Week of May 15, 2022

  This week really rocked. When I make these selections, I hope for the best. Keep in mind my goal is to find music to add to a playlist when forced to do some task or go for walks and runs. It is designed to be enjoyed as random selections, not contiguous album playing. The power pop of Game Theory, classic prog rock of Porcupine Tree, southern jam rock of Widespread Panic, art rock of Gazpacho, all combine to bring enjoyment as random segments. This particular mix this week could sustain over hours of listening. There’s over fifteen hours of listening combined that can be enjoyed for a long time.

Best of the Week

Gazpacho - Tick Tock (Remastered)

About my third Gazpacho album that I’ve listened to, this 2009 release has a lot of Muse elements. Where Muse keeps to a 3-4 minute song length, Gazpacho extends theirs, frequently hitting 7-8 minutes. That works because the added refrains are varied and provide a counterpoint to the base theme. Really good album. Several tracks were added to the playlist.

Rpwl - The Rpwl Experience (Special Edition)

Another good outing. I got a kick out of “This is Not a Progsong” which, of course, it is. “Silenced starts off the album giving the listener their meat-and-potatoes style of weaving in and out of a bass song pattern with small detours here and there.

Widespread Panic - Light Fuse Get Away

Listening to a random set on my player, I heard a live version of “Barstools & Dreamers” and thought, why haven’t I checked out their albums? Take Phish and add in a little Allman Brothers and you have WP. Great jamming band. This was their first live release and is the basis of the CD release party in Athens GA that was filmed and released as “Panic In the Streets”

Porcupine Tree - Signify (Remaster)

One of the few PT albums I missed, this 1995 release was during their more dreamy psychedelic period. Since some of the cuts I already heard or knew, there weren’t very many surprises. That said, there was new stuff (to me, anyway) that was worthy of noting.

Ozric Tentacles - Pungent Effulgent (2020 Remaster)

Many consider this being the best album of OT’s long historical output. The space rock king had it all working. Having the benefit of a remastering job adds clarity and focus that I’m sure wasn’t there in 1989 when it came out.

IQ - Frequency

Loved the album The Road Of Bones, hoping for more of the same. It is. Mostly long segments of vintage guitar and keyboard heavy prog rock. Stylistically not much different than other work I’ve listened to thus far, but why fix something that isn’t broken?

Interesting Finds

Held By Trees - Solace

A moody prog rock album with jazz elements. A number of things make this a fine album. The recording quality is top notch. A variety of instruments are interwoven to present songs of texture and depth.

Demians - Building An Empire

Discovered this band that was a mix featuring bands like The Pineapple Thief and Gazpacho. Turns out the “band” is Nicolas Chapel who composes, produces, and plays all instruments and vocals. Listening doesn’t offer a hint of being a one-man band. The album ends on “Sand”, a sixteen minute epic that starts out very strong, cycles the intensity a few times before finishing pleasantly.

Chroma Key - Dead Air for Radios

Another one-man band, the person being Kevin Moore who left Dream Theater after eight years of being with them. Quite a bit different than DT, this features more electronic and ambient elements. Most of it is good, but it would have been better to leave out some of the speaking dialogue snippets sprinkled through several of the songs. Still, it’s an interesting sound

The Lazy Eyes - SongBook

Well, retro pop is alive and well in 2022. But it is so much fun! The first thing I hear is “Where’s My Brain???”, a six-minute bouncy tune with girlie vocals that the Ventures would have been proud to make.

Pain Of Salvation - Panther

I didn’t like POS’s In The Passing Light Of Day, but this sounds like a different group. It’s still dark and dense, but at least they presented some assemblance of musicality. In fact, most of the tracks were darn right good and added to my list.

Steve Rothery - The Ghosts of Pripyat

Pripyat was the company town built to support the workers of the Chernobyl Power Plant site that is now vacant due to the nuclear incident. The album would seem to be an austere and sad commentary on the history of it, but it doesn’t sound that depressing, thankfully. Rothery, long-time member of Marillion, did this as a side project. Basically Marillion without the vocals, it is a little more reflective and makes for great listening  while doing other work around the house or yard.

Game Theory - 2 Steps from the Middle Ages

This is a catch-all album of work at the end of the band’s run. The 24 tracks include original work, some demo releases, and live segments. The demo work tends to be spartan and the live work suffers from uneven production. Stick with Lolita Nation. This was the last Game Theory album before Miller evolved into The Loud Family.

Forgettable

Roy Montgomery - Audiotherapy

I beg to differ. After listening to the track “Occlusione”, it’s more like audio torture. It starts out nice, with a constant strumming of guitar and moving bass line, a female voice speaking a language I don’t know (French?) interludes the musical space followed by a wall of industrial noise. Some redemption on "The Expedition Across Your Skin", but the layering of basic guitar riffs tends to make the overall music ambient and dissonant. Not for the squeamish.

Week of May 8, 2022

 Along with new entries that are current releases, I added a touch of the eighties and the nineties which was an era of rock I really thrived on. In particular, there was a subset of bands from a record label that put together a portfolio of sounds that represented the energy and brashness of that period. Enigma Records. Long defunct, they had released a compilation of their offerings called the Enigma Variations. Really just a promotional album, the grouping of work isn’t too dissimilar to the playlists we play today. 

Best of the Week

IQ - The Road of Bones

One of my need-to-check-out bands. Often said in the same breath as Marillion, I think of them as more closely related to the later Genesis period before they became a ballad band but after Gabriel left. The twelve-minute song “Constellations” is a prime example. Several tracks made it into the playlist because they excel at making long extended compositions interesting.

Pure Reason Revolution - Above Cirrus

Well, 2020’s Eupnea was fabulous, so it was a given to listen to this 2022 release and see if they could match it. While Eupnea had an electronic dance music flair and lot’s of German lyrics, Above Cirrus has a more conventional prog rock feel by leaning on hard guitar riffs and a beat more akin to electronic music. Their knack for blending these two worlds makes them unusual, but in a good way.

Gazpacho - Night (Remastered)

Why a Norwegian band would name themselves after a cold soup from Spain is beyond me, but maybe some of this playfulness is part of their character and it shows. The A-Ha quality vocals belies the fact that they have great compositional chops and prog rock appeal. Four of the eight tracks exceed double-digit minutes and they use the time well to build the music into a multi-layered story.

Rain Parade - Emergency Third Rail Power Trip

Probably the most notable release by Rain Parade, the album sparkles with the catchy tunes, psychedelic guitars, and harmonizing vocals. It hasn’t lost a thing in the nearly forty years it was released. This should be an entry in the hall of fame for this period of rock music.

Interesting Finds

Soen - Lykaia

A Swedish supergroup that has compelling tunes using a hard driving sound similar to Tool and Flying Colors. Another words, pretty good.

The Leaving Trains - Transportational D. Vices

Lots of fast, quick songs ala The Minutemen. Don’t get too attached to the riffs they employ because they aren’t there for long.

Anathema - Distant Satellites (Tour Edition)

A KScope label band that has been around thirty years, this 2014 release supposedly had more electronic music infused from prior releases. It also has Steven Wilson’s production hands all over it which is a sign of good things. It’s pretty evident because songs that would have probably sounded boring or uninspiring by others have zip and impact.

Pattern-Seeking Animals - Only Passing Through

Lively energetic prog rock using a variety of keyboards, horns, strings, and of course, guitars to produce a sea of sounds. They sound a lot like Spock’s Beard which isn’t surprising given they are essentially Spock’s Beard without the Morse brothers

Lunatic Soul - Fractured

Probably compared to Muse and Tears For Fears because of their poly-rhythmic electronic style, A little light in substance but still listenable.

Airbag - All Rights Removed

First thing I hear is the 17 minute song “Homesick”. The only problem is, the song has no real changes, like alternate interludes or choruses to break up the main theme. Not as good as Disconnected or A Day at the Beach.

Alcest - Les voyages de l’ame

Translated as “Journeys of the Soul”, the sound embraces heavy metal, but in a warm melodic manner. A strong comparison could be made to Bob Mould’s band Sugar, but with better vocals.

Green On Red - Scapegoats

I forgot what was intriguing about Green On Red. If they had a doppelganger, it would be Camper Van Beethoven as they use the same bluesy folksy whimsical tunes that showcases simple musical lines instead of power rock. There are times that is a welcome change.

T.S.O.L - Change Today?

A rolicking rolling bundle of fun tunes, many of which are counter-culture themed. A lot of George Thorogood is in their music, but a little quicker and not quite as bluesy.

Forgettable

Secrets of the Moons - Seven Bells

Ugh.

Quick Hits May 1, 2022

 Busy week on other happenings (rental home work, sports, family stuff), so no extensive listing this time. 

Robyn Hitchcock - The Man Upstairs

It's been awhile since listening to Robyn Hitchcock, so listening to an eight year-old album still sounds fresh to me. Not really a band release, more of an ensemble and layers of production surrounding Hitchcock's fine songwriting and gentle vocals. It isn't a rocker but it does soothe the soul. 

rodrigo y gabriela - 9 Dead Alive

If you are into intricate dynamic acoustic guitar playing, Rodrigo (Sanchez) and Gabriela (Quintero) will light up your life. The style is closely formulated to traditional flamenco, but contains jazz and rock influences. I compare them favorably with the Al DiMeola and Paco de Lucia duets though Rodrigo and Gabriela are much more consistently constructed. Even through the confines of two audio speakers, your jaw is likely to drop. 

Grant Hart - Intolerance

I've been on a ex-Husker Du rampage with Bob Mould and wanted to recall Grant Hart's work. He didn't have the volume of work Mould put forth, but his work, in many ways, was more musical and equally potent. Where Mould thrashes a power guitar lick, Hart mixes his guitar work with keyboards. His lyrical point of view is more pointed and rough, probably reflecting the hard path his life took. 

Week of Apr 24, 2022

 This week was like a marriage - something old (Ozric Tentacles, Camper Van Beethoven), something new (Saxon, Slash, Mike Campbell), something borrowed in time (R.E.M, Placebo, Sugar) and something blue (Rolling Stones, Robben Ford).

Best of the Week

Camper Van Beethoven - La Costa Perdida

What a hoot! First, I didn’t know there was a re-grouping of CVB after the breakup in the 90’s. This and the album El Camino Real (which must be checked out) came from 2013-2014. La Costa Perdida has the same fun rollicking crazy feel that made them the charming band of “folk cool” you can find. Lowery, Krummenacher, Segal, Lisher, Pedersen and company are in fine form.

Placebo - Sleeping With Ghosts

Long time on my list of bands to check out, I plucked this 2003 release from random and was rewarded handsomely for it. Like Muse, they have a style that is definable and yet not predictable. Think of it as approachable art rock.

Robben Ford - Pure

Lovely blues guitar work permeates this fine recording by Ford. He has the chops and it has earned him a listing as one of the top 100 guitarists of the 20th century by Musician. At 70 years young, he still sounds strong and vibrant on this 2021 release. Maybe I need to check out his earlier work?

Muse - The 2nd Law

Their neo-classical art rock approach is just so rich, they make listening to their music so enjoyable. This release isn’t singles rich like some of the others, but it doesn’t matter. The fact it’s ten years old also doesn’t matter. Their sound is timeless.

Rolling Stones - Emotional Rescue

I largely ignored the middle Rolling Stones period and that’s a shame. Production was tight, Keith Richards had fantastic command of his fabulous blues guitar licks, and the tunes had bounce. Don’t know if this remaster is part of the reason, but the magic was still there. This is a noteworthy release from the legendary band.

Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs - External Combustion

The longtime guitarist for Tom Petty obviously can do more than play guitar. What a wonderful extension of their work with Petty. All the elements are there - the folksy relaxed vocals, catchy tunes, and beautiful guitar work are all out of the “Damn the Torpedoes” era. Maybe Campbell’s vocals are a little thin compared to Petty, but that is a small caveat from a real good album.

Interesting Finds

Sugar - Copper Blue

Always liked this album released after Bob Mould’s first stint as a solo artist. If there is one flaw with Bob Mould, it’s the sameness in his guitar playing. Otherwise, his songwriting is top notch. Just check out the track “If I Can’t Change Your Mind” for proof.

R.E.M. - Monster

I have to admit, back when this came out in 1994, I was getting bored with the boys from Athens, GA and that was unfair. This Remastered version shows just how much these guys were on point compared to most bands on the planet. The fuzz and reverb recording emphasis and strong songcraft are seldom seen anymore. “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” was the hit from this album.

Saxon - Carpe Diem

Not sure how this relic from a Deep Purple era showed up on my radar, but it’s not bad! Complete with Ian Gillan style vocals, this brand new release harkins to an older time in rock which means it sounds new now. Beats the heavy metal post punk growl so prevalent.

Ozric Tentacles - Pungent Effulgent (2020 Remaster)

Being an Ozric Tentacles fan for years and years, it’s odd I’ve never experienced a complete album release. It’s about time. Reportedly this and Erpland were the best of OT’s releases and this does not disappoint. The characteristic spacey elements along with some riveting guitar riffs are present and accounted for.

Slash - 4

New album by Slash (featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators) is my first. I was pleasantly surprised he can craft some very listenable and compelling tunes. I also like how he keeps Myles’ vocals, which aren’t bad, slightly reserved and let the guitars do most of the load.

Ghost - Impera

It may be heavy metal, but the catchy tunes from this Swedish band makes it downright tasty. While the band’s presentation is bizarre and ghoulish, they sound closer to a power version of Toto more than bands like Mastodon and Avenge Sevenfold.

Forgettable

Steve Vai - Inviolate

What few parcels of music heard that was crafted by Vai always left the impression he was a technically gifted guitar player that couldn’t deliver musicality on the same level. The best way to see if that judgment holds is to listen to a complete work. Unfortunately, this is the case with most of the tracks on this album. You know those songs you’ve heard that sound like a song but can’t recall it later or hum the essence of the song? That’s what happens here a lot.

Week of Apr 17, 2022

Mostly new works with a little bit of the old sprinkled in. When the playlist is heavy with current music, I start longing for the older bands. So next week, I will search to bring out some of the 70's and 80's work I enjoyed (i.e. no disco, glam rock, and other regrettable periods of music).   

News

Music of Note

Anekdoten - Until All the Ghosts Are Gone

The background melotron-esque sounds adds an old time prog feel to this record despite the 2015 release date. More King Crimson like (right down to the occasional saxophone interventions) than The Moody Blues, this Swedish band recalls the more dynamic period of early prog rock.

New Model Army - Thunder and Consolation (2005 Remaster)

A remaster from their 2-CD 1989 release, they sounded more like a blend of Irish folk and hard driving rock. It works because it takes the best of both worlds. Half is studio work and half is live versions which, unfortunately, lack the dynamics of the studio. Full of passion, the songs are vibrant and have punch, which begs the question, how the fuck did this band stay in the shadow of U2?

Nosound - Afterthoughts (Remastered)

The group Nosound is primarily Italian prog rocker Giancarlo Erra with an assortment of musicians. With eleven releases to his (their) name, Nosound demonstrates an accomplished songcraft and production capabilities, not too unlike Bruce Soord with The Pineapple Thief.

Joe Satriani - The Elephants of Mars

You’d think after twenty-odd releases, Satriani would be running out of ideas or running his own idea into the ground. Far from it. Yes, he borrows from himself a great deal and doesn’t go so far afield you think he is someone else, but they are still refreshing and a blast to listen to.

Mothlite - Dark Age

Daniel O’Sullivan (see previous entry) fronts Mothlite, a band playing pithy rock with significant electronica support. Think Tears For Fears as a comparison. Catchy interesting tunes makes this a keeper.

Fontaines D.C. - Dogrel

This Irish band would have fit well in the early punk days of Minutemen, Replacements, and Pixies. I guess someone has to carry the torch. The tracks come fast and with lots of energy. “Hurricane Laughter” (“There is NO CON-nec-tion”) is typical of their infectious nature. This particular album received “Album of the Year” nods from a couple of different U.K. orgs.

The Pineapple Thief - 8 Years Later

Another astounding release by this band. One of the appeals to this band is their ability to use shifting dynamics instead of just power-rocking everything. They understand the use of quiet and let the songs build momentum.

North Atlantic Oscillation - Grind Show

The fourth release by this Scottish band, features big sound and big production. This is art rock done at a really high level. Tip of the hat goes to the mixing engineer who had his hands full. For the most part, it works. Maybe they get a little too playful for their own good, but it is worth a listen.

Rpwl - Beyond Man and Time

The German group with the unpronounceable name (it’s just the letters of the names of the four original members) has become one of my favorites. Comfortable is long entries equally with hook-driven shorter numbers, “The Road of Creation” is such one example of a song that may stick in your mind for days.

Interesting Music

Sylvaine - Nova

Described by sites as a heavy metal artist, Sylvaine (aka Katherine Shepard) is capable of creating great beauty with soaring vocals and a variety of keyboards, guitars, and percussion, all of which is performed by herself. “Fortapt” is the 12-minute major track that shows best how she weaves gentle acoustic music and vocals with a crescendo of blistering guitars and pounding bass.

Daniel O’Sullivan - Fourth Density

One track may just have tranquil moments of acoustic guitar, the next may be cascading keyboard objects with bass rhythms interweaved. Or both. All the tracks are roughly three minutes, just enough time to present a musical idea and then move on. Maybe not ideal for portable playlist material, but for the weekly lists, it can add a little relief from the norm.

King Creosote - Diamond Mine

I loved King Creosote’s Astronaut Meets Appleman so much and meant to just pick another one of his releases because of it. I’m glad I remembered. Most of the selections are gentle and thoughtful relaxing listening given the soft vocals and primarily acoustic instruments.

Engineers - Three Fact Fader

Described as a shoegaze/dream rock band, Engineers has been around the block. They seem to be able to avoid the “sameness” that bands of this type can fall into.

Pneumatic Tubes - A Letter from TreeTops

A new band from this year, PT plays psychedelic rock along the lines of mid-period Tangerine Dream. There are a lot of short passages that probably sound better strung together rather than broken up in a playlist. Somewhat quiet, it is relaxing instrumental music.

Big Big Train - Common Ground

A big part of the attraction of Big Big Train is their ability to spin long multi-segmented compositions and make them interesting. The 15-minute “Atlantic Cable” is a case in point. The band has the benefit of a large ensemble to bring variety. Evidently, this was a “pandemic” release - all the parts had to be performed separately over Zoom or other on-line connections.

Not So Great

Wilderun - Epigone

Heavy metal growl rock, but with better than average vocals. Opeth has a similar vibe. The songs tend to wear thin if listened to over a limited time.

Ride - This Is Not a Safe Place

I have struggled mightily in describing this bland rock band and equally struggled to attach myself to their music.