Now Playing Thread

[Nicky007]

Played twice:  Magnum:  Breath Of Life

I really tried hard again, but this album just can't do anything for me. It seems to me uninspired and run-of-the-mill. Not even Bob's great singing can raise it into enjoyment for me 

I don't understand how talented musicians like the Magnum guys can release something like that ... but then again, I don't have the required insight into the music business.


NP  Iced Earth:  Framing Armageddon  (on repeat)

See, this is what I call adventurous music 

Nicky.

[Deenfan]

I think there's a lot to love on Breath of Lilfe, but it also leaves a lot to be desired. The drummer situation had Tony Clarkin himself on the stool, bashing in some patterns on a synth set, and then edit it all a LOT because he's not really a drummer. The production is not very good, and even the best song in many ways, "Just like January" manages to miss the plot at one point, the middle 8. And that's what usually the high point of the songs. If it was on this, too, there would be at least one KILLER song on the album.

As it is, I enjoy most of the album, but for various reasons, not very often. Brand New Morning is so much better. Proper drummer, better songs, better production... the lot, really.

[Steve Jones]

I think there's a lot to love on Breath of Lilfe, but it also leaves a lot to be desired.

It's very much their 'but' album for me, too.

NP: Steve Vai - Alien Love Secrets.  Just so Nicky doesn't feel all alone in the progiverse. 

By coincidence, a few weeks ago I had a mad purge on unripped CDs in the U and V parts of my collection, and did all of my Vai stuff at the time.  This also explains the recent Van der Graaf Generator binge! 

[Steve Jones]

Wigwam - Nuclear Nightclub.

Not a household name, but I saw them as a support band back in the day and liked what I heard.  Might have been supporting Gong, but then again it might not. 
See here for band info.  From Finland, eh?  My tastes were years ahead of my time. 

[Nicky007]

From Finland, eh?  My tastes were years ahead of my time. 

Ahead of what, Stevie ?  - the North Pole ? 

Honestly, are there any Finnish bands that are worth spending time on, in the sense that they do something special, better than other related bands ?

I like Finns, particularly the way they wield their knives after drinking a bottle of vodka, but prog 


NP  Iced Earth:  The Awakening  (on Framing Armageddon)

Last short piece (Track 19) - very special, a mix of Catholic and Arabian Mass, reminded me of the apotheosis in Goethe's Faust.

Man, these guys are rapidly on their way to my top league - whewadewy 

Nicky.

[Steve Jones]

Yes - Close to the Edge.

Classic.  Utter classic. 

[Nicky007]

Mercenary:  Isolation  (on Architect Of Lies)

This is one of my fave M-songs, and a good starting point.

After several listens, I'm beginning to like Architect as much as Hours, maybe even more. It just needs those spins (note: plural).

I don't find that one can compare Mercenary with Nightwish. M are real heavy b*sy stuff, while N are more lounge metal. And for those who are frightened by growl, well, it's the - in progworld - ubiquitous "acquired taste".

Nicky.

[Iggy]

Yes - Close to the Edge.

Classic.  Utter classic. 

Hooray 

NP relayer

[Steve Jones]

Rocket Scientists - Revolution Road.

[Steve Jones]

Having started the weekend with Deep Purple - 24 Carat Purple at silly o'clock this morning, I'm now progging my way through the Sylvan back-catalogue.

NP: Sylvan - X-Rayed. 

[Nicky007]

Rocket Scientists - Revolution Road.

So, how about a characterisation ? 

Nicky.

[Steve Jones]

So, how about a characterisation ? 

AOR/prog or straight rock/prog.  No outward signs of vegetarianism.  Most famous for a storming version of the S.H.A.D.O. theme from Gerry Anderson's UFO TV series.

First time I played it I thought "this is just standard rock" but more prog appeared in the details every time I listened to it.  Not pushing any boundaries, but I play it quite regularly as I like it. 

[maddox]

The radio: 3FM

[Steve Jones]

Deep Purple - Fireball. 

[Steve Jones]

Extreme - Saudades de Rock.

Not 'Sausages', as I first thought! 

[maddox]

Sylvan - Leaving Backstage 

[Nicky007]

Guys, dig one of the greatest bands on this planet:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXLELUx0Dh4&feature=related

There's even some bupsie stuff 

Nicky.

[Iggy]

Shadow gallery Tyranny

[Nicky007]

NP  Nevermore:  The Politics Of Ecstasy

This is so insane that ........ that ............. dunno 

But it sure is 

Nicky.

[Steve Jones]

Just finished: Nevermore - This Godless Endeavor.  A truly awesome album - best of breed. 

Just starting: Amaseffer - Slaves for Life.  Equally impressive, in it's slightly idiosyncratic way. 

[Steve Jones]

Osada Vida - The Body Parts Party.

This afternoon seems to be turning into a bit of a 'Favourite Albums of 2008' session. 

[maddox]

Devin Townsend - Terria

[Steve Jones]

Demians - Building an Empire.

Another 2008 fave.  No shortage of 'em, and we're still not two thirds through the year. 

[Nicky007]

Nevermore:  Politics

Yeah, still. Can't get ridda these guys, man !

On this album too, on the last track, after a long pause, at about 10 min, they got some real crazy sh*. What to make of it 

OK, just to make it clear:  This band requires an exorbitant effort, but if you do it, it'l reward you manifold    Guys ......

Nicky.

[funkster]

Demians - Building an Empire.

Another 2008 fave.  No shortage of 'em, and we're still not two thirds through the year. 

Supporting Anathema on tour as well i understand