tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70966818273785334472024-03-12T21:24:21.321-07:00Close to the EdgeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-38344200732354550992010-01-01T15:48:00.001-08:002010-01-02T05:58:37.664-08:00Dan's top 25 albums of the decade<span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Well I have to say that this decade has been pretty astounding for musical releases, stronger than the 90s certainly for my tastes. I've decided to limit it to one album per artist. This list will probably seem totally wrong to me in several months, as I've noticed several 'key' bands not listed that have the potential to be on here easily, but oh well, I can always amend this list. And so without further ado, here are my top 25 albums of the decade:</span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c8oqYkBxz-k/RznvVeqP8gI/AAAAAAAAAUw/6_94wa9jiWU/s320/underworld.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 209px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_c8oqYkBxz-k/RznvVeqP8gI/AAAAAAAAAUw/6_94wa9jiWU/s320/underworld.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >25: Adagio - Underworld<br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >I've known Adagio for many years, but only recently have I appreciated what a masterpiece that Underworld is. Neo-classical prog power metal? Sure, why not. Improving on thei</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >r debut in every way, there is little to complain about on this album. too bad the next two albums went in a less satisfactory direction.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.play.com/covers/3478142x.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 208px;" src="http://images.play.com/covers/3478142x.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >24: Alter Bridge - Blackbird</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Rising from the Ashes of Creed, a questionably successful mainstream rock band, the members (sans singer) manage to snag hold of Myles Kennedy - the best rock singer today. This album is pretty much the perfect rock album to me, and the almost 8 minute title track has to be my favourite rock song of all time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a2.vox.com/6a00c2251c020b604a00c2251cccfa8fdb-500pi"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 209px;" src="http://a2.vox.com/6a00c2251c020b604a00c2251cccfa8fdb-500pi" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >23: Iron Maiden - Brave New World</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >After three lackluster albums in the 90's, it seemed that the once magnificent Iron Maiden had fallen. But behold, the old bassist and singer rejoin the band and put out not only their best album, but the best 'heavy metal' album of all time. Welcome back Bruce.</span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.insideoutshop.de/images/1700_large.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 208px;" src="http://www.insideoutshop.de/images/1700_large.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >22: Spock's </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Beard - Snow<br />When Neal Morse left Spock's Beard to persue a Christian-orientated music career, Spock's Beard fans were understandably upset, after having just received the best Spock's Beard album yet. A stunning double CD concept album.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NWs0zz3Ttrw/R9QhGSKBY4I/AAAAAAAAALQ/VyRAUvxMiJU/s400/Muse_-_Origin_Of_Symmetry-front.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 204px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NWs0zz3Ttrw/R9QhGSKBY4I/AAAAAAAAALQ/VyRAUvxMiJU/s400/Muse_-_Origin_Of_Symmetry-front.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>21: Muse - Origins Of Symmetry<br />This was the album that shot Muse into the mainstream light of the English music industry, and still remains as their most cohesive and strong album. Brilliant.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.metalkingdom.net/album/img/d29/178.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 208px;" src="http://www.metalkingdom.net/album/img/d29/178.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>20: In Flames - Clayman<br />In Flames' last album before moving away from their melodic death metal heritage, Clayman was a brilliant release after a stunning run of classics in the genre. I'm sure many fans wished that this was as 'mainstream' as In Flames would go. Sadly not.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://johnnyhopkins.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/as-i-lay-dying-an-ocean-between-us.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 206px;" src="http://johnnyhopkins.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/as-i-lay-dying-an-ocean-between-us.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>19: As I Lay Dying - An Ocean Between Us<br />The single best metalcore album in existence. Don't dismiss it just because of the genre, this is genuinely stunning metal, and has been one of my most played albums since it's release two years ago.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/darkt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 206px;" src="http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/darkt.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>18: Dark Tranquillity - Fiction<br />Not following in In Flames footsteps, Dark Tranquillity have remained dedicated to the traditional Gothenburg sound. Fiction saw singer Mikael Stanne finally use his clean vocals again, the first time in nearly a decade. Mixed with some 'modern' synthesised sounds (nothing like In Flames' approach, I hasten to add), they manage to push out their strongest album in a long line of strong albums.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.utopia.com.au/media/cds/katatonia-night%20is%20the%20new%20day.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 206px;" src="http://www.utopia.com.au/media/cds/katatonia-night%20is%20the%20new%20day.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>17: Katatonia - Night Is The New Day<br />When Mikael Akerfeldt declared NITND to be the best 'heavy' record he'd heard in the decade, I was skeptical, not the least because of him being bestest buddies with Katatonia singer Jonas Renske. While it didn't quite steal that award, it is certainly my favourite Katatonia album, where they finally managed to balance their sound out.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://junkyardgod.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/scar-symmetry-holographic-universe.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 206px;" src="http://junkyardgod.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/scar-symmetry-holographic-universe.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>16: Scar Symmetry - Holographic Universe<br />Newcomers to the melodic death metal scene, Scar Symmetry soon carved their own following, proving that there was still life left in the genre. Holographic Universe is certainly their best album, with the 9 minute title track possibly being the best melodic death metal song ever. They also get bonus points for one hell of a vocalist in a genre full of average-to-bad vocalists.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://altavoz.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/the_divine_conspiracy_cover.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 206px;" src="http://altavoz.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/the_divine_conspiracy_cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>15: Epica - The Divine Conspiracy<br />In one fell swoop Epica manage to get to not only mature their sound, but perfect their previously dodgy album production. Coupled with their already obvious talent, this makes for the best symphonic metal album ever, with not a single skippable song.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://home.student.uu.se/hehi1133/old/Kid%20A%20Cover.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 210px;" src="http://home.student.uu.se/hehi1133/old/Kid%20A%20Cover.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>14: Radiohead - Kid A<br />Ah, Radiohead. Some people might be shocked to see them so low in this list. Unfortunately my favourite albums are stuck back in the 90's (The Bends and OK Computer), but Kid A is damn good too, with Radiohead yet again changing their sound, and being yet again successful. Quite incredible.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/r/riverside/album-out-of-myself.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 208px;" src="http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/r/riverside/album-out-of-myself.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>13: Riverside - Out Of Myself<br />What do you get when you mix Tool, Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd? A band from Poland who managed to impress the prog rock community substantially with the debut, and very favourable reviews for subsequent albums. Riverside also get the 'best debut' award from me. This album blew me away on first listen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://colonyofslippermen.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/the-dear-hunter.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 205px;" src="http://colonyofslippermen.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/the-dear-hunter.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>12: The Dear Hunter - Act II: The Meaning Of, And All Things Regarding Ms. Leading<br />Often music that we have recently discovered is biased favourably, but The Dear Hunter would probably be even higher if I had known them for a bit longer. The second album of a double trilogy concept series, it manages to pull off a lengthy concept that is not boring for an instant, and showcases </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Casey Crescenzo's ridiculous vocals - see the song 'Red Hands'.</span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.melodic.net/img6/coheed4.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 179px;" src="http://www.melodic.net/img6/coheed4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>11: Coheed And Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes of Madness<br />The Best Coheed And Cambria album. This album has so many great vocal moments, thanks to unique singer/guitarist Claudio Sanchez. These guys know exactly how to mix rock with proggier tendencies, while keeping it straight-forward and catchy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.metalsucks.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/protestthehero-fortress.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 201px;" src="http://www.metalsucks.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/protestthehero-fortress.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>10: Protest The Hero - Fortress<br />I think that Protest The Hero get the youngest band award on this list. Virtuosic musicianship coupled with a standout singer make these progressive metalcore Canadians the best in their field. With two almost perfect albums back to back, it was very hard to choose which to put on here.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uCN8SR_SbaU/R5N32MkpF6I/AAAAAAAAACc/nLzlDveGZKM/s400/question%2Bmark.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 205px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uCN8SR_SbaU/R5N32MkpF6I/AAAAAAAAACc/nLzlDveGZKM/s400/question%2Bmark.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>9: Neal Morse - ?<br />What does Neal Morse do after leaving Spock's Beard at the height of their greatness? Go and do even better. This guy truly is one of the best men in prog rock today. I think that ? is his most perfect album, although none of his albums manage to waste much time. Fun concept too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://zurcheva.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/ay_albums_y.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 206px;" src="http://zurcheva.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/ay_albums_y.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>8: Ayreon - 01011001<br />Arjen Lucassen cannot read sheet music. But that doesn't stop him making some of the most ambitious progressive rock albums around. Ayreon is a project that incorporates a silly number of singers, all taking on roles of particular characters in the overarching storyline. I think with 01011001 being the last Ayreon album, Arjen was determined to get the best lineup possible, and he succeeded. Despite the Similarly strong 'The Human Equation', I think that 01 manages to win in terms of vocals. The added heavier element on this album also works in Arjen's favour, making 01 the best album of the Ayreon series.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://demonsecrets.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/kamelot8.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 209px;" src="http://demonsecrets.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/kamelot8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>7: Kamelot - The Black Halo<br />What do you do with the only non boring power metal drummer and an opera trained vocalist? Make the best power metal album around, and tie in some prog just to make it that little bit better. Without a single moment that I don't like, The Black Halo is the one power metal album that I can never get sick of, despite not liking the genre as much as I used to.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pompeydoomcrew.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/mastodon-crack-the-skye-cover-front.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 209px;" src="http://pompeydoomcrew.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/mastodon-crack-the-skye-cover-front.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>6: Mastodon - Crack The Skye<br />Despite only knowing these guys for the past couple of months, they managed to snatch album of the year 2009, and get sixth on my decade list. Wow. These guys truly came out of nowhere for me. The press love them, and I couldn't stand their vocals at first. Well that changed. This album has so many amazing moments that I loath to ever play a single part of it, despite not being a concept album. Well okay it is, but it's such a mindfuck that it doesn't really matter :P<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://dtkevin.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/o906080.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 184px;" src="http://dtkevin.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/o906080.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>5: Between The Buried And Me - Colors<br />I remember being ferverently recommended this album at it's release. I heard the first ~3 minutes and turned it off, deleting the album. A year later, I decide to give it another go after many people moan on and on about how much genius it is. And genius it is. Although the previous album has my favourite guitar solo (ever) on it, this album manages to blow to pieces all three previous releases.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/284/cover_742211912006.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 209px;" src="http://www.progarchives.com/progressive_rock_discography_covers/284/cover_742211912006.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>4: Pain Of Salvation - The Perfect Element, Part 1<br />This album took me atleast 6 tries to start getting into it, and it was probably by the 10th that I truely loved it. But as you can see, I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> love it. Daniel Gildenlow...just wow. His vocal variety and abilities are matched only by his ability to write a flawless progressive rock album. No wonder that this is the first modern album on the progarchives top 100.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/d/dream-theater/album-six-degrees-of-inner-turbulence.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 208px;" src="http://images.uulyrics.com/cover/d/dream-theater/album-six-degrees-of-inner-turbulence.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>3: Dream Theater - Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence<br />Oh Dream Theater. You have ~2.5 times more plays than any other artist on my last.fm profile, despite not being my favourite band. Definitely the most talented musicians in any band that I know that <span style="font-style: italic;">exist</span>, Six Degrees marked the perfect blend of the light and the heavy, and provides two CDs of this magnificent music!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sappy.dk/music-pictures/porcupine-tree-in-absentia.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 213px;" src="http://www.sappy.dk/music-pictures/porcupine-tree-in-absentia.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>2: Porcupine Tree - In Absentia<br />I think Porcupine Tree get the award for best albums in a row. Stupid Dream, Lightbulb Sun, In Absentia, Deadwing, Fear Of A Blank Planet (with Nil Recurring) and The Incident. So when I went to pick the one album to list, I had a really, really, really hard time. In the end I chose the album that got me into the band, despite not having my favourite PT song on it (and indeed, my favourite song ever), it has so many 10/10 tracks that it almost gets a bit overwhelming.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://frkana.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/opeth-blackwater-park.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 206px;" src="http://frkana.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/opeth-blackwater-park.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>1: Opeth - Blackwater Park<br />Well this isn't really a surprise is it. My favourite band has album spot 1. To be fair, it's not my favourite Opeth album (Still Life narrowly steals that). However, I think that working with Steven Wilson on the production of this album was perhaps the best move that Opeth have ever made, apart from recruiting Martin Lopez, perhaps the most standout drummer who nobody realises stands out today. This album has so many Opeth classics that it could be the Greatest Hits. It's so flawless that even the bonus tracks are better than half the bands I listen to. This album is pretty good.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-74448351253189370812009-12-31T17:25:00.000-08:002009-12-31T18:00:30.640-08:00Top albums of 2009Well it's 2010, we both completely failed to post reviews for the past 6 months, but that just gives us all the more backlog to work with!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Dan's top 10 albums of 2009:</span><br /><br /><img src="file:///F:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://decibelmagazine.com/assets/uploads/2009/01/mastodon_crac.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 201px;" src="http://decibelmagazine.com/assets/uploads/2009/01/mastodon_crac.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Mastodon - Crack The Skye<br /><br />Being a new fan to Mastodon with CTS, I was blown away, and so impressed that it nudged ahead of my second and third favourite bands releases of the year, which were both amazing too. No wonder the press seem to love them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://pramudyaputrautama.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dream-theater-black-cloud-and-silver-linings-2009.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 201px;" src="http://pramudyaputrautama.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/dream-theater-black-cloud-and-silver-linings-2009.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings<br /><br />A brilliant return to form after three great but not superb albums. The Count of Tuscany is my second favourite Dream Theater song now, narrowly beaten by A Change of Seasons.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tonedeath.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/porcupine_tree_the_incident1.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 199px;" src="http://tonedeath.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/porcupine_tree_the_incident1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Porcupine Tree - The Incident<br /><br />Not a single moment of the cycle that I don't enjoy, and a truely brilliant second cd too. Yet another masterpiece by Porcupine Tree, it's getting a bit silly after 6 cds in a row! (And now me and matt have tickets to see their special evening with show at the end of their Incident tour!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.utopia.com.au/media/cds/katatonia-night%20is%20the%20new%20day.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.utopia.com.au/media/cds/katatonia-night%20is%20the%20new%20day.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Katatonia - Night Is The New Day<br /><br />Consistently one of the bands that I went through spurts of loving and ignoring, NITND has proved to be mine and Mikael Akerfeldt's favourite Katatonia album. They got the prog/heavy balance just right this time, and it feels even less repetitive than The Great Cold Distance which was my previous favourite.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/07/TheGreatMisdirectCover.png/600px-TheGreatMisdirectCover.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 202px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/07/TheGreatMisdirectCover.png/600px-TheGreatMisdirectCover.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>Between The Buried And Me - The Great Misdirect<br /><br />After the masterpiece 'Colors' (one of my all-time favourite albums), people were understandably concerned about whether they could match it. While they didn't completely, TGM is a bloody great album and easily second best of their discography.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lintcoat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dredg.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 180px;" src="http://www.lintcoat.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dredg.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Dredg - The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion<br /><br />Introduced on their previous album 'Catch Without Arms' I was thrilled to find their new album to meld the catchy pop of CWA with the older and perhaps better material of El Cielo. And Gavin's voice isn't annoying in a single song this time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hidefaudio.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/dear-hunter.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 203px;" src="http://hidefaudio.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/dear-hunter.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The Dear Hunter - Act III<br /><br />Casey yet again proves that this double trilogy of concept albums will be strong throughout it's six albums. While I prefer Act II, this is easily it's match.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.pettingzoo.nl/wp-content/osibloodcover.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 205px;" src="http://www.pettingzoo.nl/wp-content/osibloodcover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>OSI - Blood<br /><br />A band I only got into literally 20 days ago, veterans Gavin Harrison, Kevin Moore and Jim Matheos manage to make one hell of an album combining prog rock with electronic. Bring me more!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8a/Riverside_ADHD_Cover.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 204px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8a/Riverside_ADHD_Cover.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Riverside - ADHD<br /><br />I was slightly unsure whether Riverside would truly change their sound for their first album outside of the Reality Dream trilogy - and they did. Definitely relying more on keyboards, the new Riverside proves that their best material may yet to come and definitely wasn't on their first two CDs.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://radiorevolt.no/rev/uploads/Image/Hammartid/alestorm.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 205px;" src="http://radiorevolt.no/rev/uploads/Image/Hammartid/alestorm.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Alestorm - Black Sails At Midnight<br /><br />It's Alestorm's second album, need I say more? Well okay, one of the songs that is a rehash of an early demo of theirs has part of the Pirates Of the Caribbean theme tune in it. Yup.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Notable mentions include Muse's The Resistance, Swallow The Sun's New Moon*, Devin Townsend's Addicted, Jordan Rudess' Notes On a Dream, Scar Symmetry's Dark Matter Dimensions, and Transatlantic's The Whirlwind (which would probably be in the top 10 but i've only heard it once so far)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">*I feel Sorry for STS picking that as their unfortunate album name.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Matt's top 10 albums of 2009:</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-46916131447631909052009-06-02T03:08:00.000-07:002009-06-02T04:21:52.224-07:00[Review] Demians - Building an Empire<div style="text-align: left;">Right. Hello again. I'm going to be doing a <span style="font-style: italic;">third</span> review, seeing as Dan has still yet to get around to his. I believe he wanted to review this album at some point... though that won't be happening now. Heh.<br /><br />He'll probably get me back later by stealing a Pineapple Thief album. Oh well.<br /><br />Anywho, on with the Review.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kGnW5DpiBHg/SiT7Hr1_S2I/AAAAAAAAAL0/lJ1EgQr8nj8/s1600-h/Building+an+Empire.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kGnW5DpiBHg/SiT7Hr1_S2I/AAAAAAAAAL0/lJ1EgQr8nj8/s200/Building+an+Empire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342671167415077730" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tracklisting:<br /></span>1. The Perfect Symmetry (9:19)<br />2. Shine (3:17)<br />3. Sapphire (7:27)<br />4. Naive (4:54)<br />5. Unspoken (5:59)<br />6. Temple (3:05)<br />7. Empire (6:32)<br />8. Sand (16:09)<br /><br />Bonus Track - Earth (8:48)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So, Demians. It's a solo project by Nicolas Chapel, the debut <span style="font-style: italic;">Building an Empire </span>having been released just over a year ago, though I only came across it recently.<br /><br />I'm glad I did.<br /><br />The album opens with the beautifully textured track <span style="font-style: italic;">The Perfect Symmetry</span>. After an interesting opening, Chapel's great vocals enter. His voice is quite something, I think. There's also some nice strings interwoven with the guitar, and though it begins relatively quiet it soon builds for some heavier guitar and thumping drumming towards the end. Then we have <span style="font-style: italic;">Shine</span>, a song of two parts. It opens with some lovely twiddly acoustic guitar and more of those fabulous vocals, then the drumming begins to build until pretty much exactly halfway through comes my favourite guitar riff on the album, growling and stuttery. Short but amazing track there.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sapphire</span> has a building opening and contains more heavy guitar in the opening section. Chapel's quiet, almost whispering vocals work well in the verse, before a powerful chorus breaks through the quiet. The vocals only improve into the second section, which also has some yummy drumming. <span style="font-style: italic;">Naive</span> starts with more twiddly acoustic and has a basic but effective riff at the beginning. The vocals are much of the same as seen throughout the album so far (very good), and the drumming is pretty nice too. The next track, <span style="font-style: italic;">Unspoken</span>, lacks any of the heavier riffs, though this is a welcome break midway through the album. The drumming is gentle but absolute genius, and the whispering vocals (really whispering this time) gradually build along with some nice backing strings.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Temple</span>, the shortest track and obvious choice for a single, has fingerpicking acoustic, some nice bass guitar and a building ending, though the vocals seem to have lost some of the feeling that was present in the other songs. Still a good track, though.<span style="font-style: italic;"> Empire</span> is basically <span style="font-style: italic;">Temple Part II</span>, as it contains some recurring lyrics and follows straight on from the preceding track. The sounds at the beginning are unusual but nonetheless interesting. The drumming progresses throughout, though to me it is one of the weaker tracks.<br /><br />Then comes the epic end track <span style="font-style: italic;">Sand</span>, clocking in at over 16 mins. It contains all of the great things from the songs before it, both gentle and pounding drumming, fabulous acoustic guitar, strings, heavy riffs and outstanding vocals including some growl. A great building track and probably the best on the album.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Earth</span> is only available on the CD, and is a good bonus. It contains lyrics and elements from most of the songs on the album, tying the whole thing together rather nicely in a nine-minute upbeat bundle. It has some good guitar and bass again, though the lyrics don't entirely fit in all places and sound somewhat contrived. Despite this, it's worth getting the CD for rather than just the download.<br /><br />As a whole, the album contains a fair bit of variation, especially towards the end, and has a great deal of good elements. And the vocals... best I've heard in a long while. Demians is definitely on my watch list now, and I highly recommend you prog fans go listen to this wonderful debut.<br /><br />There's a reason it's top of my favourite albums at the moment:<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">9/10</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-63375220838470444522009-05-06T15:07:00.000-07:002009-05-06T15:09:55.635-07:00the RIAA RaderFirstly, I must apologise for the delay in getting the Colors review to you, and thanks to life problems (tm) It won't be up until friday!<br /><br />But in the meantime here is an awesome site run by one guy: http://www.riaaradar.com<br /><br />So when you complain you don't want to buy albums because it supports the RIAA and the big bad record companies, well search the artist on there and find out which of their albums aren't released on record companies in cohort with the RIAA, leaving you the option to be both legal and supporting the great independent record labels and the artist! (Incidently, all of The Pineapple Thief's stuff is safe - awesome).<br /><br />Dan.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-84403104928851314232009-05-05T10:59:00.001-07:002009-05-05T11:01:55.423-07:00It's all in the timing.Unfortunately with exams starting for me in 6 (gulp) days, i'll have to cut back on reviews. However, I hope to get two more done before then - the first being the incredibly epic 64 minute long rollercoaster of an album: Between the Buried and Me - Colors.<br /><br />Now for some exam prep.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-33607127510103315872009-05-04T08:28:00.000-07:002009-06-02T04:17:34.450-07:00[Review] The Pineapple Thief - Little ManIt wasn’t going to be long before I reviewed this band. My favourite band. In the words of Frontman Bruce Soord, they’re “Yeovil’s most famous band you’ve never heard of”. Which is a pity, because I think that everybody should have heard of them. They’re not just a band for prog fans, either.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kGnW5DpiBHg/Sf8L3uILFiI/AAAAAAAAAKs/BgKAo7U_jXc/s1600-h/Little+Man.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kGnW5DpiBHg/Sf8L3uILFiI/AAAAAAAAAKs/BgKAo7U_jXc/s200/Little+Man.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331993535732979234" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tracklisting:</span><br />1. Dead in the Water (5:27)<br />2. God Bless the Child (4:45)<br />3. Wilting Violet (4:42)<br />4. Wait (3:26)<br />5. Run a Mile (6:43)<br />6. Little Man (3:44)<br />7. November (6:51)<br />8. Boxing Day (3:58)<br />9. God Bless the Children (2:02)<br />10. Snowdrops (5:59)<br />11. We Love You (8:46)<br /></div><br />Little Man was their fifth studio album and is dedicated to Bruce’s son Felix, who was born three months premature and sadly passed away in February 2006. It is then, understandably, a lot different from their other albums.<br /><br />The opening track <span style="font-style: italic;">Dead in the Water</span> sets the tone for the album nicely, with its haunting, echoey vocals and bleak lyrics. Then along comes <span style="font-style: italic;">God Bless the Child</span>, which has some fabulous acoustic picking before the bass and drums come in. The middle section drags on a bit, but the combo of strings, strange synthesised sounds and what I presume are tubular bells are effective. Soord’s powerful, clean voice is used throughout until suddenly the music turns heavier and the vocals become gritty and menacing. Great switch in mood there.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wilting Violet</span> is next up, which uses delicate piano and an orchestral section which builds and builds and builds and climaxes with some frenzied scratchy electric guitar work. Like the opening track, haunting vocals are there again. <span style="font-style: italic;">Wait</span> is another quiet track, with acoustic guitar, xylophone and triangle used in the opening half. Then some great, marching drumming enters and finally strings. <span style="font-style: italic;">Run a Mile</span> then begins quietly, and then suddenly comes in with spooky synthesised vocals and noisy guitar. Perhaps too noisy, though - it drowns a lot of the other sounds out. The verse is very sing-along, though a little repetitive. At first listening, it was a favourite, though now it’s lost its appeal and is one of the weaker tracks.<br /><br />The title track <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Man</span> uses interesting time signatures (3/8 and 5/16?), with some delicate acoustic guitar and piano work again. Violins begin the next track, <span style="font-style: italic;">November</span>, which has some very creepy singing, a great chorus, nice drumming and some good guitar work in the second half. <span style="font-style: italic;">Boxing Day</span> has some very heartfelt lyrics (“I hold you tighter every night, and I’ll never let you out of sight”) and is a fabulous acoustic track, containing a mini violin solo-type-thing.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">God Bless the Children</span> is a continuation of track #2, carrying on from the gritty menacing section with some wonderful synths and robotic vocals. I feel as though they could have been left together as one track, though it does function as a clever brake between <span style="font-style: italic;">Boxing Day</span> and the very similar song <span style="font-style: italic;">Snowdrops</span>, which has a nice percussive element including echoey clapping towards the finish.<br /><br />Finally we have what is, in my opinion, the best song on the album, <span style="font-style: italic;">We Love You</span>. It begins with the sound of a life-support machine and eerie pulsing background noise. You just know it’s going to be a disturbing track as soon as the vocals come in. Very creepy lyrics as well, with the repeated line “Don’t you know we love you?” and then the chorus - “I need your soul, I need your soul, to feed my world, to feed my world.” There’s great piano in the chorus, some wailing guitar and excellent use of synths and keyboard.<br /><br />Overall, it’s a hugely emotional and at points disturbing ride. And, I must add, very difficult to listen to. This isn’t an album you can just have playing in your car as you drive to work, or listen to whilst browsing the web or whatever. To really appreciate it, you need to find a free 56mins, sit down, and really listen. If you’re new to the band, I suggest getting Tightly Unwound first. It’s an easier listen, and also a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> easier to get hold of.<br /><br />If you do listen to it properly, though, it’s very,<span style="font-style: italic;"> very</span> good. If it were a little more varied and an easier listen, I think I'd rate it higher.<br /><br />Final score:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">7/10</span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style=";font-family:";" ><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-1812530810805525922009-05-04T05:19:00.000-07:002009-05-04T12:42:56.052-07:00Review RequestsMe and Matt are totally open for album review requests.<br /><br />Bear in mind our music tastes of course, but I like everything from classical to death metal to mainstream rock (Muse, Radiohead etc). And Matt is similar, minus the death metal. If in doubt, well ask anyway. If one or other/both of us haven't heard of them then we'll be even more keen to review it as it'll let us discover new bands! If one or other/both of us have heard of it and hate the band, well we'll just laugh at you :)<br /><br />Also, we can always divvy up music between us depending on who prefers what. Matt certainly won't be reviewing any Opeth... or at least, not any time soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-27039596188254306382009-05-03T16:32:00.001-07:002009-05-03T17:10:59.094-07:00Brief reviewing info.I hope to develop some sort of rough framework or structure to write my reviews in, but I don't want to keep things too formal, after all, prog is all about being non-formulaeic right? ;)<br /><br />Any notes I make about albums live are included for the benefit of the reader only, i'm not increasing the ratings of the songs on the basis of any live boon!<br /><br />I'll put this on a static page somewhere, but my guideline goes as following: 1- unlistenable, 2 - terrible, 3 - very bad, 4 - bad, 5 - okay, 6 - good, 7 - very good, 8 - excellent, 9 - amazing, 10 - bordering on perfect/epic. Because me and Matt will review in different styles, I'll have a page outlining both of how we approach things. I hope this helps, and sorry for posting it after the In Absentia review (which is now online! Despite me accidently uploading the draft first)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-66147857356405918912009-05-03T15:20:00.000-07:002009-05-04T05:05:08.225-07:00[Review] Porcupine Tree - In Absentia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rwwraePVwLk/Sf4z_reMiqI/AAAAAAAAADs/az_iGsze1Q8/s1600-h/200px-Porcupine_tree_in_absentia.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rwwraePVwLk/Sf4z_reMiqI/AAAAAAAAADs/az_iGsze1Q8/s320/200px-Porcupine_tree_in_absentia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331756177947396770" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Introduction</span><br /><br />Porcupine Tree. The psychedelic-transformed prog rock band from Britain that everyone prog-head has heard. In Absentia was a crucial turning point in style - arguably that which pushed them in the direction they are at the moment - for better or worse (better!).<br /><br />In an interview with front man Steve Wilson (and who Porcupine Tree is really the brainchild of), he says how in the lead up to writing In Absentia he rediscovered metal - saying that he was wrong about it being only for angsty teenagers, citing bands such as Meshuggah and Opeth. Saying that the new album would be heavier, he probably had no idea on the repercussions that this would have in the next 7 years of his recording career.<br /><br />It is also important to note that I am reviewing the 2CD European edition that includes two bonus tracks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tracklisting<br /></span><br />4:23 Blackest Eyes<br />5:56 Trains<br />4:39 Lips of Ashes<br />4:59 The Sound of Muzak<br />7:56 Gravity Eyelids<br />6:33 Wedding Nails<br />5:35 Prodigal<br />5:25 .3<br />5:21 The Creator Has a Mastertape<br />4:15 Heartattack in a Layby<br />7:21 Strip the Soul<br />5:54 Collapse the Light into Earth<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>5:21 Drown with Me<br />7:14 Chloroform<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presentation (coverart / cdart / booklet)</span><br /><br />My first impression of front cover was "Woah, is this really a Porcupine Tree cover?" It looked really ominous and is a real indication of the content inside this album. Creepiness aside - it's a damn good cover. The back again had slightly eerie artwork - disturbing looking imagery that wouldn't look out of place on the next horror flick cash-in at the cinema. Except this actually does look scary when in the context of an album. Scribbles of nonsensical writing, dark alleyways and more abstract artwork inside the booklet just add to all of this tension brought out just from the presentation. (Oh and Steve, what the hell is your deal with trains?!) It is note worthy that the booklet contains the album lyrics, something some bands choose not to - something Porcupine Tree aren't guiltless of, although I'm sure Steve has his er, reasons.<br /><br />The CD is minimalistic. Black with the title in blood red with a tiny splatter of white in a few small places. Simple, effective and pretty. [The bonus disc is the same but with the red and the black reversed.] I am unable to say whether the normal version has this cd or not, but this one is certainly satisfactory.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Song-by-song Analysis</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">CD1</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blackest Eyes</span><br /><br />What an opener. Twanging guitars into <span style="font-style: italic;">riffage</span> that makes the album-titled first track from Lightbulb Sun seem like some acoustic country music you don't even need a subwoofer for. When Steve's voice kicks in you realise this is a good song. In fact, it's a brilliant song. The lyrics are such that it's impossible to resist singing along (at least, in your head, and I can guarantee that you <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> sing along live). A promising start from new drummer Gavin Harrison who made his debut on this album after the long-time Christ Maitland departed :( A recurring theme among a lot of the songs on this album, Richard's keyboard magic shines in golden rays in between the rocking guitars, giving the sound depth and subtlety.<br /><br />10/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">rocking</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trains</span><br /><br />Ah... Trains. Number one live favourite of all PT songs since In Absentia's released, most commonly played encore song. This in itself speaks for the supreme amazing(ness?) that is Trains. A combination of Steve's distinct acoustic guitar and good old electric combine together to make a song that succeeds on so many levels. One particular section (3:18) strikes me as stand out especially - casual acoustic strumming with the electric picking away with a melody that no-one could deny is attractive. While the lyrics aren't as easy to sing to as Blackest Eyes, they are still great, accentuated by Steve's wonderful voice. To round off this marvellous song, the last minute or so is done in a distinctly heavier tone. Heavier, but not too heavy to ruin the song (not to say heavy/soft cannot be done *Opeth plug*), but in this song they limit it just enough to flow nicely. Of course when they play it live it is an entirely different matter - the whole song being made heavier, perhaps to the detriment to the original purpose of the song but hey, it still sounds great (better, I would argue). This is the song that Steve is famous for breaking strings on, goodness knows why.<br /><br />10/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">genius</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lips of Ashes</span><br /><br />Enter track three with a far more laid back and more 'old-style' Porcupine Tree. I have to say, The vocals on this song are astonishing, and being a vocal-driven song, well that's a very good thing indeed. But the vocals are not the only thing that shine out on this track. Like trains before it, the acoustic and electric duo are back, with a heart-rending solo and good acoustic sliding, it might even outdo it on style, if not the tune itself.<br /><br />8/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">touching and unique</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Sound of Muzak</span><br /><br />The first thing that struck me as obvious with this track was the drumming. I found it deceptively simple, and if you actually see it live or watch a cover on video you'll find it more complex than you would think, which is nice, as it is the beginning of showing Gavin's true drumming ability. Along with Blackest Eyes, Muzak has incredibly catchy lyrics that are very easy to latch onto and sing along live, especially the chorus. The solo on this track is one of my favourite too. Like the rest of the album, they aren't flashy, but simple, effective and fitting.<br />This song is also where I noticed the presence of a certain Colin Edwin, the bassist. Simple bass lines that have an astonishing power to be incredibly groovy and brilliant while remaining slow and basic.<br /><br />9/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">amazing<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gravity Eyelids</span><br /><br />This song can roughly be split into two halves. The first is centred around haunting vocals that really show off Steve's power as a vocalist, despite not being apparently spectacular or particularly skilled or unique. The other nice part of the first half is the drums at the start. Using some sort of weird equaliser setting (I am told), it sounds tinny and rather like tapping the rim of your drum - but all the time. The gradual build up to the second half in such a way that initially I did expect it. Of course, as soon as I heard it I instantly fell in love with the slick guitar and casual drumming, and on subsequent listens can rarely refrain from air guitaring. This is a <span style="font-style: italic;">must</span> song for live Porcupine Tree goers, being even more awesome, as if it cannot be truly captured on record.<br /><br />9/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">awestruck</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wedding Nails</span><br /><br />To sum up Wedding Nails is simple: ultra catchy and groovy instrumental. And when I say catchy, I mean a combination of utter 'riffage' and another one of Colin's rediculously cool bass lines. Part way in the song slows down for some of Porcupine Tree's heaviest riffs yet, only to build back up to the viral-catchy start of the song around the 3:45 mark, with a slighty pause giving you a split-second to realise it's going <span style="font-style: italic;">back</span> to the awesome. Like Gravity Eyelids, this song is incredible live, and is a must-have in setlists (both are luckily pretty common in setlists actually). I almost forgot Gavin's drumming wizardry comes into view on this song too - his double bass pedals slamming in short, sharp bursts giving the song the impact it undeniably gives off. Perhaps the most unique part of the song however, is the end section. The final minute and a half is ambient and eerie - incredibly effective in the contrast to the endless riffs and rocking from moments ago.<br /><br />10/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">'riffage'</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prodigal</span><br /><br />What is a very good song is unfortunately probably the weakest song on the album so far, despite... well, being <span style="font-style: italic;">very good</span>. An awesome twangy guitar coupled with another simple-but-effective solo and a great chorus ultimately fails to meet the incredible quality that has preceded it. But at least it leads very nicely into the next song...<br /><br />7/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">very good</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">.3</span><br /><br />Opening with one of Colin's by now known bass lines, .3 is almost an instrumental, with a couple of scarce vocal lines that do nothing to disturb the first true peek at the vast array of samples that Richard (on keyboards) uses, the violins being my favourite. Suffering from the same problem as the last track - this is a very good song on an album where 'very good' just doesn't cut it.<br /><br />7/10<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Creator Had a Mastertape</span><br /><br />You know that last song? The one with the catchy bass at the start? Well that was nothing compared to this. The start with the veering guitar into a short drum bash that rolls into Colin's best on the album (so far). To top it off, the ripping guitar that starts only moments after signifies that this will truly be one great song. But can it overcome the problems that the last two faced? Frankly, yes. Another stand out drum track, creepy lyrics <span style="font-style: italic;">"He raised a proper family, and tied them to a bed"</span> makes this song the most overlooked on the album. Perhaps it is the lyrics, which are admittedly not pleasant. But hey, if you don't like them, then I wouldn't look up the rest of the album's meaning, and would go get a different Porcupine Tree album.<br /><br />10/10<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heartattack in a Layby</span><br /><br />Serene, calm and haunting. These three words perhaps describe this song. After the faster paced <span style="font-style: italic;">Creator</span>, this song seems even slower. Combine Steve Wilson's incredibly touching performance with some truly great lyrics <span style="font-style: italic;">"Got this feeling inside me, don't feel too good"</span> and you get the best vocals on the album, perhaps of all of Porcupine Tree's work. And to top it of, he uses some of the best use of vocal layering that I've seen, perhaps even rivalling some of Neal Morse's efforts in that field ;) Combine this stellar (and surprising) vocal track from Steve, then combine it with a chilling acoustic guitar and keyboard that quietly play in the background, and you have not only one of the best songs on the album, but one of the best Porcupine Tree songs full stop.<br /><br />10/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">wow.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strip the Soul</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span>Ladies and gentlemen, we have a rival against 'Creator' for the most disturbing Porcupine Tree in terms of lyrics. <span style="font-style: italic;">"Raise the kids good, beat the kids good and tie them up"</span>. But lyrics are not the only stand out part of this song. Colin's bass line is second to none bar the Creator one (I sense a rivalry here!) Unfortunately I think that The Creator has a Mastertape wins. Initially, I did not like the chorus of this song, and I do not seem to be along in thinking this. Since then, my impression has changed and I love the use of the effect, but it's still not as effective as the Creator chorus, giving Creator a 2 points lead (however the verse vocals, especially the whispering, are incredibly well done, not the mention the guitar solo!)<br /><br />9/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">moody, heavy and brilliant<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Collapse the Light into Earth</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span>I have to say, this song has the best melody of the entire album. After hearing even one bar of the keyboard, you know this. It is simply beautiful - certainly a contestant to Deadwing's Lazarus in terms of best 'soft' ballad. the subtle vocal effects and touching lyrics only increase this sense of amazement, not to mention the background<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span>mellotron and violins.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span></span>10/10 -<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> beautiful and touching<br /><br /></span></span></span><span><span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">CD2<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drown With Me</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span>Utilising the same acoustic guitar, Drown With Me is an upbeat track with far more sinister lyrics that ultimately succeeds at being a spectacular track. Added bonus points for the very well done vocal layering too. Why was this left of the album again?<br /><br />9/10 - <span style="font-style: italic;">MIA</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chloroform</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span><br />Chloroform is an odd track. I say this because I discovered that on Wikipedia in the credits the music is listed as Steve and Chris Maitland. Wait a second, didn't he leave after Light Bulb Sun?</span><span> But in any case, I feel that this unfortunately is the weakest track on the album. Despite a nice contrast of the heavy and light sections, as well as a nice guitar solo, this song ultimately fails to keep my interest very well. Ah well, it's a bonus track anyway.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span>5/10 -</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Eh<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summary<br /><br /></span><span>This album succeeds on so many levels it's a pleasant surprise for Porcupine Tree to release yet <span style="font-style: italic;">another </span>album that raises the bar...<span style="font-style: italic;">again</span>. A creepy concept that roughly fits the album together despite not being a true concept album, gives it some sort of direction and purpose (and certainly gives Steve the opportunity to visit the dark side of his lyrical brain). Top notch musicianship and singing, combined with crisp production (and a great 5.1 mix!) make this album incredible in every aspect. Go buy it. Now.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">9/10</span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><span>Hrm, perhaps nearly 2000 words is a tad long for a review.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-80448456340430137572009-05-03T12:43:00.000-07:002009-05-03T17:11:16.559-07:00A team is born.Please welcome matt to the team :)<br /><br />On another note, my In Absentia review is in the works, and should be out before tomorrow. Unfortunately Matt will beat me to it for first review. Good on him :)<br /><br />Update: Okay, he even beat me to announcing his arrival and album review.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-62314292682777207662009-05-03T12:26:00.000-07:002009-05-04T12:55:44.938-07:00[Review] Frost* - MilliontownFirstly, a brief hello from me. I'm that "certain recluse" Dan mentioned... yeah, anyway, I'm going to start us off by reviewing the album <span style="font-style: italic;">Milliontown</span> by Frost*.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kGnW5DpiBHg/Sf30Gy6ajvI/AAAAAAAAAKU/6lF_EAVPXj4/s1600-h/Milliontown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kGnW5DpiBHg/Sf30Gy6ajvI/AAAAAAAAAKU/6lF_EAVPXj4/s200/Milliontown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331685931459710706" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tracklisting:</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Hyperventilate (7:31)<br />2. No Me No You (6:06)<br />3. Snowman (3:54)<br />4. The Other Me (4:51)<br />5. Black Light Machine (10:07)<br />6. Milliontown (26:35)<br /></div><br /><span><span>I have a lot of interesting things to say about this album, and I’m not quite sure where to start.<br /><br />Okay, first off, I like this album, for a variety of reasons. It’s very unique, for one, and encompasses a variety of musical influences, including heavy rock and electronica. When I first listened to it, this put me off somewhat - the mixture of styles was tricky to listen to. But with more listening, it has grown and grown on me.<br /><br />At the core though, it’s great prog - though modern, I can hear early Genesis and Floyd in there, particularly in the guitar solos and keyboard work. The direction of the music is constantly changing, for example, the opening track <span style="font-style: italic;">Hyperventilate</span> begins with delicate piano, which morphs into wailing guitar and then a hectic heavier section which leaves the listener reeling.<br /><br />The next track, <span style="font-style: italic;">No Me No You</span>, begins with a pounding riff and dark, growling vocals, before breaking into emotionally-charged chorus section and includes some more light piano sections. I found <span style="font-style: italic;">Snowman</span> rather disappointing - it has none of the variation of the other tracks and the lyrics lack much depth, in my opinion. However, it is the shortest track and I can see it appealing to those who like something a bit more ambient.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Other Me</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Black Light Machine</span> both contain a great deal of electronica-influenced sounds, which works very well, but also have points where the music sounds distinctly… 80s pop. Fortunately, these come and go very quickly and for me don’t ruin the general feel of the music, though I’d still prefer it if they weren’t there.<br /><br />The title track <span style="font-style: italic;">Milliontown</span> is an epic six-parter, which clocks in at over 25mins. It includes some lovely guitar work and carries the listener full circle, beginning and ending with similar sections. A satisfying close to a satisfying album.<br /><br />Though it has its flaws, I’m in awe of what’s been achieved here - mixing various genres and taking influences from the 70s right through to present, and then combining them in a way which really works. No mean feat for a debut album.<br /></span></span><br /><span><span>I give it a solid:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">8/10</span></span><br /></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-14543774885908443552009-05-01T18:50:00.000-07:002009-05-03T12:45:44.730-07:00Quick info update.Thought this should be in a seperate post to the announcement:<br /><br />As you prog-heads might have noticed, I named this blog after the <span style="font-style: italic;">best</span> Yes album ever. Which nicely draws into this blog - It will most likely be focused upon prog-orientated albums, given the combination of mine and <a href="http://variations-on-a-dream.blogspot.com/">VoaD</a>'s current music tastes. However, I will be exploring other subgenres (and indeed genres). So expect everything from Opeth to Pendulum to Greg Howe to In Flames on here.<br /><br />To get the ball rolling, I may as well nominate my first album review:<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Absentia">In Absentia by Porcupine Tree</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7096681827378533447.post-77775363649575624242009-05-01T18:43:00.000-07:002009-05-01T18:58:25.686-07:00And so it begins.Time to announce my starting of this blog - a place I intend to put all of my musical thoughts, focusing especially upon album reviews. I hope to convince a certain recluse <a href="http://variations-on-a-dream.blogspot.com/">(VoaD)</a> to join me in my quest of regular (or just frequently sporadic) album reviews. I'm sure we can both find filler content in between reviews to entertain too..<br /><br />Not the best time to start a blog - 11 days till my exams start and here I am getting up in 6 hours. Ah well, it's the weekend, why not. It's not like I didn't get sub-5 hours of sleep per night for the past week. Ahem.<br /><br />EDIT: I will of course be editing this shoddy excuse of a theme, hand-crafting it lovingly with my own hands into a pillar of elegance that will shine out into the ever growing myriad of crappy website designs :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0