Procol Harum (1967)

Procol Harum - S/T (1967)

  Here is the start of it all.......Procol Harum's debut album blossoming with their organ-drenched symphonia and the timeless vocals of Gary Brooker.   Procol had only been together a wee while before they hit success....in fact A Whiter Shade Of Pale went #1 and was the fastest selling single in the history of Decca Records.  But there is so much more to this album that "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" .   Conquistador and Cerdes are 2 of my favourite songs from the 60's.   What a stunning debut album.......absolutely essential listen ! 

Moon Safari - Blomljud (2008)

Moon Safari - Blomljud (2008)

Blomljud (Swedish for "sound of flowers") was the second album released by this uniquely harmonic progressive 5 piece band Moon Safrari.  Sweden has produced some of my fav prog bands...Kaipa, Flower Kings, Anglagaard, Anekdoten etc....and now please add Moon Safari to this list.   Moon Safari blend pretty much everything into a very original sound....imagine the 70's symphonic stye of like Genesis with the neo prog keyboards and guitars of perhaps IQ and the alternative pop of maybe ELBOW or Coldplay and then blend in the vocal harmonies of maybe Yes and you have this band.   I love this album ...it is pure musical genius to me.  What really separates this band from the others is clearly the symphonic and harmonic aura of lead vocalist ....Simon Åkesson.  For those who remember Starcastle in many ways I think you can draw similarities minus the vocal copy of Jon Anderson.  But this album is as poppy as it is progressive and will appeal to fans of pop and prog at the same time...My daughter (12) came up into my music room  last night as I was playing this album and said "wow Daddy...these guys can really sing".    That says it all.....

La Botegga Dell'arte - Dentro (1977)

La Botegga Dell'arte - Dentro (1977) Italy 

  For those who love heavy symphonic Italian prog you will be amazed. I do not know why but these guys are left off the "best-of" Italian prog lists far too often. LA BOTTEGA DELL'ARTE blend the symphonic touches of LOCANDA DELLE FATE with the most beautiful of songs. "Dentro" weights very heavily on keyboards which there is no shortage of here.... piano, mellotron, clavinet, moog, odissey, hammond etc.... This is one of those bands that once you hear, you will not be able to get out of your head. Vocals are exceptional and handled by several members who can all really sing (lots of great harmonies).... very classical voices with the big classical symphonic sound. Like so many of the classic Italian bands they have dual keyboardists, a guitarist, bassist and percussionist all of the highest quality. "Dentro" is one of those cd's that every one love and never gets too heavy to lose some fine folk. Get this CD!!!

Explosions In The Sky - All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone (2007)

Explosions In The Sky - All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone (2007)

  "It's Natural To Be Afraid" is perhaps one of the great epic instrumental tracks of all time.  Tension building and highly emotional this album really is a work of beauty.   Explosions In The sky may not be for everyone but for those who  love highly engaged instrumental music that explores the vastness of space will love this band.  EITS are a Texas Quartet who create a musical collage of atmospheres that expand well beyond the dark nebula of your mind.  Everytime I hear these guys I am totally reminded of Godspeed you black emperor!  Highly recommended and hugely well crafted music that I am a huge fan of.....this band is extra special folks !    check em out before you check out !

Explosions In The Sky - Take Care, Take Care, Take Care (2011)

Explosions In The Sky - Take Care,  Take Care,  Take Care (2011), Temporary Residence Records

  If there was one album I would recommend you search out this year and that is the latest album by Texas sonic - landscape'rs named "Explosions In The Sky".    Take Care, Take Care,  Take Care is the 6th album released by this quartet and is another symphonically rousing, emotional album full of lonely epics that will take your breath away !   Fans of Godspeed You Black Emperor, Mogwai, Sigor Ros and God Is an Astronaut will love this band and love this album.    Lots of  reverb-heavy, guitar-oriented sound with tons of mood shifts, sonic buildups and triumphant crescendos.   Instrumental music that will change you life. !   Check em out

The Moody Blues - Seventh Sojourn (1972)

The Moody Blues - Seventh Sojourn , Decca Records , 1972

The Moody`s ``Seventh Sojourn`` was the final album that really captured my attention !   It was also i think the album where things were beginning to fall apart for this band but musically you couldnt tell.....the magic was still very much there........New Horizon is perhaps one of the greatest symphonic prog rock tracks of all time and the album is so memorable.