Now Playing Thread

[Nicky007]

It probably doesn't interest any of you.

Yeah, Paxi, you seem to be a bit alone with that sorta stuff in the Room. But nothin wrong with that 

NP Audioslave - Audioslave
The track Like A Stone is for me in Nicky's terminology a "stuck-on song". Cornell has a great voice.

At last an ally 

Yes, I remember, Matt too 

Yup, right, Erik, CC's catalog is very uneven, but he is invariably one of the best singers around, and his good stuff is top-league, particularly Euphoria Morning imo 

Nicky.

[Steve Jones]

I actually also prefer them there 

I can see you're the sort of man who, when it's raining, looks for the woman with the driest shoes

What's it like ?

I think it's excellent, but then I've always been a great DLR fan.  For me, some days it's equal best alongside Eat-em-and-Smile.  He'd left the Van Halen stadium/arena rock style behind by this point, so the sound is more stripped down and even bluesy in places.

[Manatee]

Thanks Man!

Are you sure you're not studying to be a reporter?  Fortunately, the words you put in my mouth were reasonably accurate, although if you think you're almighty, you might have to rethink some of your other philosophies.   
If you'd had me saying something that offended me, like "Guinness and cheese are evil" or "James LaBrie is the greatest singer of all time," then I would've had to retaliate.

What are just standing there?! Tell us what you think already!

What I think is Ki is definitely something new on the Devin landscape.  I'm not fool enough to evaluate it on one listen (which I am still completing due to obligations last night).  The vocals and some moments of guitar sound Devinish, but the music is, for the most part, by far the mellowest of any I've heard by him with the exception of the semi-ambient/semi-electronic "Project EKO" bonus disc that came with Accelerated Evolution. It's Devin and prog, so I'm fully prepared to give it room to grow.  Through the first 10 songs, about the only one that sounded much like the Devin I'm used to is "Heaven Send," which sounds rather Ziltoidish.


NP: The rest of Ki obviously

[Steve Jones]

Dream Theater - Systematic Chaos

I'm in training for my new dose of stuff 'that only dogs can hear' on Monday.  Well, as soon after Monday as it turns up, anyway!

[Manatee]

I think Genesis basically retained their essence throughout all the changes (you just need Tony Banks for that). 

For once, I really disagree substantially with you, Erik:  True, Tony's sound is an essential part of Genesis, but in my analysis, Phil's personal vicissitudes, and his ensuing need for confirmation, dominated the direction Genesis took, in a commercial direction - let's face it: They sold out.

The era from Foxtrot to Duke is the essential Genesis era, Foxtrot being still somewhat raw compared to the mature masterpiece Selling England, and Duke being at the transition from a true seeking progressive band to a band that wanted to aggregate fans and play stadiums (and play golf).

Interestingly, Ray Wilson had some hopes of getting Genesis back on the right track, but since he matched Tony and Mike so badly, who seem to have been quite complacent with their now celebrity status, the album turned out rather perfunctory.

And this aint pure speculation:  When I hear their self-titled album, I'm simply bored, I regard it as a duty to listen more to it (while Abacab still grips me here and there), and Cryme is a bit too raw to grip me (and the guys needed an album to get to know each other), while pretty much everything from Selling England to Duke has become pure bliss to me.

OK, guys, let me have it now 

Actually, I agree with you (Nicky) that Phil eventually dragged the band into being mostly pop and not so proggy.  While I am obviously a Tony Banks fan, I think his influence began to wane after Wind and Wuthering.  His thinking (and Mike's too) may have shifted as well (which could be either good or bad with proggers) since I noticed that his solo stuff (The Fugitive) was not nearly as complex as I was expecting, and Mike + the Mechanics is basically not prog at all.  I may disagree with you as to which albums on the fringes of the "core" period are "essential," but we all have our favorites.  I think the early ones you found a bit raw were possibly their best, but then I like that kind of raw, which is, I think, what draws me to PG's early solo stuff.  And while I think Duke and parts of Abacab are great, I do think Genesis were past their prime by then.

Actually, Greenie, this may just be the DT-album that you could click onto.

If LaBrie is replaced with a guest appearance by Kate Bush, or hell, maybe even one of George Bush's daughters, that would do it.   

I still wasnt convinced of the genius of DT, even tho more and more people I was meeting were lauding'm. But since the roomies at that time (basically the same fans as today + Appie (who's before yer time, Greenie)  and John (in black)) were rappin so much about DT, particularly Six Degrees, I thought, hm, better show some action.

Large-scale consumption of laudanum could certainly explain a lot, although I thought that went out of style a century or two ago.   And assuming Appie is Appelmoes??, he was still around when I first joined, prior to my hiatus.


NP: Ki again from the beginning

I've noticed some more nuggets of Devin-ness, although "Heaven Send" is still the standout for me so far.

[maddox]

Demians ~ Building An Empire

[Manatee]

Steve has been spending quality time with his pets of late, rather than tw@tting around on the internet.  Our oldest dog has just suffered her second stroke, which obviously entails some running around from the veterinary point of view, not to mention the general care and affection angle.  Although substantially improved now, her days are clearly numbered if only because of her age (I think I said this before, when she had her first stroke) and this focusses my mind on the need to spend quality time with loved ones (animal or human) while you can.

Completely reasonable.  Since I like most dogs better than most people, I can certainly appreciate the validity of that.  Here's hoping her remaining days are happy and comfortable.

I can see you're the sort of man who, when it's raining, looks for the woman with the driest shoes

There's certainly something to be said for that, although if you save me one with damp shoes and a beautiful face, I won't complain.  

At last an ally 

Yup, right, Erik, CC's catalog is very uneven, but he is invariably one of the best singers around, and his good stuff is top-league, particularly Euphoria Morning imo 

I appreciate CC as well, although I'll admit, I know him more from Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog than I do from Audioslave or his solo-labeled stuff.

[Manatee]

NP: Dixie Dregs - The Best of Dixie Dregs - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection

This is really good stuff, but since they're 100% instrumental, a best of is sufficient for me.  Kansas fans who don't mind going vocal-less now and then might find them interesting.

[Steve Jones]

NP: Dixie Dregs - The Best of Dixie Dregs - 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection

This is really good stuff, but since they're 100% instrumental, a best of is sufficient for me.  Kansas fans who don't mind going vocal-less now and then might find them interesting.

Top band, although I've not got that particular issue.  If anyone is looking for a cheap taster, then (in the UK at least) THIS ONE can be had at a bargain basement price if you don't mind a download version.


NP: Deep Purple - Fireball 25th Anniversary Edition

[Manatee]

NP: Frost* - Milliontown

Overall, I like this album very much, but I must say, it's a major offender in the "seemingly unrelated to the song, annoying spoken bits" department.   Fortunately, the part that's actually music is quite good.   One begins to wonder if giving producers lots of toys is really such a good thing.   

[Manatee]

NP: Soundgarden - Down on the Upside

"Pretty Noose" alone is worth the price of admission.   

And yes, talking about good music does give one the urge to play it, doesn't it?

[Steve Jones]

And yes, talking about good music does give one the urge to play it, doesn't it?

Indeedy.  The funny thing is I know I had some Soundgarden stuff back in vinyl days, 'Superunknown' is actually visible in the albums pile in a photo I've got.  I also know I went to see them.  But I can't remember a thing about the concert or any music off albums!  Surely it can't be all down to alcohol?

I did check out some CC samples online and wasn't sufficiently intrigued to investigate further, but I do note some Soundgarden albums are relatively cheap on Amazon, so come the next order you never know


NP: Opeth - Ghost Reveries.  Because I ordered another Opeth CD that should hopefully turn up tomorrow, but typically I want it NOW!!!

[Teunis]

Gazpacho - Night
Steve Lukather - Candyman

np: IQ - Frequency 

[Steve Jones]

NP: Opeth - Ghost Reveries.

Just like to say how frakkin awesome this is sounding after not playing it for a few months.  I'm having one of my "surely it's the best album ever recorded" moments - there'll be another one along later, I'm sure

[maddox]

IQ ~ Frequency

Nice. Typically IQ.
But i still feel like i'm waiting for something.
The cover remains bad though.

[Steve Jones]

Magnum - The Last Dance

[Manatee]

Just like to say how frakkin awesome this is sounding after not playing it for a few months.  I'm having one of my "surely it's the best album ever recorded" moments - there'll be another one along later, I'm sure

Probably 52 more of them.   

NP: Soundgarden - Superunknown

I'm having one of my "why didn't this band stay together and make lots more albums moments."

IQ ~ Frequency

Nice. Typically IQ.
But i still feel like i'm waiting for something.
The cover remains bad though.

So far, I'm rating this one as a solid effort but not superior by their standards.  BTW, anyone know what a "Riker Sky" is?  The only Rikers I know of are Riker's Island (a NYC prison) and Commander Riker (from Star Trek: TNG) And the cover will seem a lot better if you assume all the guys in the yellow and black striped shirts are John Belushi in a killer bee outfit.   

[Teunis]

BTW, anyone know what a "Riker Sky" is?  The only Rikers I know of are Riker's Island (a NYC prison) and Commander Riker (from Star Trek: TNG) And the cover will seem a lot better if you assume all the guys in the yellow and black striped shirts are John Belushi in a killer bee outfit.   

On the IQ forum people were wondering it too. Quote: It´s a story about a prison/prisoner coming to a prison. Rikers Island = Correction facility of NY city. In the comic books parallel universe it´s called Ryker Island. Seems you're close  .

np: Darkwater - Calling The Earth To Witness

[Steve Jones]

Just: Uriah Heep - Wake the Sleeper.  I don't care what the traditionalists say, to me this sounds more Heep than ever
Now: Wishbone Ash - Distillation CD2

[Nicky007]

Large-scale consumption of laudanum could certainly explain a lot, although I thought that went out of style a century or two ago.

Since our agreement to disagree must be canonised by now, Greenie, I vouch to disagree with ya, in fact by now I even have a permit to put you in place, cause Six Degrees is a fabulous album !!!

Ask Jonesy, ask me, ask Mad, ask Tom, even ask Paxi and Bupsie, who are progwimps (sorry guys, but I needed this for the argument). Hey, even Bluey got converted during her stay in the Room - and ya wanna be behind a woman, Greenie ?  (Hey, I'm talkin about prog progression) 

I actually didnt know this meaning of laudanum, from websters-online-dictionary.org: "To dream that you take laudanum, signifies weakness of your own; and that you will have a tendency to be unduly influenced by others. You should cultivate determination. To prevent others from taking this drug, indicates that you will be the means of conveying great joy and good to people."

I appreciate CC as well, although I'll admit, I know him more from Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog than I do from Audioslave or his solo-labeled stuff.

Wait till ya hear Euphoria Morning - the best he's done (so far, imo) 

I did check out some CC samples online and wasn't sufficiently intrigued to investigate further, but I do note some Soundgarden albums are relatively cheap on Amazon, so come the next order you never know

I know I'l be confirming Bupsie's worst prejudices against me (and there might even be some truth in'm), but I must reiterate:  Get Euphoria Morning! Here's Chris at his best, in company with his good friends Alain Johannes and Natasja Shneider, who resp. is and was a great musician in his/her own right. (Natasja is sadly deceased, much too early.)

I actually dug up some links to great CC-performances some time ago (spent quite some time doin it), cause we had an earlier discussion about him. My efforts seem to have been utterly in vain at the time (guess cause it's easier to succumb to the widespread prejudices against him and thus write him off), but I'l give you guys another chance now:  http://shattered-room.net/index.php?topic=15.msg37896#msg37896  (go down to "Links to Chris Cornell songs")

If you're not convinced after this ... hm, then I don't know what the f*´s goin on 

Just like to say how frakkin awesome this is sounding after not playing it for a few months.

Isnt it 

Get Watershed too, if you don't have it - just as awesome 

Nicky.

[Steve Jones]

Just: Anathema - Judgement
Now: Opeth - Deliverance

Both excellent, based purely on a first listen, and I'm looking forward to forming a more in-depth bond over the weekend

I must get hold of Opeth's Damnation next, methinks, if only to complete my Steven Wilson trilogy

As an aside, I hadn't realised (until I was reading the booklet that comes with the 'Ghost Reveries' reissue earlier) that the video for 'The Grand Conjuration' (on the accompanying DVD) features Gene Hoglan of Strapping Young Lad on drums.  I really must pay more attention in class

[Steve Jones]

Get Watershed too, if you don't have it - just as awesome 

Yes, I've got that one and it certainly is awesome.   My only gripe is that the bonus tracks are buried on the DVD


Just: Nightwish - Bye Bye Beautiful DVD single.  I played this twice in a row, not because of the short-skirted lovelies who appear with the band (well, not purely because!) but due to it being an utterly barnstormingly excellent tune.
Now: Opeth - Still Life.  I think I'll declare today as National Opeth Day

[Manatee]

Since our agreement to disagree must be canonised by now, Greenie, I vouch to disagree with ya, in fact by now I even have a permit to put you in place, cause Six Degrees is a fabulous album !!!

Ask Jonesy, ask me, ask Mad, ask Tom, even ask Paxi and Bupsie, who are progwimps (sorry guys, but I needed this for the argument). Hey, even Bluey got converted during her stay in the Room - and ya wanna be behind a woman, Greenie ?  (Hey, I'm talkin about prog progression) 

I actually didnt know this meaning of laudanum, from websters-online-dictionary.org: "To dream that you take laudanum, signifies weakness of your own; and that you will have a tendency to be unduly influenced by others. You should cultivate determination. To prevent others from taking this drug, indicates that you will be the means of conveying great joy and good to people."

I was mostly kidding there, Nicky.  I understand the Dreamies are big in the Room; they just haven't clicked for me.  I've tried to get into them, and I'll probably try some more.   As to being behind a woman (recreational purposes aside), I can live with that if a) she's an impressive woman or b) she's headed off a cliff.   

I hadn't seen quite such a poetic definition of laudanum; I just knew it as a form of opium that people used to consume back before every Tom, Dick, and Harry did drugs.  Again, I was just having a bit of a fun, but I'm honored to have contributed to your education is some small way.   

Later today, I'm going to a Summer Solstice party at some friends' house in Pennsylvania.  Their eldest daughter is into Chris Cornell, so perhaps I can have a chat about that (yes, she's very cute, but I'm her unofficial "uncle" and it would just be weird, even if my friends didn't have me executed -- I'll keep her in mind for Paco though.  Uncle Nicky would approve since she's a veggie.)

NP: The remaining bits of Superunknown

I'm tempted to play some Opeth myself, but methinks it would be best to show up at the party in a less somber mood than those blokes tend to evoke.  I'll save my Opeth for when I'm home alone with my Guinness.   

[Steve Jones]

I'm tempted to play some Opeth myself, but methinks it would be best to show up at the party in a less somber mood than those blokes tend to evoke.

If I was heading for a function where there was veggie food, I think Opeth might cheer me up

NP: Caravan - Songs for Oblivion Fishermen

[PH]

... even ask Paxi and Bupsie, who are progwimps ...

Later today, I'm going to a Summer Solstice party at some friends' house in Pennsylvania.  Their eldest daughter is into Chris Cornell, so perhaps I can have a chat about that (yes, she's very cute, but I'm her unofficial "uncle" and it would just be weird, even if my friends didn't have me executed -- I'll keep her in mind for Paco though.  Uncle Nicky would approve since she's a veggie.)

Thanks, but no thanks. I want a wife who can deliver a nice big piece of beef on the table.
Besides, if she is into Chris Cornell, we might never have a good conversation.

You can still send me pictures though.