now, this is great to look forward to (and hopefully get to listen to by the time it's available, lol).

The songs/tracklist I have heard some of, but I should try revisiting some of those tunes live to refresh my memory. I recall many of the unreleased songs they played live were like Love Is to Die. dreamy, methodical, which I do hope this album mixes it and varies more than just how that 1st single sounds.

http://store.roughtraderecords.com/Store/WarpaintWarpaint.html

The album is available to pre-order now from our Rough Trade webstore and iTunes. Album buyers will receive a free instant download of ‘Love Is To Die’. EXCLUSIVE PRE-ORDER: The first 1000 people worldwide to pre-order ‘Warpaint’ on double LP (gatefold, yellow, etched vinyl) from our webstore will receive a poster autographed by the band and a logo stencil. And the first 1000 people worldwide to pre-order ‘Warpaint’ on CD will receive a logo stencil.



1. Intro
2. Keep It Healthy
3. Love Is To Die
4. Hi
5. Biggy
6. Teese
7. Disco//Very
8. Go In
9. Feeling Alright
10. CC
11. Drive
12. Son

Rough Trade is excited to announce the full details of Warpaint’s new self-titled album, set for release on 20th January 2014. ‘Warpaint’ is the follow-up to the LA four-piece’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘The Fool’ (2010).

The first single to be taken from ‘Warpaint’ is ‘Love Is To Die’, available to listen to in full here:

‘Warpaint’ was co-produced by Warpaint and Flood (PJ Harvey, Sigur Ros, New Order, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Foals), and mixed by Flood and Nigel Godrich (Radiohead). The album was conceived after some writing and recording sessions that took place in The Joshua Tree late last year. Here the band was joined by visionary director Chris Cunningham who has partnered with them for many of the album visuals including the cover. He has spent the past two years filming and photographing the band as they made ‘Warpaint’.

Benefit for Josh Rundquist also known as That Drummer Guy

1/11/14 6:16PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/1407855199447825/



well it's tonight at POV's in Spring Lake Park. Sorry for the last of updates, but Josh has not found out what his diagnosis is after all this time and many more stays at hospitals. He is doing a little better recently, but unfortunately, it's still where he needs.

But the benefit should be fun tonight, although I'm not sure how late I may stay. But it should be good to see Josh and his gf Lynn and meet a lot of his friends in the process.


11/9/13 10:56AM

Josh thankfully is out of the Hospital (his body became addicted to a drug they were giving him), however his recovery is going to take a little while as he has been posting on Facebook about that. But here's the thing he posted earlier this week. It's too bad he won't be able to play with his band Beauty of Decay when they open for Morbid Angel on November 18th, but health takes priorities in these cases. I'm sure he and his band(s) will get more opportunities down the road.

Alright guys a super long, Novel post here, but I wanted to make this post so everyone knows whats happened to me in the last two months instead of hearing it secondhand or just trying to piece it together: 

2 months ago I was diagnosed with Gastritis/Type II Diabetes after being in the hospital for 11 days, that was my first visit to the Hospital. Some of the worst pains I ever felt were felt during this time. 

I also lost my job at Walmart....yes, I worked at Walmart in the Electronics, over this. I was told I was a liability for going to the ER for pain and they did not want to hire me on full time because of it and let me go. 

About a month later I had to go back to the ER and 2 days later they got rid of my gallbladder. I woke up after the surgery was immediately over to the worst pain of my life, this is where I started getting doses of Dilaudid and Morphine to ease the pain. 

About a week later I was discharged but I didn't feel any better I felt just as shitty. 

a week after that, again I had to go back to the ER because I couldn't take it anymore. This is where they found a staff infection in my blood that took another week to get rid of. But alas again did nothing for my stomach pain, but I was discharged once again once the infection was nearly gone. 

I was discharged that late evening and 9 hours later I was back in the hospital with some of the worst pain I ever felt. 

Then for the next 4 days I was given only Tylenol to ease my pain. I was told pain medications like Dilaudid (or however it is spelled) and Morphine would only make my stomach pain worse. It wasn't until this past Saturday they doctors finally figured out what was going on....they got me addicted to Dilaudid...hospital grade Heroin! 

When I had my gallbladder taken out they doped me up so much I became addicted and then left me cold turkey ever since then. My body couldn't take it and I was in misery for weeks. from the ER visit to Saturday Night I was on 4 hours sleep, MAYBE, no food, barely any water, constantly throwing up, shivering and wanting to die. It wasn't until I got on Methadone that I finally started getting relief and I then slept for the better part of 36 hours. 

Today is the first day since entering the hospital the first time that I actually feel like I can get back to normal. It's still going to take roughly a month for me to be fully back on track but it will be worth it. 

The sad part is that I had to sadly step down from opening for Morbid Angel on the 18th, but I did get one hell of a fill in to take my place... Mr. Duane Timlin (Anal Blast, Divine Empire, Dying Fetus, Invidiosus). So he has my total blessing. 

I totally had nothing to do with this, but just in case any of you are generous enough, my guitarist's girlfriend made a fundraiser page for me to help with medical bills and to get my life back on track, if you feel like donating the link is here: 
http://www.gofundme.com/53uw74


Hopefully, this is my last time being in the hospital for a long, Long, LONG time. Now I hope after this I can post happy stuff again and no more hospital related stuff! 


As many of you may know, Josh Rundquist has been laid up in the hospital for a while now. A benefit show is currently in the works, but we wanted to give everyone near and far a chance to help with donations. We all know how fast hospital bills can add up, any and all donations are helpful and greatly appreciated!

In addition to donations, If you want to sign a get well card for Josh, go to guitar center in Roseville and ask for will. Other well wishing, support and love via Facebook also mean a lot to the guy. 


Anyone who doesn't know Josh, he is a huge supporter of metal. All genres, new and old and is a local celebrity of sorts to us. Born in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, Josh has been playing drums for the last 14 years playing everything from Country Covers to Original Metal. Josh still is active in the Rock and Metal world playing drums. He now hosts That Drummer Guy Presents - The Best in Independent Heavy Metal and Hard Rock A 2 hour show featuring the best Metal and Rock you need to know about, airing on a station near you!

Also here's the link to the Facebook Event tentatively setup for January 11th. Venue and Time? still hasn't been confirmed as far as I know.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1407855199447825/

we are in the planning stage of setting up a benefit for That Drummer Guy aka Josh Rundquist  If you want to sign the get well card for josh go to guitar center in roseville and ask for will. date and time are up in air still, as is venue. i just listed saint paul as a default location for now. More details to come: Bands confirmed so far: We Are Legion Ulvmörd Ghost Hook Bloodgeon Mn

10/26/13 1:45PM


This may be premature, as this was posted on Facebook recently, and it's just been in speculation thus far.
BUT, Josh aka That Drummer Guy, a co-underground music promoter, radio show host (That Drummer Guy Presents), music/metalonline news source and list maker extraordinare.

Josh's Youtube Channel
That Drummer Guy's Page on Facebook
That Drummer Guy 1 on Twitter

And also someone who has done 50 or more interviews at Rock and Metal concerts in the Twin Cities area over the last couple of years. A handful of which have even found linked on Blabbermouth (aka for better or worse, probably the biggest Heavy Metal News/Gossip site).

Well Josh unfortunately, has fallen under some difficult medical condition(s) over the last 2 months. In and out of the Hospital now 3 times. I've tried to keep up with his situation as much as possible via Facebook and his girlfriend Lynn. It seems the doctors keep on finding different issues with him. Stomach issues (he had surgery for his gallbladder).

Josh was diagnosed a number of years ago with Diabetes (Childhood?), at a rather young age for that. He's just 25 now anyway, so that is 1 reason why these medical issues coming up is surprising. I worry that he may have something worse than just the Diabetes because he has handled having that I think about ever since I've known him, which I think I 1st interacted with him around 2006.

Anyway, some of his friends may be trying to setup a Benefit of some kind for him in the near future, as with any medical issues, the cost, even with good Health insurance coverage. can still add up.

I guess when I know more about this, I'll add more about the details. But in the mean time, I and many others should have Josh in their thoughts. He's a great guy, and terrificly versed networking in music circles and Metal specifically. He also is a drummer (hence his online handle) and has a new band called Planet Smasher in fact. And of course a gigantic music and Metal fan, that many want to see continue doing what he does so well.

Significant Albums: Fates Warning - A Pleasant Shade of Gray (1997)

So where do we begin?
And what else can we say?
When the lines are all drawn
What should we do today?

Yeah, of course that is the opening line, and probably the line most associated with this record. And appropriate for this series or actually more or less anything involving thinking, nostalgia, etc.

This is my favorite Fates Warning record. It has been more or less since I heard it. And I am a dedicated and long-time, going on 18 or 19 years, fan/fanboy of one of the definitive progressive metal artists. So, I naturally hold more or less everything this band has done in high regard.

But this record is their most unique. Why? well, for one, it may be regarded as their only obvious concept album. Being that it is really is just 1 nearly 54 minute song, divided up into 12 "parts" per say. I consider it 1 song anyway.

I guess it was perfected in a lot ways. Mood-wise, it was and still is relate-able in sort of a reflective and therapeutic way. The emotion heard in the dynamics, from the vocals to the guitar. And use of sampling rain, for example, along with the piano, which especially at the time, knowing it was Kevin Moore playing on it meant a lot to me, given I was still rather down about his departure from Dream Theater. Although, of course Kevin Moore I don't believe wrote any of it, as Jim Matheos is credited for that. I wonder though, especially with any of the samples, if Kevin was involved, as that has been, and namely around that time in the 90's, something he was rather adept at finding and using.

Another part of this record that maybe gets overlooked is how Terry Brown was involved with the production/producing. Terry Brown worked with Rush and many other groups I enjoy, and I recall had worked previously with FW on Parallels, and then later on Disconnected as well. I recall reading some stuff about his writing or working well with Ray Alder on the vocal melodies. And this album has many of Ray's best vocal lines.

"Stayed up late last night...."
"But circumstance conspired, and here we are, here we are"
"But I often wonder, what could have been.."
"Let nothing bleed into nothing, and did nothing at all"

Just trying to remember some others..trying to jog my memory.

I think one of the biggest parts of this record being such a big deal to me, was it came out in 1997, not long after the band had long time members Frank Aresti and founding member/bassist Joe DiBiase leave the band. I recall tape trading with a guy and including some letters per Metal Edge's "Metal Head Directory" and talking about Fates Warning. The guy mentioned reading the news of those 2 guys leaving the band and how the band, meaning Jim Matheos, may just hang it up. I have a really distinct memory of getting my bass guitar and playing it one afternoon and then stopping and feeling incredibly depressed about Fates Warning, a band I had only recently become a fan of, but was loving everything I heard. The possibility of them breaking up. After seeing Kevin Moore leave Dream Theater, and then learning of the possibility of  Fates Warning being done.

And then this record comes out, and for my 20 year old, music-seeking self, it kind of gave me some hope for my love of music at the time. Especially in 1997, a year when a lot of music I was checking out was not up to par, like Queensryche's latest, or even the previous year's Rush album. And Dream Theater's new album seemed to be taking an eternity to come out. APSOG was an album that sort of saved my ability to listening to new-music at that time.

But on paper, it is just one of those classic concept albums, that everything was written and recorded (and perfected) for a reason. It is best heard all at once, as I mentioned, it is really just 1 54 minute song. And while it is sound-wise more modern sounding and less heavy or Metal sounding than FW's previous albums, save for maybe even the one that preceded it in Inside Out, a record I almost regard as having very little heavy moments. But I think it kind of found Fates Warning making a  more darker, progressive rock, than anything else.

It was really in a lot of ways, Jim Matheos saying fuck you to the music industry and their demand for shorter, "radio friendly" songs/music, including having to pick them off an album. Even with the tracks labeled "Parts 1, 2, 3..12" etc, it was like the exact opposite of what they seemed to try to do with Inside Out and even with Parallels. A non-commercial approach to song and album.

Many fans regard this as a turning point in sound, which it is in a lot of ways. Ray doesn't sing a ton of falsettos nor their "Metal" or "80's" sound seems to be gone. It has some industrial moments, which I am not normally into much in general, but with Fates and this kind of music, I totally go for.

The concept? I've always wondered and thought it was about a man reflecting on his life's decisions and wondering if there was anything he could do to change them. But also just his memories, sort of day dreams or dreams he had, which recall past experiences of his (or maybe others?..SciFi?).

Jim I recall never really explained what the actual concept is, or if there is an actual, defined concept with it. Probably why a lot of the lyrics, like most of his lyrics, are pretty ambiguous. So, it's up to the listener to interpret them and the music how they want, which often I appreciate as much as any more blatant kinds of lyrics or wording with music (album titles, song titles, artwork, or even artist names).

Is it an album I listen to a lot? not anymore, but for nostalgia and uniqueness, I still think it holds up and is somewhat unmatched. I often wanted to call it "A Perfect Shade of Gray" in just how perfect I find it. And I'm not sure if they will ever make anything as good as it is again, which I'd love to be wrong about that, but for a band who was 14 years into their career and now 30 or so now, I would hardly expect it.

I also recall reading an interview with Jim around the time he was writing this, online per an mIRC chatroom text, where he mentioned listening to a lot of Marillion at this time, including the double live album Made Again which had recently been released around that time.. Which maybe that was also when I started to think of these guys with Marillion.

Playlist subbing for Modern Kicks on KFAI 1/8/14

Here's Joyce and my 2nd appearance as subs for the Modern Kicks show on KFAI. Joyce went 1st, so the 1st hour is all her playlist. Overall, a better show than the last sound-wise/transition-wise, etc. I still didn't get my background music perfect, as especially the last segment with the Debashish, I was speaking over it, but from what I can hear, not well enough in general. But, another note to improve on.

Thanks to Sean from Modern Kicks again. I'm not sure how often these sub spots may come up this year, and especially if I and more likely Joyce, will be able to do it. But every once in awhile isn't so difficult to pull off the 2-4 hour nap from within the 5-10PM hours and then catch another fragment of sleep from 3-5:30 somehow.

Or, getting to sub on an evening where I have the next work day off as I did today for another reason (an appointment in a relatively nearby place in Wisconsin), so the timing was better than a typical week.

And 1 other thing I think may be a plan for next time, to just simplify the playlist a bit by playing only 3-5 epic tracks. The focus on cramming as many songs in may not exist then.

Modern Kicks 1/8/14 Available Until 1/22/14

Right-Click Save As

Stream

Joyce:

Lady/Lady/Hold On/Truth & Soul

Austin Brown/Menage a Trois/Highway 85 (mixtape)/South Five Records

Elijah Blake/XOX (feat. Common)/Bijoux 22 (mixtape)

Aloe Blacc/Love is the Answer/Lift Your Spirit/Universal

Chromeo/Over Your Shoulder /Over Your Shoulder (single)/Atlantic

Jamie Lidell/Do Yourself a Favor/Jamie Lidell/Warp

Capital Cities/Kangaroo Court/A Tidal Wave of Mystery/Capital

Mayer Hawthorne/Designer Drug/Where Does This Door Go (Deluxe Edition)/Universal Republic

Janelle Monae/Dorothy Dandridge Eyes (feat. Esparanza Spalding)/The Electric Lady/Bad Boy Records

Jessie Ware/Running/Devotion/Island

Alice Smith/Loyalty/She/Rainwater Productions

Kimbra/Two Way Street/Vows/Warner Bros.

Fitz and the Tantrums/House on Fire/More Than Just a Dream/Dangerbird

background:

Dennis Coffey/Dennis Coffey

Me:

Apes and Androids/Riverside/Blood Moon/Self Release 

Emanuel and the Fear/Jimme's Song (Full Band Version)/Paper Garden Records

Three/Amaze Disgrace/Wake Pig/Metal Blade Records

Kiss Kiss/Janet/Reality vs. the Optimist/Eyeball Records

Distrails/Virginia Creeper/Virginia Creeper (ep)/Self Released

Neverending White Lights/The Grace/Act I: Goodbye Friends of the Heavenly Bodies/Ocean Records

Anathema/Thin Air/We're Here Because We're Here/The End Records 

House of Fools/Need to Be Free/Versus the Beast/Self Released 

The Receiving End of Sirens/This Armistice/Between Heart and the Synapse/Triplecrown Records (GETS CUTOFF)

background:
Klimt 1918/Sleepwalk In Rome (Remix)/Dopoguerra
Debashish Bhattacharya/A Mystical Morning/Beyond the Ragasphere

Significant Albums: Klimt 1918 - Dopoguerra (2005)

Okay, this is it. First off, I want to say a few things.

Lists: Everyone seems to make them. I do make them, but in some ways as a necessarily evil. Truth be, I HATE making them, I also HATE trying to write reviews. Why is that? because I'm not a genius. I can't pull a rabbit out of my ass with some beyond common knowledge and vernacular. I am no National Merit Scholar anyway.

And frankly, loads of reviews, blurbs, even from the highly praised, I think are often nauseating to read.
And to be honest, lists in some ways as well. I guess it often does come down to subjective element of the content. But making long, year-end Album and Movie lists, while always fun to read, has become a little cliche among the masses, online and other sources.

So, I guess then the question is raised, how am I not any more cliche or repulsive by doing this? valid question, but I guess since I really have never given it a proper attempt, and I can, because I am not meaning to flood all sorts of places with it (maybe 1 or 2 forums I suppose, 1 being for the dreamtheaterforums.org anyway).

What will this list, or series of entries be like? kind of random in some ways. I may include 4 or 7 albums in 1, others only 1. They may be very short (actually a good chance that'll happen); but they also may be more extensive than I would mean to for an outside reader anyway.

How many? well, for the dtf, it's supposed to be 50. But, that is just not even close to enough, so the series may go a lot longer, like 100-300 or more depending on how I feel and of course time.

When will they be done? the 50 for that forum hopefully will be done in a few months if not less, but I may do this all year or more.

Isn't this just like the "AllMediaReviews Essentials" series, just with the albums, not artists that never got too far? yes and yes. And the fact I have a gf now, well, again, the time factor will dictate. But the 50 for the dtf will happen for sure. I just may have to make time away from her, much to her not being too happy with that. I guess, again, that bridge will be faced when I get there.

That being said, I am writing these in a Random Generated Order per a website, ordering 1-168+. No ranking or alphabetical or anything (for now).

https://www.facebook.com/Klimt1918




What can I remember about this record? I was introduced to it per Spectre1982's 2005 albums list on the dredg fans forum. He had a massive list, and I checked out a bunch of new names from it, and caught on. This was 1 of the most addictive albums from that list. In 2006, I probably listened to this album 50 or 60 times. The energy was so infectious. I loved their style of U2 meets Heavy/Post rock, I suppose I might call it now. Some of the songs were very catchy. Namely "We Were Wed By the Sea." The pounding riff on that track I got attached to. So much so, I may even play it on KFAI tomorrow or another time.

But the whole record flows really well. I often found I had to play it beginning to end. The double bass in spots, dreamy element. I really would love to go back to the Winter and Spring of 2006 again..especially like January and February and put this on on my drive to work and while at work. Nostalgia, which is a word they used in the lyrics more than once I recall.

A romantic album. An uplifting album. An album that has the Italian element in small ways. Their singer does have an accent in his vocals, but it in some ways makes him sound more distinct.

I'm not surprised the dredg fans like this band. Some like their follow up more, Just In Case We Never Meet Again (Soundtrack for the Cassette Generation). I actually grew to love their previous albums more so. Even when they were heavier and used a bit of blackened Metal in their sound. 2014, could see their return as well thankfully, as they are posting on Facebook a lot over the last few months.

I also would say, bands like Alcest and Katatonia, while have had larger success, even with their differences, would find crossover for this band. Klimt 1918 aren't Metal anymore, but the "gaze" and melancholic element they share with those other 2, as well as a band like Anathema even.

"Snow of '85" is like the definition of nostalgia in song.
Nightdriver
Sleepwalk in Rome
Lomo
Rachel

fuck, I can't really say anything on here is bad. I even love the 2nd CD that includes some very soothing remixes.

Klimt 1918, oh how I have missed you. And this album remains my go-to disc still some 7+ years after hearing it.

2014 (not the Anticipation List/Schedule yet, sorry!)

I have many thoughts at the moment for 2014, and have had many recently that I am not even recalling this second. But I guess I'll write a few things for now, and if/when I have the time and manage to remember more, I'll add more here or more likely another entry.

1) I will try and post an anticipation list soon. Mostly, but likely not 100% of what I have up on my rateyourmusic.com page. When? could be soon, may not be until February or March..or not at all. It's of course a time thing. But I do mean to, so it'll probably bug the fuck out of me to force me to anyway early on this year.

2) I need a new notebook/laptop computer. One that is a lot more portable (lighter/smaller). My budget, well, the cost won't be nothing, but, I look at in terms of entertainment dollars and priorities (or addiction, sadly). If I end up traveling to Arizona in less than 1 month, I mean to have it by then anyway. But that is still unclear.

2b) along with a new Laptop, I could use a new desktop probably, but that's not as significant. I have been giving it a lot of thought, and I mean to try my hand at Youtube this year. With that, I require a camera, which I should do more research, but I could purchase one for a reasonable price, and that may not be long after acquiring the new laptop. But the reason WHY? being, I'm curious..maybe too curious about what it may lead to. Will the anonymity by gone? much of it yes. Will it be an experiment that may not last? it may. Comments? eh, I'm leaning towards no, like this blog. But that may be best decided with trial and error as well.

I figure, there's a whole potential audience per Youtube that could find what I do on there and here. And vice versa. It likely would be like the podcasts I've tried I suppose.'

Could it compromise the writing/posting in here? I would not mean it to, as I have no idea how good or gawd awful the videos I may try and make may be. The stuff in here, whether some think it's complete rubbish, it can't be argued it does find its way towards some people, even months or years later. That is a big reason I do continue doing this. '

But, I also suspect I may just have more ability to post entertaining/appealing things in writing, rather than in electronic forms like radio/podcasts and in this case, Youtube.

But it's an attempt, an experiment, that may or may not last. But I'm a little too curious to not want to try.
Now WHEN exactly, again, that is the billion dollar question. Maybe in February or March, maybe not until the Summer or the Fall.

3) The upcoming Favorite albums thing, even as late as it is, I am going to try and start. I guess I'll intro more of what I mean to say about it in the 1st entry, but I have 1000 things to add about it, and 100 different directions I may take it. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but it's bugging me anyway.

4) I may post something tomorrow, but the KFAI thing is happening tomorrow night with the gf. I have isolated like 15 or 20 discs to potentially play that are "modern rock" that 89.3/RadioK don't play and I have not played on the air before. Is it going to be a Best of 2013? doubt it. Will it be a 2014 preview? unlikely. Just music that I enjoy that is worth sharing and FCC compliant. Tomorrow Midnight-2AM.

there was a 5th item, and I just lost it. Maybe an edit later, or maybe something else soon. But I mean to try my hand finally at said massive list, so that's all I got for now...

Yossi: guitarist and songwriter, LEAVES ORPHANED LAND

I just posted this on Facebook a few minutes ago.

this sucks, but I can't say I am totally surprised, namely after what happened to them on their US tour a few years ago. But I'm skeptical what their future may hold now without Yossi who could be considered the Heart and Soul of this great band.

All Is One, their record from last year, was quite good, and really, I found they are/were 1 of the most distinct/unique Metal bands working over the last decade. 

But, at least the article mentions he has a solo record in the works called "Desert Butterflies" which it wouldn't surprise me to have it sound like Orphaned Land's style of Middle Eastern-Metal. Also if time allows, perhaps Steven Wilson will be involved or at least mention support for it.

And I did get to see them live twice at least, once at ProgPowerUSA in 2009 and in St.Paul, MN in 2010 I recall.

I am just thinking about this though, and if in fact this ends up being sort of the end of Orphaned Land, it's another great Metal band whose time has now passed. There are a few bands who combine middle eastern music with Death Metal, but none of them have ever compared really to me.

But, if Yossi's solo albums are similar in style and most important, quality, I'm not sure how much it'll matter ultimately.


http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/orphaned-lands-founding-guitarist-and-main-composer-yossi-sassi-quits-band/

Guitarist Yossi Sassi, founding member and main composer of Israel-based oriental folk metallers ORPHANED LAND, has announced his departure from the band.

In a statement, he said: "I never thought that someday I'll write these words… yet if there's something stronger than our past — it is our future, and our dreams, as we evolve and understand what is right for us in the path ahead.

"You know I always strive to be creative, innovative, compose the next authentic thing, and devoted my life to fuse and mix together the East and West, acoustic with electric, rock with folk traditional music, all with authenticity and full heart. 

"Books could be written from the what I've done for and gone through since founding ORPHANED LAND (initially named RESURRECTION in 1991), from every fan mail in the early '90s, through signing the first deal with Holy Records, endorsements, budgeting, website development, pledging... the list goes on and on. Above all, I'm proud most of my vast compositions, arrangements, production and musical boundaries explored.

"ORPHANED LAND has been a dream turned into reality with tremendous hard work and accomplishments. It is my life's work, spanning over more than 22 years as a founding member, composer, producer and many other roles. But mainly being 'the heart' I always believed ORPHANED LAND should reflect through.

"I feel that now, from all the right reasons that I can and cannot change, the time has come for new dreams.

"The first dream is on its way already. The new album I'm working on these days will be called 'Desert Butterflies', a conceptual piece, rich and diverse, continued to my debut solo release, 'Melting Clocks', and the 'oriental rock' genre I've been pioneering and redefining. It includes musical collaborations with Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal (GUNS N' ROSES), Marty Friedman (MEGADETH), Mariangela Demurtas (TRISTANIA) and more. it'll be worth the wait.

"I'm never leaving you.

"I'm not closing the door, not on ORPHANED LAND members, and certainly not on YOU, my beloved and loyal fans, friends and followers.

"The best is yet to come... I guarantee it to you, personally."

ORPHANED LAND's sixth full-length album, "All Is One", was released in North America on June 25, 2013 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. The cover artwork for the follow-up to 2010's "The Never Ending Way Of ORwarriOR" was created by the French artist Metastazis (PARADISE LOST, AS I LAY DYING, SONNE ADAM, WATAIN) by perfectly incorporating the three biggest religious symbols into one piece of art.

"All Is One" was made available as a limited deluxe book edition, including three bonus songs and a bonus DVD, as well as limited double gatefold LP, including the three bonus songs and in different vinyl colors. A standard jewelcase CD format and digital download is also available.

The limited-edition version of "All Is One" contains a very special bonus DVD with some very exclusive music clips and an interesting documentary about the genesis and recording of the album.

ORPHANED LAND's new effort was the band's first to feature guitarist Chen Balbus following the departure of Matty Svatizky in June 2012 due to "personal" and "professional" issues.

"All Is One" was mixed by Jens Bogren (JAMES LABRIE, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, OPETH) and was recorded in three different countries: Israel, Turkey and Sweden. Ironically, these countries are Jewish, Muslim and Christian, respectively, which strengthens the ORPHANED LAND message of unity through music. Over 40 musicians were used to flesh out the sound of "All Is One", including 25 choir singers and eight classical violin, viola and cello players from Turkey.

ORPHANED LAND's concert DVD, "The Road To OR-Shalem", was released in October 2011 in Europe and November 2011 in the U.S. via Century Media Records.

Cyril Neville (Neville Brothers) - Working Man (Rush)

Pretty nice cover, from an unlikely artist. More blues/blues-rock. I wonder what the Rush guys think.

Citypages Top Twitterers: My Profile

@AllMediaReviews

Ky Gil, age 37, works in Medical Claims.

Representative tweet: went to @artistsquarter last night for possibly the final time.I could have done w/out the hipsters not listening/watching the show however.

Describe your account: A feed for my blog, and some things I don't manage to include in my blog, which  is largely based on news and opinions about underground and lesser known music, namely progressive rock.

One good thing about Twitter: Interacting and connecting news from the direct source (music, being the artist themselves).

Explain Twitter in one sentence: At its best, an immediate news and gossip source.

Do your friends use Twitter? yes, although most of them use Facebook and do not use Twitter at this point, if that says anything.

One bad thing about Twitter: Like most social media, the focus seems to be all too often about *Who* is first to post news or a rumor, not WHAT is in said post. Also, I still feel the word "Tweet" sucks, and should be done away with. Call it a "Twitter Post" and leave it at that, please. Also an "edit" function would help a fair amount, which I'd predict will happen sooner than later (see Facebook).

Anything Else?  "How many followers" I have is not what I focus on, but more if I am able to help support and spread the word about things I care about (interesting, often underground music) to others, even if it's only just a handful of people, and even if it is 2 or 3 years after it's been posted. I don't follow crowds, or typically succumb to what is "hip" unlike the impression I get from so many people on Twitter and what is littered throughout Social Media (or in the case of Minnesota, among certain Music Media/Media outlets).

I know there is an audience for what I enjoy and talk about, and I know most if not all the media outlets will not give the recognition it deserves, if they ever give it any recognition at all.

If you like @AllMediaReviews you'll also like @altprogcore and @Neesh .