## Saturday, March 8, 2014

### Significant Albums: Yes - Drama (1980)

In the process of getting into Yes and their many records, it took a little while to check out the later 70's records, I think partially due to the way the "classic" period was so talked about and revered. And albums like Going for the One (1977) and Tormato (1978), while I came to enjoy some of, I never became as won over by as their earlier stuff like The Yes Album, Fragile and especially Relayer.

And I had heard the more recent Yes (90125 and parts of Big Generator and Talk) and more or less grew bored by them easily. So, I think that is why it took me a few more years to checkout Drama.

I recall Dream Theater played the intro to "Machine Messiah" on the 5 Years in a Livetime video from the footage/medley with Steve Howe at the Ronnie Scott Jazz Club in 1995. But for some reason, I never investigated that original song or the album it came from until finally checking this album out like 4 or 5 years later.

But when I finally did, I was almost shocked and blown away by a few things;.

1) how heavy it was at times. I'm referring to Machine Messiah's riff mostly.

2) the style and tempos and production seemed to sound more modern. Now mind you, I 1st heard it from a Remastered version that was released sometime in the 90's, which probably helped give the modern or improved production from hearing those other post-classic Yes period records.

3) hearing both Geoff Downes and especially Trevor Horn, sort of reinvented Yes's sound a bit, but not as dramatically from the later 80's Trevor Rabin Yes sound.

I really got won over by Trevor Horn's voice. He was like Jon Anderson in some ways and the vocals were like the Jon Anderson's in some ways. Higher pitched, chanting, spiritual, rhyming at times for the way it sounded. And while he was still not sounding identical to Jon Anderson, I found his style fit with what Steve Howe and Chris Squire were writing musically.

I also sort of heard the music from Drama being technical, heavy at points too, as sort of proto-Prog Metal in some ways, which go figure for someone who loved Dream Theater, to get into a slightly new kind of music from Yes sounding heavy.

But, I suppose Drama includes a lot of music that isn't sounding like Prog Metal at the same time. Songs like "White Car" or "Run Through the Light" were more mid tempo and textured. Including some of the Buggles? elements of using voice effects or vocoders.

"Does it Really Happen?" is a more uptempo piece that probably gets overlooked more than it should. It's sort of dancey in some ways, or even a song you could work out to. A bit like mathrock, or how some math-rock sounds in some ways. Maybe it was influenced by that period of King Crimson? Alan White even uses some what sounds like eastern percussion.

After about the 5 minute mark, there's a quiet refrain and the bring back the basic melody.

But I would say Drama's greatest parts are on 3 tracks especially.

"Machine Messiah" and it's driving riff, movements from heavy to majestic. The way vocals and guitars layered together and gradually build I just love. I even don't mind how Trevor sings this line

Machine, Messiah
The mindless
Search for a higher
Controller
Take me to the fire

rhyming "Messiah" with "Higher" and "Fire"

It's one of those songs that the production and layers of vocals and guitar and keys come in gradually, that they end up all complementing each other. And it also is a very strong ear worm, as I will have the melody and parts of verses in my head for hours.

But as much as I loved that multi-part opening track, I came to love "Into the Lens" even more. The way that songs builds and the energy is breathtaking. I was doing my data entry work while listening to this album, and that song alone totally got my work production up a ton. So much so, sometimes I would hit repeat on it.

The flaring fast vocals and Howe's arpeggio runs just blaze through this song like it's white on rice, lol.
The whole "I am, I am..a ca-merrr-ahh!" while lyrically seems silly, the way it sounds with the drumming and momentum at times totally work.

I mean I guess the 1st couple of verses of "Into the Lens" sound almost like The Buggles or some other 80's song, but that song's crescendo is unbelievable. And the more I listened to it and this record, the more I always looked forward to that part.

That climax section

Here, by the waterside
There, where the lens is wide
You and me
By the sea
Taken in tranquility

I almost get like a realization (for lack of a better word) about not only that song and their music, but something else. Like something from a movie, or one of these moments something hits you like a ton of bricks about learning something you never knew or discovering something that fascinates you.

I love this record, but I marvel at that song, and maybe because I would not have expected to be so blown away by it. It sounds more like a standard 80's pop song texturally at the beginning, but after listening to it 5 or more times, I totally saw/heard it in a completely different way.

But beyond the amazement of "Into the Lens," the track "Tempus Fugit" became the 3rd most go-to track on Drama. I recall knowing that song before hearing this album, I think from a Yes tribute album and possibly a compilation I had. But I hadn't really listened to it closely. Like "Into the Lens," it features in the 1st couple of verses, those fast-ly sang vocals that still in rhythm, fit the tempo and pattern of the song.

Then the chorus comes in

In the north sky time flies faster than morning
The cold of the dawn it meant nothing to us
You were keeping your best situation

(Yes, Yes) And the moment I see you
(Yes, Yes) It's so good to be near you
(Yes, Yes) And the feeling you give me
(Yes, Yes) Makes me want to be with you
(Yes, Yes) If we wait for an answer
(Yes, Yes) Will the silence be broken
(Yes, Yes) Should we wait for an answer
(Yes, Yes) Do we leave it unspoken

The way Steve Howe's guitar runs lead up to the slower tempo chorus, and then echoing chorus which includes some of the best keyboard layers contributing from Geoff Downes adds a lot to take-in from this song, and part of 'Tempus Fugit."

It's really an uplifting song and melody. Even just using the repeated "Yes!" I always thought was ironic or odd as I don't recall many if any lyrics previously, where the band mentioned their name, especially with a name with a word so commonly used.

I also sort of hear a romantic message in the lyrics, even though Yes's lyrics don't go as far with me as say Genesis or some other bands.

I kind of wonder if they had the repeated phrase of "Yes" to sort of reintroduce themselves in lyric and song, given Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman were not with them at that point.

Summarizing though, this record I listened to a ton about 10 years ago, and I think the biggest reason was how well the flow and energy of it was. "White Car" I think is brilliant, but a little too short. And I came to feel the album was so good, I wanted more after it finished, which is why I almost always would listen to the demos and bonus tracks on the remaster I had. The "Run Through the Light" with the vocoder comes to mind as a favorite, among them. I loved the vibe of the way so much of this album sounded, I really found I couldn't get enough of it.

So much so, I came to feel it was my favorite Yes record only to Relayer. I know a lot of fans don't agree, even that enjoy this album. I just found it was Yes in a new way, with a fresh start in some ways, that happened to be at a point of transition. Perhaps after Tormato was a transition, Drama ended up refining some of the new ideas they tried on Tormato but didn't work. And I say that, not so much given Jon Anderson wasn't singing, but I think from a SONGWRITING standpoint.

I suppose some of demos help, but I have often wondered how Jon Anderson would have sounded on many of these songs. I know it's kind of a question he poo-poos, save for maybe playing "Tempus Fugit" live once in a blue moon.

The Fly From Here situation, I'm not sure so much, although it was a demo that the band had from that period. And I like some of it, but didn't fully fall in love with it, despite the Drama-elements to it. Maybe it was the lack of Trevor (although I recall he produced it), or something else.

I suppose it speaks to timing and Yes made Drama then and only in 1979 and 1980 could have this or any other music with their lineup then, turned out this good. Maybe sad, but true. Regardless, this remains a favorite Yes record of mine and one of those records I likely will always love. If I need a go-to Yes record, for an uplifting or energetic feeling, Drama is at the top of my list.

## Friday, March 7, 2014

### Significant Albums: Genesis - Foxtrot (1972)

When I 1st checked out Genesis, I believe it was again Mike Portnoy, talking about The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, likely on Dream Theater's official site. I recall liking much of that record, namely track "In the Cage," but I guess I never fully fell in love with it nor the band until later. Maybe partially due to Peter Gabriel's voice.

I guess I kind of wanted to get into them like I got into Marillion, but it didn't really happen too quickly.

But then a few years later, when I went to Nearfest and hanging out the friends I was with there, and the other fans at NF, and maybe even when Transatlantic covered some Genesis at that show in 2000, my motivation to invest more time into Genesis, especially the Peter Gabriel records went up.

And I went through them somewhat meticulously, but after about 18 months or so (just guessing), I came to a conclusion:

-All of their albums with Peter Gabriel were better than any album they released after he left (save for their debut, From Genesis to Revelation, which to this day, I still have yet to hear,lol).

-Among the 5 definitive Gabriel records, The Lamb was THE WORST, even though I came to love a lot of it.

Among the other four, they are about equal, but given the achievement of "Supper's Ready," I came to see Foxtrot as my favorite.

And it's not just due to what some consider the definitive progressive rock epic piece, but it's hard to ignore. It's one of those epics that has a ton of ideas, segued to together extremely well.

I guess I'll mention a couple of my favorite moments in it for now. The Guaranteed Eternal Sanctuary Man certainly.

I know a farmer who looks after the farm.
With water clear, he cares for all his harvest.
I know a fireman who looks after the fire.

You, can't you see he's fooled you all.
Yes, he's here again, can't you see he's fooled you all.
Share his peace,
Sign the lease.
He's a supersonic scientist,
He's the guaranteed eternal sanctuary man.
Look, look into my mouth he cries,
And all the children lost down many paths,
I bet my life you'll walk inside
Hand in hand,
gland in gland
With a spoonful of miracle,
He's the guaranteed eternal sanctuary.
We will rock you, rock you little snake,
We will keep you snug and warm.

I get goosebumps every bloody time I hear that part, right when Peter Gabriel sings that 1st line "I Know a farmer, who looks after the farrrrrrrrrrm...." I just am in awe of the way it introduces such a magical piece of music and the sound of the chord progressions, crescendo and Gabriel's expressive vocal lines.

the movement that follows [Ikhnaton And Itsacon And Their Band Of Merry Men] , I think of for a a couple of things.

But we saw a host of dark skinned warriors
standing still below the ground,
Waiting for battle.

The fight's begun, they've been released.
Killing foe for peace...bang, bang, bang. Bang, bang, bang...
And they're giving me a wonderful potion,
'Cos I cannot contain my emotion.
And even though I'm feeling good,
Something tells me I'd better activate my prayer capsule.

Today's a day to celebrate, the foe have met their fate.
The order for rejoicing and dancing has come from our warlord.

Right when and after Peter sings "waiting for BAHHHHTUHHL" the music really starts to move.
Tony Banks lays in such great harmonic lines that complement Peter's vocal phrasing. The whole "today's the day to celebrate.." even though the subject matter is talking about a battle or fighting, the melody is actually really happy sounding or *celebratory*. Some of the Steve Hackett refrains also stand out at times here.

[Apocalypse In 9/8 (Co-Starring the delicious talents of Gabble Ratchet)]

Most people love this part of this piece most, which while I do still enjoy it, I'm not as fond of as those previous two sections I mentioned. But the way it builds methodically, just fits perfect for the grand finale of this story and album. The way Genesis keeps bringing in track after track, adding to a mass of tracks, by the end, you're kind of thinking how much BIGGER can this song get?

Now, there is the whole other side to Supper's Ready, being the story/subject matter. Which I often don't hold too much importance  most music, compared to the music itself, but with the Gabriel Genesis especially, I ended up getting more into the lyrics and stories for some reason. The fables or tales Gabriel created somehow.

"Supper's Ready," I think of a few similar ideas or stories, but probably the biggest most direct is Dr.Moreau's Island. The way the genetic hybrid and experiments are described. And per the artwork, which shows an *Island*.

"Get Em Out By Friday" is another favorite that is also quite story driven. The line:
This is an announcement from Genetic Control: "It is my sad duty to inform you of a four foot restriction on humanoid height."

Referring to "Genetic Control" and the directors-of and such, I came to think about the scene in the Terry Gilliam movie Brazil. In the movie, the organization isn't identified with Genetics exactly, but if I recall, they have to more or less kick people out of their living space for possibly many reasons.

I mean in a real-world level, it does cite the idea of people being evicted, population control and overcrowding. But with the reference to "Genetics" specifically, it seems to infer a more inherit purpose with humankind, not just purely social.

"Can-Utility and Coastliners" is one of the most underrated  or overlooked tracks in the Gabriel-Genesis canon. It's a terrific, multi-part piece with your time changes and dynamics. I do love Tony's textures and mellotron on this piece in the middle especially. It's so moody,and \it harmonizes with Hackett's acoustic guitar lines really well; I actually could have gone for that instrumental section go on for a few minute longer than it does.

Then when Gabriel comes in and Tony's organ takes the lead, it's so thematic. You can almost sway to it it, or dance in a mid-tempo way.  And then it segues to feature Mike Rutherford's upfront bass lines. And later features Tony Banks organ solo. I really can't get enough of that solo he takes.

Its parts or sections of music like that where I began to really LOVE Genesis and this period. They are like a drug that the more I heard them, the more I came to love them. And even though I don't listen to them nearly as often as I did 10 years ago, I swear, their music never gets old to me. I'm not sure why, but there's something so unique about the way they used instrumental passages and tones, with moods and Peter Gabriel's vocals telling stories, I was and am still am in awe of.

"Watcher of the Skies" in some ways may be the most known or thought-of Gabriel-Genesis track (maybe along with" Firth of Fifth," or "I Know What I Like"). It opens up this record and sets the stage for a trip within each track. Is it about a Stargazer? maybe. Musically, the way it goes from slow to soaring parts. The bass-line rhythm which has often been said to be using Morse Code, which is rather distinct, as I don't know much if any music who did that sort of thing before that. The only piece I sort of think of in a similar way is Rush's "YYZ", but that was many years later.

Watcher is also another track that features Tony's mellotron, which is rather distinct.

Judge not this race by empty remains Do you judge God by his creatures when they are dead? For now, the lizard's shed it's tail This is the end of man's long union with Earth.

That is one lyric I often think of. I used to think Peter Gabriel sang "the end of man's universe" instead "union with earth." Which in some ways could be meaning the same thing.

The section after where Peter is sort of telling a history of life or someone's life; I almost think this song is not so much about a Stargazer, but someone whose been through history. Maybe human history on Earth, or just a few lifetimes. It's so storybook or fairy tale-like. I don't think I've ever really thought about music and lyrics in such a way.I'm sure Gabriel and some of the other guys don't think all that much about the stories and fiction they were creating when they were that young and early in their careers as musicians/artists, but I think it's some of the most creative works of telling stories. Fables, Fairy Tales, etc.

And among the many stories that the Peter Gabriel period of Genesis made, on Foxtrot, I came to find to be the most interesting as-a-whole or rather, on 1-album. Being cohesive still (Lamb, I'm looking at you :p).

"Supper's Ready" is a landmark piece of music, composed like a piece of classical music, that in Rock music, hadn't been done maybe as successfully and with the narrative moments that got me so engaged. And maybe why Genesis never made another 20 minute epic again, because how were they ever going to make something that good again? I dunno.

And the rest of the music on this record complements it so well. It's almost like a a bunch of incredible appetizers (not thinking about the lyric "human bacon" with the metaphor mind you :).

"Time Table" and "Horizons" included.

"Horizons" being a solo acoustic Steve Hackett piece, which is simple, yet beautiful. I suppose not only seeing Steve perform that tune live a few times, but also it's similarity (if not being identical) to the Make-A-Wish Foundation theme or music used in the spots that used to air on television when I was a kid. It may have just been in the Twin Cities (although a Wikipedia entry shows Make A Wish isn't/wasn't exclusive to my hometown). that those ads aired.

But I recall trying-to but never being able to find some old commercials to hear that theme and compare. But Make-A-Wish didn't start until 1980. It may be pure coincidence, but who knows, the founders or producers of those PSAs may have been fans of Genesis, Foxtrot and/or the "Horizons" piece. But from memory of those commercials, the acoustic guitar music and chord progression, tempo, is nearly identical. Although I suppose Hackett has mentioned the inspiration/influence on Horizons was some classical guitar pieces (JS Bach?), so that may have been the influence/inspiration on the Make-A-Wish theme as well.

I just came to conclude how similar they sounded. I remember some woman singing over that acoustic guitar "Young chiiiiiiild" but I have failed to find a video online of the PSA/PSAs that I recall at this point.

I am heading to see most-of this record performed live by The Musical Box in Minneapolis tonight. I expect nothing less than being wow-ed and in awe, like I was when I saw them in Milwaukee about 10 years ago, as getting to hear and see music-from one of these significant records performed live should be.

Save for the band doing a reunion with Peter Gabriel, I would hope something like that (or someone like Kevin Gilbert) would also be given to other people who come to love this record and the Gabriel Genesis as much as I do.

### Crippled Black Phoenix - White Light Generator (2014)

I enjoy a lot of the records this band has made, even if some of the pieces seem to/can overstay their welcome a bit. And this record doesn't appear to be too short like some of their other extensive-ideas based albums.

But, it's coming in only a couple of weeks, and I usually enjoy more than enough from them to still want to go back to it.

Also interesting how the title almost looks like the great Typhoon record from 2013, White Lighter. Maybe the 2 bands should tour together?

Preorder Link Release Date March 17th

1. Sweeter Than You
2. NO! (pt 1)
3. NO! (pt 2)
4. Let's Have An Apocalypse Now!
5. Black Light Generator
6. Parasites
7. _______
8. Northern Comfort
9. Wake Me Up When It's Time To Sleep
10. Caring Breeds The Horror
11. You'll Be Murdered
12. We Remember You
13. A Brighter Tomorrow

Bonus tracks (vinyl and iTunes Deluxe Edition only):
1. Now You're Gone
2. Self Seeking Man

Soundcloud stream w/ NO Embed for "A Brighter Tomorrow"

## Thursday, March 6, 2014

### Opus Dai - Insectum Vol. 1 (2014) ["Disconnect the Dots" +"Start Again"]

damn.

Not that I totally forgot how good this band is/was, but other than a song or 2 over the last 5 or more years, I haven't thought all that much about Opus Dai. But this new track certainly rekindles the flame. Quite epic.

Dynamics, layers of guitars, soaring vocals.

Free Download here on their website (w/ a suggested pay-what-you-want paypal donation, as I just did)

So, in just scanning their Facebook, this a track from an upcoming release "Insectum Vol. 1" and part of a collection of music the band have been working on for many years they refer to as "Insectum."

Also a new video is coming for the "Moth to Flame" soon as pics from the video shoot were posted recently on Facebook.

edit: I guess the original projection for this album was in 2012 per its entry on Rateyourmusic.com

With Fair to Midland on some unreported hiatus and the latest from Karnivool and Dead Letter Circus being a bit lower on my radar, this may be the band and album that will fill that sort of alt/prog metal void.

edit 2: here's another new track "Start Again" (also available to download free as the video shows)

per 2012:

## Monday, March 3, 2014

### Chromeo - White Women (2014)

3/3/14 10:07PM

New song "Jealous" on Soundcloud Here

2/17/14 9:22PM
being released May 12th

exclaim.ca story

Cover art, which was 1st revealed on this Minneapolis Craigslist post. I'm (or my girlfriend is) not fully clear as to why the ad was posted in the Minneapolis Craigslist (as opposed to Toronto?); the album isn't even being released until 6 days after the show at First Avenue on May 6th. Perhaps it has something to do with the Chromeo guys appreciation for not only Prince but The Time?

1/7/14 1:02AM
New song is pretty sweet "Come Alive."..Minneapolis Tuesday May 6th!

http://chromeo.net/tours/

01 / 09 / 14 HOLY SHIP (DJ SET) Miami, FL
03 / 21 / 14 BUKU Music + Art Project New Orleans, LA
03 / 22 / 14 BUKU Music + Art Project New Orleans, LA
04 / 06 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Tokimonsta), House Of Blues Houston, TX
04 / 07 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Tokimonsta), Stubbs Austin, TX
04 / 08 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Tokimonsta), House Of Blues Dallas, TX
04 / 12 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Tokimonsta), Independent San Francisco, CA
04 / 14 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Tokimonsta), Roseland Portland, OR
04 / 15 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Tokimonsta), Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, BC 04 / 16 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Tokimonsta), Showbox Market Seattle, WA
04 / 19 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Tokimonsta), Marquee Phoenix, AZ
04 / 30 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), House Of Blues Boston, MA
05 / 01 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), Corona Theater Montreal, QC
05 / 02 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), Danforth Music Hall Toronto, ON
05 / 05 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL
05 / 06 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), First Avenue Minneapolis, MN
05 / 07 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), The Pageant St. Louis, MO
05 / 09 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), Royal Oak Music Hall Detroit, MI
05 / 12 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA
05 / 13 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), The National Richmond, VA
05 / 14 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA
05 / 16 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR (special guest: Oliver), Terminal 5 New York, NY
06 / 03 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR, La Cigale Paris, FR
06 / 04 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR, Paradiso Amsterdam, NL
06 / 06 / 14 COME ALIVE TOUR, Roundhouse

11/10/13 11:02PM
This is a somewhat long-awaited 4th album from Canadian electronic-dance/soul duo Chromeo. I guess I know them mostly from my girlfriend's talk/exposing them to me over the last couple of years. Although, I can't forget the fact I saw their name on more than 1 occasion a few years ago, before I knew her.

I kind of hear groups like Kool and the Gang and some other 80's dance/pop synthy music in their sound. "Smooth" might be 1 of the most common adjectives to describe them.

And maybe 1 reason my gf talks about them is Mayer Hawthorne opened for them back in 2011, and she says it may have been the best show she's ever seen.

At any case, they have 2 singles out already, and this record is expected in early 2014 (I thought I saw 1 site that said March). I'll try and update this entry when the tracklist, artwork and release date comes soon.

### Significant Albums: King's X - Gretchen Goes to Nebraska (1989)

The Summer of 1996 I recall 1st checking out King's X. I think the name was 1st mentioned to me on the ole Rush DejaNews Newsgroup when I was in college the year or 2 before. Just something about a ton of Rush fans liking King's X, etc.

And, I'm not sure it was exactly at the point, but around the time I saw an ad in Citypages or the old Twin Cities Reader (or a flyer?) with their picture and a show coming to the long since closed "The Mirage" club in Minneapolis, with Galactic Cowboys as well.

Their lead singer had a mohawk in the picture which struck me as odd yet curious. I also recall seeing a dealer at the Twin Cities record shows selling a bunch of King's X bootleg VHS tapes, who happened to be the same dealer who I had purchased Dream Theater and Fates Warning videos from.

In then checking them out, I kind of felt they were a bit like Lenny Kravitz, but maybe not as good initially. But I invested some time within their reasonable size catalog and got very won over soon after. I recall either around the time or soon after Ear Candy was released which I enjoyed a fair amount, especially after seeing that show.

But I can't deny, I came to love their 1st 4 records more than their last 2, Dogman and Ear Candy. Which then leads me to Gretchen...

I came to love those 4 Sam Taylor records all nearly equally over the subsequent years, but I guess among those 4, it was Gretchen, like a lot of fans, that grabbed me the most. Maybe it was their most progrressive, or at least due to the fact it was a concept album that included a very cool story that seemed inspired by fantasy/sciti stuff I love like The Wizard of Oz.

Maybe because the artwork, or maybe because the flow of the damn thing.

It maybe (which I'm not sure why I keep using that word?) has my favorite track the band has done, in the opener "Out of the Silent Planet." The rhythm and groove is infectious, and the vocal harmonies create such a great, dreamy atmosphere. It does seem to take me in or onto a journey. I often feel like I am been brought into the world of this girl (Gretchen) and her adventure home to Nebraska and the other places she ends up.

Then you have "Over My Head" which, as memorable as the countless versions I've heard live, the studio version is still as a rocking a track as the band has ever made. The guitar riff just is so punchy and catchy. "Music Music I Hear Music, Music I Hear Music. Music I Hear Music. Music. Music oh oh lohhhrd, music over my head.'

That line IS King's X in a nutshell dUg's screaming, chanting and even the lyrics and the story/stories behind them add so much to that song And I think the band has played it for nearly every concert they've played since they wrote it, for that reason. The way dUg tells the story of his grandmother praying and his growing up with her telling him what was right and wrong, preaching, praying for him, etc. I think he's probably told the story 10,000 times and maybe even in 10,000 different variations.

At any case, the story this album tells from track to track is just something I always enjoy. "Summerland" is rather mystical. The line "Summerland, the wind is getting cold. Summerland, you're finally getting old." I've always thought the lyrics to be a little ironic referring to cold and Summer. But while it's a slower methodical piece compared to "Over My Head," I love the mood and vibe it creates. I kind of think of it as it is setting the stage for a long journey or story.

The other track I recall initially I got into was "Pleiades" which the band played live at that show I saw the Summer of 1996. I always found the tone and lyrics to be trippy. The sound of Ty Tabor's vocals on that song namely, are soft yet hold my attention.

"far off in the field i see a castle (far off in the feeeeeeld)
today the people gather at the pole
he tried to tell us all the world was spherical
they burned his body but not his soul"

I guess that track adds to the story of Gretchen's experience or adventure. The term "pleiades" actually refers to a cluster of stars, so the way the lyrics refer to gazing up at the stars fits. Perhaps in the story, Gretchen becomes so disenchanted or tired of trying to get home, she wishes or wonders what it would be like on another planet. Then again, the planet the story takes place on, may not be Earth ("Out of the Silent Planet"?).

But the rest of this record I came to enjoy more and more, and like a lot of records, they become known for a few specific tracks, but often some of the others end up being more interesting or "under-rated" vs "over" or accurately rated.

"Everybody Knows a Little Bit of Something" is a great inspiring piece. I sort of see it as a universal thing. Everyone whose born has (or eventually will discover they have) some special knowledge or have a unique skill or skills.

I really enjoy the last verse with the tone and call and response change from the chorus. Another great dUg vocal line and lyric.

I saw the man stare in silence Why can't he be honest with who he wants to believe A cry for help was written on the cover of the magazine And I know what it means

'The Difference" is a nice almost acoustic ballad kind of piece, that is a nice contrast to the tracks that preceded it. The echoing "Ihhh, Ihhh can feel the difference" is a part I always think of it for and enjoy.

"I'll Never Be the Same" has great poetic lyrics. That verse in the bridge for the chorus is another favorite section of this album. In re-reading the lyrics, it's interesting how they do actually refer to *Gretchen* herself at the end.

"The way looks awful lonely
So long or maybe less
The time has passed so slowly
There's pressure on my chest

So tell me what I'm feeling
In seven words, so speak"

"Fall On Me" is a total groove rocker track. This track almost reminds me of among some other King's X tunes, 'Moan Jam" which is a song they wrote on the following record, Faith Hope Love. The way the instrumental part of the song just flows and goes on for awhile without it seeming too long or boring. Maybe that's why it's a song that has worked so well live as well.

"Don't Believe It (It's Easier Said Than Done)" has a very strong chorus or ear-worm of sorts. I swear, this phrase using that "It's Easier Said Than Done" could be the most memorable lyric King's X  has ever written. And it APPLIES like "Everybody Knows a Little Bit of Something" in a  universal lyric, kind of way. I probably think of that line more than once a week.

"It's easier, it's easier, said than done. It's easier, easier, to get up and run, it's easy-errrrrrrrrrrrr..don't believe, it's a lie (it's A lie!)"

The opening line also seems to apply "this is not the end of the road, it goes on for maybe, miles and miles" which both with the story of the record and metaphorically, I seem to think of.

"A Message" and "Burning Down" close this record out well.

With "A Message" I think of the line in the chorus "There's trouble in the kingdom send a mesage to the king ([echoing] messssss-ijjjjj)"

And "Burning Down" is just a *cool down* piece, that whether Gretchen actually does find Nebraska or not, seems to give me the impression she is at least at peace, which may be ultimately what she and many are seeking out anyway. As the old adage can go in these stories, it's about the journey, not the destination anyway.

To sum up though, this I do see as King's X's finest work, although I do regard the 1st 4 records produced by Sam Taylor to be their best 4 and really, all very close in quality. But given I do love a concept album, or one that tells a fictional story (and Scifi or Fantasy as well), I have a slightly more romantic attachment to this one over the other 3.

I shouldn't forget, I will always think of the fact when I purchased my copy in 1996, the story that Jerry Gaskill wrote was incomplete. I recall tracking the story about the girl who meets the old woman, online a year or 2 later on 1 of the early websites or email lists. But the cd booklet was incomplete with my copy, and it wasn't until just a few years ago when I found a copy on Vinyl per Ebay or 1 of the other vinyl selling import sites, that I finally possessed a printed copy of Jerry's cool story that accompanied this great record.

Like The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and some others, the extra little story adds even more of the unique quality of this album.

## Saturday, March 1, 2014

### Imogen Heap - Sparks (2014)

3/1/14 12:00PM

This (below) is supposedly 1-of the tracklists, per the Deluxe Boxed Set, which I will admit to not ordering. And unfortunately, I read was pushed back a bit, until April or May. But the release date was set to March 3rd a while ago. I have not seen many official sites mentioning, just the standard version. Promos, reviews, etc. Why I wonder if the March 3rd street date is still accurate. But if it is, I'll be looking to check this record out on Monday or at least in the next week or two.

edit:  per Wikipedia
Sparks is the forthcoming fourth studio album by English recording artist Imogen Heap. The album will be released, via RCA on 3 March 2014, in two editions: standard and deluxe box set. The standard edition will consist of 14 tracks and will include all of Heap's 2011–2013 singles. On 21 February 2014, a video was posted on her official site stating that the release date has been changed to April.

1 You Know Where to Find Me
2 Entanglement
3 The Listening Chair
4 Cycle Song
5 Telemiscommunication
6 Lifeline
7 Neglected Space
8 Minds Without Fear
9 Me the Machine
10 Run-Time
11 Climb to Sakteng
12 The Beast
13 Xizi She Knows
14 Propeller Seeds

Even the standard ARTWORK I'm not finding at this time. The Deluxe Boxed Set shows some artwork.

I do like the way the Deluxe Boxed Set includes

Here's a re-cap of what's included:

• Sparks album on CD

A special ticket that grants you access to a sound check on Imogen's 2014 world tour

• 10 inch Sparks double gatefold vinyl album

• 12 DVD data discs with lossless versions of each Heapsong inc HD music videos + making-of videos of each song, packaged in beautiful case bound books with 16 page colour booklet

• Making of the album DVD featuring all box set material

• 120 page photo book telling the story of 'Sparks'

• Deck of 52 playing cards that unlock exclusive web content

• Specially blended paper made from objects Immi use to make the album

http://www.imogenheap.com/deluxeboxset/
9/20/13 11:45AM

From the Mailing List:

We are delighted to announce that Imogen's brand new album 'Sparks' will be released on 3rd March 2014. We are giving mailing list members the chance to pre-order the strictly limited edition deluxe boxset for delivery a week earlier, on 24th February 2014.

What's more, if you pre-order before 30th September 2013 you can upload your footprints and they will become part of the 'Sparks' album cover across all formats. The first 100 people to order also get to visit Immi's house!

A message from Immi:

Hello there. Hope all's well with you.

I've been little miss hermit heap in my studio the Hideaway these past months with a real push to get the audio for the album finished in time for my sanity to stay intact!

It's turned out to be a monster of an album and even though I finished it two weeks ago, it still hasn't dawned on me. A bit like your last day at school!

For all the other bits, like making of documentaries, photos, music videos, commentaries etc, I realised pretty early on (about 2 years ago) that it won't fit onto your average CD, so I've been cooking up a Deluxe box set!

I've made a little video for you to explain a bit more about what's in it. You can watch it here :)

I may have a glass of champagne when I get mine as It pretty much represents my musical life since March 2011 with all the projects I've been involved in, connecting to a song.

WOO HOO!

Really hope you love the music and this rather sexy deluxe box set to accompany it!

xxx immi xxx

Visit the deluxe website to pre-order your boxset now and upload your footprints which will become part of the album cover!

All these wonderful details aside, this DELUXE BOXED SET is well, rather DELUXE being 10 discs, a DVD-Doc, and Vinyl. The price on the site shows a cool $299.99. So, yeah, I'd love a copy, but I also would love to use the$260+ extra to use on a plane ticket to Arizona or my savings account. There's only a limited number of the Boxed Sets anyway, so who knows if they are already sold out.

But at least we do know the actual Title being SPARKS (not Spark), and the release date being March 3rd of 2014.

9/3/13 8:53PM

just a follow up to  this Entry "Imogen Heap: 2012 Recap

This is just information she's posted at scattered points throughout the last 3 years. But taking this info to be somewhat if not rather accurate. this upcoming LP will be coming out in November. The title "Spark" is a *POSSIBLE* title as that twitter post linked on Wikipedia does not really sound certain at all (and it was from just a few months ago, in July).

But assuming the November release happens and that track list is close if not fully accurate (and the order for that matter), more of the details shouldn't be far away.

Spark is the tentative title[1] of the upcoming fourth studio album by English recording artist Imogen Heap. The album will be released on Megaphonic Records in November 2013 in two packages: standard edition and deluxe album box set. The standard edition will consist of 14 tracks and will include all of Heap's singles released between 2011 and 2013.

## Background

Spark is a concept album. Each song that is related to a certain project has been released every three months. On 14 March 2011, Heap started work on a new record as fans sent in nearly 900 "sound seeds", or samples of everyday sounds such as a "dishwasher door", a "bicycle" or a "burning match". Heap says the concept for this album will be to record one track over a two-week period every three months. Each song and video will be released immediately.
The first song, initially entitled "#heapsong1" and later retitled "Lifeline", premiered worldwide on 28 March 2011 via Ustream[2] along with a live remix by Tim Exile. "Lifeline" was released on 30 March 2011 as a digital download from Imogen's website and via iTunes, Amazon and other digital retailers. Released alongside this was a 12-page 3DiCD package (a 3D virtual CD) including crowd sourced (and paid for) images, the instrumental version of the song, the "seeds and solos only" version and "heap speaks seeds and solos" - an-18-minute commentary by Heap on how the sounds and solos were used in "Lifeline". The song is a tribute to the victims of the2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. The second song, "Propeller Seeds", was recorded using 3D audio effects and headphones are recommended for listeners to get the full effect. The third song, "Neglected Space", incorporates concepts, people and sounds from a lab organized by the Clear Village Charitable Trust to restore a walled garden in Bedfords Park.[3] The fourth song, "Minds Without Fear", was the first song to be featured on the 2011 Indian show, The Dewarists.
The fifth song, "Xizi She Knows", was recorded during Heap's six-week trip at Hangzhou, China.[4] The sixth song, "Me, the Machine", was recorded using the musical gloves. The seventh song, "You Know Where to Find Me", was recorded in London and is thematically about the River Thames.[5] The eighth song, "Telemiscommunications", is a collaboration with Canadian house producer deadmau5which is included in his sixth album Album Title Goes Here.

## Track listing

All songs written and composed by Imogen Heap.
No. Title Length 1. "Lifeline" 4:47 2. "Propeller Seeds" 3:52 3. "Neglected Space" 5:20 4. "Minds Without Fear" (with Vishal-Shekhar) 3:41 5. "Xizi She Knows" 4:41 6. "You Know Where to Find Me" 4:56 7. "Telemiscommunications" (with deadmau5) 4:07 8. "The Listening Chair" 9. "Me, the Machine" 10. "Entanglement" 11. "Run-Time" 12. "Climb to Sakteng" 13. "Cycle Song" 14. "TBA (new song)"

### Anathema - TBA (2014)

3/1/14 10:28AM

Vague/Brief Update:

Recently, Anathema's singer/multi-instrumentalist Daniel Cavanagh announced that the band has been working on its 10th studio album, and that it is scheduled for release in May of this year.

Cavanagh stated that he was influenced by Radiohead and Atoms for Peace, and that some tracks will have a slightly more electronic feel. He also talked about a possible short acapella song. He says the next album will follow the same path than the previous two, but he stated that, on those past releases, the band has played it a bit safe, and that Anathema plans to gradually shift away from that on the next few albums.

this may be from a mailing list or something, and not that I have anything against Sputnik music, but it's a bit lazy to not at least include an actual SOURCE or link.

However, other than the May part, pretty much the other details in this post were known, at least for those who checked out That Drummer Guy's interview with Danny last September. I guess the Radiohead/Atoms for Peace and electronic influence doesn't concern me given it's not actually Thom Yorke singing, but, obviously no guarantees.

But if this record is being released in May, I would think more details will be announced pretty soon.

12/6/13 3:50AM

This is just a brief heads up about their upcoming new album, which is supposed to be coming out in the Spring or maybe Summer of 2014.

Weather Systems and We're Because We're Here were both outstanding records, so naturally there's some reasonable hope for this next record as well.

Here's a few brief clips per their Facebook.

Post by ANATHEMA - official band page.

Post by ANATHEMA - official band page.

## Friday, February 28, 2014

### Cloud Caverns - Gypsy Loft (2014)

1. Sparrow
2. The New Colossus
3. Clatters, Swells, and Tosses
4. The Reservoir
5. Memory Leaks
8. MacArthur
9. A Warm Glow
10. Greenlawn
11. Gypsy Loft
12. Overlook

Being released May 4th. Brandon Peterson did the engineering and AJ Estrada the artwork, so it has still some influence and connections with Hotel of the Laughing Tree.

Not that this is huge on my radar, but I did like that EP from last year a bit,so I wouldn't be surprised if this is more of the same if not better.

Previous Cloud Caverns entry

### Bend Sinister - Animals (2014)..TEACHER + PREORDER/PLEDGEMUSIC

2/28/14 5:34AM

1 Best of You 8:35
2 Fancy Pants 5:07
3 I Got Love 3:08
4 Better Things to Do 4:59
5 Thunder and Lightning 4:39
6 Teacher 5:09
7 Seventeen 3:32
8 You Remind Me 4:10
9 Through the Week 4:53
10 It Will Never End 4:40

also the Pledgemusic is up to 79% with 12 days left!

2/18/14 5:24PM

Teacher video:

awesome song, It starts out almost like Led Zeppelin's "In the Light."
Cool, trippy video. Also the Pledgemusic is up to 52%!  with 22 days left.

Damn, my interest in this album keeps going up. 2014 might be the biggest year of Bend Sinister's career.

1/17/14 5:30PM
Pledgemusic/Pre-Order

I just pledged/preordered the signed Vinyl. One thing I'm unclear about though in this write up is "Teacher." I don't recall them sharing it.

edit:
Stream "Teacher" per a Facebook poll (and APPLICATION)

and it Rocks!

Our new album "Animals" is dropping on March 11 but if you pre-order here we'll make sure you get it before anyone else!

We’re happy to announce that we’ve finished our new album called Animals! You’ve heard “Fancy Pants” and “Teacher” but we can’t wait for you to hear the rest of it.

We’re gearing up to release this thing and get back on the road to play for you. As part of this we’ve decided to do a very special pre-sale with Pledge Music to give you the chance to get the new album before the general public!

This is how it works – when you pre-order, or ‘pledge’, on any of the items to the right you’ll get a download of our album before the March 11th release date. You’ll gain access to the exclusive updates portion of this page where we’ll be posting a bunch of special footage and cool stuff as this album release is coming together. PLUS you’ll be able to hear some early previews and tracks which won’t be available anywhere else!

We’re also making a bunch of cool items available such as special signed items, lyric sheets, tie dye, a fur hat, swag, house concerts + more. Just take a look to the right -->

So there you have it. Be among the first to hear our new album and we’ll see you on the road!

Thanks again and much love!
- Bend Sinister

Full Tour Schedule. I bought my tickets a few weels ago, for the show in St.Paul in fact, at the Turf Club.
Jan 25 Rossland, BC Blizzard Fest Canada TIME: 9:00pm. AGE RESTRICTIONS: All Ages/Licensed.
Jan 28 Golden, BC The Rockwater Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Jan 29 Lethbridge, AB The Slice Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Jan 30 Fernie The Northern Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Jan 31 Kelowna Habitat Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Feb 01 Kamloops The Dirty Jersey Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 04 San Francisco Hotel Utah United States TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 08 Phoenix, AZ The Firehouse Gallery United States TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 09 Scottsdale Pub Rock United States TIME: 9:00pm. ADDRESS: Arizona.
Mar 18 St Louis, MO Fubar United States TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 19 Pittsburgh The Smiling Moose United States TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 20 Toronto, ON The Horseshoe Canada TIME: 9:00pm. AGE RESTRICTIONS: 19+.
Mar 21 Kingston, ON Clark Hall Pub United States TIME: 9:00pm. AGE RESTRICTIONS: 19+. ADDRESS: Queen’s University.
Mar 21 Kingston, ON Clark Hall Pub United States TIME: 9:00pm. ADDRESS: Queen’s University.
Mar 22 Montreal, QC Casa Del Popolo Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 23 Ottawa Raw Sugar Canada TIME: 9:00pm. ADDRESS: 692 Somerset St.
Mar 24 Hamilton, ON The Casbah Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 27 Detroit PJ’s Lager House United States TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 28 Chicago Junior’s Sports Bar United States TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 29 Chicago Underground Lounge United States TIME: 9:00pm.
Mar 30 Minneapolis Turf Club United States TIME: 9:00pm.
Apr 02 Regina, SK O’Hanlon’s Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Apr 04 Edmonton, AB The Pawn Shop Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Apr 05 Red Deer, AB The Vat Canada TIME: 9:00pm.
Apr 06 Calgary, AB Ship and Anchor Canada TIME: 9:00pm.

12/3/13 2:26PM
edit: this is some kind of trailer I guess.

"Fancy Pants" is there to stream. I'll try (but of course not guarantee) to add something later today as I am on break right now at work. I can't find a Track List yet, if it was posted somewhere.

Fancy Pants of course is 1 of the tracks I recall hearing them play live last March. Good, catchy tune with a twist from what I recall.

"Animals" being the title? I'm sure has no connection to the Pink Floyd record, but if this album is even HALF as good as that record, I will not be disappointed.

Not to forget, their last album Small Fame, was an excellent proggy power/bluesy pop album from 2012.

Too bad their upcoming tour isn't hitting the US or even Winnipeg, but o well, hopefully more dates will be added soon. March 11th however, this should be 1 to look fwd to (or earlier, when a stream or a preorder download is available).

http://exclaim.ca/News/bend_sinister_announce_animals_lp_premiere_new_track

When Bend Sinister released their album Small Fame in the summer of 2012, it had been almost four years since their prior LP. Fans won't have to wait nearly that long until the Vancouver prog-pop band's next album, since they've announced thatAnimals will drop on March 11 via File Under: Music.

The album was recorded in San Diego with producer Joe Marlett (Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age), and apparently the results find the band continuing to expand their sound and drawing on a range of genres. All of the members collaborated on lyrics, chord progressions and songwriting.

"With this album we tried to say 'yes' to everything," guitarist Joseph Blood said in a statement. "As much as possible we let go of any preconceptions over how we think we should sound as a band and just let the songs come out."

For a taste of what this sounds like, hear the jauntily bouncing, cheekily "Wonderwall"-quoting song "Fancy Pants" at the bottom of this page.

Also below, peruse the band's upcoming tour schedule. It includes a number of freshly announced Canadian dates that stretch into the spring.

Tour dates:

12/06 Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theatre
12/19 Vancouver, BC - Joe's Apartment Bar
01/25 Rossland, BC - The Flying Steamshovel (Blizzard Music Festival)
01/28 Golden, BC - The Rockwater Grill and Bar
01/29 Lethbridge, AB - The Slice
01/30 Fernie, BC - Northern Bar & Stage
01/31 Big White, BC - The Blarney Stone Irish Tavern
02/01 Kamloops, BC - The Dirty Jersey
03/20 Toronto, ON - The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
03/21 Kingston, ON - Clark Hall Pub
03/22 Montreal, QC - Casa Del Popolo
03/23 Ottawa, ON - Raw Sugar Café
03/24 Hamilton, ON - The Casbah
04/02 Regina, SK - O'Hanlon's Pub
04/03 Saskatoon, SK - Vangelis Tavern
04/04 Edmonton, AB - The Pawn Shop
04/05 Red Deer, AB - The Vat
04/06 Calgary, AB - Ship & Anchor

## Monday, February 24, 2014

### Significant Albums: The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

The 1st vinyl record I ever bought. I have a vague yet certain memory of buying this album on vinyl LP in the year 1987, likely in the Summer. And after I bought it, which I am guessing was at the old 'Great American Music" store at Harmar Mall (or possibly Rosedale). My parents and I went to dinner after that, at I think the Green Mill at Rosedale

It was around that time I had seen "Complete Beatles" which my folks had recorded on VHS tape off I think the local PBS affiliate in the Twin Cities, Channel 2. And of course that documentary spoke glaringly about this album. I recall there was one guy whose title was "musicologist" praising it to no end. I remember after seeing that title, wondering what a "musicologist" was exactly, and how does one become a musicologist. How much money could a musicologist make? etc.

"Within You, Without You" in my 2nd or 3rd revisiting/renewal of my love for The Beatles music, was the song I became the most in awe of. Some of the best Beatles songs are the one's where they incorporated spiritual and middle eastern elements.

Try to realise it's all within yourself
No-one else can make you change
And to see you're really only very small,
And life flows within you and without you.

When you've seen beyond yourself-then you may find, peace of mind,
Is waiting there-
And the time will come when you see
we're all one, and life flows on within you and without you

A therapeutic and meditative track, that I love the call and response between Lennon's vocals and the sitar played by George Harrison, which I'll fully admit, I use to assume was Ravi Shankar.

The triippy nature of "Being for the Benefit of Mr.Kite" I also have probably appreciated more recently than back in 1987. The *circus* atmosphere Lennon wanted-to and more or less created is wonderful. It's 1 of those tracks, like "Tomorrow Never Knows" or "Strawberry Fields Forever", that is a head rush that I can't help but love. And I can't even imagine how it influenced a lot of psychedelic rock that came after it.

And actually the same could be said about "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" which I know received more notoriety (and airplay), for one reason alone, just the whole LSD thing with the title. That tune I distinctly remember hearing as a kid and liking. I think maybe even more than the trippy odd tones coming from the music, the lyrics told a story to me. "The girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes"..the 11 or 12 year old me found that freaky. But I also remember picturing a tale of 2 younger people sort of in love. The different adjectives and references, honestly may have been the 1st time I'd heard them. "Marmalade" I remember once hearing in a kids story, that was British, because I came to often associate that word and food with the UK.

Cellophane Flowers and Marshmellow Pies? yeah, I don't think I had been exposed to those before hearing this tune.

Getting Better, When I'm 64, Lovely Rita, the title track and the reprise, A Little Help From My Friends were all kind of Beatles staples I got to know about, I think on the compilation record my folks had they would play. And songs like She's Leaving Home and Fixing a Hole also add to the charm of this album.

And then you have "A Day in the Life," which to many is the quintessential Beatles tune. It seems like an experiment of studio technique and little movements that worked perfectly. "I heard the news today Oh Boy"..which leads And then the McCartney voiced

Woke up, fell out of bed
Dragged a comb across my head
Found my way downstairs and drank a cup
And looking up I noticed I was late
Found my coat and grabbed my hat
Made the bus in seconds flat
Found my way upstairs and had a smoke
And somebody spoke and I went into a dream

to that trippy moaning from Lennon.

So relate-able at first, the whole rush in the morning (which maybe the fact there is a song titled "Good Morning" was made or influenced this song, or vice-versa). But the way the lyrics talk about "a dream" this song and maybe the album as-a-whole is meant to be kind of a dream.

Like Alice in Wonderland or The Wizard of Oz (or even The Secret Life of Walter Mitty even..the whole idea of a DAY DREAM). I mean this by many is regarded as the 1st *concept album* of sorts. So it sort of tells a story, but fictional. The ending of A Day in the Life kind of wraps up the experiences of the album and offers where the story of the band or just one person.

I have no idea if the band intended it to be that way, or if the songs just seemed to go well together lyrically and musically. Even down to the cover art, with all the famous people and what not. It's almost like this fictional band, Sgt Pepper's, is taken or takes you, to a world where all those famous people are. Whether they were alive in the real world The Beatles themselves were in, or not.

I guess I haven't read boat loads of material about the analysis of this record to know if many others interpret it in a storybook almost fantasy or scifi way, but it wouldn't surprise me. A Day in the Life though, is just one of those songs that included a ton of ideas, from dynamics, to sampling, to like I mentioned before, some clever, original studio tricks.

Sgt Pepper's is historically a highly praised record, and by many, The Beatles peak. I'm not sure if I feel that way entirely, but the influence it had on not only on so much music I love, but just personally myself I can't deny. Even for the fact there was a period in the 90's, I came to shun The Beatles, I suppose due to hearing bands like Rush and thinking much of their music was too simplistic and overrated. My best friend from High School felt similarly (probably more so), and used to criticize them frequently. But I came to realize how naive I became in that thinking (whether I ever feel the same about bands like Nirvana or Radiohead, I dunno, I have my doubts though).

But no, Sgt Pepper's is a work of art, a very experimental/forward thinking record that I still honestly am marveled by for nostalgia sake and for just the quality of the songs, production and historic importance of. I might even say in some ways, it was my 1st favorite album, even though I wasn't so into "albums" when I was 10 or 11 years old. Thriller and Purple Rain, I think I mainly think of the singles 1st, but Sgt Pepper's still was then and still is an *album* greater than the sum of its parts. And it really set the standard for the millions or more artists to make *albums* as opposed to just a bunch of songs.

## Saturday, February 22, 2014

### 2014 Music Part 3: Some others

This is kind of a hodgepodge of stuff I didn't include in the previous two, maybes, longshots, and hopefuls. And there are I'm sure dozens of artists who also I'm not including in here who I may in a future entry, or just throughout the course of the year.

Alphabetical Order Orchestra (was My Latest Novel - Good Bees, Strong Hives?)

It appears some of the members of My Latest Novel are involved in this new project and a post from early February says they have Half of an Album already written.

By the end of the month we will have half an album...working titles 'Surprise Motherfuckers' or 'Facemelters'...vote here!

What that means as far as My Latest Novel? who knows. But it does go along the lines of a pattern of a band from the past who ends up having the members do different things due to various possible reasons. Time, $, inspiration. I really loved My Latest Novel's last record 2009's Deaths and Entrances, but that was nearly 5 years ago. But perhaps Alphabetical Order Orchestra will be another cool group for some of the MLN members and, "Good Bees, Strong Hives" or whatever the title may be for the/a next release will happen eventually for them. Annuals (or Adam Baker?) Adam Baker, whose the lead singer and 1 of the main songwriters of Annuals, I guess he moved to LA a couple of years ago and has been writing new music. The stuff that ended up on last year's Annuals LP Time Stamp, I don't believe is stuff he wrote as recently. Him and Annuals Mike Robinson appeared in a video for a group called First Person Plural, which was nice to see, although the song itself didn't grab me all that much. But, I'm not sure if Mike and Adam did any of the actual songwriting with First Person Plural or that song. But, some I noticed a few updates from Adam on Annuals facebook including using loops or something. So, he's obviously working on new music. The Aston Shuffle - Photographs As I yesterday posted about the Mayer Hawthorne-featured track "Never Take It Away," I'm enjoying that song and potentially this group. It's kind of dancey/soul pop, that is melodic. And in some ways, reminds me of Capital Cities. Although I guess this band put out an impressive debut record 3 years ago, so maybe Capital Cities remind some of them? Regardless, this album drops on March 28th, and I will have to keep it in mind. AYNIW TEPO This is singer Misato Yamanaka of Kacica's new band/project. Or 1 of them at least as I just found out within the last day or 2. It may not be exactly like Kacica, but maybe even better? Misato is a great singer and songwriter, and what it says below, Kazuya Horiba also comes from Kacica as I just noticed he was their bassist. So, I might anticipate some Kacica-like music still here, but who knows having never heard a second of their music. Here's their bio from their site. AYNIW TEPO is a Japanese music group making very nice sound anybody never listen. By singing, using various world music instrument, we can draw the beautiful soundscape. Our band is composed mainly of two menbers, Misato Yamanaka(vo, synth) and Kazuya Hori(ba), who is member of the Japanese great band named kacica in Nara. We underwent member changing several times, Tomoe Yoshida(vo, piano, synth) joined AYNIW TEPO. And we welcome new support member,Tedder (dr) 、Takk (gu) The Barnum Meserve A late entry that slipped my mind, but they are worth including in here certainly. I discovered them last year with an EP of theirs. I forget where, but it may have been a suggestion on rateyourmusic. Anyway, I haven't revisited their music more or less since hearing it initially, but I do remember liking their style of darker toned rock. But their Facebook page says they have a new single coming that will be included on their debut album, so that suggests both very likely will be coming out this year. Entry Big Elf - Into the Maelstrom Mike Portnoy is playing on this, and his speaking out/up for these guys over the last five or more years is probably as big a reason to pay attention to them (although I 1st heard the/saw their name back in the late 90's actually). I'll likely check this out if time allows; although I'm sure many others will get more into this than me, but who knows. Portnoy's involvement does have me more curious about this than I normally would be. released March 3rd.. The Bird and the Bee - TBA The gf is into this band. This album has been made, it just has no means (money and/or a record label) to have it come out. I wonder though, if the band may just decide to either Crowd Fund its release or make it available on a bandcamp page if no record label comes their way. Fjokra Apparently an EP could be coming early in 2014. This is a band who have been around for a few years, that I wrote about a few weeks ago after noticing the cover of The Turtles "Happy Together." They have an EP titled Psycho that came out in 2012, and made some videos, but other than that, they are known for their live shows I guess. Style-wise, maybe just copying their Facebook description would be best. "Todd Rundgren in Genesis listening to Muse while hanging out with Queen, Sikth and Quincy Jones who are all shagging Prince in Rush's private studio on LSD dressed up as The Beatles mixing Psycore jamming with The Manhattan Transfer in a lost Gershwin musical somewhere in Iceland.” I think potentially, I could absolutely LOVE this band. They use a lot of styles I happen to enjoy. Kind of like sElf or Pepe Deluxe. I guess the big question though is, like a band like Painted in Exile or Sigmund Droid, when or even how long may it may before they do release a record. Flying Colors I recall reading most of the music has been written, but of course with this group's members A-jobs, the timing will factor if this does manage to come out. I would think if not in 2014, by 2015 sometime if not this year. Godspeed You Black Emperor I'm only including them as I saw some people mention their name on some other lists. Although their last record Allelujah! Don't Bend! was OLD material, recorded/updated etc. Whatever new music they may release, this year or in the future, at least will be the 1st newly written music since their hiatus ended. The Grape and the Grain Daniel Grimsland of the band Three's new project. Their Rockethub.com raised enough I suspect the progress on this upcoming record could come sooner than later. I'm certainly intrigued by this band's style of heavy ballsy blues rock, as their latest singles released last fall got my attention. What the status of the next Three record is? I have no idea, but if we don't have another Three album soon, at least Daniel is keeping busy (although between Three and Joey Eppard of course, something seems to come out nearly every year anyway..i.e. if a new Three album did come out, I would hardly be surprised). Entry Hannes Grossman - The Radial Covenant Released February 4th. This is from the drummer from technical death metal bands Obscura and Necrophagist. The list of guests, among the metal/tech-death crowds is impressive (as far as I have read). The sample I listened to earlier was impressive, but in playing and actually production. How different this is from Obscura's albums? I dunno. But from some comments from Hans on Youtube, he wrote it all and had control over all the lyrics, vocal lines and other aspects. Mayer Hawthorne He recorded like 40 songs for Where Does This Door Go, and he said he'd like to release many that didn't come out on WDTDG, And he's posted a few videos on Facebook recently, which appears could have been in the studio. I suppose the biggest reason a new record/ep or single may or may not come in 2014 for Mayer will be based on how much his touring schedule takes up of his schedule. House of Fools They posted an update or 2 in 2013 about writing new music, but given there isn't a ton of detail, and their past presence online; and the gap between their last record and Live and Learn, it's certainly no guarantee, but still wouldn't be too surprising if they did release something soon. I'd love to see it in 2014, as I do really enjoy this band, but I'm not expecting it until they start posting more stuff about it online. KXM DUg Pinnick (King's X), George Lynch (Dokken) and Ray Luzier (Korn) project which I gotta admit, the samples sound intriguing, The Self-Titled debut album drops on March 11th. Pat Metheny Unity Group - Kin The trio band, which from less than satisfactory time listening to that style/lineup, is more traditional jazz. In other words, less fusion/synthy-guitars, etc. But, especially after seeing Dean Magraw interpret a lot of that kind of style in recent years, hearing another recording from Pat and his impressive band (Christian McBride, Antonio Sanchez), I may get more won over by this, here and now even. Then again, this is Pat Metheny, anything more or less can happen. Edit: I've checked most of this out and I dig it, but other than some soprano sax, it doesn't vary all that much to most of Pat's other records. Still, I do enjoy much of it already. it should be worth revisiting throughout this year. George Michael He announced like 2 weeks ago, he has a new album in the works. Now, I won't admit to loving everything he does like my girlfriend nearly does, but I do enjoy Faith and some of the Wham music, even just for nostalgia. Plus he did own the stage when he sang with Queen at the Freddie Mercury tribute in the early 90's. And it's been many years since he released a new record (a new single came out in 2012 I recall, but the gf wasn't crazy about it). Miracles of Modern Science They had a pretty big year in 2013, so I wonder if they will be working on their next record this year. Even have already, since the MEEMS EP got them a lot of exposure (and of course their popular cover of Daft Punk's "Get Lucky"), I wonder if they may be looking to follow that up rather soon. If not 2014, soon after. Mutemath Sounds like 2014 could be a year they spend a fair amount of time in the studio, but that may not mean their next record actually gets released until late or sometime in 2015. But Odd Soul was in some ways, their best record, so the record they are working on now is certainly one to get excited about in 2014 or later. http://rollingstoneindia.com/mutemath-get-ready-for-india/ Speaking of which, it’s going to be two years since Odd Soul released. You’ve spoken a bit about the next album in previous interviews. What stage is it at right now? We are still just writing songs. We have written so many ideas at this point, and I think if we were together in a studio and work them out, we’d have who knows how many songs. I’ve never made as many instrumental tracks in preparation for an album as I have in this process. I’ve made so many songs. We are trying to be tough on ourselves and wait till we’ve done something really special. I feel like we’re still in the first phase, that starting phase. But I think we’ve spent so much time in this phase that the next phase can often happen with a lot more fluidity and ease if we do a lot of preparation. It’s been nice. We have had the luxury of festivals and shows that have been paying enough to buy us time to live, think and write and keep writing and you get more instruments and gear. I’m excited, because in two weeks, all of the guys are coming over to my house and we’re going to set up all the gear. We’re going to spend two weeks here recording ideas. We’ll try to make them as complete as we can, so that we can take them to a producer. So we’re at a stage right now where we’re talking about different producers and who to work with. Michael Nesmith and/or The Monkees The big deluxe live album is being released from his last tour, but I hope/wonder if after playing live both with The Monkees again and solo so much, if many of the songs he's put up on his Videoranch site might be released in some fashion, if he has the time I suppose. I know he's showing up at The Monkees convention for the 1st time in March, in New Jersey. And he is touring this Summer with The Monkees again, but all this touring the last few years just makes me wonder if he may want to record again. Not that I would think the odds are high, but probably better than it was a few years ago. Movies of the Mind, the live record has already been released in some forms (the$200 deluxe and super deluxe anyway).

I wonder if releasing that will serve for motivation to want to release something new, soon. Although I should add, the gf mentioned a news story talking about Mike, Micky and Peter making a new record (because "Just Us" was sohhhh loved/good..which she doesn't really agree with, but she still would love to hear something from them I imagine).

But if not in 2014, maybe 2015. Perhaps Mike and/or The Monkees will at least work on new music this year.

Ours - Ballet the Boxer 2?
As their 2013 record "Ballet the Boxer 1" implies, it's not, or may not be the last or only part or album they release with said title. Ours is in an odd place now, as they released that record last year, as fast as they could. And the truth is, I am still awaiting my vinyl copy and tote bag, which I understand to a point why, since Vinyl can take time to produce.

And for a band that formed over 20 years ago, and only just released their 4th record last year, I wouldn't expect another record so soon. But, the fact is, Jimmy Gnecco and Ours have plenty of new and old songs written and in some cases, recorded perhaps. Just from the sessions when they made BtB1, it's certainly possible there are recordings that got cut.

It's not like they don't have an online presence, as they do, but it can be vague or long periods of time without hearing much about their new music. Jimmy's a busy guy, a father, collaborator and a renaissance man or troubadour of sorts. And Ours and Jimmy still tour enough, which may dictate the time-frame of their next record.

But Jimmy every so once will post something to his email list and on their website/twitter/facebook with an update. I wouldn't be surprised to see him do that soon and mention something about the next record, whether it is Ballet the Boxer 2 or something else.

But as a fanboy, I totally look forward to it.

Pain of Salvation - Clean?
I noticed some stuff about this maybe even as far back as 2012. But last year, I thought some people were anticipating it. The band toured the North America finally, even though it was abbreviated since Daniel Gildenlow got sick midway through and before the scheduled show in St.Paul at Station 4.

And as I write this, the band are on the Progressive Nation at Sea Cruise, without Daniel somehow, given he has been hospitalized with a required surgery due to a flesh-eating bacterial infection. The guy has not had the best run of luck with his health recently, but hopefully his luck and health will improve.

But assuming that happens, perhaps this record will get made and be released soon after. The Road Salt records I am luke warm about, but I really haven't spent tons of time listening to. They are a lot different in sound (and of course membership). Not really metal, but blues rock/classic rock sounding.

Who knows if "Clean" or what they/Daniel makes next will be the same, but it should be worth checking out regardless.

Painted in Exile
A new single/song will be coming out supposedly based on the last update they included in January. But the fact they don't have a singer  and bassist currently (that I'm aware of), may continue to delay the release of the long awaited 1st full length record. But perhaps things will escalate quicker once they do.

Pharell - G I R L
This album will include the single "Happy" that was featured in Despicable Me 2 and on many other stations and commercials. If you asked me a year ago who Pharrell/Pharrell Williams was, I would have had NO CLUE. But with the Daft Punk collaboration on Random Access Memories and his work with Robin Thicke and Mayer Hawthorne especially in 2013, along with "Happy," I may have to check this record out, which comes out on March 3rd.

Even the interview he did with Leonard Nimoy helped increase my interest in this guy. He clearly is a talented singer/songwriter and producer, so I would not be surprised to enjoy this, his most recent work. I dunno, eventually he may end up working with other musicians I appreciate like Janelle Monae or Kimbra for example.

Put Down the Muffin
The return of one of the better local bands I came across in the 2000's, and 1 of the better young jazz groups. Really doing more jazz-rock or prog in a sense. Their return kind of came out of the blue, as I sort of forgot about them a few years ago. And I still have yet to see them live, but with this new record they have coming, maybe some live shows will happen too to support it.

Media Addicts are gone now, but with Put Down the Muffin's return, it may fill that newer local jazz-fusion band void. Where to see them? unfortunately not The Artist Quarter . But perhaps Black Dog Cafe or 1 of the clubs in Minneapolis I still need to go to like The Icehouse.

The River Empires
The status of the next progressive/classical /cinematic/bluegrass release from The River Empires  is a mystery and nothing to be assumed at this point, in terms of a time frame.. Jessy Ribordy was posting stuff about the next record, Mars/Brighton II, back in 2012. But it was probably wise to just back off about news and things until something concrete and substantial was available to share. So not a single post or word was made from The River Empires in 2013.

And until the record is all lined up to come out, maybe nothing will be shared, which may or may not be in 2014 or 2015 or later.

But, I love the music for this project too bloody much not to at least anticipate. I am just not assuming anything soon. Falling Up perhaps as they continue to be posting things online, and naturally as I imagine the interest and income even is more consistent with them. But at the point The River Empires does return, I know there will be a lot of people very interested as well.

Rx Bandits -
It's being made if I recall, per a Pledgemusic or Indiegogo. Trombones? somehow I am skeptical they'll be back. But ANYTHING is great given they announced a breakup a few years ago.

Sculptured
Agalloch member Don Anderson's progressive rock with black metal vocals project, was last heard from in 2008 with Embodiment, a record I have always enjoyed. The samples from the short film "Camera" were among the best parts of it. I also have enjoyed some of their earlier records as well.

Agalloch has a new record coming soon, but Don has posted some on Facebook about the next Sculptured record as well, so it wouldn't surprise me to see it come out either in 2014, or 2015.

Look up "Matrix Metal" on Facebook and you'll see some recent updates.

July 23rd:

Things have been very quiet here, but I've been finalizing a few new songs for what will eventually be the 4th Sculptured album. However, my attention has mainly been given to the upcoming and fifth Agalloch album, as well as the upcoming Sol Invictus album that I guested as guitarist on. Once the Agalloch is finished I hope to dedicate the majority of my time to Sculptured. Thanks everyone for your interest!

edit: double post from Part Two . i didn't realize it, although when I 1st started these, I only intended for there to be one Entry anyway. But whatevah. Nothing wrong with a 2nd reminder about this upcoming record.

sElf
Like The River Empires and some others, a new sElf record has been mentioned in the works for many years. And Matt himself is active on Facebook, although not typically about his own music, but just daily life like bartending and what to buy at the grocery store.

But the fact is, he moved back to Tennessee and has a studio there I believe. And 2 singles were released only a couple of years ago "Could You Love Me Now" and "Looks and Money," within the period he was making music for commercials and animated films.

The fact he did that TED Talk recently and with the re-release/vinyl release of Subliminal Plastic Motives, it seems he is still focusing on the sElf music, it's just when a new collection of tunes comes may or may not be just this year. But perhaps still sooner than later.

Darroh Sudderth
Lead singer from what appears to be the in transition or hiatus band Fair to Midland. I know in 1 or more interviews a few years ago he talked about a solo record, which I recall style-wise would not be so much like the heavy rock of FTM, but possibly more folky?

And I found a post or 2 on FB from 2012 where it was mentioned a record could be coming from him. But it's now been over a year since then (I think it was in November or December).

But with Fair to Midland's status unclear, maybe that solo record will come to the surface in 2014 finally.
I love the man's voice and songwriting, so if/when a solo release from Darroh/Andrew comes, it'll be worth hearing.

Tiles - Other Arrangements
I used to be pretty into this Michigan-based progressive rock band in the mid-late 90's. Presents of Mind and their S/T especially I used to listen to a lot, even if they did sound a lot like Rush, but in a good way. Mike Portnoy is a guest on some of this record too. They have been active in the last decade or more, I just haven't been as into their recent music. But perhaps with Portnoy and some other factors, this record will renew my interest in them. Terry Brown is producing and Hugh Syme is doing the artwork again for them, so those are also pluses.

The Velvet Teen
This band have posted here and there about a new record in the works the past few years. I absolutely love 2004's Elysium, although I would be surprised what they may release will resemble that record much. But at this point, I am interested in hearing anything from them. Hopefully it will finally come out soon, potentially this year, since its been 4 years since their last release 2010's No Star EP, and 8 since their last full length 2006's Cum Laude.

Steven Wilson
The odds of the next record from Steven coming in 2014 seem slim to none, but KSCOPE music, his record label posted something yesterday (2/21) that his next record will be made in 2014.