Now Playing Thread

[PH]

P.S.: what should I edit, Paco?

Your quadruple post, you old spammer.

Clive came into the Room from time to time, and also Mick but his contributions were scarce to say the least.
Oh and JJII, but then he already wasn't a full member of Arena anymore.

Nah, that wasn't JJII, it was JJ1, and he did 15 posts here.



I can see that Jolly has come to the Roomies' ears too. Amazing band!

Was listening to Neal Morse's ? (isn't it one of the most perfect Prog albums of all time?), but it just finished.
Gotta put another record on. ('cos I know I like it.)


--Paco

[The Butterfly Man]

NP: Various Artists - God Of War: Blood & Metal



Certainly no music for people who can't stand growling vocals. Lucky for me I can...

This EP was released last year to support the game God Of War III. It contains some pretty good songs by bands like Killswitch Engage, Trivium (with a chorus that won't leave your head for days!), DT and Mutiny Within. I think some of my Room-mates (hehe) will find this EP interesting.

Here's the video for the Trivium-song (Shattering The Skies Above): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoUf1bbMTa8

And here's a link to Raw Dog by DT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELkXUQkm-sI

Tom

[maddox]

Nah, that wasn't JJII, it was JJ1, and he did 15 posts here.

You're right, my bad.

NP> nothing.

Will go to bed in a bit.
If I can pull myself from the telly, watching the news about the devastating earthquake and its aftermath.

Murhpy's Law in optima forma.
Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. 

[maddox]

Katatonia ~ Night is the New Day

[Nicky007]

Trivium (with a chorus that won't leave your head for days!)

At last a Roomie to realise the genius of Trivium 

One down, several to go 

I otoh have to do Mutiny Within. Just after:

NP  Haken:  Streams 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsJpy84ZiGk

Some tremendous growl, earlier in the Room I wrote that it sounded like an archangel speaking to mankind 

Great that we can share Haken in the Room 

I can see that Jolly has come to the Roomies' ears too. Amazing band!

Nah, that wasn't JJII, it was JJ1, and he did 15 posts here.

That flummoxed me too ... but then I thought:  Yeah, good old Mad 

Katatonia ~ Night is the New Day

A few years ago I bought some albums by Katatonia. Nice stuff, but rather monotonous. What's this album like, guys ? 


NP  Mutiny Within:  Falling Forever 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWJSEomKsZ0

Nicky.

[PH]

At the moment: Nothing. Too busy, so music would be a bit distracting...

But I listened to TransAtlantic's "The Whirlwind" again today.
Can't believe it's already been one and a half year ago since its release!
I think it's truly a masterpiece.

I even updated my avatar text and signature for it.


--Paco

[PH]

Was listening to Neal Morse's "Lifeline" album.
The title song is good, but I think it's the worst album opener since "Testimony".
And where "Testimony"'s first song helps setting the mood for the rest of the album, "Lifeline" here seems like an attempt to recreate ideas and formulas from earlier albums.
It certainly isn't a bad song and some of the lyrics really resonate with me ("Once upon another time He made my mind a different color"), but Neal can do better (which he proves with TransAtlantic's "The Wirlwind" and hopefully "Testimony 2").

Then two nice and perhaps even beautiful ballads follow ("The Way Home" and "God's Love"), with an awful and really silly song in between. Some think "Leviathan" is the best of the album, but I think it's not really that great. It starts cool though, with an almost King Crimson like chaos.

"Children Of The Chosen" is far below level when your name is Neal Morse. Even lyrically it lacks depth. Can't help it...

Then comes "So Many Roads". The problem with big songs like this, is not their lenght per se, but their inconsistence. There's too much variety to call it one song. I really like the first part, but often enough I get bored after that and skip the rest of the song (and album...).

"Fly High" is another 'ballad', but different from the ones I mentioned earlier. This one reminds me of "Heaven In My Heart" from Neal's previous solo album. It's got the same mood and feeling to it.

To be honest I rarely listen to the second disc. I don't really care for covers, although they can be fun sometimes and Neal & Co do a good job at them.

There are two songs that didn't make it on the actual album: "Sometimes He Waits" and "Set The Kingdom". But I can't really comment on them, since I rarely put on the second disc. I guess I am too disappointed to try them. Am I missing out?

To make a long story short, the songs are not plain awful, but (and I hate to say this) they are not good either. Anyway, they are far from 'great'. It somehow sounds like a "Best Of" compilation album to me and when I'm done listening, I always feel disappointed...

If I had to make a top five of best songs from this album it would look like this:

1. "The Way Home"
2. "God's Love"
3. "Lifeline"
4. part one of "So Many Roads"
5.

Yes, I don't know which one will fit the fifth place...


(Sorry Neal, I love your albums, but this is the weakest...)


--Paco

[PH]

Now listening to:
Artist: Tangram
Album: Flow
Track: 6
Track title: Part 6


Nice Jean Michel Jarre like music. Great while working.


--Paco

[funkster]

Before the frost - Black Crowes - rock and roll with a groove and a swagger 

[The Butterfly Man]

To make a long story short, the songs are not plain awful, but (and I hate to say this) they are not good either. Anyway, they are far from 'great'. It somehow sounds like a "Best Of" compilation album to me and when I'm done listening, I always feel disappointed...

I feel this way too. I think Neal could do with some fresh ideas, instead of endlessly repeating himself musically. I do like the somewhat heavier direction he went on Sola Scriptura, which is my favourite Neal Morse album by far, but it still doesn't sound very original if you compare it to '?'. And then Lifeline doesn't sound very different from Sola Scriptura either. With the last few releases I feel that Neal makes music that people 'want to hear' (relatively speaking of course, we're talking prog here! ) instead of pushing the envelope a bit and see where it gets him. But maybe I'm just getting a bit tired of that trademark Neal Morse-sound. Either way, let's wait until we get to hear Testimony 2. I'm still curious to find out what he comes up with, so I see that as a good thing.

NP: Arid - All things Come in Waves

Nice and easy pop-rock to start the day with. By the way, the guy who sings on Arjen Lucassen's Guilt Machine-album (forgot his name) is the leadsinger in this Belgian band.

Tom

[The Butterfly Man]

NP: Jolly - The Audio Guide To Happiness, Part 1

After playing the Youtube-links provided here to death I decided that I wanted this album so badly that I purchased it through iTunes. And what a great album it proves to be. At the moment I'm especially fond of Joy, which has such a great melody.

So thanks again guys!

Tom

[Bupie]

I have never felt the urge to listen to a Neal Morse solo album. I have two Spock's Beard albums -V and Octane- that I rather enjoy but I never play them back to back or twice in a day and they didn't strike me enough to go and listen to the rest of SB's discography. On the other side, I love the three Transatlantic albums. So I guess I should try a Neal solo album but obviously, Lifeline is not the place to start.

Anyway, as you may have noticed, I am not really in a neo prog mood these days. But it will come back for sure ...

NP Edguy - The Savage Poetry

[PH]

I have never felt the urge to listen to a Neal Morse solo album. I have two Spock's Beard albums -V and Octane- that I rather enjoy but I never play them back to back or twice in a day and they didn't strike me enough to go and listen to the rest of SB's discography. On the other side, I love the three Transatlantic albums. So I guess I should try a Neal solo album but obviously, Lifeline is not the place to start.

"Octane" and "V" are very different.
But you should really really really try out "Snow".
As for the Neal Morse solo albums: I think you'd better start with either "One" of "?". They are both excellent.
"Testimony" and "Sola Scriptura" (my favourite album) are also really good, but I guess they're not the best way to get introduced to Neal.

[Bupie]

Thanks for the advice. I'll buy one of those two and I'll let you know.

NP Angra - Angels Cry

[Nicky007]

Bups, my fave Spock's Beard album is SB. That one really rocks, and I can recommend it warmly to you 

I like Octane and Feel Euphoria too 

X I havent listened to properly, but of course I'l have to get it 

Re Neal-era SB and Neal's soloalbums, I have to say that I find Neal much stronger lyrically than musically. OK, he's also a fine singer, but somehow I just don't find much melody in his stuff, and he's not really original musically 

The story of Snow doesnt intrigue me much, but with Sola Scriptura I'v spent hours delving into Neal's lyrics, partly because Martin Luther is one of my heroes, and partly cuz Neal has some intriguing takes on Luther and his acts 

So yeah, I'd say that Sola Scriptura is the one to get. Paul Gilbert's amazing solo is also worth an experience 

Nicky.

[PH]

Bups, my fave Spock's Beard album is SB. That one really rocks, and I can recommend it warmly to you 

That one is really cool indeed! In my opinion it's the best Spock's Beard has done since Neal left. To be honest, sometimes I like it better than "Snow". But then again... No, I think "Snow" is still a bit better.

Re Neal-era SB and Neal's soloalbums, I have to say that I find Neal much stronger lyrically than musically.

I think Neal has improved since he left Spock's Beard, regarding both lyrics and music. (Except for "Lifeline". What happened there?)

OK, he's also a fine singer

Hmm... He is OK I guess. But I wouldn't call him a great singer at all. But still I wouldn't want anyone else to sing his songs though.

but somehow I just don't find much melody in his stuff

Ah c'mon man...

and he's not really original musically 

There you might be right. But you got to admit that "?" is quite original both musically and lyrically.

The story of Snow doesnt intrigue me much

Well, I don't understand everything, but I like it very much!

but with Sola Scriptura I'v spent hours delving into Neal's lyrics, partly because Martin Luther is one of my heroes, and partly cuz Neal has some intriguing takes on Luther and his acts 

Yes, I've listened sooooo much to that album. I love every part of it. There are many moments that get me very emotional.

So yeah, I'd say that Sola Scriptura is the one to get. Paul Gilbert's amazing solo is also worth an experience 

You are absolutely right about the Paul Gilbert solo. But this album isn't really representative for his oeuvre...


--Paco

[PH]

Marillion - Holidays In Eden
4. No One Can

This is the most poppy album by Marillion, but I love the first tracks so far.
(Splintering Heart is a truly AMAZING song, and a good opener!)

[Bupie]

I really like this album and No One Can, which the record company hoped to become a hit single, if I recall what Steve Hogarth wrote about it. He also added that he doesn't like the song very much but I find both the music and lyrics moving. Maybe my favorite Marillion album after Misplaced Childhood. I hope you have the two CDs version, really worth it.

NP : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtmjZ-NrDrs

Another Angra song that Peter should appreciate 

[The Butterfly Man]

Marillion - Holidays In Eden
4. No One Can

This is the most poppy album by Marillion, but I love the first tracks so far.
(Splintering Heart is a truly AMAZING song, and a good opener!)

I'm going to hear that whole album (plus hopefully some b-sides like A Collection and Sympathy) played live next friday at the Marillion Convention 2011 in Port Zélande!

NP: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Arcade Fire is an indie rockband from Canada. I think this album I'm playing right now is the perfect soundtrack to a lazy sunny saturday afternoon.

Here's the videoclip to the albums' title track if anyone is interested (probably not ): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Euj9f3gdyM

Tom

[Nicky007]

NP  Mutiny Within  on  YouTube

Not top-league, but up there 

They have perfected the handicraft of metal, now we await the originality 

But you got to admit that "?" is quite original both musically and lyrically.

OK, I'l give that one another spin ..... 

Nicky.

[Nicky007]

Played:


DT:  Awake

Every time I hear this album, I'm overwhelmed by how marvelous it is. Skip the first two tracks, and it's a cornucopia of innovation, melody, masterly singing and instrumentation, and subtle twists and turns 

Cap, Teunis and Greenie, run this album a few times successively and I'm sure ya'l like it 

To me, I&W was DT's pilot album, and with Awake they got it just right ... and since then every album has been a real treat 


Anthrax:  We've Come for You All

Great album too 

For those Roomies who don't know it, Anthrax are a true progmetal group 

They'v developed enormously thru all the thirty years of their existence.

Their first albums don't do anything for me - basically proto-thrash - but Sound of White Noise (1993), Stomp 442 (1995), "Volume 8: The Threat Is Real" (1998), and We've Come for You All (2003) are all great albums 

Nicky.

[Nicky007]

Played:


Shining:  Blackjazz

Let's just say: Interesting 


David Bowie:  Let's Dance

Whew, a tremendous classic, this stuff would get me out on the dance floor in any condition 

... and not much can, iac not the current miseries of Lady Gaga, electro and hiphop 

Nicky.

[The Butterfly Man]

NP  Mutiny Within  on  YouTube

Not top-league, but up there 

Not top league!?

DT:  Awake

Every time I hear this album, I'm overwhelmed by how marvelous it is. Skip the first two tracks, and it's a cornucopia of innovation, melody, masterly singing and instrumentation, and subtle twists and turns 

So true, except for your attitude towards 6:00 and Caught In A Web. Both are fine songs with amazing choruses imo. Instead of skipping them, I could listen to these songs endlessly! Of course, the rest ain't bad either...

NP: John Wesley - The Lilypad Suite

More on that in 'Other Bands + Music' in a minute...

Tom

[Nicky007]

Not top league!?

What I mean is "not DT- or Priest-class," which would also be unrealistic to expect from such young musicians 

NP: John Wesley - The Lilypad Suite

Got him on my "Groups to check out" list. Thanx, Tom 

Arcade Fire I'v listened to on several occasions. They havent really gripped me, not either the song from The Suburbs. Guess I'm not sufficiently indie. Thanx anyway 

except for your attitude towards 6:00 and Caught In A Web

I tried again, but they simply rub me the wrong way 


NP  Blotted Science (with Ron Jarzombek):  Laser Lobotomy  (on repeat)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQEywzR4QbM

Pretty wild ... and pretty good 

Nicky.

[PH]

Today I played:

Marillion - Marbles
I really like: The Invisible Man, Genie, Fantastic Place, Ocean Cloud, Angelina and Neverland (But the rest is great too!)
Marillion - Happiness Is The Road
Stand out tracks: This Train Is My Life, Essence, Woke Up and Trap The Spark. Actually the first disc is overall very good. The second disc is a bit of a struggle for me. What do you think?
Porcupine Tree - The Sky Moves Sideways
This is an album with no best tracks, since they're all really good! I love the mood of this album.