tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-178440312024-03-07T08:16:53.473+01:00Doctor Of Prog RockProg Rock Now And ThenBarrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-68250922521297221242009-05-13T16:53:00.002+01:002009-05-13T16:56:57.109+01:00Classic Rock Presents Prog Issue 2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z_s4DKlTvCSEZ1FiIJ-v2lgMM2zMYKI0LHeu8ilWqfcZiAPMv-W-BMGdX-pfsEyGMe9Lz9H0hwOmDTVIJ9gRjCC17E_6IifZMhmm7nKZjb-P8vpxsZB4u6tMU5iq-bOxh3-8Pw/s1600-h/prog2envelope.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335338063868083762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8z_s4DKlTvCSEZ1FiIJ-v2lgMM2zMYKI0LHeu8ilWqfcZiAPMv-W-BMGdX-pfsEyGMe9Lz9H0hwOmDTVIJ9gRjCC17E_6IifZMhmm7nKZjb-P8vpxsZB4u6tMU5iq-bOxh3-8Pw/s400/prog2envelope.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The second issue of Classic Rocks Prog mag is out next week. Here's the cover. Interesting to note that the cover mounted CD will contain a track from the new Dream Theater album. </div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-37123567482935352832009-05-05T16:34:00.003+01:002009-05-05T16:39:33.931+01:00Esoteric Label Re-Releases Canterbury Classics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe13B-796R0J07ErR7J8VVNvp2YOLOchWrqDCT8A8NtBibXqtEZKQXCYyUmvEo0VgrghqszzFtwL4FWJR4BaXE-8OgC-NPd4wwM3jl9hGBtupdnpqFjYjfvUWYy4rh-iUWDLSzSw/s1600-h/imag17747.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332363990789246034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe13B-796R0J07ErR7J8VVNvp2YOLOchWrqDCT8A8NtBibXqtEZKQXCYyUmvEo0VgrghqszzFtwL4FWJR4BaXE-8OgC-NPd4wwM3jl9hGBtupdnpqFjYjfvUWYy4rh-iUWDLSzSw/s400/imag17747.jpg" border="0" /></a> In the next couple of weeks the excellent re-issue label releases four classic recordings from the so-called Canterbury Scene. The important ones for me are the two National Health albums. These were in effect Dave Stewart’s swansong recordings from this type of music and were a culmination of what had gone before with Egg and Hatfield and the North.<br /><br />The debut album featured the duel keyboards of Stewart and the late great Alan Gowen, who also features on the other two releases by Gilgamesh and Soft Heap and the characteristic “valvey” guitar of Phil Miller. Though the music of National Health was considered complex and it is, it’s never less than hugely melodic. Just listen to the beautiful “Tenemos Roads” with the gorgeous vocals of Amanda Parsons. By “Of Queues and Cures” the band had become a much tighter unit with Henry Cow’s John Greaves on bass and vocals, taking over from Neil Murray who left to join Whitesnake! The material on this second album was more “rocky” if that is the right phrase and for me is one of my favourite Canterbury albums. Highlights are undoubtedly the epic “Squarer for Maud” and “The Bryden 2-Step”.<br /><br />The band only recorded one more studio album made up of material written by Alan Gowen and released in tribute to him after his death in 1981. Shame Pip Pyle insisted on using an electronic drum kit for the sessions.<br /><br />Knowing the quality of Esoteric releases in the past these re-releases should sound and look very good indeed. These recordings have long been hard to find on CD so its about time they were made more readily available. I believe Esoteric are also readying the two Hatfield and the North studio albums for re-release later in the year.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-44405129965181405652009-04-16T13:45:00.002+01:002009-04-16T13:51:01.635+01:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA2_0cQzhyOiryL9XzSuj-sNJZKjbWuzOFnTWDNzrQNtfbfqHuLP0klHQju3UO2Wwrziw6kJhIucRb53pwyI7_7JBfIg6fhXXmpqP3UgncKZxZawhkvJVhoD3-qU9u_ilZeaCQg/s1600-h/lamb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325270003263168594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIA2_0cQzhyOiryL9XzSuj-sNJZKjbWuzOFnTWDNzrQNtfbfqHuLP0klHQju3UO2Wwrziw6kJhIucRb53pwyI7_7JBfIg6fhXXmpqP3UgncKZxZawhkvJVhoD3-qU9u_ilZeaCQg/s400/lamb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em>Rewiring Genesis ~ A Tribute To The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway<br />Unifaun ~ Unifaun<br /></em></strong>Two takes on doing a Genesis. The first is a project partly instigated by Spock’s Beard Nick D’Virgilio. Completely re-recording Genesis’s epic double album concept might seem a tad pointless, but D’Virglio and cohort Mark Hornsby have made enough of a difference in the arrangements to warrant this recording. Using brass, strings and even an accordian this is a fresh and inspired re-working. Vocals and drums are by Virgilio who is excellent throughout. If anything I would have gone even further in making the arrangements even more radical, but this is a highly enjoyable treatment. </div><div><br />Unifaun take there name from a lyric on “Selling England by the Pound”. This band are Nad Sylvan (from the recent excellent Agents of Mercy album) and someone called Bonamici. They basically set out to write the Genesis songs, Genesis never did! It actually works. This sounds to me the album the band should have made after “Wind and Wuthering” if Hackett had stayed in the band. The songwriting is very much in the Genesis style, but it’s very strong and doesn’t feel like just mere copying. There is something very much the bands own working throughout. I like this a lot!<br /><br /><strong><em>Hawkwind ~ Quark, Strangeness and Charm/PXR5 (remasters)</em></strong><br />These two for me constitute the highlight of Hawkwinds time on the Charisma label. Robert Calvert is the star here. His vocals and lyrics are excellent and really should have secured Calvert’s status as a true rock visionary on a par with say Peter Gabriel or even Roger Waters. Outstanding re-releases by Esoteric.<br /><br /><strong><em>Patrick Moraz ~ Change Of Space</em></strong><br />Amazingly, almost back to the standard of “Story Of I”. Lots and lots and lots of wild frentetic synths. But that’s how we like it.<br /><br /><strong><em>Camel ~ Moonmadness (Deluxe Edition)</em></strong><br />Considered by many as Camel’s finest, this was actually remastered a number of years back. But the original analogue masters have been newly digitally transferred by Ben Wiseman, remastered by Pascal Byrne and sound sensational. Now extended with lots of live material into a 2CD affair, this is the ultimate version of this recording. A very nice digipack layout only slightly let down by the oversight of not printing the musician credits. Why do Mark Powell projects tend to do this! Apart from that highly recommended.<br /><br />Also released and remastered for the first time is “Raindance” the album that featured Richard Sinclair. This has a more mellow almost AOR feel about it. But still lots to enjoy. They have also released “The Snow Goose” as a 2CD deluxe edition.<br /><br />By the way, just read that Transatlantic (Roine Stolt, Pete Trewavas, Mike Portnoy and Neal Morse) are back together to record a third album!! </div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-59819648097776964812009-03-26T15:51:00.000+01:002009-03-26T15:52:36.736+01:00Prognosis ~ Free CD with 1st issue of “Prog”The CD that comes with the first issue of Classic Rock presents Prog Magazine is one of the best freebies I have come across. Quite a few bands I have never heard of and the samples presented are on the whole highly impressive. Here’s a rundown.<br /><br /><strong><em>Panic Room ~ Elektra City</em></strong><br />An edited version of the opening track from the bands excellently varied debut album.<br /><br /><strong><em>Whimwise ~ Scurry Flurries</em></strong><br />Very much in the vein of The Enid which is no surprise as Nick May from that band is on this. Also reminded me of Zappa’s synclavier excursions like “Jazz from Hell”. <br /><br /><strong><em>Godsticks ~ Only When Provoked<br /></em></strong>This is a bit fusionesque. Think of Finneus Gauge or early Thieves Kitchen.<br /><br /><strong><em>Mystery ~ Beneath the Veil of Winter’s Face</em></strong><br />Fronted by new Yes man Benoit David. This is excellent stuff in a retro 70’s prog way. Very colourful and highly melodic.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Reasoning ~ Dark Angel</em></strong><br />From the bands second album. I like it, but this band hasn’t quite completely gelled with me yet.<br /><br /><strong><em>Blood Ceremony ~ Hop Toad<br /></em></strong>This was a big surprise. Somehow I was expecting something death metal. The blurb says a mix of Sabbath and Tull. I see that, but I am also reminded of 70’s Swedish prog and these guys are not a million miles away from Anekdoten either. Very enjoyable.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Treat ~ Citizen of the World</em></strong><br />A good acoustic intro which gives way into a heavy section that is a bit in the Kashmir, eastern style. Very good indeed.<br /><br /><strong><em>Diagonal ~ Semi Permeable Men-Brain<br /></em></strong>I am very familiar with this. It’s quite sensational. An amazing 10 minutes of out there prog. This Brighton band are going to be big.<br /><br /><strong><em>Of The I ~ Cathexis</em></strong><br />This starts off deceptively pedestrian in a typical prog metal way, but moves into a great instrumental workout. Another very promising band.<br /><br /><strong><em>Spaced Out ~ Biomechanic II</em></strong><br />Heavy fusion stuff a la Planet X. Great musicianship.<br /><br />So for me the standouts are Diagonal, Mystery, Blood Ceremony and Of The I. But there is nothing here that is really less than interesting across the 61 minutes of this CD.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-60719974674472326072009-03-25T16:52:00.002+01:002009-03-25T16:59:00.222+01:00Classic Rock Presents Prog - Out!!I just picked up the first issue of Classic Rock's Prog magazine. First impressions are extremely good. There is lots to enjoy here. Not just about the usual suspects, but more importantly the new talent that is out there. The included CD reflects that. I haven't heard a lot of these acts so there will be much to explore.<br /><br />More on this when I properly explore the contents. It also looks like its going to be a bi-monthy publication.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-86130194171661542072009-03-23T14:50:00.000+01:002009-03-23T14:52:31.371+01:00Playlist ~ 23rd March 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZKPZdK1eE5l0vnX5XOgzs2MrV5YmHb-WKav14ntWUdUpvZ79fp_Oy04s5PWMwCUDfYZuQlWpBPgUXrkRITsXa92OJ8BdJJa3yZcT7xH0TLBZc_stGRhvGe8uW4QbJKgxO-Bipw/s1600-h/satellite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316380658057298418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZKPZdK1eE5l0vnX5XOgzs2MrV5YmHb-WKav14ntWUdUpvZ79fp_Oy04s5PWMwCUDfYZuQlWpBPgUXrkRITsXa92OJ8BdJJa3yZcT7xH0TLBZc_stGRhvGe8uW4QbJKgxO-Bipw/s400/satellite.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><em>Satellite ~ Nostalgia</em></strong><br />Fourth album from one of Poland’s finest. Maybe working within the more neo-prog arena, the contemporary production makes this a class above most other releases in this genre. The songwriting is strong and memorable, highly melodic. This is really drummers Wojtek Szadkowski’s project and his work here is highly impressive. This is infectious stuff!<br /><br /><strong><em>Agents Of Mercy ~ The Fading Ghosts of Twilight</em></strong><br />That man Stolt is back with another new project which he fits in between those epic Flower King masterworks. The album is centred around Unifaun’s Nad Sylvan who has one of those voices you love or hate. It is very much in the theatrical Fish/Gabriel vein and works here very well. This album is much stronger than I expected and is one for those liking mid-period Genesis, but actually offers a whole lot more.<br /><br /><strong><em>King Crimson ~ Lizard</em></strong><br />With the news that Steven Wilson’s surround mixes of Crimson’s back catalogue is nearing fruition, starting with the release of “Lizard” and “Red”, I took the opportunity to give the last remastering release a spin. I have always considered “Lizard” to be very unfairly maligned, even by Fripp himself. Even now the odd jazz arrangements make this the one of the most distinctive albums in the Crimson canon. In particular the trio of songs which start the album are some of the best stuff that Fripp and Sinfield penned together. This is skewed, surrealist fantasy songwriting like no other. I don’t think an album cover has so perfectly represented the music therein as has Gini Barris’s strikingly ornate artwork for “Lizard”.<br /><br /><strong><em>Steven Wilson ~ Insurgentes</em></strong><br />The retail release for Steven Wilson (yes, him again) after last years limited edition deluxe hardback edition shows the album to be even better second time round. I have to say the attention to detail in the arrangements and production is exquisite. This is the perfect culmination of what Wilson has been striving for within Porcupine Tree, No-Man and Blackfield. The man’s unstoppable!<br /><br /><strong><em>Wetton & Downes ~ Icon 3</em></strong><br />The songwriting team of John Wetton and Geoff Downes are on a bit of a high at the moment as evidenced by last years return to form for Asia with “Phoenix”. This third instalment in the Icon trilogy of albums is as strong as the others. This is melodic rock at its very best. Wetton is in wonderful voice and it’s so good to see him coming away from his period of health problems with such a positive and strong statement as this album is.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-34259952895298468932009-03-11T13:57:00.001+01:002009-03-11T13:59:15.843+01:00Prog Magazine Cover<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrh2f9IuvoqR_xB8T5yeuVjNQmgvIor6Km4xKyeAW8Q21I0DI1bPhD0Ilh-G3JzNMjdl4DywLIidpnqahYAUDXZfyz2q9gk23WWbOogAmFQpRQ9z50i38k9wuZg0rHg5OeEwB7A/s1600-h/0clasprog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311913863485282178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrh2f9IuvoqR_xB8T5yeuVjNQmgvIor6Km4xKyeAW8Q21I0DI1bPhD0Ilh-G3JzNMjdl4DywLIidpnqahYAUDXZfyz2q9gk23WWbOogAmFQpRQ9z50i38k9wuZg0rHg5OeEwB7A/s400/0clasprog.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div></div><div>Here's the cover shot for the first issue of Classic Rock's Prog magazine, due to hit the streets on March 25th. </div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-2621159730416899932009-03-11T11:43:00.002+01:002009-03-11T17:41:47.690+01:00Wobbler ~ Afterglow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9IS3BIJ8JwP2durYzFINSqBvBLFa5ke1s63nLV7fyD4lLoD4ghJ2tJdZt7Q2meMw2wRvLHXzDkT5fpx5boUMDI78Gy4_A57V31fLg7qMAnb_fqr9zV1FfxzgB6vWl-26cjZb3w/s1600-h/cover.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311879363497643506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9IS3BIJ8JwP2durYzFINSqBvBLFa5ke1s63nLV7fyD4lLoD4ghJ2tJdZt7Q2meMw2wRvLHXzDkT5fpx5boUMDI78Gy4_A57V31fLg7qMAnb_fqr9zV1FfxzgB6vWl-26cjZb3w/s400/cover.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>For those who were looking for a replacement for the legendary Swedish band Anglagard, Wobbler fitted the bill to a tee. Although Norwegian, they were geographically and sonically close enough to carry on the template set out by Anglagard over their two classic albums. Their debut “Hinterland” was released back in 2005. Since then silence. Now we have a new album. Well sort of! This shortish album (around 35 minutes) is actually made up of material written in 1999 and recorded during 2007/2008. The bulk of the album is centred around re-recordings of two demos “Imperial Winter White Dwarf” and “Leprechaun Behind the Door” which were only available for a short while on their web site. For many these demos were better than the album itself! These tracks are now titled more sensibly “Imperial Winter White” and “In Taberna”. Well worth getting for these excellent compositions, now sounding better than ever. Recommended for those into their analogue keyboards and basses of a Rickenbacker variety. That will be me then! The CD can be ordered directly via the bands own label, <a href="http://www.termorecords.com/">Termo Records</a>. </div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-32625342808667858512009-03-05T11:38:00.000+01:002009-03-05T11:39:17.613+01:00"Classic Rock Presents Prog" MagazineUnbelievably, Classic Rock magazine are publishing a new quarterly magazine devoted exclusively to prog rock! Has prog rock become popular and no one told me about it!! I wonder what prompted the decision that this was a viable proposition. It does seem that prog is no longer the dirty word it once used to be. In fact it does seem to be hip to have your music described as “prog”.<br /><br />With the success of bands like Muse, Radiohead and The Mars Volta maybe there is a market for a publication devoted to more risk taking rock music. The tide does seem to have turned and rock music is becoming more progressive. Both looking to the future and the past. Take the Brighton band Diagonal for example. They look and sound old school prog. Lots of Crimsonising going on, but they add their own slant and take things off in different directions. Pure Reason Revolution are about to release a new album which by all accounts is as much electronic/dance orientated as it is prog.<br /><br />I think this is an exciting time for rock music at the moment. Bands do seem to be taking risks again and that a mainstream music publication reflects that in producing a new magazine is timely indeed. It looks like they are going to cover the traditional prog bands like Yes, Genesis and ELP as well as newer acts like The Reasoning, Demians and Frost*. I really hope this is a success as the music I love deserves this type of coverage. Out of the closet at last!!Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-61219639253891181302009-03-02T17:16:00.001+01:002009-03-02T17:18:56.678+01:00Playlist ~ 2nd March 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q3jbEfjQvDdCSQP7ILL-FOSO_fvAUdbgau9_VuzqdospmLG_Da1G7q8mV9gF0prmrpa-HT-kMlxZr2O_P86PxAzZQgpXqi0kpNqu6eRYUnQExC9YhMvxvi7GKEsAcS2xX0acog/s1600-h/studio_zund.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308625626286145778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q3jbEfjQvDdCSQP7ILL-FOSO_fvAUdbgau9_VuzqdospmLG_Da1G7q8mV9gF0prmrpa-HT-kMlxZr2O_P86PxAzZQgpXqi0kpNqu6eRYUnQExC9YhMvxvi7GKEsAcS2xX0acog/s400/studio_zund.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em>Magma ~ Studio Zund</em></strong><br />Magma along with Henry Cow and Univers Zero produced some of the most uncompromising rock music to come out of the 70’s. This 12 disc box set comprises all of the bands studio albums plus a 2 CD set which includes various archive recordings. No remastering has been carried out, but the sound is pretty good anyway. Each digipacked album comes with its own booklet which includes archival photographs and notes, some of which is actually in English of a kind! You can get this box for around £50 which is a real bargain for anyone wanting a quick way into the world of Zeuhl.<br /><br /><strong><em>Richard Pinhas and Merzbow ~ Keio Line<br /></em></strong>Pinhas seems to be going through quite a fertile period at the moment. His last 2 CD set “Metatron” included some of his best work since the golden days of Heldon. This time around he has teamed up with noise pioneer Merzbow to produce something more sedate. It may be termed dark ambient and utilises Pinhas’s own variant of Frippertronics but the results are taught and electrically tense.<br /><br /><strong><em>Ultravox ~ Quartet</em></strong><br />The second batch of EMI remasters includes this, the third Midge Ure fronted album with the band. I think a lot of people will be surprised how non-poppy this album is and how good a guitarist Midge is.<br /><br /><strong><em>Dr Strangely Strange ~ Kip of the Senses</em></strong><br />I new about this strange, obscure band via Mark Powells Island box set which was named after a song from this album. They seem to be mentioned in the same breadth as the Incredible String Band and do travel a similar acid folk path. I recently read an account of the release of this album in the latest Record Collector mag and was intrigued to search out this excellent re-issue on Hux records. This is another superb example of how to properly re-issue long out of print recordings. The amount of love and attention given to the remastering and packaging is highly impressive. Hux have also levelled the same attention to detail on recently released archival collections by Dr Strangely Strange and the Incredible String Band. The latter got me on to a recent acid folk kick. But that’s another story!Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-41904976944346394042009-02-11T15:12:00.003+01:002009-02-12T11:10:01.384+01:00Playlist – 11th February 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZ7C8_-R5-r_dXrtxYt_ivGYiHSyabWf42Ant7hP2uHusT2WBDrCskT5Zq6qQJnM1PrHUAZGr49V_aco4W9MwIN09Ho7cJkwwd5WInEah4yvFaWuUVzpQlW56_pi5W5jCjC5A1A/s1600-h/factory_records_communications_1978-92_box_set_362.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301543342553134962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZ7C8_-R5-r_dXrtxYt_ivGYiHSyabWf42Ant7hP2uHusT2WBDrCskT5Zq6qQJnM1PrHUAZGr49V_aco4W9MwIN09Ho7cJkwwd5WInEah4yvFaWuUVzpQlW56_pi5W5jCjC5A1A/s400/factory_records_communications_1978-92_box_set_362.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><em>Various Artists ~ Factory Records: Communications 1978 – 92</em></strong><br />This is an excellent 4CD overview of the legendary Factory label. They will always be linked to the likes of Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays. But it’s the other bands, especially A Certain Ratio and The Durutti Column who were the labels shining stars. Just listen to ACR’s “Flight”. This has to be one of producer Martin Hannetts best works and is a classic song. Of course Vini Reilly can do no wrong in my book and Durutti Column are still going strong, with another album due in April. The booklet which accompanies the box has a very good essay by Paul Morley and track by track annotations by James Nice of LTM (who re-release a lot of Factory related stuff).<br /><br /><strong><em>John Martyn ~ Solid Air</em></strong><br />This and others like “Grace and Danger” have been getting heavy rotation. I really forgot how good the man was. Not just me but a lot of people I know, even at work have been giving the old grizzler some ear time.<br /><br /><strong><em>SBB ~ Iron Curtain</em></strong><br />The latest from Poland’s finest band. They may be getting long in the tooth, but they still deliver the goods. As expected lots of great playing by keyboardist Jozef Skrzek and in particular guitarist Apostolis Anthimos.<br /><br /><strong><em>Omar Rodriguez-Lopez ~ Se Dice Bisonte, No Búfalo</em></strong><br />Been listening to some solo stuff by The Mars Volta’s maverick guitarist. Just as crazy as his main band, this has lots of great freak-out guitar playing.<br /><br /><strong><em>Secret Machines ~ Secret Machines</em></strong><br />Still loving this new album. Heavier than previous efforts, but it really gels after repeated listens.<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><div><strong><em>Henry Cow ~ The Roads Vol 1 and 2</em></strong><br />Still to work through this massive 10 disc box set. The booklets are amazing and the picture quality of the DVD is much better than expected. Seeing Chris Cutler flailing around his drum kit is worth the price of the set alone!<br /><br /><strong><em>The Only Ones ~ The Only Ones</em></strong><br />The sensational debut album by Peter Perrett and company has now been beautifully remastered by Ray Staff. Best known for their classic single “Another Girl, Another Planet”, this debut album and follow up “Even Serpents Shine” were near perfect collections. The sophistacation of songs like “Breaking Down” and the epic “The Beast” belie their post-punk classification.<br /><br /><br /></div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-90235736325765046102009-01-29T17:58:00.002+01:002009-01-29T17:59:21.961+01:00John Martyn (1948 – 2009)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgso7CfaD35ZIuEiWgV9Iw7u_50hiOJpSghy2l1UmekpTl93srLHZBmX3mWIHjVPu0VwxPPST8YR8UO0baYm4mPkbqGTX-PEUdZfNHWBLMvJHcGCIVb4sa9CJhYcZRhhHv4txGg/s1600-h/12086207_8a26e04d93.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296761308513572274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgso7CfaD35ZIuEiWgV9Iw7u_50hiOJpSghy2l1UmekpTl93srLHZBmX3mWIHjVPu0VwxPPST8YR8UO0baYm4mPkbqGTX-PEUdZfNHWBLMvJHcGCIVb4sa9CJhYcZRhhHv4txGg/s400/12086207_8a26e04d93.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>The passing today of John Martyn will strike a chord with many who have come into contact with the man’s songs. His best music hits deep into the subconscious and leaves its mark there forever.<br /><br />His best work was done when signed to Island Records in the 70’s where he joined a formidable roster of acts that included Fairport Convention and his friend Nick Drake. He made a slew of albums that are deemed classics now. For me the run of albums from 1971’s “Bless The Weather” up to 1977’s “One World” are faultless in their quality, Martyn experimenting with form and style.<br /><br />My one memory of him which will linger forever is seeing him on TV (not sure which programme), where he was sat on a stool simply playing a song just accompanied by his guitar. All of a sudden he switches in his echoplex delay unit and his guitar suddenly takes off into weird flights of musical delight. This is not what singer/ songwriters do. But Martyn was a restless spirit, always wanting to push the boundaries and not just musical ones!<br /><br />John Martyn was one of a kind and his position as one of our greatest musical artists is safely secured by the legacy he leaves us. He is gone, but his music lives with us forever.</div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-46178666572592737062009-01-29T12:00:00.002+01:002009-01-29T12:03:49.781+01:00Playlist - January 29th 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAH1SRLVCeycgbmyRa5jIQeCYZxpO0gHGcxGTA5T-eAa8Lhw-P64Nkv_1yU8Lht-eKyt4D1L7zqMBlg0RY67lYRxE-RBy29eENTdCN1A7mjyKcy8h-j8oeg5v8opfuKOeehkqvA/s1600-h/200px-AstoundingSounds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296669693769321906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAH1SRLVCeycgbmyRa5jIQeCYZxpO0gHGcxGTA5T-eAa8Lhw-P64Nkv_1yU8Lht-eKyt4D1L7zqMBlg0RY67lYRxE-RBy29eENTdCN1A7mjyKcy8h-j8oeg5v8opfuKOeehkqvA/s400/200px-AstoundingSounds.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em>Hawkwind ~ Astounding Sounds, Amazing Music</em></strong><br />This album always seems to pale when comparisons are made with the follow up “Quark, Strangeness and Charm” and the previous “Warriors on the Edge of Time”. I think the fans found the change from the sprawling space rock epics of yore to a more sharper song based style disconcerting. But I think the Charisma years where Robert Calvert was at his most prominent within the band were the bands most rewarding.<br /><br /><strong><em>Manning ~ Number 10</em></strong><br />Still listening to this and it gets better and better with repeated listens. This is really a triumph!<br /><br /><strong><em>Secret Machines ~ Secret Machines</em></strong><br />The follow up to the very excellent “Ten Silver Drops”. Since then the band has gone through some upheavals, losing guitarist Benjamin Curtis and changing record label. Now with new guitarist Phil Karnats on board the results can be heard on this self titled third album. Much heavier than the more poppier “Ten Silver Drops”, though there are still plenty of great hooks and layers of treated guitars.<br /><br /><strong><em>Umphrey’s McGee</em></strong> ~<strong><em> Mantis<br /></em></strong>Considered a US jam band?! Whatever, anyone familiar with their web site knows this eclectic band are at the forefront of internet available music. That is you can just about download all their live concerts. As a live act they play about with their music, re-arranging standards and adding improvised pieces. This new studio album is more progressive and song based than previous albums and is beautifully arranged and produced.<br /><br /><strong><em>Henry Cow ~ 40th Anniversary Box Set</em></strong><br />At last I have this monumental release in my grubby little paws. A long time coming but worth the wait. More on this later, but suffice to say this is an important release!<br /><br /></div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-64166137937911511472009-01-28T10:47:00.000+01:002009-01-28T10:48:03.032+01:00Henry Cow Box Set - ArrivedThe whole thing arrived this morning. Wow!!!!!!!Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-54285849367107372642009-01-27T11:45:00.004+01:002009-01-27T11:55:00.927+01:00Henry Cow Box Set - Last Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-4I82rylZTn48L8KRBlqZOP3-bIHlj293eeWNnwrLAX-6WYduK-_uujOgXmQNaAhDQQdsNYxUer-MliDssXAeKkEHM7S2GEZlsEoyCc5YU99NrSt5JH16Dv35OKxChK1XekB1Q/s1600-h/HenryCow_Box_Set.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295924947470137362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-4I82rylZTn48L8KRBlqZOP3-bIHlj293eeWNnwrLAX-6WYduK-_uujOgXmQNaAhDQQdsNYxUer-MliDssXAeKkEHM7S2GEZlsEoyCc5YU99NrSt5JH16Dv35OKxChK1XekB1Q/s400/HenryCow_Box_Set.jpg" border="0" /></a>Above is the latest picture of the box set just published on the <a href="http://www.rermegacorp.com/">rermegacorp</a> web site. It looks like three boxes as two are the live stuff being released with a third which will house the existing studio CD's This makes for a complete Henry Cow set. Not sure if there will be room for the "Concerts" CD. Shame if that has to sit on its own!<br /><div></div><br /><div>Looks like it will be a 9CD set, but there is to be a 10th CD which only subscribers to the box set will receive. There is a fantastic review of the set by John Kelman over at <a href="http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=31544">All About Jazz</a>. </div><br /><div></div><div>The feeling is these are shipping this week. I will let you know when I get it!</div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-58928047385917243282009-01-21T12:16:00.002+01:002009-01-21T12:17:22.476+01:00Manning ~ Number 10<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaWc10lJrvB7orgyzFNsTjH97mTtdFDKRcEZ9RA8zztjezy1gw6uZF32RtE-B2TEhjWZPVOVuky1eelZGY9zGwc3jLphw5HQu1nAG86N9Ycb84rtJNX17cW0E3f6HfFgUvkw7uQ/s1600-h/1d1e.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293704483240334898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaWc10lJrvB7orgyzFNsTjH97mTtdFDKRcEZ9RA8zztjezy1gw6uZF32RtE-B2TEhjWZPVOVuky1eelZGY9zGwc3jLphw5HQu1nAG86N9Ycb84rtJNX17cW0E3f6HfFgUvkw7uQ/s400/1d1e.jpg" border="0" /></a> Unbelievably, this is Guy Manning’s tenth studio album in as many years, hence the title. Producing an album a year would be a task for most artists, but the consistency of the quality of his songwriting throughout each album is nothing short of staggering. Strangely, with this latest offering Guy just missed the album a year mark by just a few weeks.<br /><br />“Number 10” is the second release on the UK Festival Music Label, following on from the exceptional “Songs from the Bilston House”. This is also the second to be co-produced by Andy Tillison of The Tangent, which Guy is also a member of. Both have worked together for many years and having Andy on board has added an extra musical punch to both albums.<br /><br />This latest collection starts off in fine fashion with the storming rocker “Ships” about a relationship that is all at sea! The opening has some scorching Hammond playing, very ELP! Great guitar work by David Million on this too. Next up is “The Final Chapter” which is another great uptempo number with a very nice synth solo in the middle. “An Ordinary Day”, one of Guy’s most observational songs and also one of his most beautiful. There is a delicacy and airiness about this song that is quite breathtaking. There is nothing delicate about “Bloody Holiday! ”, a wry observational piece and with a catchy chorus that will be ringing in your ears for days! Possibly this is the finest prog song about holidays since Gentle Giants “Two Weeks In Spain”. It may actually be the only one! “A Valentines Night” is an excellent duet between Guy and Mrs Manning, Julie King who did a wonderful vocal on The Tangents “Four Egos, One War” from their last album. “A Road Less Travelled” is the first of two extended pieces, which allow the musicians to stretch out. Quite a Celtic feel to this, with some fantastic fiddle playing by Ian Fairbairn. Guy has really surrounded himself with a host of fantastic musicians on this album, all who work in complete empathy with Guys music. “Another Lazy Sunday” is another accurately observed song with Laura Fowles sax very much to the fore on this.<br /><br />The whole album ends in spectacular fashion with the 15 minute “A House on the Hill”. This for me is one of Guys best compositions ever. Lyrically this seems to be a tale of love across time and reminds me of the 1980 film “Somewhere In Time” which starred Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. There is an excellent musical build up from the simple piano led opening (which to my ears has echo’s of Peter Hammill at his most reflective) and which peaks with the muscualr instrumental mid-section penned by Guy and Andy Tillison. The songs finale offers a pleasing emotional climax to the story and clearly shows what a great lyricist Guy is.<br /><br />There are very few artists today who apply the craft of the classic singer/songwriter within the prog genre. The only other that comes to mind is Steve Thorne. Guy over the course of ten years has refined his style, built up a group of excellent supporting musicians and has consistently produced work of such a high standard. “Number 10” is up there with his best, which is most of his output and is a very fitting celebration of ten years worth of superb music. Here’s to another ten.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-87113702682808266742009-01-19T15:55:00.002+01:002009-01-20T11:43:10.525+01:00Playlist – January 19th 2009<strong><em>Hawkwind – 25 Years on (Hawklords), Astounding Sounds Amazing Music, Live Chronicles, Electric Tepee (2009 Remasters)<br /></em></strong>First batch of re-releases of Hawkwinds back catalogue, dating from 1976. The Esoteric team have done a remarkable job on all fronts; sound, packaging and bonus tracks.<br /><br /><strong><em>SBB – Anthology 1974 – 2004<br />SBB – The Rock<br /></em></strong>Mammoth 22CD box set of all studio/live releases from Poland’s premier prog band. New studio album due very soon, the follow up to “The Rock”. Metal Mind really support this band as they have also released 2 box sets of archival material, each containing 9 CD’s!!<br /><br /><strong><em>Manning – Number 10</em></strong><br />Another fantastic album from the ever productive Guy Manning. Celebrating ten albums in ten years, this latest collection is as strong as ever.<br /><br /><strong><em>Atomic Rooster – Death Walks Behind You<br /></em></strong>On the back of seeing the band playing “Tomorrow Night” from the recently aired “Prog at the BBC” BBC4 show, I sought the album out. This is an excellent slice of heavy proto-prog. Great playing by Vincent Crane.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-20328660940737161872009-01-06T14:21:00.004+01:002009-01-06T14:33:23.193+01:00Henry Cow Box Set Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG84umbEgaZQ7ovj69bEzk8PxAb97yMpCLWSe7QrsBMNUjuarhz0YGhGuCGM0XRKQBCPUtANyviVuzjYM5Ij_9VykTuTCGT2Zy-81C3wXpmhJPMAdEBe7_CAv_eadgT4ggZMSLg/s1600-h/0752725026222.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288170705706059074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZG84umbEgaZQ7ovj69bEzk8PxAb97yMpCLWSe7QrsBMNUjuarhz0YGhGuCGM0XRKQBCPUtANyviVuzjYM5Ij_9VykTuTCGT2Zy-81C3wXpmhJPMAdEBe7_CAv_eadgT4ggZMSLg/s400/0752725026222.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288170852372370946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRDCLDKFaG2PD-zJJW1iaFOGR5s8euA7fBg26UClD0Kodj42pf2dKRivWdArILuWRt0UeW7jTfgc_J2hx_JmYy98Jn_-mQZyZOcypVp2YtvBlRmRfBZCs3GgiA0ilZsDvf7nCcQ/s400/0752725026321.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><br /><div>Looks like the upcoming box set of live Henry Cow recordings is released around 16th January and is now a 10 CD plus DVD affair. Seems some new recordings came to light at the last minute. </div><div> </div><div>Bob Drake who remastered the whole thing has a web site dedicated to his reminiscences about the project. Nothing on there yet but keep your eye on <a href="http://www.bordebasse.fr/henrycow/remastering.htm">http://www.bordebasse.fr/henrycow/remastering.htm</a></div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-13724616535179100352008-12-23T11:17:00.002+01:002008-12-23T11:20:50.332+01:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8lO5s9Y0j4uxoYqnauPxfQO0txr3np4rSFlO8Yjhj4vCrdgn77lDeLrP5RcVHk8gVE9ONTJ4a0Wfanjb00yV7YRrNaTlz5rtjA2vlx1kYGfeF5mzcnyLQdA-Z7A94jKToi1b7w/s1600-h/xmas+prog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282928263876418946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8lO5s9Y0j4uxoYqnauPxfQO0txr3np4rSFlO8Yjhj4vCrdgn77lDeLrP5RcVHk8gVE9ONTJ4a0Wfanjb00yV7YRrNaTlz5rtjA2vlx1kYGfeF5mzcnyLQdA-Z7A94jKToi1b7w/s400/xmas+prog.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div></div><div>Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year to all readers of this blog. Are there many? Who knows!<br /><br />The above are my three favourite prog based Christmas singles. For me they are the essence of Christmas in the 70’s as a teenager. Great days!<br /><br />Anyway, enjoy the holiday and remember pop pickers to tune into BBC4 at 10pm on Friday 2nd January for Prog Rock Brittania: An Observation in Three Movements which promises to be the first thorough and non-pisstaking overview of the genre we all know and love. We shall see! </div><div> </div><div>Very best wishes to everyone. </div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-88931541759660434032008-12-17T16:33:00.002+01:002008-12-17T16:36:38.082+01:00Some Other New Stuff I Liked In 2008Finishing off my lists of the year here are some other newly released stuff I liked in the last 12 months. In no particular order this time, because I can't be bothered.<br /><br /><strong><em>Wire ~ Object 47</em></strong><br />Back to what they do best. Tricksy, arty, angular pop.<br /><br /><em><strong>Mothlite ~ The Flax Of Reverie</strong><br /></em>Off kilter songs from Guapo mainman.<br /><br /><strong><em>Earth ~ The Bees Made Honey In The Lions Skull<br /></em></strong>The addition of Bill Frisell really makes this recording stand out.<br /> <br /><strong><em>Guapo ~ Elixirs</em></strong><br />Far away from their Zeuhl roots, but still intoxicating.<br /><br /><strong><em>Black Mountain ~ In The Future</em></strong><br />Almost in the prog section as the use of synths and mellotron takes this excellent slab of heavy rock very near to that territory.<br /><br /><strong><em>Keane ~ Perfect Symmetry</em></strong><br />I like this a lot. Lots of nice 80’s styled synths and great songs,<br /><br /><strong><em>Bill Nelson ~ Clocks And Dials</em></strong><br />Another bumper year for Bill. Having released five, yes five new albums including this 2 CD set which was so chock-a-block that the last track just didn’t fit!<br /><br /><strong><em>Elbow ~ The Seldom Seen Kid</em></strong><br />Deserved the Mercury prize without a doubt. Sometimes there is justice in the world!<br /><br /><strong><em>Byrne & Eno ~ Everything That Happens Will Happen Today<br /></em></strong>This was never was going to be the next “My Life In the Bush Of Ghosts”. Nevertheless this is hugely enjoyable.<br /><br /><strong><em>Howlin Rain ~ Magnificent Fiend</em></strong><br />Great earthy, American songwriting. Beautifully arranged and played.<br /><br /><strong><em>Steven Wilson ~ Insurgentes</em></strong><br />Obvious nods to Porcupine Tree, No-Man and Blackfield, but this is his darkest outing yet. Sumptuous packaging.<br /><br /><strong><em>Portishead ~ Third</em></strong><br />Surpisingly more edgier and experimental than previous albums. Satisfyingly so.<br /><br /><strong><em>Sigur Ros ~ With A Buzz In Our Ears We Play Endlessly<br /></em></strong>Maybe treading water a bit, but they always push the right buttons. As always haunting and beautiful.<br /><br /><strong><em>TV On The Radio ~ Dear Science<br /></em></strong>This is what Brian Eno or Talking Heads might sound like if they were producing their key works now!<br /><br /><strong><em>Darkroom ~ Some Of These Numbers Mean Something<br /></em></strong>Fantastic atmospheric instrumental music with the wonderful Michael Bearpark.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Verve ~ Forth</em></strong><br />They could have gone safe with this comeback release, but they have admirably experimented with their sound.<br /><br /><strong><em>Coldplay ~ Viva La Vida<br /></em></strong>Working with Brian Eno was always going to be a winning combination. And it is!<br /><br /><strong>Richard Barbieri ~ Stranger Inside</strong><br />A brilliant follow up to the incredible “Things Buried”. Great instrumentals and wonderfully textured keyboards.<br /><br /><em><strong>Dungen - 4</strong><br /></em>More Swedish psychedelic sonic wonders. This may be Gustav Ejstes project, but it’s the guitar of Reine Fiske that stands out for me.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-49059837794215526572008-12-17T12:13:00.003+01:002008-12-17T12:49:42.670+01:00Re-Issues/Compilations of The Year 2008<strong><em>40. Dave Greenslade ~ The Pantateuch Of The Cosmogony</em></strong><br />A straight re-issue of the 1994 SBM remaster. BGO have done as good as job as possible in reproducing Patrick Woodroffe’s lavish book in the CD size format. The music may not be the equal of the book, but its not as bad as I remember.<br /><br /><strong><em>39. Various Artists ~ Spirit Of Joy – Tales From The Polydor Underground 1967 - 1974<br /></em></strong>Another Mark Powell label based box set. Polydor were never as esoteric as the likes of Decca, but there is plenty to admire here.<br /><br /><strong><em>38. Trees ~ The Garden of Jane Delawney</em></strong><br />After the success of Sony/BMG’s “On The Shore” re-issue they have done the same with this, the bands debut album.<br /><br /><strong><em>37. John G. Perry ~ Sunset Wading</em></strong><br />Re-issued on the excellent Esoteric label, this is a minor gem from the ex-Caravan bassist.<br /><br /><strong><em>36. Various Artists ~ The Recommended Sampler</em></strong><br />At last released on CD for the first time. This sampler of artists who recorded for the ReR label is to sya the least eclectic. Beautifully remastered by Bob Drake.<br /><br /><strong><em>35. Supersister ~ Remasters</em></strong><br />Esoteric released four of this Dutch bands albums who are held in high esteem. The best is probably “Present from Nancy”.<br /><br /><strong><em>34. The Gathering ~ Sand And Mercury – The Complete Century Media Years<br /></em></strong>Excellently packaged box set containing all the material recorded for the Century Media label.<br /><br /><strong><em>33. Stomu Yamashta ~ Go</em></strong><br />Another winning release from Esoteric. This is Yamashta’s best known album, athough it’s also worth checking out “Floating Music”<br /><br /><strong>32. Chicago ~ Stone Of Sisyphus<br /></strong>Long lost recording released at last. Though recorded during the bands more commercial period, there is much to enjoy here.<br /><br /><strong><em>31. England ~ Garden Shed</em></strong><br />The origin of this re-issue is a bit unknown, but it’s the best way to get this excellent prog album from the back end of progs golden period.<br /><br /><strong><em>30. Various Artists ~ Strange Pleasures - Further Sounds Of The Decca Underground</em></strong><br />Yes, its another of those Mark Powell box sets. More from the Decca labels.<br /><br /><strong><em>29. Robert Wyatt ~ Rock Bottom<br /></em></strong>A straight re-issue really of the Hannibal release from the late 90’s. Although the original cover artwork has been re-instated.<br /><br /><strong><em>28. Various Artists ~ The All New Electric Muse</em></strong><br />Breathtaking collection of folk into rock from the 60’s through to the 70’s.<br /><br /><strong><em>27. ELP ~ Deluxe Editions</em></strong><br />These remasters of “Pictures at an Exhibition” and “Brain Salad Surgery” sound fantastic. Very poorly let down by the unbelievable inaccuracies and errors throughout the packaging.<br /><br /><strong><em>26. Porcupine Tree ~ Lightbulb Sun<br /></em></strong>Steven Wilson gives this 2000 album the full 5.1 surround sound treatment. A pity the bonus tracks only appear on the DVD disc.<br /><br /><strong><em>25. Fripp & Eno ~ Remasters</em></strong><br />“No Pussyfooting” and “Evening Star” remastered by Simon Heyworth supervised by Robert Fripp. Amusing “alternative” versions of “The Heavenly Music Corporation” and “Sawastika Girls”!<br /><br /><strong><em>24. Alan Parsons Project ~ Remasters<br /></em></strong>The last batch of remasters of APP recordings. This has been a wonderful series of re-issues. Great sound and informative booklets with interesting bonus cuts.<br /><br /><strong><em>23. Renaissance ~ Renaissance<br /></em></strong>Re-issued by Repertoire in mini-LP format. This is a great recording, somewhat overshadowed by the later version of the band.<br /><br /><strong><em>22. Dream Theater ~ Greatest Hit (& 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)</em></strong><br />Nice 2CD compilation covering material recorded for Atlantic.<br /><br /><strong><em>21. Man ~ Back Into The Future<br /></em></strong>Lavish box set of live Man. Well done Esoteric.<br /><br /><strong><em>20. Univers Zero ~ 1313<br /></em></strong>Beautifully remastered debut album from the darkest of prog bands, released on the Cuneiform label.<br /><br /><strong><em>19. Blancmange ~ Remasters</em></strong><br />Edsel Records are at the forefront for re-releasing 80’s synth pop. These remasters of Blancmange’s three albums remind us of how good this duo were.<br /><br /><strong><em>18. Ultravox ~ Remasters<br /></em></strong>Very nice remasters of “Vienna” and “Rage In Eden”, extended to 2CD sets to include lost of bonus tracks.<br /><br /><strong><em>17. 808 State ~ Remasters<br /></em></strong>ZTT have re-issued the complete 808 State catalogue as 2 CD sets to includes lots of extra material.<br /><br /><strong><em>16. Gentle Giant ~ Three Friends<br /></em></strong>Remasterd by Eroc who has done a sterling job on the other Vertigo label Gentle Giant re-issues for Repertoire. Given the mini-LP treatment as well.<br /><br /><strong><em>15. Penguin Café Orchestra ~ Broadcasting From Home</em></strong><br />This is my favourite album from the PCO catalogue. Nicely reproduced in minimalist digipacks<br /><br /><strong><em>14. Abel Ganz ~ The Dangers Of Strangers (20th Anniversary Edition)</em></strong><br />Beautifully remastered and packaged re-issue of Scottish proggers best album from the 80’s.<br /><br /><strong><em>13. John Foxx ~ Remasters</em></strong><br />Having re-issued “Metamatic” as a deluxe 2CD edition a few years back, Edsel give the rest of the back catalogue the same treatmets. Lost of great bonus material included here and “The Garden” booklet now re-produced for the first time.<br /><br /><strong><em>12. Return To Forever ~ Anthology<br /></em></strong>Phenomenal sounding remastered best of from this astounding jazz rock group from the 70’s.<br /><br /><strong><em>11. Lana Lane ~ Best of Lana Lane 2000 - 2008<br /></em></strong>Japan only best of from the recent output of America’s finest female rock singer. All tracks nicely remastered by hubby Erik Norlander.<br /><br /><strong><em>10. Dead Can Dance ~ Remasters</em></strong><br />Beautifully remastered by Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs and John Rivers and all packaged in mini-LP sleeves. A gorgeous collection.<br /><br /><strong><em>9. Anthony Philips ~ Wise after The Event<br /></em></strong>This is my choice of his back catalogue re-released this year. A brilliant 2 CD collection stuffed with great bonus tracks, excellent thorough annotated booklet and great remastering by Simon Hetworth.<br /><br /><strong><em>8. Ayreon ~ Timeline<br /></em></strong>Sumptuous 3 CD and DVD box set bringing together the Ayreon story in one satisfying package.<br /><br /><strong><em>7. Big Big Train ~ English Boy Wonders<br /></em></strong>Not just remastered but this early recording has been completely revisited with new bits added. Now sounds like new!<br /><br /><strong><em>6. Parallel Or 90 Degrees ~ A Can Of Worms</em></strong><br />Long overdue retrospective for Andy Tillisons pre-Tangent band. On the evidence of material like “Afterlifecycle” and “Promises of Life” this band is hugely overlooked.<br /><br /><strong><em>5. Barndomens Stigar ~ Kultivator</em></strong><br />Excellent re-release for this Swedish prog classic. Well done to Mellotronen in making this available, especially with added disc of newly recorded material.<br /><br /><strong><em>4. Hawkwind ~ Box Sets<br /></em></strong>New label Atomhenge has been set-up to re-release Hawkwinds post 1976 albums next year. As a precursor they have released two 3CD box sets showcasing some of the best material from those albums. Surprisingly lots of great stuff here.<br /><br /><strong><em>3. The Skids ~ The Absolute Game<br /></em></strong>I forgot how great this album was. Captain Oi have done a great job in re-releasing this together with the free album that came with the original LP release plus three bonus tracks. This album should be considered as one of the great post-punk albums, placed alongside the likes of Magazine, Wire etc.<br /><br /><strong><em>2. T2 ~ It'll All Work Out In Broomland<br /></em></strong>Well done to Acme for making this readily available again. An absolute proto-prog classic. Keith Cross should have been a huge rock star.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>1. Genesis ~ Box Set 1970-1975<br /></em></strong>EMI get it right with the third instalment of their remixing/remastering of the bands back catalogue. The sound is a revelation and the extras as good as could be expected considering what little there is around. They saved the best to last and proves that though latter Genesis may have been more commercially successful, it’s the earlier period which was musically more fulfilling.</span>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-50110067926142164002008-12-16T15:45:00.002+01:002008-12-16T15:50:18.635+01:00Favourite Prog Albums of 2008<strong><em>40. Tiles ~ Fly Paper</em></strong><br />Getting further away the obvious Rush influences of their past releases, even though Alex Lifeson guests on one track.<br /><br /><strong><em>39. Demians ~ Building An Empire</em></strong><br />Excellent debut from this French outfit. Given the SW seal of approval.<br /><br /><strong><em>38. Osada Vida ~ The Body Parts</em></strong><br />Technical prog metal. This should have been received more widely than it was.<br /><br /><strong><em>37. Presto Ballet ~ The Lost Art Of Time Travel<br /></em></strong>Second outing for this retro offshoot project. Highly enjoyable never the less.<br /><br /><strong><em>36. Deus Ex Machina ~ Imparis</em></strong><br />More wild fusionesque prog from one of Italy’s best bands.<br /><br /><strong><em>35. Uriah Heep ~ Wake The Sleeper</em></strong><br />A big surprise this. These guys should not be making music this good, but they did!<br /><br /><strong><em>34. Edensong ~ The Fruit Fallen<br /></em></strong>Another great debut, this time from the US. A nice blend of instruments and styles.<br /><br /><strong><em>33. Rhys Marsh And The Autumn Ghost ~ The Fragile State Of Inbetween</em></strong><br />Pastoral prog, in a pop vein from Norway and first release on new label Better Place Recordings. Keep an eye on this label!<br /><br /><strong><em>32. VdGG ~ Trisector</em></strong><br />Back again, as a trio this time. Edgier than “Present” actually sounding quite refreshed.<br /><br /><strong><em>31. Pineapple Thief ~ Tightly Unwound</em></strong><br />Now signed to K Scope, this is their heaviest effort yet.<br /><br /><strong><em>30. Karmakanic ~ Whose The Boss In the Factory</em></strong><br />Superb solo outing from Flower Kings master bassist.<br /><br /><strong><em>29. Beardfish ~ Sleeping In Traffic Part 2</em></strong><br />Great follow up to the very excellent Part 1. Though I wish they would ditch the Zappaesque humour.<br /><br /><strong><em>28. Sensitive To Light ~ From The Ancient World</em></strong><br />Beautiful second album from Saen’s Vince Leff.<br /><br /><strong><em>27. Mostly Autumn ~ Glass Shadows</em></strong><br />Their most fully realised album in a few years. But always left feeling they can do more.<br /><br /><strong><em>26. Lunatic Soul ~ Lunatic Soul</em></strong><br />Atmospheric and beautifully textured first solo outing from Riverside mainman.<br /><br /><strong><em>25. It Bites ~ Tall Ships</em></strong><br />John Mitchell is on board, so its bound to be good. And it is.<br /><br /><strong><em>24. The Reasoning ~ Dark Angel</em></strong><br />Heavier than their debut, but this band is lining up to be one of the UK’s most promising outfits.<br /><br /><strong><em>23. Marillion ~ Happiness Is The Road</em></strong><br />Excellent double album and beautifully packaged. Nearly as good as “Marbles”.<br /><br /><strong><em>22. Diagonal ~ Diagonal</em></strong><br />Fantastic debut from this Brighton band. Mixing, jazz, prog, ambient they come across as a British Mars Volta. Very promising indeed.<br /><br /><strong><em>21. Nosund ~ Lightdark<br /></em></strong>The best atmospheric rock album of the year. The No-Man influences are there, but this is a beautiful album<br /><br /><strong><em>20. Moon Safari ~ Blomljud</em></strong><br />A sprawling double album. A bit hippy for some, but gorgeous Swedish prog.<br /><br /><strong><em>19. No-Man ~ Schoolyard Ghosts</em></strong><br />The ever busy Steven Wilson and Tim Bowness serve up some more out there songs. <br /><br /><strong><em>18. Asia ~ Phoenix</em></strong><br />Much, much better than we should have expected. John Wetton is on fine form.<br /><br /><strong><em>17. Opeth ~ Watershed</em></strong><br />Can these guys get any better!<br /><br /><strong><em>16. Neal Morse ~ Lifeline</em></strong><br />Not much progress, but still some fantastic prog on show here.<br /><br /><strong><em>15. Abel Ganz ~ Shooting Albatross</em></strong><br />Great to have these Scottish proggers back with this excellent effort.<br /><br /><strong><em>14. Frost* ~ Experiments In Mass Appeal</em></strong><br />Second album from pop maestro Jem Godfrey’s side project. A more band project this time with Darwin’s Radio Declan Burke to the fore. <br /><br /><strong><em>13. Panic Room ~ Visionary Position</em></strong><br />Another excellent debut. Sophisticated and mixing lots of styles. Very promising<br /><br /><strong><em>12. RPWL ~ The RPWL Experience</em></strong><br />Very solid release from one Germany’s best bands.<br /><br /><strong><em>11. Ephrat ~ No One’s Word</em></strong><br />Love this album from Israel’s Omer Ephrat. Mixed and mastered by Steven Wilson. <br /><br /><strong><em>10. Believe ~ Yesterday Is A Friend</em></strong><br />Great second album from Satellite offshoot. Contains one of my favourite songs of the year in “You & Me”.<br /><br /><strong><em>9. Ayreon ~ 1011001<br /></em></strong>Another epic concept prog opera. Lucassen is the master at this sort of thing.<br /><br /><strong><em>8. The Mars Volta ~ The Bedlam In Goliath</em></strong><br />More mental madness from Omar and Cedric. For me, this is their most structured release.<br /><br /><strong><em>7. Magenta ~ Metamorphosis</em></strong><br />Their most complex and darkest work yet. <br /> <br /><strong><em>6. Brighteye Brison ~ Believers & Deceivers</em><br /></strong>Beautiful and colourful prog from this Swedish band. The double keyboard line-up is a winner.<br /><br /><strong><em>5. Unitopia ~ The Garden</em></strong><br />Absolutely stunning double album from this Australian band. Unknown to many, this release should rectify that.<br /><br /><strong><em>4. Pendragon ~ Pure<br /></em></strong>A really bold and audacious album. Their most powerful achievement. <br /><br /><strong><em>3. Thieves Kitchen ~ The Water Road</em></strong><br />Bringing in Anglagard’s Thomas Johnson on keyboards was a masterstroke. The combination of TK’s National Health/Bruford fusion style and the pastoral prog of Anglagard works perfectly here. The arrangements and production are wonderful. This is a dream recording.<br /><br /><strong><em>2. Martin Orford ~ The Old Road<br /></em></strong>His last contribution to the world of prog. And what a way to go out. Everyone involved is on top form and Orford’s writing and playing are perfect. This album combines a great sense of nostalgia and an ever present love for progressive rock. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>1. The Tangent ~ Not As Good As The Book</em></strong><br />Andy Tillison’s most ambitious work yet. Spread over 2 CD’s this sees the band going even further towards the PO90 sound, including a re-working of that bands epic “Four Egos, One War”. Bringing Jakko M Jakszyk in on vocals and guitar added a further dimension to the bands sound. More of him next time please. The packaging is great too as the book is a hoot. This will do nicely to the next Manning album.<br /></span>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-1530354147312329642008-12-08T14:49:00.004+01:002008-12-08T17:38:07.001+01:00Favourite Live Albums 2008The first overview of the past year starts with a look at some of my favourite live recordings. This may have been headed by the Henry Cow box set, but that looks like it won’t be out till beginning of January.<br /><br /><em><strong>10. Porcupine Tree ~ We Lost the Skyline</strong></em><br />Basically an in-store duo performance with Steven Wilson and John Wesley, re-working some PT material. Pity its only 30-odd minutes long, but nice to hear these songs in a non-standard almost acoustic setting.<br /><br /><em><strong>9. UK ~ Live In Boston</strong></em><br />A Japan only release for this long available bootleg recording. Though the sound here knocks the socks off anything that came before.<br /><br /><em><strong>8. Spock’s Beard ~Live</strong></em><br />Strangely, released barely two years since their last live set, this nevertheless emphatically shows the band at their exciting best. A nice mixture of older and newer material on show.<br /><br /><em><strong>7. Kansas ~ Two for the Show</strong></em><br />Remastered and expanded, this shows the band at their live best. Sony have done a great job here, right down to the packaging.<br /><br /><em><strong>6. Rush ~ Snakes and Arrows Live</strong></em><br />On the back of their best studio album for years, Rush rip through lots of their best material. Soundwise this is much, much better than the noise that was “Rush in Rio”.<br /><br /><em><strong>5. Magenta ~ Live at the Point</strong></em><br />A superbly recorded live album from the brilliant Magenta. Been a really good year for the band.<br /><br /><em><strong>4. Trettioraga Kriget ~ War Years</strong></em><br />This is a fantastic 2CD anthology of live TK through the years. The sound is first class and the performances from this legendary Swedish outfit top notch.<br /><br /><em><strong>3. Henry Cow ~ Stockholm & Göteberg</strong></em><br />A taster for the 9 disc box set which is soon to be with us. This disc shows HC at their formidable best, mixing composed and improvised material. If this is just a small example of what to expect, the full set will be monumental.<br /><br /><em><strong>2. Pure Reason Revolution ~ Live at Nearfest 2007</strong></em><br />With a new studio album at last being released next March, this live recording is a suitable stop gap. “The Dark Third” sounded a bit thin, but on this excellent live recording, the band sound emphatically powerful.<br /><br /><em><strong>1. David Gilmour ~ Live In Gdansk</strong></em><br />Beautifully recorded performance of the “On an Island” album (which is better here than the studio version) plus some great Pink Floyd covers, especially the mighty ‘Echoes’. A more than fitting epitaph for the sadly missed Richard Wright.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-47150237997186989072008-12-03T17:30:00.000+01:002008-12-03T17:31:31.362+01:00Hawkwind ~ Spirit of the Age (Anthology 1976 – 1984)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStJr4PvsKzSLQw93RY16sdksSIFVTbcJ1R7lI2YF8VyJ2Pu6C6Ah5vMGBkJpgEQah_YttzXr6YME66CjS8HRpzEa2a6wbJpr-qmPVAN7U-LJF4hH6iXyhXssOX7TVOqr4zicrlg/s1600-h/Hawkwind_SpiritOfTheAgeAnthology.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275602269186876770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStJr4PvsKzSLQw93RY16sdksSIFVTbcJ1R7lI2YF8VyJ2Pu6C6Ah5vMGBkJpgEQah_YttzXr6YME66CjS8HRpzEa2a6wbJpr-qmPVAN7U-LJF4hH6iXyhXssOX7TVOqr4zicrlg/s320/Hawkwind_SpiritOfTheAgeAnthology.jpg" border="0" /></a> New Esoteric subsidiary label Atomhenge has been set up to re-release all of Hawkwinds post 1976 albums up to 1997, fully remastered with bonus tracks and restored artwork. Those will start to be re-issued early in 2009, but prior to that the label has compiled two 3CD box sets. The first covers the period 1976 to 1984 and the second, titled “The Dream Goes On” covers 1985 to 1997. The “Spirit of the Age” anthology is noteworthy as it covers the successful period when the band were signed to the Charisma label, after being with United Artists since their inception. My favourite albums from the Charisma years were “Quark, Strangeness and Charm” and the excellent “PXR5”. The latter contains some of my favourite post-UA Hawkwind tracks like “Jack of Shadows” and the wonderful ”High Rise”. Listening to this stuff again I had forgotten what an excellent lyricist and vocalist Robert Calvert was. The band at this time sounded on occasion like a post-LSD Roxy Music but there is still no mistaking Dave Brocks riffing and the bubbling synths are trademark Hawkwind.<br /><br />The remastering on all tracks is by Ben Wiseman from the Audio Archiving Company who has kept things very much at low volume, which is the antithesis to a lot of mastering these days. The 48 page booklet has lots of archival photographs and detailed text by Ian Abrahams who has written a book about the band. This is a superb compilation and suitably illustrates how surprisingly varied Hawkind sounded during the period covered here.Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17844031.post-37193645338291857292008-12-02T14:00:00.001+01:002008-12-02T14:01:59.672+01:00Current Listening ~ 2/12/08<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIeYL6U8Kbicet6Cls97pNRJpupnR4-2U2BxKpqlFLWJ7ubeZqMQ6rp8PS28826Kp1LELsxOd5a9E_u6eM7sKWR5wOlM3sKyxPqVueeEIC0XZluTwRC9ZFgwXlx-i6YDfB_Cqbg/s1600-h/EIMA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275177186480422386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIeYL6U8Kbicet6Cls97pNRJpupnR4-2U2BxKpqlFLWJ7ubeZqMQ6rp8PS28826Kp1LELsxOd5a9E_u6eM7sKWR5wOlM3sKyxPqVueeEIC0XZluTwRC9ZFgwXlx-i6YDfB_Cqbg/s320/EIMA.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><em></em></div><div><em>Frost* ~ Experiments in Mass Appeal<br /></em>Second offering from progs Mr Pop, Jem Godfrey. For me this is even better than the debut. More of a band feel prevails with Declan Burke from the very promising Darwin’s Radio on lead vocals a smart move!<br /><br /><em>Phil Manzanera ~ Firebird V11</em><br />Phil back with his old Quiet Sun mucker, Charles Hayward. This has a very Quiet Sun/Diamond Head feel to it and even a bit of This Heat avant gardness! A great instrumental album with Phil’s guitar suitably treated.<br /><br /><em>Edensong ~ The Fruit Fallen</em><br />A very promising US outfit producing deceptively heavily pastoral type prog. One to watch out for.<br /><br /><em>Steven Wilson ~ Insurgentes</em><br />The mans a genius. No more to be said!<br /><br /><em>Unitopia ~ The Garden<br /></em>This is unputdownable. A fantastically rich tapestry of sounds. One of the best of the year!<br /><br /><em>Big Big Train ~ English Boy Wonders</em><br />This early album has been completely re-done and sounds superb as a result. BBG are one of our best bands and more people should know about them.<br /><br /><em>Hawkwind ~ Spirit Of The Age</em><br />This 3 CD box set is the first release on Atomhenge and is a precursor to all of Hawkwinds post 1976 albums being re-released. Given the full Mark Powell treatment this looks and sounds terrific.<br /><br />Coming soon will be my favourite prog releases of the year. Looks like it may be a Top40 this year! There will also be a re-releases best of and favourite live albums/compilations as well as some other favourite new releases, which fall outside the prog category! </div>Barrie Sillarshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413212831562846232noreply@blogger.com5