Astra - The Black Chord (2012)

Astra- The Black Chord

The Black Chord is the second album released 3 years after The Wierding and is another nice bit of progressive rock and a worthy follow up recording. I like the production on this album better than their debut album! Once again we are treated to some great epic tracks with tons of vintage equipment and vintage musical style of the days gone by......the 70's progressive rock movement.

Astra - The Wierding (2009)

Astra - The Wierding

Wow.......this album took me a bit by surprise as I had no ideamitmwas just soooooo vintage progressive rock! Mellotrons, vocal harmonies and nice long tracks with a wide range of themes, emotions and tempos. Too many influences to really narrow it down but I hear YES, Pink Floyd with a mix of Black Mountain and Sabbath. The slow tune "Broken Glass" sounds like John Lennon meets YES all the way. The band is excellent and considering this was the first album it shows a nice deep skill and musical prowess. I like the way these guys don't hide behind their love for progressive vintage 70's rock and play a very convincing album here. They are the real deal

Casino - casino (1992)

Casino  - S/T, SI Music

   Casino was the one time album released from legendary lyricist Geoff Mann and keyboard giant Clive Nolan. Casino is a concept album drawing parallels between the addiction of gambling with life! For those who love deep meaningful lyrics behind their music will love the vocals and pointed tongue he writes. With Nolan in the house you just know the keyboards will be excellent as is the case....in fact I told him one time that off the albums he did Casino was my favourite......and he said "me too". In a very Eerie foreshadowing way Mann sings "deal me death......deliver me".... RIP my friend.......this gambler of life thanks you for the music!!!!

Moon Safari - The Gettysburg Address (2011)

Moon Safari - The Gettysburg Address

   Everyone should listen to this band........and this may be the best place to start for those who don't know these kids! Recorded very well live in concert at 2011's Rites of Spring Festival this stunning 2 CD set captures the creative energy and power of this Swedish band. They cover some of their best tracks too with a great version of Moonwalk, Yasgur's Farm and my fav The World's best dreamers. Moon Safari will remind you of YES and Marillion with a bit of CSNY and neo Prog bands like Spock's Beard and the flower kings. These guys when all singing can do some of the best vocal harmonies I have ever heard a rock band do !

Corte dei Miracoli

Corte dei Miracoli  - S/T

   I was spoiled about 15 years ago there was a specialty CD store in toronto that specialized in progressive rock and sold the SI-WAN label releases. Corte dei Miracoli was one of the albums I got to sample and immediately bought! What makes this album remain such a fav of mine is the great song writing and dual keyboards which really draw you in. This band create a wild space ride with heavy orbital analogue keys and amazing vocal harmonies. Like many of the classic ITAL-Prog bands they blend piano with a suite of drums, bass, guitars and synths with huge vocals and epic tracks.

Tribute - New Views (1995)

Tribute - New Views 1995
 
  TRIBUTE were a Swedish progressive band who recorded 2 very sweet studio albums in the mid 80's which featured GONG's Pierre Moerlen. "New Views" was their first album which features the most amazing 22 Mins epic track "New Views". This track alone makes the album well worth the price... gentle GENESIS-like 8 mins acoustic guitar intro with building symphonic keyboard passages and great melodic mid section instrumental interplay before the majestic and energized conclusion. This album is all instrumental with emphasis on the keyboards giving off a symphonic fusion world of colors and with the guitar accents really reminds me at times of CAMEL, ALAN PARSONS, ELOY and even The ENID. I must warn you that TRIBUTE's music is very easy going and takes you along for the ride without introducing cluttered and/or unnecessary complex time signature changes or mood swings. The focus of the music is definitely pro-melody with some real grand musical moments. In other words no real surprises here and a bit along the contemporary commercial side of things which is not as this proves always a bad thing my friends. Overall a great album and one of those albums progressive music fans will be grateful for owning in their collection... and one that Mom will love as well.

Genesis - Wind & Wuthering (1977)

 Genesis - Wind & Wuthering (1977)   SACD

In 1977 something happened to Genesis........The album was `Wind and Wuthering`` and the music carried the deep musical progressions of early Genesis with some lighter poppy tendencies which started to creep into their music.  I am a Genesis fan....always have been and always will be and slowly I have been picking up all the Nick Davis SACD Remasters as I find them reasonably priced....as you know there are some lunatics asking way too much for these discs.
If you are not familiar with the post Gabriel era Genesis then I can assure you that Phil Collins does a reasonable job on the vocals in replacement of Peter Gabriel. Musically "Wind and Wuthering" from 1977 was another great album from this band who began on this album to show signs of pop and progressive rock combined. No question that Afterglow is one of the truly great Genesis tracks! ...still give me the shivers when I hear it....

Now how is the SACD transfer you ask ? well....I can assure you that this is an excellent transfer that sounds great. Excellent clarity and nice instrumental depth. Nick Davis is responsible for the 5.1 mix and unlike many of the critics out there I think he did a very good job on these albums. The music is bright and clear and in many ways I feel like I have never heard the album until now !
I also have been able to hear things that I never heard before from my vinyl and 1st edition CD sources.
If you are a fan of Genesis or this album then I recommend you pick it up.......


  

McDonald and Giles (1970)

McDonald and Giles, 1970 Remaster HDCD

  During my university days I bought this album at the recommendation of The Record Store owner after talking about how much I Loved the First King Crimson album !  ...and he was right this was and still is one of the great hidden treasures of the progressive rock era IMHO.   Carrying all the sensitivities of the debut Crimson album and mixing a whole pile of other influences including the Beatles and Beach Boys.
  This catches Ian McDonald right in between Crimson and Foreigner era and he is at the height of his creativity on this album.  Ian and Mike handle the vocals and they sound great together with "Flight of the Ibis" being one of the great songs off this album very much influenced by the Beatles.  The harmony on this song still haunts me.
  Joining Ian McDonald is Michael Giles (drums, vox) , Peter Giles (bass), Steve Winwood (organ) who collaborated for the one-off gem of an album.
  Of course like all great Prog album there is a side long epic progressive rock track titled "Birdman" which is a 6 part number and is heavily influenced by King Crimson.
   Absolutely brilliant music ...food for your mind 

Alan Parsons Project - I Robot (1977)

Alan Parsons Project - I Robot , 1977   Mobile Fidelity Recording

   "I Robot" by Alan Parsons is a classic album that I can only hope will live strong forever.   Man.....they dont make em like this anymore do they !   "I Robot" was an album I grew up with and have never grown tired of this one.....today in fact I played the Mobile Fidelity remastered version which simply took me back to my early years!
  This might just be my favourite Parsons album .....and really in many ways reflects The Dark Side Of The Moon.....just told from a different perspective.     On this album we get it all too.......soft caressing vocals and gentle songs juxtaposed over heavier electronic nightmare'ish tracks of robotic invasion.......very cool album and a great headphone experience album !

Trimvirat - Spartacus (1975)

Triumvirat - Spartacus , 1975 Remaster

  Jurgen Fritz was a phenomenal keyboard player......and along with bandsmen Helmet Kollen (bass, guitars and compelling vocals) and Hans Bathelt (drums) created a masterpiece with Spartacus.  It is always a toss up which Triumvirat album I like the best between this one and "Illusions On A Double Dimple" but tonight it's Spartacus !
  Spartacus tells the story of the great Roman soldiers plight all put to music in a way on Triumvirat could.   One can not hear this album and not think of Emerson Lake & Palmer ....it must be the keayboards!   This was a great band and although overshadowed by ELP in the day, these guys really could write and play symphonic prog rock at its finest.

Alan Parsons Project - Eve (1979)

The Alan Parsons Project - Eve (1979) Remaster

  "Eve" was the 4th album by studio wizard and producer Alan Parsons who released a string of fabulous recordings in the 70's.   This was very much an overlooked album and IMHO is one of the finest from these early albums.  "You Wont Be There" is a song that has been with me for a lifetime and will be there till the day I die.   The album's concept deals with the female's overpowering effect on men (hmmmmm) and is aptly titled considering the beginning of the whole Adam and Eve dynamic.   Once again Parsons calls on a cast of talented musicians and singers....Dave Townsend, Lenny Zakatek and for the first time 2 female singers are present with the haunting vocals of Lesley Duncan and Clare Torry.   An album that deserves a whole lot more exposure.
  Oh yeah I should mention that way back when I was watching Cannadore College DJ one night on my local TV and he was playing this album and I remember thinking how awesome it was way back then.

King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King (1969)

King Crimson - In The Court Of The Crimson King, 1969 5.1 Stereo Remaster

    When one thinks of Progressive Rock "The Court" always comes into the discussion as the grand-daddy of this whole scene.    A bit of jazz...fusion....rock.....and even some gospel !   (well maybe not a ton of gospel...i got a bit carried away!)    This is King Crimsons definitive album , and one of the most daring debut albums ever recorded by anybody.   Robert Fripp's guitar along with  Ian McDonald's Mellotron, flute and sax work dominate this album and of course a ton of great Greg Lake driven vocals and harmonies and well crafted songs to boot !    This was another one of the defining albums of my youth and I think is still one of the greatest albums of all time.   Porcupine Tree's Steve Wilson did the 5.1 mix which is "Killer" and the stereo remaster here is amazing giving new life and character to this great piece of rock music.
"I Talk To The Wind" is one of the true delicate numbers that needs to listened too with a glass of fine wine or exquisite beer!

Steve Hackett - Please Don't Touch (1978)

Steve Hackett - Please Don't Touch , 1978 Remaster

  "Please Don't Touch"! was the second solo album by ex Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, and his first after having left Genesis in 1977.   Voyage Of The Acolyte (his first solo album) is on par with any Genesis album IMHO and while I love this album it was a real departure from the Genesis sound. 

Please Don't Touch featured several guests including R&B singer Randy Crawford, American folk icon Richie Havens, the drummer and vocalist for the progressive rock band Kansas (Phil Ehart and Steve Walsh respectively), Frank Zappa alumnus Tom Fowler, Genesis concert drummer Chester Thompson, and Van der Graaf Generator's violinist Graham Smith.
  This music is still very theme based and the music very creative with some of Hackett's finest solo musical moments.  "Icarus Ascending" is a song that simply will reach right thru you and is one of my favourite Hackett moments.  

Genesis - Nursery Cryme (1971)

Genesis - Nursery Cryme , 1971 SACD

  The song "The Musical Box" was one of the defining musical moments that would get me really into progressive rock as it should turn out.   The whole album of course upon further investigation was just as impacting as the Musical Box was but just less obvious.   Like all of the early Genesis albums they are very English culture focused and tell stories of croquet and polo that turned a bit sideways.
   If you have not heard these albums you really need to run out and buy a copy and they are just that important statements of the progressive movement.  These albums you live as much as you listen to them !  

Genesis - Foxtrot (1972)

Genesis - Foxtrot , 1972 SACD
    
        It really all started off with Trespass.....and then Nursery Cryme and then Foxtrot........3 incredibly detailed and theatrical albums spawning the progressive rock movement throughout the world.   Foxtrot basically continued the ideas, sounds, vibes and concept-like content of the previous 2 albums with the addition here of an epic side long track called "Supper's Ready".
   Peter Gabriel is simply magical on this album (again) and the band sound tight and creative having written 6 great everlasting songs.  Foxtrot would once again be a reference point for aspiring rock bands in the early 70's and still today is one of my favourite albums of all time.

Focus - 3 (1972)

Focus - 3 , 1972 Remastered
 
  Great things come in 3's and this adage held true for Focus who nailed it on this double album.  Of course Focus is best remembered for their classic tune "Hocus Pocus" which is staple of rock airwaves everywhere.  Focus are a Dutch progressive rock band that formed in Amsterdam in 1969 by vocalist/keyboardist/flutist Thijs van Leer, bassist Martin Dresden, drummer Hans Cleuver and guitarist Jan Akkerman.
  Lots of mixed emotions on the final mix of this album with slight variations from the vinyl....but according to some source I read this was the intended album track listing and mix Focus had planned for, but before release a B Side track was included in the vinyl and Answers was shortened to accommodate the albums 2 sides.   According to Focus' website (official) the track "House of the King" was added to this album, but was in fact recorded in 1969 with Martin Dresden and Hans Cleuver for In and out of Focus.
This is truely one of the gems from the progressive rock era.   Although I love the entire album I think that "Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!" and "Focus III" are my favourites from this album.   Flute.....vintage keyboards, great tempos, excellent guitar and bass interplay....fans of Camel, Tull, ELP and Floyd will drool over this album.     Vintage Progressive Rock kids !

Dungen - 4 (2008)

Dungen - 4 (2008)
  Dungen 4 is the 4th album released by these Swedish Psych-progsters who have released here perhaps their most balanced album.   In contrast to their stunning heavy psyched out masterpiece Tio Bitar this album sees Gistav Ejstes pretty much relegated to the keyboards and vocals.  This album is pretty much a softer more gently intoxicating album than their previous albums....but don't worry they still orbits planet Opium !
  If Dungen were from the US they would be the biggest thing and would dominate the "alternative" and "Indie" charts without question but being from Sweden ans singing in Swedish is sadly a big turnoff for many.  If you are a fan of Space Psych, Garage Psych and the hard rock edge of Led Zep then Dungen will be right down your alley . 

Dredg - The Pariah and the Delusion (2009)

Dredg  - The Pariah and the Delusion (2009)

The Pariah and the Delusion was the 4th studio album released by LA's alternative metal prog'sters who just keep getting better album after album.    Dredg have one of the most gifted rock vocalists going today with Gavin Hayes who just has one of the most expressive and powerful vocals I have heard in a long time.   The band that is supporting Hayes are amazing too and IMHO are re-defining art rock in the new millenium.  As with the other Dredg albums the production quality is superb, and the music is highly memorable.   Like most of their work it is a journey and the albums are theme-based with this album taking narrative and inspiration from Salman Rushdie essay called "Imagine There's No Heaven: A Letter to the 6 Billionth Citizen." .   This is a BIG epic album and there is a lot to absorb for sure....every time I hear this album I hear new things and nuisances missed previously.   The track "information" could have very easily made the Top 10 best songs of 2009.   A great album and a great band.    

Premiata Forneria Marconi - Per Un Amico (1972)

Premiata Forneria Marconi - Per Un Amico (1972)

  One of the albums that turned me onto Progressive Rock !   Really ......this was a magnet for me and I could not get enough of Genesis and PFM for many years,,,,,,,,and still can't !   To my grave this will be one of my personal favourite albums of all time.   They just dont make em like this anymore folks!  Gorgeous melodies and huge jazz/psych folk/ prog elements with both electric and acoustic interludes.    Check out the work out on the first 2 mins of Generale which is one of the most complex yet subtle Prog Rock moments.    An album that if you have not heard then you have clearly missed out on one of the great ones !

Acqua Fragile (1973)

Acqua Fragile (1973)

  The debut album from Italy's Acqua Fragile is truely one of the great Ital-Prog rock albums IMHO.  Drawing on characteristics from Gentle Giant, CSN&Y and Genesis this little gem is a treasure!  Huge vocal harmonies, excellent songs that carry a real theatre-like vibe and strong instrumentation.  This album was released in both English and Italian so depending on your preferences you can go for it.
  In many ways this album feels like a PFM release and in fact not only was this produced by PFM but Bernado Lanzetti would actually join them later on his his career.