tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14338405516792157122024-03-18T10:03:28.575-04:00BB ChroniclesA Music-related blog containing information and commentary of my favorite music, as well as some choice downloads of quality, hard-to-find music (unofficial releases, ROIO's, concert bootlegs, etc.) available on the web.BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.comBlogger748125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-22583274553076722082024-03-17T14:38:00.002-04:002024-03-18T09:53:13.799-04:00World Party (Karl Wallinger, R.I.P. 1957-2024) - 1990-09-10 - Warfield Theater, San Francisco, CA<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbRnEPZnHOn-pa55B1pi0pzRgbLoxu59zJbRGCymg37tCzs1tBzIvV78u0zLv_yVwKtlEzgX35IpZsX2HJ9s9ggUptpO4BWyQY90ss6Ju714pPeffQHDO368T22rWx4Xg6K2yrNFb-1cufXa-3fD7Ft0bTTc9yXhEFwZr1hqCp9qeK68-VX_kyVFR7sa0/s2255/poster.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>World Party </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtgSTNqOKa90iGBMsgAVuCeAJLRo7WW6FDw9673_R8eYruwCFThSw7z_Qxz5M1svZ70C8Td-euQusFV9FxEtInOhr-PTXXBKCD-Vt_78ZHXnw0i7Zuxrcm65qESxnpDz4Z-bZ1tZa-gYw0_Iyfk-ggU1SeMMDMmxWXghvOujjx0FnGDxbbkUljC7ENDy_/s960/Wallinger.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="960" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtgSTNqOKa90iGBMsgAVuCeAJLRo7WW6FDw9673_R8eYruwCFThSw7z_Qxz5M1svZ70C8Td-euQusFV9FxEtInOhr-PTXXBKCD-Vt_78ZHXnw0i7Zuxrcm65qESxnpDz4Z-bZ1tZa-gYw0_Iyfk-ggU1SeMMDMmxWXghvOujjx0FnGDxbbkUljC7ENDy_/w400-h271/Wallinger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>(Karl Wallinger, R.I.P. 1957-2024) <br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1990-09-10</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Warfield Theatre,<br />San Francisco, CA<br /></b>Soundboard recording, very good quality</div><div style="text-align: left;">Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions</div><p>I heard that Welsh multi-instrumentalist musician, songwriter, and producer <b>Karl Wallinger</b> died this week. Although the name may not be very familiar to many, his musical contributions were substantial. He is best known for his band <b>World Party</b>, which essentially was a solo project with Wallinger playing all the instruments and vocal parts (but in later years added additional musicians and guest artists), as well as earlier for being the keyboard player for UK folk-rock band <b>The Waterboys</b> in the mid-eighties. He also worked on some film soundtracks and produced records for other artists. He worked with <b>Peter Gabriel</b> in performing, producing, and putting together the Real World Records album of International artist collaborations, <b>Big Blue Ball</b> (2008), which included a mix of western, African, and Asian musicians and took many years to create. In fact, it was from a post from Gabriel that I learned of Karl's death this week, as in referring to that album collaboration, Gabriel wrote of Karl: "I had admired his work from afar but it was when we did a Real World Recording Week together that I had the most creative and fun week I have ever had in the studio. Karl was overflowing with wonderful musical ideas that blew us all away, all delivered with terrible jokes that had us laughing uncontrollably all day and night. He was such a gifted, natural writer and player, it was a tap that he could turn on at will, effortlessly...Karl was an abundant talent and we have been given extraordinary music and memories from this extraordinary man."<br />As World Party, Karl released Five studio albums, <b>Private Revolution</b> (1986),<b> Goodbye Jumbo</b> (1990),<b> Bang</b> (1993), <b>Egyptology</b> (1997), and <b>Dumbing Up</b> (2000), in addition to a couple compilation albums. <b>Private Revolution</b> and <b>Goodbye Jumbo</b> are both classics, with <b>Goodbye Jumbo</b> being my favorite, and one of the best albums of the nineties. Karl's music is a mix of rock, folk, funk, and other genres, and the influences of his musical heroes, <b>The Beatles, Beach Boys, Dylan, Kinks</b>, and motown are readily apparent in Wallinger's songs and style, but he constructs his own musical world from these elements to create a marvelous blend. Some singles from his albums, including Ship of Fools, Way Down Now, Put the Message in the Box, and She's the One were modest hits. To honor Karl, here is a <b>World Party</b> show from 1990 in fine quality. <br /></p><p>Tracklist:<br />01. Private Revolution<br />02. All Come True<br />03. When The Rainbow Comes<br />04. Put The Message In The Box<br />05. Is It Too Late<br />06. Love Street<br />07. World Party<br />08. Way Down Now<br />09. Thank You World<br />10. Take It Up<br />11. Ship Of Fools<br />12. outro music<br /></p><p>FLAC - <a href="https://mega.nz/file/Etg0HLwL#QQeBqrFGonbaHJVJ2osLrAl75okv6TRHaTa0JDlO1aA">World Party_1990-09-10_SanFranciscoCA_FLAC.zip</a></p><p>Mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16395750/World_Party_1990-09-10_SanFranciscoCA_mp3.zip.html">World Party_1990-09-10_SanFranciscoCA_mp3.zip</a></p><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-27333786143588392612024-02-22T18:14:00.000-05:002024-02-22T18:14:03.424-05:00Peter Gabriel - 2014-11-28 - LG Arena, Birmingham, UK - So Back to Front Tour<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3g_vKF4KKhdUz1DaC6AWsWWoo79POSC-5Fxiuy21bEwwXuQOZaLEfrFSzIzeBzLHZvw2DHmhVg8dlSCnHGfpU1nobEg8-lX6v9Pdlq3o5VO5G_o30oryMamOvNf4hs0l_FeUAMvlDVZN4GSz5DLKVKun8LeR3RCQh-AyxmsjMJuyIXfhCSyGovodLji7/s2032/PG_BtF_Birm_cov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="2032" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3g_vKF4KKhdUz1DaC6AWsWWoo79POSC-5Fxiuy21bEwwXuQOZaLEfrFSzIzeBzLHZvw2DHmhVg8dlSCnHGfpU1nobEg8-lX6v9Pdlq3o5VO5G_o30oryMamOvNf4hs0l_FeUAMvlDVZN4GSz5DLKVKun8LeR3RCQh-AyxmsjMJuyIXfhCSyGovodLji7/w407-h280/PG_BtF_Birm_cov.jpg" width="407" /></a></div><b>Peter Gabriel<br />2014-11-28<br />LG Arena<br />Birmingham, UK<br /></b>Audience recording (Funbags 039), very good quality</div><div style="text-align: left;">Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320kbps) versions <br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;">Staying with the remarkable <b>Peter Gabriel</b>, and now moving up to the 2010's, here is a show from the Back to Front Tour, which included a live version of the complete <b>So</b> (1986) album, in addition to a great selection of songs from throughout his catalog. Another wonderful show from these later years. This show marks the conclusion of my look back at Peter Gabriel's live shows through the decades, as I have now featured a show from each of the six (SIX!) decades (1970's to 2020's) that Peter has been performing live, and which culminated with his sensational 2023<b> i/o</b> tour last year (<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/06/peter-gabriel-2023-05-24-stade-pierre.html">show featured here</a>). And he has been remarkable throughout all these decades. Don't know if that 2023 tour will mark the end of his touring days or not, but regardless, it was a monumental tour and year for Gabriel, ending with the release of the full <b>i/o</b>/album, which is one of his very best, and for me, the best album of 2023. And despite Gabriel being much older now than those early days back in the 70's, he still gives a great show and is making great music all these years later. Check out this 2014 show, as well as all the previous ones featured, if you haven't already. <br /></div><p><br />Tracklist<br />01 What Lies Ahead 07:36<br />02 Come Talk To Me 05:30<br />03 Shock The Monkey 05:03<br />04 Family Snapshot 04:45<br />05 Digging In The Dirt 06:18<br />06 Secret World 08:30<br />07 The Family And The Fishing Net 07:37<br />08 No Self Control 05:44<br />09 Solsbury Hill 09:42<br />10 Red Rain 05:54<br />11 Sledgehammer 06:26<br />12 Don't Give Up 08:16<br />13 That Voice Again 04:31<br />14 Mercy Street 06:50<br />15 Big Time 04:58<br />16 We Do What We're Told (Milgram's 37) 04:27<br />17 This Is The Picture 04:19<br />18 In Your Eyes 13:37<br />19 The Tower That Ate People 05:14<br />20 Biko 09:27<br /><br />Total Running Time : 2:14:44<br /><br />FLAC - <a href="https://mega.nz/file/m0kURaAT#q3XGssQScGNYW-lXoQxDIZTNK8iAlZv56gi4WzxTzeU">Peter_Gabriel_2014-11-28_Birmingham_FLAC.rar</a></p><div style="text-align: left;">mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16310859/Peter_Gabriel_2014-11-28_Birmingham_mp3.part1.rar.html">Peter_Gabriel_2014-11-28_Birmingham_mp3.part1.rar</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16310865/Peter_Gabriel_2014-11-28_Birmingham_mp3.part2.rar.html">Peter_Gabriel_2014-11-28_Birmingham_mp3.part2.rar</a></div><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-10823954486994281162024-02-15T19:12:00.001-05:002024-02-15T19:12:31.591-05:00Peter Gabriel - 2002-11-24 - MCI Center, Washington DC USA<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZzXjsxTUKu7nAK0pkBOo10W14YGakWVsRKJlmN3nGFMnjQubG0fTO_RHwxJfMmlj1FNAzbPsoa7ERfn1i0AKC3aSzWXlnyIYrJzcGIbya9-2HCSJuS9_kZ7DpZf9fqCV2OtCxx78wM_20hkPEfNRzpFXB95hL7eG6MTSqyOcTHYeBAHlpQ3tTNKh-wa-/s713/Peter%20Gabriel%202002-11-24%20Washington%20DC_covr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="710" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZzXjsxTUKu7nAK0pkBOo10W14YGakWVsRKJlmN3nGFMnjQubG0fTO_RHwxJfMmlj1FNAzbPsoa7ERfn1i0AKC3aSzWXlnyIYrJzcGIbya9-2HCSJuS9_kZ7DpZf9fqCV2OtCxx78wM_20hkPEfNRzpFXB95hL7eG6MTSqyOcTHYeBAHlpQ3tTNKh-wa-/w399-h400/Peter%20Gabriel%202002-11-24%20Washington%20DC_covr.jpg" width="399" /></a></div><b>Peter Gabriel<br />2002-11-24<br />MCI Center, Washington DC, USA<br /></b>Inside Up (Digital Reproductions DR 12402-4)<br />Audience master recording, excellent quality<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions<br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Here's more from Peter Gabriel, as we move on through the decades. here's a show from 2002, on the Growing Up Tour, in support of his new album at the time, Up (2002). This is a great audience recording from the Washington DC show, featuring several new songs from the current album, as well as many of the older and by now classic songs. And once again, another version of his dynamite backing band. Another great show from this master vocalist. musician, and performer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tracklist:</div><div style="text-align: left;">cd1<br />1.1 With This Love 03:06<br />1.2 Here Comes The Flood 04:26<br />1.3 Darkness 06:52<br />1.4 Red Rain 06:09<br />1.5 Secret World 10:56<br />1.6 Sky Blue 08:44<br />1.7 Downside Up 05:28<br />1.8 The Barry Williams Show 09:47<br />1.9 More Than This 07:24<br />1.10 Mercy Street 06:59<br />cd2<br />2.1 Digging In The Dirt 06:30<br />2.2 Growing Up 10:31<br />2.3 Animal Nation 10:08<br />2.4 Band Introductions 03:23<br />2.5 Solsbury Hill 04:22<br />2.6 Sledgehammer 06:33<br />2.7 Signal To Noise 08:56<br />2.8 In Your Eyes 14:08<br />2.9 Come Talk To Me 08:31<br />2.10 Father, Son 06:14</div><p style="text-align: left;">Peter Gabriel - Vocals, keyboards<br />David Rhodes - guitars, backing vocals<br />Tont Levin - Basses, electric cello, Chapman stick, backing vocals<br />Rachel Z - Keyboards, backing vocals<br />Richard Evans - Mandolin, dobro, guitars, backing vocals<br />Ged Lynch - Drums, percussion<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">FLAC - <a href="https://mega.nz/file/fwMSVDhK#Wa17ILbXhAreRl_Em-z3jOXJwdwcZqKkn5wzDGCA9Gc">Peter Gabriel_2002-11-24_WashingtonDC_FLAC.part1.rar</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://mega.nz/file/Wk0khL4C#2c1xNEOGc4CMuxw2S3ufa8P9hTA2ykE8U94X1zBhvp4">Peter Gabriel_2002-11-24_WashingtonDC_FLAC.part2.rar</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16283420/Peter_Gabriel_2002-11-24_WashingtonDC_mp3_cd1.rar.html">Peter_Gabriel_2002-11-24_WashingtonDC_mp3_cd1.rar</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16283421/Peter_Gabriel_2002-11-24_WashingtonDC_mp3_cd2.rar.html">Peter_Gabriel_2002-11-24_WashingtonDC_mp3_cd2.rar</a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-42827937391549728742024-02-08T19:33:00.000-05:002024-02-08T19:33:15.490-05:00Peter Gabriel - 1993-11-06 - Deutschlandhalle, Berlin, Germany - Secret World Tour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWUuLGbGrdj3JDvuybTCSDJGggalj8dwrR053B58UhPK_WBHits_YShyXAz6d1FFEXD62j1o48q-CKTg_epG-_Bq9aj0z95em19qmox9gcRNTGY8tsZSV8bby5Qsp89cGV8yGuBdD3LaLiAwxfN3jaTSZhi8rWAzUkE973UGZ39j12IAJ2_P7x_VV8SLo/s1417/PG_Bremen93_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1390" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWUuLGbGrdj3JDvuybTCSDJGggalj8dwrR053B58UhPK_WBHits_YShyXAz6d1FFEXD62j1o48q-CKTg_epG-_Bq9aj0z95em19qmox9gcRNTGY8tsZSV8bby5Qsp89cGV8yGuBdD3LaLiAwxfN3jaTSZhi8rWAzUkE973UGZ39j12IAJ2_P7x_VV8SLo/w393-h400/PG_Bremen93_cover.jpg" width="393" /></a></div><b>Peter Gabriel<br />1993-11-06<br />Deutschlandhalle,<br />Berlin, Germany<br />Secret World Tour<br /></b>Soundboard Recording ("Human Wave Wall" - Dr.Jones), Excellent quality<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) anf Mp3 (320 kbps) versions<br /><br />As we continue with this look at <b>Peter Gabriel</b> live shows, and move up into the 1990's now. Here is a fantastic recording of a great 1993 show from the <b>Secret World Tour</b>, which was in support of his 1992 album, <b>Us</b>, and was utterly amazing. This is from a Berlin Germany show, and very close to the time that the show was recorded and releases as Peter's <b>Secret World Live</b> album (1994). That recording was from a couple of shows in Italy several days after this one. But this recording is just as good, and one of the very best from this tour. It sounds sensational. This show has a very similar setlist as the<b> Secret World Live</b> album, but with a couple of additional songs. In this show, we lose Red Rain (unfortunately), but gain Games Without Frontiers, San Jacinto, and Schanpschuss (which is the German language version of Family Snapshot). So, even if you already have Secret World Live (which is a great live album), there are some additional gems in this show. A great setlist of songs, featuring many from <b>Us</b> and <b>So, </b>and Peter's sensational band make for a stunning show. <br /><p></p><p>Tracklist:<br />Disc 1<br />101 - Come Talk to Me<br />102 - Steam<br />103 - Games without Frontiers<br />104 - Across the River<br />105 - Slow Marimbas<br />106 - Shaking the Tree<br />107 - Blood of Eden<br />108 - San Jacinto<br />109 - Schanpschuss (Family Snapshot)<br />110 - Kiss that Frog<br />111 - Washing of the Water<br />112 - Solsbury Hill<br />Disc 2<br />201 - Digging in the Dirt<br />202 - Sledgehammer<br />203 - Secret World<br />204 - Don't Give Up<br />205 - In Your Eyes<br /><br />Peter Gabriel – lead vocals, harmonica, keyboards, rainstick<br />Paula Cole – additional vocals; co-lead vocals on "Shaking The Tree", "Blood Of Eden" and "Don't Give Up".<br />L. Shankar – violins, additional vocals<br />David Rhodes – guitar, backing vocals<br />Jean-Claude Naimro – keyboards, backing vocals<br />Tony Levin – bass, Chapman Stick, backing vocals<br />Manu Katché – drums<br />Levon Minassian – doudouk<br />Guest artists: Papa Wemba and his band Moloka<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16257699/Peter_Gabriel_1993-11-06_Berlin_mp3_disc1.rar.html">Peter Gabriel_1993-11-06_Berlin_mp3_disc1.rar</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16257705/Peter_Gabriel_1993-11-06_Berlin_mp3_disc2.rar.html">Peter_Gabriel_1993-11-06_Berlin_mp3_disc2.rar</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">FLAC - <a href="https://mega.nz/file/E0gGTTQa#NHruiSAZiIPwSyXHUteP_25UUz1e-_68wZ0KLGUkKN0">Peter Gabriel_1993-11-06_Berlin_FLAC_disc1.rar</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://mega.nz/file/0goT3DbD#2Ha3cH5v7dmhP0Pg88_lcJwSU7nWkIUX2xtzLgzmLTA">Peter Gabriel_1993-11-06_Berlin_FLAC_disc2.rar</a><br /></div>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-5535750330281601992024-01-31T19:01:00.004-05:002024-02-02T09:00:17.168-05:00Peter Gabriel - 1986 and 1988 Amnesty International Shows (1986-06-15 NJ and 1988-09-27 Tokyo)<p>Here's more <b>Peter Gabriel</b>. Now we're moving up to the 1980's, following the release of his most successful album, <b>So</b>, and shows he did in conjunction with Amnesty International. First, in 1986, as part of the Conspiracy of Hope series of shows, which featured Peter in addition to several other big name stars, including <b>U2, Sting, Bryan Adams, Lou Reed, Joan Baez</b>, and the <b>Neville Brothers</b>. Then, in 1988 there was the Human Rights Now! tour, also on behalf of Amnesty International, and was was more extensive, going worldwide, covering 30 shows on 5 different continents in September and October, 1988. In addition to Gabriel, those shows included performances by <b>Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Tracy Chapman, and Youssou N'Dour</b>, as well as local acts from each locality. Only the peter gabriel portion of the shows are featured here.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy3GafjkkXcRTB42AvfSRm1MGC0SVfWiMM7hA6ZVbVuXv0DmqO7z5YpYCtjLm8jY0u-0llFeUBMuSW36JikAtEmwoRM7bbdkn_WlsWuaHaeKq7UKhSAsuaFGkHAGhNl0wED-aExaW9AaAOZueHMr0VRp5WKaSqTc1buKjB5WAH2wUoBtXGXN_-peb1zv4/s1100/conspiracyofhope1986_gabriel.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAy3GafjkkXcRTB42AvfSRm1MGC0SVfWiMM7hA6ZVbVuXv0DmqO7z5YpYCtjLm8jY0u-0llFeUBMuSW36JikAtEmwoRM7bbdkn_WlsWuaHaeKq7UKhSAsuaFGkHAGhNl0wED-aExaW9AaAOZueHMr0VRp5WKaSqTc1buKjB5WAH2wUoBtXGXN_-peb1zv4/w400-h400/conspiracyofhope1986_gabriel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b>Peter Gabriel<br />Concert for Amnesty International <br />June 15, 1986<br />Giants Stadium, East Rutherford NJ<br /></b>FM Broadcast recording, very good quality<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 versions</p><p><br />This was the final show of the brief (6 show) tour, and featured additional guest artists such as Bob Geldof, Stanley Jordan, Jackson Browne, Howard Jones, and Miles Davis. However, this is just Peter Gabriel's portion of the all-day concert.</p><p></p><p>Tracklist:<br />01. Red Rain<br />02. Shock the Monkey<br />03. Family Snapshot<br />04. Sledgehammer<br />05. San Jacinto<br />06. Biko</p><p>Peter Gabriel - Vocals<br />David Sancious - Keyboards<br />David Rhodes - Guitars<br />Tony Levin - Bass<br />Manu Katche - Drums <br /></p><p> mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16227293/Peter_Gabriel_1986-06-15_E.RutherfordNJ_AmnestyInternational_mp3.zip.html">Peter_Gabriel_1986-06-15_E.RutherfordNJ_AmnestyInternational_mp3.zip</a> <br /></p><p></p><p>FLAC - <a href="https://mega.nz/file/55g2STYJ#FvT4zgGYmMfjQFGaP9sskpZEYejv3iOCQdfwBlm0S-8">Peter_Gabriel_1986-06-15_E.RutherfordNJ_AmnestyInternational_FLAC.zip</a></p><p><b> <br /></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkml1uC7dsV1zAq0NRx5R2NjNWWdQTkeR4bzQQVVtjDOi_MMWNq7Lu6pxHwgol3pbtq00ENJehqWyW64pN0f80SJZf-47TTD0aQSWtHXkqAq5bBR33J8P4eggLrDk1bj_nLMfBb-hwIBBvULsaqyO3OddrabF_vmsdTrslfr-xxh6RTsA7kc9x7CNg5oQf/s520/art.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="520" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkml1uC7dsV1zAq0NRx5R2NjNWWdQTkeR4bzQQVVtjDOi_MMWNq7Lu6pxHwgol3pbtq00ENJehqWyW64pN0f80SJZf-47TTD0aQSWtHXkqAq5bBR33J8P4eggLrDk1bj_nLMfBb-hwIBBvULsaqyO3OddrabF_vmsdTrslfr-xxh6RTsA7kc9x7CNg5oQf/w400-h400/art.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Peter Gabriel<br />1988-09-27<br />Human Rights Now! Tour<br />Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan<br /></b>Audience recording (virtuoso121), very good quality</div><div style="text-align: left;">Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 versions<br /></div><p></p><p>Tracklist:<br />01. Opening<br />02. Of These Hope <br />03. Games Without Frontiers <br />04. Red Rain <br />05. Shock the Monkey <br />06. No Self Control <br />07. Don't Give Up <br />08. Sledgehammer <br />09. Band intro <br />10. In Your Eyes <br />11. Biko <br /><br />Peter Gabriel - Vocals<br />David Sancious - Keyboards<br />David Rhodes - Guitars<br />Shankar - Violin<br />Manu Katche - Drums<br /><br />mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16227294/Peter_Gabriel_1988-09-27_Tokyo_Human_Rights_Tour_mp3.zip.html">Peter_Gabriel_1988-09-27_Tokyo_Human_Rights_Tour_mp3.zip</a></p><p>FLAC - <a href="https://mega.nz/file/ooghlbJA#EOcRdEgC-Jow-OBCBoMCX5cQhS0IYcMXtS4jZ-2veqY">Peter_Gabriel_1988-09-27_Tokyo_Human_Rights_Tour_FLAC.zip</a> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-56369589682751509952024-01-25T13:06:00.001-05:002024-01-25T13:06:41.603-05:00Peter Gabriel - 1978-09-30 & 10-01 - The Roxy, West Hollywood, CA <div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KjE0gt_MPIJXdYNvniaFQ08TS_htBkFOHLmvWMlhAMN_WrAoDfzXvIqLsd23IKhdSzlmnS8WNmI4ch6zu4nqawAokxVm5rjdw43gwdKyhrVg2Ue8kkSqbArVyijgt6-Hclv3Ll0qth_iNHmOKCL4Ep7JthyphenhyphenjagOt7ipKjJT7yPDVXOzTIu0RJaxbg4cp/s709/PGBwhwoodFr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="709" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KjE0gt_MPIJXdYNvniaFQ08TS_htBkFOHLmvWMlhAMN_WrAoDfzXvIqLsd23IKhdSzlmnS8WNmI4ch6zu4nqawAokxVm5rjdw43gwdKyhrVg2Ue8kkSqbArVyijgt6-Hclv3Ll0qth_iNHmOKCL4Ep7JthyphenhyphenjagOt7ipKjJT7yPDVXOzTIu0RJaxbg4cp/w400-h400/PGBwhwoodFr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p><b>PETER GABRIEL<br />1978-09-30 & 1978-10-01<br />Roxy, West Hollywood, CA<br /></b>[Mike Millard first generation cassettes via JEMS, 2CD]<br />The Lost and Found Mike the MICrophone Tapes Vol 14. <br />Live at The Roxy; West Hollywood, CA. September 30-October 1, 1978 (compilation from early and late sets). <br />Audience recording, very good quality<br />mp3 @ 320 kbps<br /><br />I have been really enjoying Peter Gabriel's latest album, <b>i/o</b>, which for me, was the best album of 2023, by far. Definitely check it out if you have not already. I previously <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/06/peter-gabriel-2023-05-24-stade-pierre.html">posted a show from Gabriel's most recent concert tour (i/o tour)</a>, which contained many songs from the new album. So, today, I thought I would go back to the early days of Gabriel's solo career and post a show from the late '70's. So, this is a show from 1978, featuring songs from Peter's first 2 solo albums, and a dynamite band (Tony Levin Jerry Marotta, Larry Fast, Sid McGinnis). Actually, this is a compilation of performances from 2 nights (4 sets) at the Roxy in West Hollywood, CA USA, compiling the best recordings from those 2 nights, as taped and selected by master taper, Mike Millard. Thus, we get a slightly longer, enhanced version of the show, as not all these songs were played at each show, but here we get them all. Very interesting to go back to hear Gabriel at this stage of his career and these earlier album shows, prior to the bulk of his solo artist success. A wonderful trip back to those earlier days of this magnificent artist, who is still going strong more than 45 years after these shows. For now, I'm just posting the mp3 version of the show (due to filesize sharing site issues), but if there is interest, I can also post the Lossless version. <br /> <br />Tracklist:<br />Disc 1<br />Track 101. Me And My Teddy Bear 2:22<br />Track 102. On Presuming To Be Modern/On The Air 7:03<br />Track 103. Moribund The Burgermeister 4:55<br />Track 104. Perspective 4:02<br />Track 105. Indigo 4:33<br />Track 106. Not One Of Us (early version) 3:30<br />Track 107. Take On Back (Family Snapshot) 4:06<br />Track 108. Humdrum 4:16<br />Track 109. A Wonderful Day In A One Way/World 4:15<br />Track 110. Home Sweet Home 5:17<br />Track 111. DIY 3:57<br />Track 112. Waiting For The Big One 6:07<br />Track 113. A Whiter Shade Of Pale 4:37<br />59 mins<br />Disc 2<br />Track 201. Mother Of Violence 3:48<br />Track 202. Exposure 5:20<br />Track 203. Slowburn 5:32<br />Track 204. Flotsam And Jestsam 4:18<br />Track 205. I Don’t Remember 4:52<br />Track 206. Solsbury Hill 6:01<br />Track 207. Modern Love 4:43<br />Track 208. Here Comes The Flood 4:19<br />Track 209. The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 5:52<br />Track 210. Animal Magic 4:47<br />Track 211. White Shadow 5:24<br />55 mins<br /><br />The Band<br />Peter Gabriel - Keyboards / Vocals <br />Tony Levin - Bass / Stick / Backing Vocals <br />Jerry Marotta - Drums / Backing Vocals <br />Larry Fast - Synthesizers<br />Timmy Capello - Piano / Sax<br />Sid McGinnis - Guitar / Backing Vocals<br /><br /><a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16205068/Peter_Gabriel_1978-09-30_Roxy_Hollywood_mp3_disc1.zip.html">Peter_Gabriel_1978-09-30_Roxy_Hollywood_mp3_disc1.zip</a></p><p><a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16205074/Peter_Gabriel_1978-09-30_Roxy_Hollywood_mp3_disc2.zip.html">Peter_Gabriel_1978-09-30_Roxy_Hollywood_mp3_disc2.zip</a></p><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-35642384715469872422024-01-15T18:50:00.000-05:002024-01-15T18:50:50.458-05:00OOP Vinyl Curiosities: Gabriel Bondage - Another Trip To Earth (1977)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY3tYzSFsNLVKnuhKbGlhKB9ydWdTvNUuD36M3Zv2NXhNso7QjkNXzvM38oXOQMNPcvZuBjotVAR6G8TqeG9rBcQfF6BXn-yDZe1rSRuDoHUncawHNr_X6rusWL-fn6EifFtLO86I8gDgg2kDe7axPUNK3s3As_GBr2QLvSAeEeY1a6LlhNZUVvklnnuB/s600/GBondage_ATTE_77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="596" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY3tYzSFsNLVKnuhKbGlhKB9ydWdTvNUuD36M3Zv2NXhNso7QjkNXzvM38oXOQMNPcvZuBjotVAR6G8TqeG9rBcQfF6BXn-yDZe1rSRuDoHUncawHNr_X6rusWL-fn6EifFtLO86I8gDgg2kDe7axPUNK3s3As_GBr2QLvSAeEeY1a6LlhNZUVvklnnuB/w398-h400/GBondage_ATTE_77.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><b>OOP Vinyl Curiosities: <br /></b><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Gabriel Bondage<br />Another Trip To Earth - 1977<br />Dharma Records<br /></b>(Prog/folk/rock/misc)</div><div style="text-align: left;">mp3@320 kbps <br /></div><p>Time for another out-of-print (OOP) vinyl curiosity, where I feature a relatively obscure vinyl-only release. Today I have the second (and final) album from the Chicago-area would-be Prog band Gabriel Bondage, Another Trip to Earth, released in 1977 on Dharma Records. Gabriel Bondage featured a group of talented musicians and varied instrumentation, including sax, flute, clarinet, and prominent synths and keyboards in addition to the standard guitar, bass, and drums. They were trying to establish themselves in a similar lane as their fellow Chicago band Styx, with a mix of progressive rock and more mainstream pop/rock. Their first album, Angel Dust (1975), was a bit more folk-oriented, but with this album, they tried going more progressive, with mixed results. The main problem seems to be that the band couldn't seem to decide just what they wanted to be, as the album includes many quite different styles, from the full-on ELP-style prog of the album opener, Take It On a Dare, to a somewhat country-folk song, Long Time, some folk-rock/light rock songs and ballads, straight ahead blues-rock and pomp rock, to the psychedelic space-rock of the extended album closer, Fallen Angels, which also includes 4 minutes of trippy sound collage (ala Revolution 9). But strangest of all is the lounge act put-on song, All I Know, done in the mocking style reminiscent of the Beatles' You Know My Name, complete with pseudo audience chatter and clinking glasses, which just doesn't fit in here at all. However, several of the songs themselves are quite good, even if the overall album is a bit too scattered (which may be why the band never quite caught on). Fine musicianship, with fine vocals, nice keyboard work, and the welcome addition of winds (flute, sax, clarinet) throughout. Highlights are Take It on a Dare, No Winners, Birth of the Unconquered Sun, Living in the City, In the Daylight. Another notable feature of this album is that it was released on colored vinyl (in three different colors: translucent blue, translucent red, and white). Unfortunately, as with many other specialty vinyl releases in the '70's, the colored vinyl is softer and more prone to clicks and pops, which are ever-present numerous throughout this recording (even after attempting to remove via software). This is a needle drop recording of my blue vinyl version of the album, which I bought back in 1977, and even though I've only played this a few times over the years, the background noise is substantial. Anyway, this is a true vinyl curiosity. An interesting artifact from the '70's. Worth checking out, uniquely idiosyncratic, but certainly not without its issues. <br /></p><p>Tracklist:<br />This Side<br />01. Take It On A Dare<br />02. Long Time<br />03. Living In The City<br />04. Birth Of The Unconquered Sun<br />05. In The Daylight<br />That Side<br />06. No Winners<br />07. All I Know<br />08. Those Games<br />09. Fallen Angels<br /><br />Rex Bundy - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Timpani<br />Tony Stram -Bass, Vocals<br />Noel Levitt - Drums<br />L.James Biernacki - Guitar, Mandolin, Vocals<br />Ron Schwartz - Keyboards<br />Bill Wisniewski - Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Vocals<br /><br />Cover Art - Maurice Wilson<br />Arranged and Produced by Gabriel Bondage<br />Engineer - David Huston<br />Recorded and mixed at Rainbow Bridge Studios, Libertyville, IL<br /><br /><a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16169404/Gabriel_Bondage_Another_Trip_to_Earth_1977.rar.html">Gabriel Bondage_Another Trip to Earth_1977.rar</a></p><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-8189533962491015892024-01-07T16:50:00.000-05:002024-01-07T16:50:57.282-05:00Happy New Year! - and Celebrating a Blog Viewership Milestone<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aKULfm_5ZOFALgT-viHb6ej587ZzxzK3917TQugJ7jE2nj5wveMFd3JpJQtdfvGlt-bKKK95Itv8ko_XEf19T9Tf4EMlKp0PWuMPGvAtnTUfqX7gv_Yyj39Ezodhi4VvAKEmGVvBkT4DviUWF-7yLEHJ5IR6mXky8JFl9LUkYNfK79AKvaq3T4LMw9py/s736/00eabb2ea9d7eac7f5e6ad433fbac1a7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="736" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-aKULfm_5ZOFALgT-viHb6ej587ZzxzK3917TQugJ7jE2nj5wveMFd3JpJQtdfvGlt-bKKK95Itv8ko_XEf19T9Tf4EMlKp0PWuMPGvAtnTUfqX7gv_Yyj39Ezodhi4VvAKEmGVvBkT4DviUWF-7yLEHJ5IR6mXky8JFl9LUkYNfK79AKvaq3T4LMw9py/w480-h270/00eabb2ea9d7eac7f5e6ad433fbac1a7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><b>Starting the New Year with a Milestone</b><br /></p><p>Hey There! As the calendar turned over to the new year of 2024 (Happy New Year Everyone!), this blog reached another viewership milestone. In the lifetime of this blog, it has now amassed over 6,000,000 (6 Million) views! Cool, although of course, it has taken over 15 years to get there, so on a yearly basis it's not that much, but still, 6 million. Not bad for such a part-time, whenever-I-have-time-for-it type blog. It's had its ups and downs, but persevered through numerous setbacks and filesharing closures and shutdowns. So, moving forward through the new year and beyond, things will continue on pretty much the same here. I will endeavor to post commentary on new albums and band/artist album rankings as I see them, as well as interesting unreleased concert recordings and demos as they become available. Currently I have not yet found a replacement filesharing service for the Ulozto.net shutdown, which I was using for all the larger size files (>200 MB), thus most of those links are no longer active. Plus, there are still many of the solidfile links that have not been replaced following that site shutdown last year. But I am continuing to try to keep as many of the download links as possible available, but it has been a losing battle recently. Anyway, I will continue on providing as much new content as I can muster. Coming in the next few weeks will be an album ranking of a classic band, another OOP vinyl curiosities post, some more capsule album reviews, and hopefully a few more concert recordings. So, thank you to all those that have stuck with this endeavor and keep coming back to check out what I have here, and thank you to all that have contributed to reaching this milestone of 6 million views. Hopefully there are still many many more to come.</p><p> </p><p></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-76462265292033890312023-12-27T12:30:00.002-05:002024-01-08T17:40:28.494-05:00Favorite Songs of 2023 - My Top 25 Songs<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwYPLkXcepYTtRrRYHbHhOmUgcwwuUjoXkdObDGlMxW96LZ73y88dNFFpJbNSYLte99xx2cqc1vo9Ps3kDu-0L2SQn34RUHZMjVCyAr3J-C6o48cPyE1xH_37wB_y9EotXRe3Yid35YjfBdCwfiobX479r4yV2cbE6MmyzATb3b_04D8IgGsWtnexH9nM/s3031/Songs_23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="3031" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwYPLkXcepYTtRrRYHbHhOmUgcwwuUjoXkdObDGlMxW96LZ73y88dNFFpJbNSYLte99xx2cqc1vo9Ps3kDu-0L2SQn34RUHZMjVCyAr3J-C6o48cPyE1xH_37wB_y9EotXRe3Yid35YjfBdCwfiobX479r4yV2cbE6MmyzATb3b_04D8IgGsWtnexH9nM/w569-h282/Songs_23.jpg" width="569" /></a></div><p><br /> <b>My Top 25 Favorite Songs of 2023</b></p><p>As already chronicled in my best albums lists, there were a lot of really good albums in 2023. So, here are my favorite songs from those albums and elsewhere. As usual, it's an eclectic list, you won't find any radio songs or hits of any kind here. These are primarily just my favorite song from my favorite albums. On some of those albums, there are numerous songs that could be on the list, just filled with great songs. However, I have have limited the list to include just one song (my overall favorite) from any album, so as to include as many different artists as possible. Anyway, here is my list, certainly not comprehensive in any way, just some of the individual songs I have really enjoyed this year.</p><p>1. Hotel Daedalus - Motorpsycho </p><p>2. Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse - Moon Safari</p><p>3. Seize The Day - We Came From Space</p><p>4. Playing For Time - Peter Gabriel</p><p>5. Solitude, Silence, and Steam - This Winter Machine</p><p>6. Pursuit of No Regret - The Guess Who</p><p>7. Dream Fortune - I am the Manic Whale</p><p>8. Merry-Go-Round - Kite Parade</p><p>9. Holding Pattern - Nickel Creek</p><p>10. Cell to Call Home - Advent Horizon</p><p>11. Clouds with Ellipses - Ben Folds</p><p>12. Clouds That Never Rain - Patter-Seeking Animals <br /></p><p>13. Threnody For a Dead Queen - Comedy of Errors </p><p>14. What Life Brings - Steven Wilson</p><p>15. Mirror to the Sky - Yes </p><p>16. Turning of the World - Tiger Moth Tales</p><p>17. Political - Dirt Poor Robins</p><p>18. Push - Trevor Rabin</p><p>19. The Pilot is Not Fit to Fly - Overhead</p><p>20. Is That How the Story Ends? - Mystery</p><p>21. The Long Goodbye - Galahad</p><p>22. Big Town Banky Blaine's Rockabilly BBQ - Bear Ghost<br /></p><p>23. To Find the Light, Part 2 - Great Wide Nothing</p><p>24. The Lessons They Bring - Dream the Electric Sleep</p><p>25. The Place Where I Belong - Riverside </p><p>Ok, so that about wraps up my year-end round-up for 2023. What were some of your
favorite songs of the year? Next, on to 2024 and all the new exciting
music that will be coming out over the next year. Thanks for staying with me throughout the year, and hopefully into next year as well. </p><p></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-28374639138941712112023-12-24T11:39:00.002-05:002024-01-04T14:30:16.188-05:00More Favorite Albums of the Year - 2023 - Best of the Rest<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJBDCklME-n7ugjWB9JWmwwg2EZkDLcrjCefkFYqhMsOhcYXXmwd4oGc8-KDefuoMM1F8BWVJ78lEWXh4rigGN2FVGJ9CRQuXqWGMBUAs9zbD1a6oGOcD_N-u-8sKe1BJUYYRUhKcHoCVEOVAV5U5SfB2EsrVG4Xd0U_0MXGCoiCzSKrlN8dRncjTu1Z_/s3140/top+25_2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1807" data-original-width="3140" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJBDCklME-n7ugjWB9JWmwwg2EZkDLcrjCefkFYqhMsOhcYXXmwd4oGc8-KDefuoMM1F8BWVJ78lEWXh4rigGN2FVGJ9CRQuXqWGMBUAs9zbD1a6oGOcD_N-u-8sKe1BJUYYRUhKcHoCVEOVAV5U5SfB2EsrVG4Xd0U_0MXGCoiCzSKrlN8dRncjTu1Z_/w477-h274/top+25_2023.jpg" width="477" /></a></div><br /><b>Here are some more of my favorite albums of 2023 - those that did not make my Top 25 list</b><p></p><p>There were a lot of really good albums in 2023, many more than could fit in the Top 25. So, here are more albums that I really enjoyed in 2023. These are all good to very good albums, but just were not quite the very best (top 25) of the year. These all deserve more comment and commentary, but unfortunately, I was just not able to get to review them more properly (just didn't have time). But here is a listing of more high quality albums from 2023, with just a designation of the category or type of music they represent. These are not exactly ranked, but are somewhat vaguely in descending order of how much I liked them, and are also divided into the general categories of Prog and Non-Prog (as is apparent, most of what I listened to fell somewhat in the general category of Prog or prog-related). Regardless, quite a lot of fine music to check out. <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mostly Progressive rock and Prog-related</b><br />Lars Frederik Froislie - Fire Foretellinger (Mostly instrumental symphonic prog)<br />Sunchild - Exotic Creatures and a Stolen Dream (Symphonic prog)<br />Trevor Rabin - Rio (Symphonic prog/classic rock)<br />Bruce Soord - Luminescence (softer, gentler, dreamier prog)<br />Steven Wilson - The Harmony Codex (mixture of prog with pop, electronica, art-rock)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mystery - Redemption (Symphonic Neo-prog)<br />Galahad - The Long Goodbye (Symphonic Neo-prog) <br />Cyan - Pictures From the Other Side (Symphonic Neo-prog)<br />Tritop - The Rise of Kassandra (Heavy Prog)<br />Neal Morse - Joseph the Dreamer, Part 1 (Symphonic Prog)<br />Starquake - At the Circus (Neo-prog)<br />Karnataka - Requiem for a Dream (Orchestral symphonic prog)<br />Unitopia - Seven Chambers (jazzy symponic prog)<br />United Progressive Fraternity - Planetary Overload, Part 2: Hope (jazzy Symphonic Prog)<br />Zopp - Dominion (Canterbury scene)<br />Karfagen - Passage to the Forest of Mysterious (Symphonic Prog)<br />Jordsjo - Salighet (Symphonic Prog)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Squeaky Feet - (jazzy, mostly instrumental Prog)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Monarch Trail - Four Sides (Symphonic Prog)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Fierce and The Dead - News From the Invisible World<br />Vamoosery - Moving Foward (Alt.Rock Prog)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Crown Lands - Fearless (Heavy Prog)<br />Jethro Tull - RokFlote (Folk Prog)<br />OK Goodnight - The Fox and the Bird (Prog Metal)<br />M-Opus - At the Mercy of Manannan (Symphonic Prog)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oblivion Protocol - Fall of the Shires - (Symphonic Prog)<br />Jason Bieler and the Baron von Bielski Orchestra - Postcards from the Asylum (Prog Metal Pop/Eclectic Power Pop)<br />Press to Enter - From Mirror to Road (Prog Metal Pop/Eclectic Power Pop)<br />Tiger Moth Tales - The Turning of the World (Symphonic Prog)</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Flower Kings - Look at You Now (Symphonic Prog)<br />Subsignal - A Poetry of Rain (melodic prog)<br />Glass Hammer - Arise (Prog metal) <br />Bear Ghost - Jiminy (Eclectic pop prog)<br />Plank - The Future of the Sea (Space rock/prog<br />Deposed King - One Man's Grief (Eclectic prog)<br />Giant Sky - Giant Sky II (Eclectic prog)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ice Age - Waves of Loss and Power (prog metal)<br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>Non-Prog albums (Rock, pop, etc.)</b><br />Sufjan Stevens - Javelin<br />D'Virgilio, Morse, and Jennings - Sophomore<br />Wilco - Cousin<br />The Pretenders - Relentless<br />Foo Fighters - Here We Are<br />The Lemon Twigs - Everything Harmony<br />Barenaked Ladies - In Flight<br />Paul Simon - Seven Psalms<br /><br />All together that's more than 70 new albums in 2023 that I really enjoyed. </p><p style="text-align: left;">What did I miss out on? What were your favorites for 2023?<br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-40210177897567137672023-12-24T11:14:00.000-05:002023-12-24T11:14:18.328-05:00Merry Christmas 2023! - Previously posted Christmas and winter-themed music available<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8XS_jwhEcr6srulBGFmrAnbQNRQIoIKiGrqWgbkkI1z2y5Yn7w_6YxGzvY9gpJUrliafRv0MZ697IRWyyV5FI4_Eq1wiPhKhuaMtzhpCVFlWfeaw_CyTXXsJRcQVTSkCMwEGWdjk_daD8_PfS5NY-8S_hqQoUfKVxV6WK3SvsESNPdxnWGviB-tsjE60/s667/merry-christmas-and-new-year-typography-on-shiny-xmas-background-with-winter-landscape-with-snowflakes-light-stars-merry-christmas-card-free-vector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="667" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8XS_jwhEcr6srulBGFmrAnbQNRQIoIKiGrqWgbkkI1z2y5Yn7w_6YxGzvY9gpJUrliafRv0MZ697IRWyyV5FI4_Eq1wiPhKhuaMtzhpCVFlWfeaw_CyTXXsJRcQVTSkCMwEGWdjk_daD8_PfS5NY-8S_hqQoUfKVxV6WK3SvsESNPdxnWGviB-tsjE60/w439-h264/merry-christmas-and-new-year-typography-on-shiny-xmas-background-with-winter-landscape-with-snowflakes-light-stars-merry-christmas-card-free-vector.jpg" width="439" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! </b><br />
<br />
Wishing all of you the best this holiday season. And if you haven't yet had your fill and are still in the mood for more Christmas and Winter-themed music, there is plenty here available for you. Although I don't have a new special collection of Christmas music this year (I do them every other year -even years), there is still much to offer if you haven't already he checked out my previous collections and other Christmas music posts. So, here's a listing of all the Christmas, Holiday, and Winter themed music
and shows available here,
including all my previous unique delightful
and eclectic Christmas-related collections. In addition, there are several other
Christmas-related shows and compilations that have been posted
previously. As I've said before, personally, I love Christmas music of all types,
classical, rock, pop, jazz, etc., from the traditional to the
outrageous, the serious to the silly, the classics to the newest
ditties, and these compilations contain some of my favorites. Enjoy the
season while it lasts. </p><p><b>BB Chronicles Collections:</b><br />
</p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2022/12/bb-chronicles-christmas-compilation.html">BB Chronicles 2022 Christmas Collection</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2020/12/bb-chronicles-2020-christmas-collection.html">BB Chronicles 2020 Christmas Collection - A Coping with Covid Christmas</a></div><p>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2018/12/bbs-christmas-collection-2018-bb.html">BB's Christmas Collection 2018 - New, Old, and Revived</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2016/12/bb-chronicles-christmas-collections-2016.html">BB's Chronicles Christmas Collections 2016 (featuring 2 full collections - Bright and Blue)</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2014/12/bbs-christmas-chronicle-2014-christmas.html">BB's Christmas Chronicle 2014 - Tiny Tree Christmas</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2012/12/no-rest-for-ye-merry-gentlemen-bb.html">BB Chronicles Holiday Sampler 2012 - No Rest for Ye Merry Gentlemen</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2012/12/bb-chronicles-christmas-chollection-2010.html">BB Chronicles Echlectic Christmas Chollection 2010 </a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Other Christmas posts:</b><br />
<br />
Aimee Mann and Ted Leo Christmas Shows: <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2015/12/aimee-mann-ted-leo-friends-2014-12-09.html">2014<b> </b>- Boston</a><b> ; </b><a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2016/12/aimee-mann-ted-leo-friends-2015-12-09.html">2015 - Boston</a> ; <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-aimee-mann-ted-leo-christmas-show.html">2019 - Los Angeles</a><br />
</p><p><a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-celtic-christmas-sojourn-2015-12-20.html">A Celtic Christmas Sojourn - 2015-Boston</a></p><p><a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2019/12/nick-lowe-featuring-los-straitjackets.html">Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets - Nick Lowe’s Quality Holiday Review - 2015-Los Angeles</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2009/12/bruce-springsteen-live-christmas.html">Bruce Springsteen Live Christmas compilations</a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2010/12/chicago-1998-12-08-los-angeles.html">Chicago - 1998 Christmas show</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2014/12/bill-kirchen-too-much-fun-2010-12-16.html">Bill Kirchen's Honky Tonk Holiday Party - 2010 - Northampton, MA </a><br />
<br />
Enjoy some festive Holiday music!.</p><p>Again, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to All!</p><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-87123947778536398522023-12-20T16:23:00.005-05:002023-12-27T11:43:01.277-05:00Favorite Albums of the Year - 2023 - Top 25<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRAajm1r-rSI-uyOU0Ir0cDQk7gz9GHmDaHtq1MMMVBiIuhpL_LkvoDjMXSoHKPQk3QhBcA-IlRNs3JPr08oiY9b9s55BmGSBA-4CmYjSkoVsvBZLARNZJfe9cXz9dHYJHjHCEx60F0J9YkS9TIBWmTJTkMsbQRbdz8n1FpgdyePUJDJxPTrnd9_lu2by/s3172/top25_2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1747" data-original-width="3172" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikRAajm1r-rSI-uyOU0Ir0cDQk7gz9GHmDaHtq1MMMVBiIuhpL_LkvoDjMXSoHKPQk3QhBcA-IlRNs3JPr08oiY9b9s55BmGSBA-4CmYjSkoVsvBZLARNZJfe9cXz9dHYJHjHCEx60F0J9YkS9TIBWmTJTkMsbQRbdz8n1FpgdyePUJDJxPTrnd9_lu2by/w476-h262/top25_2023.jpg" width="476" /></a></div> <p></p><p><b>Favorite Albums of the Year - 2023 - Top 25</b></p><p></p><p>Well, here we are at the end of another year, and time to take a look back at my favorite new music from throughout the year. Overall, it was a very good year, lots of new, interesting bands, and lots of really good albums, although relatively few real standout masterpiece/near-masterpiece albums. But in looking over other published lists of 'best' albums from various on-line sources, I find that I live in an almost completely different musical world from these lists, as I do not know or am not interested in 95% of the artists and albums I see listed, and almost none of the artists or albums I listen to are listed at all. There are so many sources and outlets for music these days, and with streaming and Bandcamp and the lot, artists no longer need major record labels to be heard or make an impact, and each little niche or style has there own support communities, connected through the internet, creating their own little worlds of music. I know that I am in a relatively obscure corner of the music world, listening primarily to progressive rock, but it is a particularly active and robust corner, with lots of great music being made. Anyway, be forewarned that the bulk of the albums I have in my list are in the realm of progressive rock, with just a few more mainstream artists. Anyway, these are my picks for the top 25 albums of 2023, being my favorites of the year. But there were many more worthwhile albums this year, so I will also be adding a lengthy list of honorable mention albums in a separate post. Some of these I previously reviewed earlier in the year, but, unfortunately, I was not able to post reviews for anything that came out from about mid-August on, and there were quite a lot of great releases this fall, so those will be new here. Again, these are just my favorites, my own opinion of the best music I heard. Certainly you will have your own selections for what was the best.<br /><br />But before I get to the actual list, I need to highlight a few great holdover albums that either came out too late to be included in my 2022, or that I just did not know about until 2023. I've previously included reviews of these, but they deserve a special mention, because, if they would have come out this year, they would definitely have been included in the top 25. And these are:<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Verbal Delirium - Conundrum (2022) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXf7S9xF1vzz56ypBq-94M1AhExICQpTL7RUZ2vc7Zf-SNmXg3m0TQgSCNZVwx4djQKx_UQJrg9NzaAy7_vX0DoXjqbQyxKLcrq2qv64NKZF8lLYp5GRNVdfhkwMrsxZHQZNfKvzV938G8INanhyKboPQ6xeZp8B2lE8nhlZUkABoY9IGZnqscXSQ7IVy/s1702/vdc-rhmc_22.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1702" data-original-width="572" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXf7S9xF1vzz56ypBq-94M1AhExICQpTL7RUZ2vc7Zf-SNmXg3m0TQgSCNZVwx4djQKx_UQJrg9NzaAy7_vX0DoXjqbQyxKLcrq2qv64NKZF8lLYp5GRNVdfhkwMrsxZHQZNfKvzV938G8INanhyKboPQ6xeZp8B2lE8nhlZUkABoY9IGZnqscXSQ7IVy/w135-h400/vdc-rhmc_22.jpg" width="135" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unique prog band from Greece, combining many disparate elements including pop, rock, jazz, soul, musical theater, and metal into a unique musical experience. Their mix of musical styles are constantly merging in interesting and enigmatic ways throughout, while still maintaining strong melodies and emotions. Very inventive, creative, and refreshing approach. <br /><b>Collage - Over and Out (2022)</b><br />Polish Prog band that plays in a style similar to Marillion. Lush, majestic sound, provocative themes, emotive vocals, great melodic lines, and exhilarating instrumental passages with soaring guitar and swirling keyboards</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Rocking Horse Music Club - Circus of Wire Dolls (2022)</b><br />Absolutely fantastic album from this music collective based out of the Rocking Horse Studio in New Hampshire (USA). A Sprawling double concept album/prog rock opera featuring a variety of musical styles. The music tells the story of a man who has created a miniature circus of figurines made of wire, string, and cloth. As he nears the end of his life, he imagines the dolls each telling their own stories, with human thoughts and emotions, which actually reflect aspects of his own life. It features many guest vocalists playing different parts, and although on the surface it is a story about a miniature circus, it is really about a man looking back on his life, his work, the people, his successes, his failures, his regrets. And the different voices provides the opportunity for many different musical styles. Overall, the songs are touching and beautiful, with great melodies, themes, and recurring motifs. Of particular note is the impeccable production, arrangements, and attention to detail, always with the seemingly best combination of instrumentation and musical flourishes that are just right for each song, whether that might be strings, horns, clarinet, or whatever, and always most tastefully done. A masterful album that deserves more attention. Would have been near the very top of my rankings in 2022 or 2023. </div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBpnQBWoEfZth79B4DZOLZyNG0C_3djhlUrmm2xBUIHCWR_LHFwSevZekvN2AeJTnCHz-Av37EULvS_eQ0OOQA-Mz8T2Tu2mGqeX28LPe0KdUa7RqDeEsslclOjOQjywJG1PS9UAW_OrkpW6nJ24RH5wM138L91b-opluSaXtlb9rv9JcX-h0W61FgaYV/s1546/25-22_c.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="1546" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBpnQBWoEfZth79B4DZOLZyNG0C_3djhlUrmm2xBUIHCWR_LHFwSevZekvN2AeJTnCHz-Av37EULvS_eQ0OOQA-Mz8T2Tu2mGqeX28LPe0KdUa7RqDeEsslclOjOQjywJG1PS9UAW_OrkpW6nJ24RH5wM138L91b-opluSaXtlb9rv9JcX-h0W61FgaYV/w280-h280/25-22_c.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><b>My Top 25 of 2023:</b><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>25. Big Big Train - Ingenious Devices </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Beautiful reworkings of four masterful long BBT songs from previous albums. Not new songs, but still so good had to include it here <br /><b>24. Riverside -ID.Entity</b><br />8th album from Polish Prog Metal band that features melodic songs, soaring vocals, and majestic themes <br /><b>23. Downes Braide Association - Celestial Songs</b> <br />Geoff Downes, Rick Braide, Dave Bainbridge - Wonderful symphonic progressive pop songs<br /><b>22. Dream the Electric Sleep - American Mystic</b><br />5th album from US progressive rock trio featuring wall of guitar sound and melodic rock with a hard rock edge</div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs1bweWaOQjp45nhrgtYHtIuUkYB7InXR8OvNrOAlN6zWnyJT3745ale1npDyjOEc3itApylQKnr73syNQHX02HmAkQwD-dbVoP9ME7zgob-e9MHM97NMyuzD5Ec0712658WHzhMJZo4plV18TKQdaMQ0goRaaNGBUZVm_34fvC2eIUbk01AT78TtznyO/s1553/21-18_c.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1552" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs1bweWaOQjp45nhrgtYHtIuUkYB7InXR8OvNrOAlN6zWnyJT3745ale1npDyjOEc3itApylQKnr73syNQHX02HmAkQwD-dbVoP9ME7zgob-e9MHM97NMyuzD5Ec0712658WHzhMJZo4plV18TKQdaMQ0goRaaNGBUZVm_34fvC2eIUbk01AT78TtznyO/w278-h278/21-18_c.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>21. Southern Empire - Another World</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aussie symphonic and melodic prog featuring a diversity of sounds and styles, grand melodies <br /><b>20. Yes - Mirror to the Sky</b><br />Strong return to form album from legendary prog band, best in many years<br /><b>19. Earthside - Let the Truth Speak</b><br />Adventurous, cinematic Prog. Bold, dramatic, intriguing, a wild ride and a unique musical experience<br /><b>18. Chronicles of Father Robin - Songs and Tales of Airoea, Books 1 and 2</b><br />Members of Norewegian prog bands <b>Wobbler</b>, <b>Tusmorke</b>, and <b>Jordsjo</b> join together to create an epic prog creation </div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>17. Agusa - Prima Materia</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUcZloRHur5vFb_5Hx8XGfjCEUnd1-_R2otysNXz7WOIv2sfcQtnQKgS_CkXU38fM9pEZyltNHF7DIO8nYczANmB61w5Yq1JJnDw9_fevk9UUE7lEmSsbwLrtziZyPcUHIhzla4r5DFR_lBAlQlHLSmYPAjnp31iYlpPF0lxW-E4Z_miIGVqygObud88Y/s1553/17-14_c.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1553" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUcZloRHur5vFb_5Hx8XGfjCEUnd1-_R2otysNXz7WOIv2sfcQtnQKgS_CkXU38fM9pEZyltNHF7DIO8nYczANmB61w5Yq1JJnDw9_fevk9UUE7lEmSsbwLrtziZyPcUHIhzla4r5DFR_lBAlQlHLSmYPAjnp31iYlpPF0lxW-E4Z_miIGVqygObud88Y/w279-h279/17-14_c.jpg" width="279" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jazzy, improvisational, instrumental prog from Swedish band featuring lush organ, scorching guitar, and airy flute</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>16. Overhead - Telepathic Minds</b><br />Massive magnum opus double album of heavy Prog from veteran Finnish band. Great variety, with epic guitar, flute, keyboards<br /><b>15. Pattern-Seeking Animals - Spooky Action at a Distance</b><br />Following up their great 2022 album (<b>Only Passing Through</b>) with a bit different sound. Not quite as consistently great as previous album (a couple weaker tracks), but still a wonderful melodic prog album <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>14. Great Wide Nothing - Hymns for Hungry Spirits, Part II </b> US prog trio follow-up to 2020's <b>vol.1</b> features impressive melodic prog with elements of 70's, 80's, and modern prog</div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQNd49gPABUk408T2BeX9h1_qDr0XiFwQnL_JjuHjlewPjfP3G9NvxJEDAQfllrb-yYYzQeJT18tdTjvU7pflKVWcxw_Qqmw3mgNTwT3P0obsMGckfmqYTy9o8UNdZfZ2E3Qu9ZqdTlbUCm_kIB8n83sja7kzisV92OG_ftiaEVD-d2ketXw5KTVm55o3/s1557/13-11_c.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1557" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQNd49gPABUk408T2BeX9h1_qDr0XiFwQnL_JjuHjlewPjfP3G9NvxJEDAQfllrb-yYYzQeJT18tdTjvU7pflKVWcxw_Qqmw3mgNTwT3P0obsMGckfmqYTy9o8UNdZfZ2E3Qu9ZqdTlbUCm_kIB8n83sja7kzisV92OG_ftiaEVD-d2ketXw5KTVm55o3/w279-h279/13-11_c.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>13. We Came From Space - Overlords</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Keyboardist Bill Hubauer's (<b>Neal Morse Band</b>) side project features 70's and 80's classic rock and power pop influences mixed with progressive attitude and a fun, loose approach<br /><b>12. Ben Folds - What Matters Most</b><br />Ben's first album in eight years delivers bright, catchy melodies, and insightful, engaging, moving depictions of modern life, with both humor and poignancy<br /><b>11. Comedy of Errors - Threnody for a Dead Queen</b><br />Scottish prog band with follow-up to 2022's wonderful <b>The Time Machine</b> with this gentle, mostly instrumental, enveloping soundscape of an album. ambient recurrent sounds and themes slowly develop and build into richly textured musical events. <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/09/new-recent-album-reviews-summer-2023.html">(Reviewed Here)</a><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lQUhyphenhyphenLl5hzfhn4WFYm8Uva5CgPCwSpHxI7GBz_RVoAD0PnRLHPCeAcjTs8olNDej2mOl449DRaOTUGbRWj8lUCM4SLLHtwCF92MActQpIjLEDWx_rtVekdrk91p6dKzm6s8LuQ7rgmTPPCRfvIR7s3cRBAJWxhjdlrvD9P-wPNlEjP6P1AaRCyjSFv7v/s1000/cover_739182952023_r.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lQUhyphenhyphenLl5hzfhn4WFYm8Uva5CgPCwSpHxI7GBz_RVoAD0PnRLHPCeAcjTs8olNDej2mOl449DRaOTUGbRWj8lUCM4SLLHtwCF92MActQpIjLEDWx_rtVekdrk91p6dKzm6s8LuQ7rgmTPPCRfvIR7s3cRBAJWxhjdlrvD9P-wPNlEjP6P1AaRCyjSFv7v/w172-h172/cover_739182952023_r.jpg" width="172" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>10. K'Mono - Mind Out of Mind</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;">2nd album from Minneapolis-based prog trio takes their inspiration from the classic 70's prog masters, such as <b>Yes</b> and<b> Genesis</b>, but add a whole lot more into their sound, featuring elements of space-rock, psychedelia, and funk, as well as more modern touches, giving them a fresh and lively sound. Diverse, unique album that is both somewhat familiar and unlike anything else you've heard before. A great find and a band to watch going forward. <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/06/new-album-reviews-spring-2023.html">(Reviewed here)</a> <br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>9. Nickel Creek - Celebrants</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gI1wY2fz2mbht-pGt0D2loJlrb_AiR21KDtUBqRBwyLZHSmv_6KDV4Yva10XoJPCixiuhJ3PdbWkGKDVEQ1UXqlgahFRmWAKipq4cQwjTqKNMbRsdl8XlgrebHZ7BS4BktDVWuhqsCopZ8oq0GmAfAWK4oe0pnXrRWdALLdYNFA1pwyy4zlPtrUcyT-C/s316/Celebrants.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gI1wY2fz2mbht-pGt0D2loJlrb_AiR21KDtUBqRBwyLZHSmv_6KDV4Yva10XoJPCixiuhJ3PdbWkGKDVEQ1UXqlgahFRmWAKipq4cQwjTqKNMbRsdl8XlgrebHZ7BS4BktDVWuhqsCopZ8oq0GmAfAWK4oe0pnXrRWdALLdYNFA1pwyy4zlPtrUcyT-C/w173-h173/Celebrants.jpg" width="173" /></a>American contemporary bluegrass band, known for their blending of traditional bluegrass with more modern aspects of indie and folk rock,. goes somewhat progressive in this latest release, with more complex song structures, edgier arrangements, and jazzy influences to move into more even interesting territory. The album has a cohesiveness to it and some thematic elements running
through it, such as the strategic use of dissonance in some songs and
arrangements. There is still enough traditional bluegrass spirit and style to remain somewhat familiar, but just goes into some different directions. A wonderful album that should appeal to music lovers well beyond the traditional folk and bluegrass audience. <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/06/new-album-reviews-spring-2023.html">(Reviewed Here)</a><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>8. I am the Manic Whale - Bumper Book of Mystery Stories</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDPuJhuUBbZ_JqGnFjqhxGE75ch-89Mo18HbhSw7zVD0L0rR1PZORbwCiky0W51hWlIQW8dnzpM1UUxuIjSVK5InKHmC9435m_Z8g6WApZ4kmQVUFBd2esx0C7gGqO0ihZDdG4iXRXsLjJnDQuUB3U5sUTNqA-AJQzZvx5h_CR55dio8OwV9QiqEJ2OCo/s1000/manicwhale_mystery.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDPuJhuUBbZ_JqGnFjqhxGE75ch-89Mo18HbhSw7zVD0L0rR1PZORbwCiky0W51hWlIQW8dnzpM1UUxuIjSVK5InKHmC9435m_Z8g6WApZ4kmQVUFBd2esx0C7gGqO0ihZDdG4iXRXsLjJnDQuUB3U5sUTNqA-AJQzZvx5h_CR55dio8OwV9QiqEJ2OCo/w173-h173/manicwhale_mystery.jpg" width="173" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Michael Whiteman's musical project presents this concept album based on an old compilation storybook of mystery and adventure stories written for teens and pre-teens. Thus the album features 8 story songs. This is a fun album of melodic progressive rock, reminiscent of bands such as <b>Spock's Beard</b> and <b>Big Big Train</b>. Highlights include Dream Fortune, a lovely pop song with a great melody and harmony
vocals, and a nice warm feeling; and Secret Passages, a<b> </b>Goonies-style
kids adventure story with great melodic themes and instrumental
passages. But the centerpiece of the album is the 14-minute Nautilus,
based on the old Jules Verne story of Capt Nemo and featuring numerous
styles and majestic themes and extended instrumental sections, culminating in dueling solos between keyboards and guitar. Overall, an immensely entertaining hour of music, featuring great melodies and harmony vocals, and extended virtuoso instrumental passages. <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/09/new-recent-album-reviews-summer-2023.html">(Reviewed Here)</a><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>7. Kite Parade - Retro</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9u4H96y5B_venlGoAPAEqQBZmKi8thJEqBUS29z4bmRbGZAO1INqZ1LNf4yDLYXLGHpsoGvQKEDpqBCeFKppk4iIyyFvw2qGjGwrga4aEZ6-U4ObxB4_mKUj0BHH95lKBo2TxrBZc3aj8WyfYNThcjeo444_hJtu0_QkXHPfpkyx-ng7hME_UwxBC51kj/s751/336555949_1267818543814186_6317853125340409057_n-740x751.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="740" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9u4H96y5B_venlGoAPAEqQBZmKi8thJEqBUS29z4bmRbGZAO1INqZ1LNf4yDLYXLGHpsoGvQKEDpqBCeFKppk4iIyyFvw2qGjGwrga4aEZ6-U4ObxB4_mKUj0BHH95lKBo2TxrBZc3aj8WyfYNThcjeo444_hJtu0_QkXHPfpkyx-ng7hME_UwxBC51kj/w174-h177/336555949_1267818543814186_6317853125340409057_n-740x751.jpg" width="174" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">2nd album from this progressive pop-rock band lead by Andy Foster, following last year's impressive debut <b>The Way Home</b>. The album kicks off with a couple of slickly produced energetic pop-rock
ditties, but the album really steps it up with the third track,
Wonderful, which is just that, a charming and beautiful ballad that
steadily gains momentum to reach a soaring and majestic finish, and that
sets the tone for the rest of the album. Wonderful vocals, majestic
themes and delightful riffs continue throughout, leading up to the
crowning achievement of the album, the closing 14-1/2 minute epic,
Merry-Go-Round. culminating in a soaring and satisfying conclusion. Slick rock production and memorable songs highlight this pleasing, energetic melodic prog album. <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/06/new-album-reviews-spring-2023.html">(Reviewed Here)</a><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>6. The Guess Who - Plein D'Amour</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cdk01Te-wcWbmN03tpjcthjkWhsygCirlNqane9GdNKsbpeNMvqSvWNwkXmNAfvPIh3uwkywh3wjFBHyi2m8Nl6-BgBgBoQPQABLfTtEofEL9TYSZR-kwvu51eXOBUXNhmiSzMtFUVlI85JoL5tG9xWoK-9byOhs0SSTwYpfryOmXS-xL1wx07lEaWi_/s512/GW_Pleindamour.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cdk01Te-wcWbmN03tpjcthjkWhsygCirlNqane9GdNKsbpeNMvqSvWNwkXmNAfvPIh3uwkywh3wjFBHyi2m8Nl6-BgBgBoQPQABLfTtEofEL9TYSZR-kwvu51eXOBUXNhmiSzMtFUVlI85JoL5tG9xWoK-9byOhs0SSTwYpfryOmXS-xL1wx07lEaWi_/w215-h215/GW_Pleindamour.jpg" width="215" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">The surprise of the year, as this stnningly great album of catchy power pop and melodic rock tracks just gets better and better with more listens. No, this is not the Burton Cummings-led band from the 70's, this is a totally different band with a totally different sound, albeit with one original member, drummer Garry Peterson. For years, Garry's version of the band has been basically a Guess Who tribute act, but in this latest incarnation of the band with exciting new blood, they have been trying to establish themselves as a viable original rock band, with a new sound and original songs. With Derek Sharp as lead vocalist and primary songwriter, and help from veterans of bands such as Whitesnake and Slaughter, this band has put together a well-crafted set of great melodies, great vocals and harmonies, and catchy, engaging arrangements for one of the best melodic rock albums of the year. Their sound and style is more in line with power pop bands like Badfinger or Cheap Trick, and especially the 90's power pop of Jellyfish (a couple tracks sound almost like they could be lost Jellyfish songs). But other styles are included as well, such as the Crosby stills & Nash harmony vocal style of Headlines and the arena rock anthem of Plein D'Amour, as well as songs filled with sweet pop melodies and vocals, crunchy guitars, and rockin' riffs. An absolute delight. <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/09/new-recent-album-reviews-summer-2023.html">(Reviewed Here)</a> <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/09/new-recent-album-reviews-summer-2023.html"><br /></a></div><p><a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/09/new-recent-album-reviews-summer-2023.html"><br /></a><b>5. This Winter<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/09/new-recent-album-reviews-summer-2023.html"> </a>Machine - The Clockwork Man</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CCdMjOnmtjQYvHvEmcK6FPOOZQRMliDYD43-PxvQamw0S_lkH__VaY1CPCaVupFN7OMCdHR_dpU_cQMhfHU7tkxY1De3RuWGg-dbmTi_L7lkpPFY8KMW-UXwC3SUykvf9FLE6YNgEbPX4RsSMfH49sjP8H03Flto6gZm0Fyf78tMOqrG38vnp-GIrxkR/s1000/cover_181014882023_r.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CCdMjOnmtjQYvHvEmcK6FPOOZQRMliDYD43-PxvQamw0S_lkH__VaY1CPCaVupFN7OMCdHR_dpU_cQMhfHU7tkxY1De3RuWGg-dbmTi_L7lkpPFY8KMW-UXwC3SUykvf9FLE6YNgEbPX4RsSMfH49sjP8H03Flto6gZm0Fyf78tMOqrG38vnp-GIrxkR/w223-h223/cover_181014882023_r.jpg" width="223" /></a></b></div><p>Al Winter and <b>This Winter Machine</b> return for their 4th album with this ambitious and masterful concept album showing great imagination and musical skill. Featuring a compelling narrative mixing sci-fi, steam punk, comics, and commentary on modern society, and dealing with human cloning and a repressive society, the album moves from song to song telling the story, but also providing a wonderful tapestry of melodic prog, from gentle ballads, beautiful melodies and vocals to more rockin' prog instrumental flourishes, culminating in the dramatic closing mini-epic Falling through a Hole in the Sky. Overall, a fantastic album of melodic progressive rock, beautiful, powerful, emotional. <br /> </p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGton3Tmt8ab5zPIKPUNy0OMmmS0LygQHI4ArbuoFVJB9_9TlpA1kvCqHyQQmFmN00smvTmT4pPX3w8_mMRysmgn_qLZaeof8Zal1Z701CLoliFDkxoP2svtS7DoEROShseCieGWqsK4h4i9XaLiGuMkcLdmqg54KmoMJfIim6_bPL9aMNM4zvIy7mRO6b/s1000/cover_1722141392023_r.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGton3Tmt8ab5zPIKPUNy0OMmmS0LygQHI4ArbuoFVJB9_9TlpA1kvCqHyQQmFmN00smvTmT4pPX3w8_mMRysmgn_qLZaeof8Zal1Z701CLoliFDkxoP2svtS7DoEROShseCieGWqsK4h4i9XaLiGuMkcLdmqg54KmoMJfIim6_bPL9aMNM4zvIy7mRO6b/w224-h224/cover_1722141392023_r.jpg" width="224" /></a></b></div><b>4. Advent Horizon - A Cell to Call Home</b><br />This is the 3rd album from this US Prog band, but the first I've heard from them, and I was blown away by it. Wonderful melodies and hooks, great vocals, with solid production and interesting, engaging arrangements. Great balance between lighter and heavier aspects, as they showed a gentle touch on the ballads and softer sections, but also hard-driving rock and crunchy riffs in the heavier sections, while still maintaining a strong melodic sense throughout. A delight from start to finish, with highlights throughout, culminating with the mini-epic title track. <br /> <p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3. Motorpsycho - Yay!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXnGsfbfi1CN41JzNduuxtZCTjWx2mOMc9XbPQ4JCd7VDJ-NQ5qBR_QAUMdcFMcEIq-diGbjcp8Nilxivbv_ZdznKp6WRC1yOezuLP2g-W3k0Bbrf7Syx3xgS6fPR6mqcqOxmlv13YqTltgj8hyFSkOx9mwy6NZGawx5Z519QeIZ53G4_HCQs8a3yxqX7/s1000/motorpsycho_yay.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXnGsfbfi1CN41JzNduuxtZCTjWx2mOMc9XbPQ4JCd7VDJ-NQ5qBR_QAUMdcFMcEIq-diGbjcp8Nilxivbv_ZdznKp6WRC1yOezuLP2g-W3k0Bbrf7Syx3xgS6fPR6mqcqOxmlv13YqTltgj8hyFSkOx9mwy6NZGawx5Z519QeIZ53G4_HCQs8a3yxqX7/w251-h251/motorpsycho_yay.jpg" width="251" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A surprising, mostly acoustic album of pop and indie folk-rock songs from this chameleon-like band known for their wide-ranging styles and sounds, and it is fantastic from tart to finish. Great melodies, arrangements, and stylish flourishes throughout. And although most songs start out acoustic, many of them build to reveal more lush and symphonic arrangements by the end. From vocal ballads to bouncy acoustic ditties to dreamy rich-textured pop and beyond, it sparkles and shines. But the highlight of the album (and song of the year for me) is the magnificent Hotel Daedulus, the one song that gets the full Prog treatment, a melding of mellotron-drenched orchestration of film soundtrack bombast coupled with a beautiful laid-back 60's-styled pop melody, highlighted by a soaring, scorching guitar solo. A delightful album and real surprise, and such a breath of fresh air amidst all the heaviness around. <a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/2023/09/new-recent-album-reviews-summer-2023.html">(Reviewed Here)</a><br /></div><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi88cHmL9gI2blSKDosiF1wPelx_GcBGre_1uNu9waa45vhpbSsTJheAD71VowbzuKGY8KR6jj_qiFEyUkrPQHp_VAYisSFQ8iL89tx0zRXSqo3rDsJdD7Lc77XxDn3BQUQqizUFBFZ6w93xuOefGM96PUMTpYc7BATPr4085OOVC1SJP240uYheOTncY/s1000/cover_403816692023_r.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJi88cHmL9gI2blSKDosiF1wPelx_GcBGre_1uNu9waa45vhpbSsTJheAD71VowbzuKGY8KR6jj_qiFEyUkrPQHp_VAYisSFQ8iL89tx0zRXSqo3rDsJdD7Lc77XxDn3BQUQqizUFBFZ6w93xuOefGM96PUMTpYc7BATPr4085OOVC1SJP240uYheOTncY/w254-h254/cover_403816692023_r.jpg" width="254" /></a></b></div><b>2. Moon Safari - Himlabaken, Vol. 2</b><br />This long-awaited 5th album from Swedish progressive pop-rock band Moon Safari comes ten long years since their last album, Himlabaken vol. 1 (2013), but it is just as wonderful as their previous albums, and in some ways even better. Known for their multi-part vocal harmonies, bright effervescent songs and melodies, and complex rhythms and time signatures, they deliver soaring, joyous album, with a definite nod toward bright 80's pop on several songs. The album keeps getting as it goes along (some of the early tracks cling a bit too much to that 80's pop sound), with the obvious highlight being the 20+ min epic track Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse, a magnificent multi-section stunner that has everything you could ever want in a Prog Epic and more (one of the great epic tracks, and probably the best song of the band's career). But there's much more here (70 minutes of brilliance), with the band even showing a bit heavier side in a few songs, as well as virtuoso musicianship, amidst the vocal sweetness. A most welcome release, sure to be enjoyed and played over and over. it's great to have some new Moon Safari back to enrich our lives. <p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. Peter Gabriel - i/o</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkXYhz7inbH9htLEgv8kf0hyA7FRqhcqlzJ_rvZM1N1WzrQN21OeaN-Kp8bi8WyKUVfnKnVMn9rQCDfhTTZt3RvBI68LL9cyGvy1K3nTRbCkTIVmDMNtnGHbHVM9NwCr0qsnOWeiD4kg7bodzqpTvHxQbWEWtZC7_ic8mCYMJvtQhT07n7Rjq1I36f9fS/s1000/cover_1961519102023_r.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkXYhz7inbH9htLEgv8kf0hyA7FRqhcqlzJ_rvZM1N1WzrQN21OeaN-Kp8bi8WyKUVfnKnVMn9rQCDfhTTZt3RvBI68LL9cyGvy1K3nTRbCkTIVmDMNtnGHbHVM9NwCr0qsnOWeiD4kg7bodzqpTvHxQbWEWtZC7_ic8mCYMJvtQhT07n7Rjq1I36f9fS/w290-h290/cover_1961519102023_r.jpg" width="290" /></a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's another long-gestating album that arrived this year. After more than 20 years since the last studio album of new material, the long-awaited 10th solo album from legendary vocalist Peter Gabriel finally materialized this year and with a new song released on each full moon throughout the year, the album was slowly pieced together, with the full album finally released earlier this month. And Wow, was it ever worth the wait! An absolutely brilliant album from start to finish, 12 great songs, so moving and powerful, with such depth and sophistication, and showing a nice variety of styles. The songs and production are exceptional throughout, from the emotive and contemplative lyrics to the lush meticulously and intricately crafted soundscapes and instrumentation that are so fascinating and compelling on repeated listens, and just work so well. Also, with the two different mixes presented (bright side and dark side), there are so many little nuances and subtleties to explore and enjoy in each song. A masterclass in music construction and production, and such a rewarding emotional journey, from somber contemplation to outright joy. And Gabriel's vocals are superb, like he has not lost anything at all over the years. He delivers both with the more bouncy, upbeat songs like Road to Joy, Olive Tree, Panopticom, and the title track, and on the slower, more personal, contemplative songs, as well as those in between. I quite expected to prefer the more upbeat songs, but it is actually the more somber, contemplative songs that have become my favorites (Playing For Time, So Much, Love Can Heal), as they just are so thoughtful, beautiful, and emotional. But then, all the songs are great, there are no weak tracks. A glorious album. I do believe that this is his masterpiece, and quite possibly his very best (which is saying a lot as he has multiple standout albums in his catalog. This, for me, was without question, the best album of the year (with nothing else even coming close - the only album I awarded a full 5 stars to). </div><p style="text-align: left;">Those are my selections for the best of 2023. What were your favorite albums of 2023?</p><p>Coming next: More really good albums from 2023, and other end of year stuff. <br /><br /> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-23298819660019470962023-12-08T11:05:00.002-05:002023-12-08T11:05:39.258-05:00The Pretenders - 2023-10-02 - The Regent, Los Angeles, CA<p><b>The Pretenders</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd94HCeIQCkgDoU99mb58sTMWpe1N0GZASM5WHkpVNOVi5qJyF8hfk13Us9jOSXcTXsvrHmL2gi6wpznpop4EKUFPUhcgU9xn1SWYzjlIagxxlztoTa_5Ajftch2-BsIK4Z94X1YaxBMVtpsgB6V067vTI4FufHfFv7YGGs2Y-NJvoQF0qgB9DSYSqhFpd/s800/Pretenders_2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="800" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd94HCeIQCkgDoU99mb58sTMWpe1N0GZASM5WHkpVNOVi5qJyF8hfk13Us9jOSXcTXsvrHmL2gi6wpznpop4EKUFPUhcgU9xn1SWYzjlIagxxlztoTa_5Ajftch2-BsIK4Z94X1YaxBMVtpsgB6V067vTI4FufHfFv7YGGs2Y-NJvoQF0qgB9DSYSqhFpd/w486-h255/Pretenders_2023.jpg" width="486" /></a></b></div><b>2023-10-02<br />The Regent Theater, Los Angeles, CA<br /></b>Audience recording, good quality<br />Mp3 @320 kbps<br /><p></p><p>There have been several impressive returns or comebacks from legendary artists from the 60's and 70's this year, with strong new albums from <b>Yes</b> (<b>Mirror to the Sky</b>), <b>The Rolling Stones</b> (<b>Hackney Diamonds</b>), <b>The Guess Who</b> (<b>Plein D'Amour</b>), and the sensational <b>i/o </b>from <b>Peter Gabriel</b>. Heck, even <b>The Beatles</b> released a new song this year (sort of). Another classic band that is still going and released their strongest new album in many years is <b>The Pretenders</b>, with their 12th studio album, <b>Relentless</b>, and they still sound great. <b>Chrissie Hynde</b> and her band are currently on tour in support of the new album, which came out a couple months ago. The new tour features a handful of songs from the new album, as well as an abundance of songs from throughout their catalog. Although this is an audience recording and not perfect sound, it's still quite good and gives a fine indication of the current band and their sound in an impressive show. Check 'em out. <br /></p><p>Tracklist:<br />01. -intro-<br />02. Losing My Sense Of Taste<br />03. A Love<br />04. Turf Accountant Daddy<br />05. The Adultress<br />06. Downtown (Akron)<br />07. The Buzz<br />08. Domestic Silence<br />09. Time The Avenger<br />10. Biker<br />11. Boots Of Chinese Plastic<br />12. Don't Cut Your Hair<br />13. Gotta Wait<br />14. You Can't Hurt A Fool<br />15. Tequila<br />16. Thumbelina<br />17. Let The Sun Come In<br />18. Junkie Walk<br />19. Stop Your Sobbing<br />20. Kid<br />21. Back On The Chain Gang<br />22. Precious<br />23. Tattooed Love Boys<br /><br />The band:<br />Chrissie Hynde – lead vocals, rhythm guitar<br />James Walbourne – lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals<br />Nick Wilkinson – bass, backing vocals<br />Eric Heywood – pedal steel guitar, backing vocals<br />Martin Chambers – drums, percussion, backing vocals<br />Carwyn Ellis – keyboards, acoustic guitar<br /><br /><a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16030543/Pretenders_2023-10-02_LosAngeles_disc1.zip.html">Pretenders_2023-10-02_LosAngeles_disc1.zip</a><br /><a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/16030542/Pretenders_2023-10-02_LosAngeles_disc2.zip.html">Pretenders_2023-10-02_LosAngeles_disc2.zip</a><br /> </p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-19948992915168673262023-11-29T19:00:00.002-05:002023-11-29T19:00:44.400-05:00Rockpile - No Rock Unturned - Live Compilation 1977-1980<p><b>Rockpile </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcNgHzHepA7POGxwM4p54sSv2cODW-Zzf6IFSv7D95Uu5UvegJXepLiZDx9yAaTeBYUVfMjt2vH4-lNX8metN-m6FhHFCDqqoKgLjI3WNN75OCKqgJj7c8OTJ6kUjOX6fsFl3jbxUn3Mo7l5oKFq0a7XcJTcCwkrLlzpDQRct9TPahIozaVQcptJt2H6p/s700/Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcNgHzHepA7POGxwM4p54sSv2cODW-Zzf6IFSv7D95Uu5UvegJXepLiZDx9yAaTeBYUVfMjt2vH4-lNX8metN-m6FhHFCDqqoKgLjI3WNN75OCKqgJj7c8OTJ6kUjOX6fsFl3jbxUn3Mo7l5oKFq0a7XcJTcCwkrLlzpDQRct9TPahIozaVQcptJt2H6p/w400-h400/Front.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b>(Dave Edmunds, Nick Lowe, Billy Bremner, Terry Williams)<br />No Rock Unturned (Compilation of various Live tracks) (TDR-080)<br />1977-1980<br /></b>Soundboard recordings, very good quality<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 320 kbps) versions<br /><p></p><p>I recently ran across this compilation of Live tracks from the legendary rock band Rockpile (for more on Rockpile, see previous posts), that I hadn't seen before and didn't have. It compiles tracks from various live sources. Most of these tracks are included in other shows I have posted here previously, but there are a few new or different ones, and they are nicely presented here as sort of extended Rockpile show. Although I prefer some of the full concerts previously posted, I thought it would be good to post this as well, for completeness, and you can never have too much Rockpile in your life. Enjoy.</p><p><b>Tracklist: </b><br />1. Crawling From The Wreckage<br />2. Little Sister<br />3. Back To Schooldays<br />4. I Knew The Bride<br />5. A Mess Of Blues<br />6. Here Comes The Weekend / So Fine<br />7. Girls Talk<br />8. Born Fighter<br />9. Cruel To Be Kind<br />10. Jailhouse Rock<br />11. Let It Rock<br />12. Fool Too Long<br />13. No More Mister Nice Guy<br />14. It's My Own Business<br />15. Never Been In Love<br />16. So Fine<br />17. Deborah<br />18. Trouble Boys<br />19. Never Get Me Up In One Of Those<br />20. Loud Music In Cars<br />21. Three Time Loser<br /><br />#1-2 Concert for Kampachea 1979 / Robert Plant on Vocals on #2<br />#3-6 BBC-4 / 1977<br />#7-10 Palladium, NYC 1980<br />#11 Washington DC 1977<br />#12 San Francisco 1978<br />#13-16 Bottom Line, NYC 10/1978<br />#17-19 My Father's Place, NY 11/1978<br />#20 Billy Bremner - solo single<br />#21 Concert for Kampuchea 1979<br /><br />FLAC - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/aevGO9Rbek74/rockpile-no-rock-unturned-live-compilation-flac-zip#!ZGx2ZwR2AGDlLJWvAJWxAmtlAGZlMQD3n2IZoU50ZauxFGyyMN==">Rockpile_No Rock Unturned_Live compilation_FLAC.zip</a></p><p>Mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/15998607/Rockpile_No_Rock_Unturned_Live_Compilation.zip.html">Rockpile_No Rock Unturned_Live compilation_mp3.zip</a></p><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-70830557407673883772023-11-08T19:54:00.004-05:002023-11-08T19:54:36.836-05:00Album Spotlight/Review - Rocking Horse Music Club - Circus of Wire Dolls (2022)<p><b>Rocking Horse Music Club - Circus of Wire Dolls (2022) </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgRBzbbzx_NlTW2CY83CEn5jQQYpRuF0WvK92slqVTftcIT8pvFgtlQYRWHuLvHpjUEsReOxseUG0DA5tNN8e7eu1xKIo7ZyofNKrS6w8tO9yKrSS-JMdENub14YM0lP00Fu_eIQXAznwWj9nG8Silzhmn3dQgfJMM9LgKs-l9V_9ii_12DrpMlOwQkar/s599/R-26417942-1681404999-1270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="599" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgRBzbbzx_NlTW2CY83CEn5jQQYpRuF0WvK92slqVTftcIT8pvFgtlQYRWHuLvHpjUEsReOxseUG0DA5tNN8e7eu1xKIo7ZyofNKrS6w8tO9yKrSS-JMdENub14YM0lP00Fu_eIQXAznwWj9nG8Silzhmn3dQgfJMM9LgKs-l9V_9ii_12DrpMlOwQkar/w400-h396/R-26417942-1681404999-1270.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b>Sorry about the lack of posts recently, just been very busy at work, and was out of the country for a couple weeks recently. In my last post, I highlighted some of the best new albums (at least my favorites) released over the summer months. Well, since then (over the past couple months) I have been totally obsessed with another album, which is not new, having come out in 2022, but which I only recently heard about. And this album is absolutely fantastic! If it had been released this year, it would easily be my favorite of the year. That album is <b>Circus of Wire Dolls </b>by the <b>Rocking Horse Music Club</b>, a sprawling concept double album, or more appropriately, a prog rock opera featuring a wide variety of musical styles. Never heard of them? Well, not many have. <b>Rocking Horse Music Club</b> is a music collective/collaboration based out of Rocking Horse Recording Studios in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, USA. The primary contributors are singer/songwriter Brian Coombes, a veteran prog musician/producer and owner of the Recording Studio; Justin Cohn, singer/songwriter/guitarist, and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Patrick Gochez, and supported by Brendan Harrisiades (bass), Myron Kibbee and Mike McAdam (guitars), and Eric Wagley (drums), as well as numerous other local, regional, and guest musicians to fill out the instrumentation and sound. Their previous work (and only other full-length album) was a Tribute album featuring the music of guitarist <b>Anthony Phillip</b>s, called <b>Which Way the Wind Blows (2019)</b>, which followed their debut EP, <b>Every Change of Seasons (2018)</b>. But for this newest album, they had much bigger plans. The music tells the story of a man who has spent a good portion of his life creating a miniature circus of figurines made of wire, string, and cloth. As he nears the end of his life, he imagines the dolls each telling their own stories, with human thoughts and emotions, which actually reflect aspects of his own life. Thus, the story is told from several different voices (and featuring a series of guest vocalists). On the surface, it is the story of a miniature circus, but it's really about a man looking back on his life, his work, the people, his successes, his failures, his regrets. The different voices also provides the opportunity for many different musical styles. But whether or not you follow or are moved by the compelling story, it is the music that is the show here, and it is quite wonderful and breathtaking throughout. This expansive collection features 22 songs, ranging in length from 1 and a half to 8 and a half minutes each, for a total of over 95 minutes of music (which really doesn't even seem long at all because the songs are so good throughout). Guest artists include: Amy Birks, Tim Bowness, Caroline Carter, Evelyn Cormier
(American Idol), David Cross (King Crimson), Kenwood Dennard (Brand X),
Chris Difford (Squeeze), John Hackett, Greg Hawkes (the Cars), Noel
McCalla (Mike Rutherford/Manfred Mann), Kate St John (Dream Academy),
and Rob Townsend (Steve Hackett). Overall, because of the variety of styles, it is a bit hard to categorize or compare to other works (genre-defying?), but the closest may be somewhat along the lines of a concept album by the <b>Alan Parsons Project</b>, featuring light melodic progressive rock, with much pop, rock, and symphonic influences, as well as musical theater, chamber pop, and aspects of jazz and blues, and even a taste of glam rock thrown in. Although it has an original sound, there are brief glimpses of many other bands that pop up, including Genesis, Pink Floyd, Coldplay, Queen, Supertramp, The Pretenders, John Lennon, among others. Overall, the songs are touching and beautiful, with great melodies, themes, and recurring motifs. Of particular note is the impeccable production, arrangements, and attention to detail, always with the seemingly best combination of instrumentation and musical flourishes that are just right for each song, whether that might be strings, horns, clarinet, or whatever, and always most tastefully done. This is not an album that will hit you over the head, but in so many subtle and emotional ways just works immensely well. In that sense, it is similar to last year's <b>The Murder Wall </b>by <b>Kaprekar's Constant</b>, with just wonderful, beautiful songs throughout. All the songs work here, whether it is a tender duet ballad, such as Would You Be My Downfall, or the more raucous shot of glam rock in It's Not About You. Thus the list of best songs could go on and on, but I have narrowed it down to those I love the most. A truly wonderful album, that needs more love and respect. You can listen to the whole thing on YouTube (they have a YouTube Channel, which has just a measly 65 subscribers), as well as other streaming services. You can purchase their music through their website at: <a href="https://www.rockinghorsemusicclub.com/">https://www.rockinghorsemusicclub.com/</a> <b>Best tracks:</b> Animate in 5/8, So Little Left, Cut From a Different Cloth, It's Not About You, 0300, SY22, Burn, All Shall Be Well, Every Show Must End, To Reach the Other Side, Flowers in November, and really all the rest. <b>Rating: 5 stars</b><br /><p></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-40696165452431764092023-09-25T21:15:00.001-04:002023-09-25T21:18:11.942-04:00New (recent?) Album Reviews - Summer 2023<p><b>New Album Reviews - Summer 2023 </b><br /></p><p>Well, summer's gone already, but I'm not ready to let it go. I've been wanting to go through some of the new albums I have been really enjoying all this summer, but haven't gotten to it until now. But at least that has given me more time to listen and appreciate these albums, and they are the ones I have enjoyed most this summer. Anyway, these are all 2023 albums that were released in June, July, or August, and some really fine ones they are. Here are my own personal views of them. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBbm_n3I9Ltu8xDpwWzRHxlf0koDA6JjbMs8moU8vzdIeX8QAMyWYSSU7C2cSM_LMHIpXCw1qVlNrFfd7mv1RN1Bbm6_5lYgDamP2iVulCgktqhVp5CZD2-6wv0JbFxu9T3VXNCkWLacMU8qmR_F5Fy7EJSwPRdJ5LdMS6ER1B5S4g0Y8HXptyno2h16D/s316/What_Matters_Most.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBbm_n3I9Ltu8xDpwWzRHxlf0koDA6JjbMs8moU8vzdIeX8QAMyWYSSU7C2cSM_LMHIpXCw1qVlNrFfd7mv1RN1Bbm6_5lYgDamP2iVulCgktqhVp5CZD2-6wv0JbFxu9T3VXNCkWLacMU8qmR_F5Fy7EJSwPRdJ5LdMS6ER1B5S4g0Y8HXptyno2h16D/s1600/What_Matters_Most.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><p><b>Ben Folds - What Matters Most<br /></b><br />American singer-songwriter <b>Ben Folds</b> returns for his 6th album outside of the <b>Ben Folds Five</b>, and his 1st album in nearly 8 years (<b>So There</b>-2015). Not that he hasn't been busy, as he has been touring and playing with symphony orchestras around the world, he is the first artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center, he wrote his memoir (<b>A Dream About Lightning Bugs: A Life of Music and Cheap Lessons</b>), and conducted a podcast series with a wide range of guests, as well as a regular series of home performance videos during the pandemic. But here we have his latest pop-oriented album, and Ben has done it again, producing an album full of songs with bright and catchy melodies, sometimes with a classical twist, resulting in a great album. Once again, Ben shows his songwriting, arranging, and performing skills as he constructs intelligent, insightful, and moving depictions of modern life, sometimes humorous, sometimes serious and heartfelt, and always engaging. He takes events from his own life and turns them into clever stories or lessons, and not being afraid to depict himself in a negative light. Whether humorously describing a bad one night stand, an unfortunate break-up, some disturbing texts from a childhood friend, or other musings and introspectives on life, Ben's songs have an honesty and refreshing relevance, and just great melodies and arrangements. <b>Best tracks:</b> Clouds with Ellipses, Kristine from the Seventh Grade, Back to Anonymous, What Matters Most, Winslow Gardens, Moments. <b>Rating:</b> <b>4<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> <br /><br /><b>Comedy of Errors - Threnody for a Dead Queen</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngiCGA8OdhS-Ndw4yll9iGjXGufe3CTRYfOkUODfM9GZLr2wn4QM8sizaLmMp0alTvCaoIZ3yngdgfOHPRwpHYWFhyEqdDsm7tWIL6j04EgK5P9H2_5wMvEg8T612q2v_2bWGYXlXJ_LDqwa8eOtBvoqAf4xYP43YmG3cgWlVnlMina4RH-O7xInLnhfN/s1023/CoE_TFaDQr.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngiCGA8OdhS-Ndw4yll9iGjXGufe3CTRYfOkUODfM9GZLr2wn4QM8sizaLmMp0alTvCaoIZ3yngdgfOHPRwpHYWFhyEqdDsm7tWIL6j04EgK5P9H2_5wMvEg8T612q2v_2bWGYXlXJ_LDqwa8eOtBvoqAf4xYP43YmG3cgWlVnlMina4RH-O7xInLnhfN/s320/CoE_TFaDQr.jpg" width="313" /></a></b></div><b><br />Comedy of Errors</b> are a Scottish progressive rock band, originally formed in 1984, but having little success disbanded in 1990, but then re-formed in 2010, and feature a melodic symphonic style of Prog. This is their 6th album since re-forming, and follows their very strong 2022 release, <b>The Time Machine,</b> but takes a very different approach, with wonderful results. <b>Threnody For a Dead Queen</b> is a much more gentle, mostly instrumental, enveloping soundscape of an album, taking its time to let ambient recurrent sounds and themes slowly develop and build into richly textured musical events. They are in no hurry to get anywhere here, as the journey is the whole point, and the songs all fit together as a conceptual whole. Three long pieces (12-15 minutes each) provide the bulk of the album, with other shorter interludes and connecting pieces between. A very soothing and relaxing album, but one that is never dull, always interesting, with slow dramatic builds and beautiful soundscapes. Vocals are used sparingly, but quite effectively, such as in the final 3 minutes of title track. This is the type of album that you just need to immerse yourself in and just let it flow all around you for a richly rewarding experience. <b>Best Tracks</b>: Threnody for a Dead Queen, Summer Lies Beyond, The Seventh Seal, Jane. <b>Rating: 4<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b><br /><br /><b>The Guess Who - Plein D'Amour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsElRQoTA2o4bj2DheFwoXq0F4-bdi8v_64wAAf42tc82cyJXVqGPPpsNeYF96zNGGESAXSZhcPuq_aDPGheutmQwE5GfZ0UQar_hPM8febi9d47nD21p8qvIm_kmAlrw3nSuFCYgjPQKEoI87vhZuxTfyLFNAiNw6bn3TawvzEnTrvernF0LYp9BVKXZn/s512/GW_Pleindamour.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsElRQoTA2o4bj2DheFwoXq0F4-bdi8v_64wAAf42tc82cyJXVqGPPpsNeYF96zNGGESAXSZhcPuq_aDPGheutmQwE5GfZ0UQar_hPM8febi9d47nD21p8qvIm_kmAlrw3nSuFCYgjPQKEoI87vhZuxTfyLFNAiNw6bn3TawvzEnTrvernF0LYp9BVKXZn/s320/GW_Pleindamour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Guess Who?</b> in 2023? Are you kidding? No, this is not the the same <b>Burton Cummings</b>-led band from the '70's, this is a totally different band with a totally different sound, albeit with one original member, drummer Garry Peterson (who for some reason has retained rights to the name). But this album may be the surprise of the year, because this is actually a great album! As readers of this blog probably know, I am a big fan of the original Guess Who with Burton Cummings (1968-1975). However, since the demise of that original band, bassist Jim Kale acquired the rights to the name and continued to tour with makeshift lineups (often also including Garry Peterson) in what has constituted basically a Guess Who tribute band, playing all the old hits at county fairs and small venues over the years. When Kale retired, Peterson took over, and now this latest incarnation of the band, with exciting new blood, has been tryng to re-establish themselves as a viable original rock band, with a new sound and new original songs. This latest version features Derek Sharp as lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Michael Staertow (guitars, vocals) formerly with Lou Gramm and Slaughter), Michael Devin (Whitesnake) on bass and vocals, Leonard Shaw (keys, sax, flute, vocals), and drummer Garry Peterson. This new version of the band has put together a well-crafted set of great melodies, great vocals, and engaging arrangements for one of the best melodic rock albums of the year. Now, first of all, they sound nothing like the old Guess Who, although they still work in a 70's-insptred style, but it is more in line with the power pop of bands like <b>Badfinger</b> or <b>Cheap Trick</b>, and especially the '90's style power pop of <b>Jellyfish</b> (a couple tracks here sound like they could almost be lost <b>Jellyfish </b>songs). But the band also works through several different styles ranging from the <b>Crosby Stills & Nash</b>-style harmony vocals of Headlines to the hard rock anthem of Plein D'Amour, and songs filled with sweet pop melodies and vocals, crunchy guitars and rockin' fills. For example, the album closer Plein D'Amour opens with <b>Queen</b>-like acapella vocals, then moves into a French-Canadian acoustic romp before transforming that theme into a hard rock bop. An immensely enjoyable album that gets better with each listen. <br /><b>Best Tracks: </b>The King, Across The Lines, People Around Me, Headlines, Free, Plein D'Amour. <b>Rating: 4<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b><br /><br /><b>Motorpsycho - Yay!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUV_QVV-3KnmGp4vxB5GF3innTwKj1GajdpDeDOjWH6j52d5a8t1VSsxqzbqRrQGUnTO_cKxtFpJoF4OR_pgLL31_-PXPi1cYSTDE-qI3pyNhhfNp8DbLIg_TohDFw_XqfdEOpYg7-mw3RxE1l6yR2m7NvJ0foGiae_OBze5b5JsmLEtGOYJfpR3HBPH6/s1000/motorpsycho_yay.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUV_QVV-3KnmGp4vxB5GF3innTwKj1GajdpDeDOjWH6j52d5a8t1VSsxqzbqRrQGUnTO_cKxtFpJoF4OR_pgLL31_-PXPi1cYSTDE-qI3pyNhhfNp8DbLIg_TohDFw_XqfdEOpYg7-mw3RxE1l6yR2m7NvJ0foGiae_OBze5b5JsmLEtGOYJfpR3HBPH6/s320/motorpsycho_yay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Motorpsycho </b>is a very prolific, eclectic Prog band from Norway. They've been around since 1991, when they started out as more of a punkish grunge band, but then started showing more progressive rock elements by the mid-nineties, while also maintaining aspects of psychedelic and indie rock. They've released a total of 26 albums over the years (and 14 in the last 15 years, with one almost every year!). They continue to feature a wide variety of different styles, genres, and influences, with their music ranging from ambient, minimalist, atmospheric space-rock to gentle acoustic pop to punkish rock all the way to full-on metal, sometimes all on the same album, sometimes separate sounds and feel for each album. So, you never quite know what you're gonna get from <b>Motorpsycho</b>. For this newest album, the band surprises once again with a whole album of mostly acoustic pop and indie folk-rock. songs, and it is fantastic from start to finish! Great melodies, arrangements, and stylish flourishes throughout. And although it has been called an acoustic album, that is not really true, as although most songs do have at least some acoustic guitar in them, many of the songs build throughout to reveal much more lush and symphonic arrangements by the end. The album starts off with the breezy indie pop of Cold & Bored, followed by the ballad Sentinels, which has a <b>Simon & Garfunkel</b>-esque feel to it. Next is Patterns, which is dreamy, richly textured pop that builds to a rousing conclusion. But the album really takes off with the fabulous Dank State, a bouncy acoustic ditty dealing with Norwegian politics, followed by W.C.A, which is a soaring, infectious pop song. However, the highlight of the album for me (and song of the summer, if not the entire year) is the magnificent Hotel Daedelus, the one song on the album that gets the full Prog treatment, a melding of mellotron-drenched orchestration of film soundtrack bombast coupled with a beautiful laid-back 60's-styled pop melody, highlighted by a soaring, scorching guitar solo. The album then finishes on a high note with The Rapture. What a delightful album, a real surprise, and one of my very favorite of the year. Just wonderful, and such a breath of fresh air amidst all the heaviness around. <b>Best tracks:</b> Hotel Daedelus, Dank State, W.C.A., Loch Meaningless & the Mull of Dull, Real Again. <b>Rating: 4.5<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b><br /><br /><br /><b>Dream the Electric Sleep - American Mystic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9xFJk_R9j2svJ6EjWCgLBkb_PpUlUfMGFceCFqO3nthSsA-v_44hQBuLrcDRVZGWoJ5DqK69XP8BanbH1jQOnTknvbf_gKph6owkYkO_HJnXNbpYzIB3fKEyricnJgv0RK0INuJ313eZQ-ahQ-zOrpEuCSiglZG_alF1PkSqq3zUCDYHwGBaSXG8OZ1s/s1000/DTES_AM.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9xFJk_R9j2svJ6EjWCgLBkb_PpUlUfMGFceCFqO3nthSsA-v_44hQBuLrcDRVZGWoJ5DqK69XP8BanbH1jQOnTknvbf_gKph6owkYkO_HJnXNbpYzIB3fKEyricnJgv0RK0INuJ313eZQ-ahQ-zOrpEuCSiglZG_alF1PkSqq3zUCDYHwGBaSXG8OZ1s/s320/DTES_AM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></b>This is the 5th album from this progressive rock trio from Lexington, KY, although the first that I've heard. This is powerhouse indie rock-fueled progressive rock. I was immediately impressed with their sound and style; big, strong, but melodic, with classic vocals and harmonies. They feature a variety of influences and have a modern sound, but still, most of all, to me, this feels more like a return to classic melodic hard rock. It most reminds me of the mid-70's to early 80's melodic rock bands like <b>Styx, Boston, REO Speedwagon,</b> and <b>Journey</b>, but with more of a hard rock edge. There are several other classic bands that I get some glimpses of in different songs, including <b>Aerosmith, Wishbone Ash</b>, and <b>Rush</b>, as well as various more modern Neo-Prog bands. They have a massive wall of guitar sound and soaring solos, but also catchy songs with great hooks and melodies. What I really appreciate about this album is that they can go relatively heavy without losing that pop catchiness and melodic sensibilities, and also without resorting to a 'metal' sound and all its cliches (as that seems to be 'the thing' these days in Prog), and also can pull back for lighter moments. Great to hear rock music that is heavy, but not all dark. ominous, and bludgeoning, and that is still catchy, melodic, and bright. A really strong album of melodic hard rock with just enough proggy overtones. <b>Best tracks: </b>The Lessons They Bring, Lay Down the Cross, Beyond Repair, American Mystic, Steal the Love.<b> Rating: 4<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span> </b><br /><br /><b>I am the Manic Whale - Bumper Book of Mystery Stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9awBJl4zV4Am3ZcidkV1YnobObFTGvUR6D8VjButKerp9TlfN15Ltu_GRow7AvXgDSKFGanWAD0yBgxTX2Z63P4jMzxxuLqcfWFfnjQeomw4i9NgroWz3lz7iaHwU03sDW8MWGwEw02EWzCFSSIukvcIbJbXHCrq6xuNl3iFiikzPeivTkMgs191wkFGj/s1000/manicwhale_mystery.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9awBJl4zV4Am3ZcidkV1YnobObFTGvUR6D8VjButKerp9TlfN15Ltu_GRow7AvXgDSKFGanWAD0yBgxTX2Z63P4jMzxxuLqcfWFfnjQeomw4i9NgroWz3lz7iaHwU03sDW8MWGwEw02EWzCFSSIukvcIbJbXHCrq6xuNl3iFiikzPeivTkMgs191wkFGj/s320/manicwhale_mystery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I am the Manic Whale</b> is a project led by Michael Whiteman (bass, guitars, lead vocals, songwriter) and the band name is an anagram of 'A Michael Whiteman' and this is their 4th album. Michael worked with <b>Ryo Okumoto</b> (<b>Spock's Beard</b>) in writing and creating Ryo's wonderful 2022 solo album <b>The Myth of the Mostrophus</b>, and this album has a lot of those same elements. It is a concept album based on an old compilation storybook of various mystery and adventure stories written for teens and pre-teens. Thus, the album features 8 story songs ranging in length from 4 to 15 minutes each, covering various actual events, published stories, or just imaginative creations. This is a really fun album of melodic progressive rock, somewhat reminiscent of bands such as <b>Spock's Beard</b> and <b>Big Big Train</b>. The album kinks off with Ghost Train, which serves as the introduction to the story concept, inviting the listener to climb aboard on this thrilling and chilling journey, using the hyperbole and bluster of a carnival barker exaggerating the scares to be had. A curious number about a medical curiosity is next, but the album really kicks to another level starting with the next song, Dream Fortune, a lovely pop song with a great melody and harmony vocals, and a nice warm feeling. Secret Passages is another highlight, demonstrating that <b>Big Big Train</b> feeling with this Goonie-style kids adventure story with great melodic themes and instrumental passages. But the centerpiece of the album is the 14-minute Nautilus, based on the old Jules Verne story of Capt Nemo and featuring numerous styles and majestic themes and extended instrumental sections, somewhat reminiscent of <b>Kansas</b>, culminating in dueling solos between keyboards and guitar, and with guest artist <b>Ryo Okumoto</b> and his dazzling display of swirling keyboard sounds. After that comes a fun, energetic rocker touting the creation and wonders of the Rubik's cube, in Erno's Magic Cube, The album finishes with We Interrupt this Broadcast, a tale based on an actual hijacked broadcast claiming to be from Aliens warning the human race to do better, which then leads to a reprise of Ghost Train to complete the voyage and end the album. Overall, an immensely entertaining hour of music.<b> Best Tracks:</b> Nautilus, Secret Passages, Fortune Dream, Erno's Magic Cube. <b>Rating: 4<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span> </b><br /><p></p><p><b>BB’s Rating scale:</b></p><p></p><p></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>1</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b> </b>– Terrible, torturous to have to listen to</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>1.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> - Poor, not worth your time<br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>2 </b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but
sub-par overall</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>2.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>3</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not
spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very
often</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>3.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very
enjoyable overall</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>4</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you
will want to come back to over and over again</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>4.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b> </b>– Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every
way, just short of a masterpiece </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b> </b>– A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its
type, and has stood the test of time</div><p>So, those were my favorites over the summer, but there were lots of other good albums. What were some of your favorites that I might have missed? Let me know what you thought were the best albums released this summer!</p><p></p><p><br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-70729629811254835652023-09-19T20:35:00.000-04:002023-09-19T20:35:35.945-04:00Jimmy Buffett - 1975-09-10 - The Boarding House, San Francisco, CA<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehmDXtp-OEz7tCrt_YJIFkmp9JsvTKrYgdAltHt4ur_o2RNRpwO7Yi5ckOjKk5pxiVgrk3YzNWkCXqZP3_7ppOlm5-kptrbt_TesNp-BOGUNSxWrjS6sRx-Y3a5Bg971QBn1PyRYhrafaKJAsgag61zBbGLNAgJalYlFceTDe4OA2HuTY09SWLiVJgc-u/s200/Live%20At%20The%20Boarding%20House,%20San%20Francisco,%20CA,%2010.%20Sep..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehmDXtp-OEz7tCrt_YJIFkmp9JsvTKrYgdAltHt4ur_o2RNRpwO7Yi5ckOjKk5pxiVgrk3YzNWkCXqZP3_7ppOlm5-kptrbt_TesNp-BOGUNSxWrjS6sRx-Y3a5Bg971QBn1PyRYhrafaKJAsgag61zBbGLNAgJalYlFceTDe4OA2HuTY09SWLiVJgc-u/w400-h400/Live%20At%20The%20Boarding%20House,%20San%20Francisco,%20CA,%2010.%20Sep..jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>Jimmy Buffett<br />September 10, 1975<br />The Boarding House <br />San Francisco, CA <br /></b>FM Broadcast Recording (Remastered/Jimmy Phan-2003), very good quality<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320kbps) versions<br /><p></p><p>Here's one more show from the irrepressible <b>Jimmy Buffett</b>. This one goes way back to his early days, prior to the fame and notoriety of Margaritaville and giant stadium crowds. This is from 1975, following the release of one of his best albums, A1A. A wonderful show from those early days. </p><p><br /><b>Tracklist:</b><br />01. The Wino and I know <br />02. The Great Filling Station Holdup<br />03. Dallas<br />04. Drunken 15 Year Old Girlfriend<br />05. Life is Just a Tire Swing<br />06. Tryin' to Reason with Hurricane Season<br />07. Grapefruit Juicyfruit<br />08. Pencil Thin Mustache<br />09. Saxaphones<br />10. Havana Daydreamin’<br />11. Door # 3<br />12. Big Rig<br />13. A Pirate Looks at Forty<br />14. They Don’t Dance Like Carmen No More<br />15. Kick it in Second Wind<br />16. Radio Station ID - Encore intro<br />Encore: <br />17. He Went to Paris<br /><br />FLAC - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/tg6Nc89v3sLd/jimmy-buffett-1975-09-10-san-franciscoca-flac-rar#!ZGIzMwR2Z2HjZwNjZGyuLGL2MTR0AJEZpmAbKmMAnmV0ZmAwZt==">Jimmy Buffett_1975-09-10_San FranciscoCA_Flac.rar</a><br /><br />Mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/15704393/Jimmy_Buffett_1975-09-10_San_FranciscoCA_mp3.rar.html">Jimmy Buffett_1975-09-10_San FranciscoCA_Mp3.rar</a><br /><br /><br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-84396653020385892262023-09-15T20:26:00.000-04:002023-09-15T20:26:00.246-04:00Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band - 2005-09-05 - Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ305EZL0-UleQumoXJfeTp1rX2iWRObeRr3Kd6M2xx7BjBe-MOkw5HklSYV_MLzf0Eb2xU4c0sKh7E5kq26obifyxIxqvdPjDJ9lL5NpOJnc23PkeegTPdAEanWf30euq8jJca2kB9oo8_BBRuTdNvwgASqR8TGBUvD_wn7QKijMd7FWFRksmkxdxaXkS/s2337/JBWF-05.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2337" data-original-width="2328" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ305EZL0-UleQumoXJfeTp1rX2iWRObeRr3Kd6M2xx7BjBe-MOkw5HklSYV_MLzf0Eb2xU4c0sKh7E5kq26obifyxIxqvdPjDJ9lL5NpOJnc23PkeegTPdAEanWf30euq8jJca2kB9oo8_BBRuTdNvwgASqR8TGBUvD_wn7QKijMd7FWFRksmkxdxaXkS/w399-h400/JBWF-05.jpg" width="399" /></a></div><p><b>Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band<br />2005-09-05<br />Wrigley Field<br />Chicago, Illinois</b><br />FM Broadcast recording (Radio Margaritaville), very good quality<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions<br /><br />There's no better way to honor the memory and legacy of Jimmy Buffett than to listen and appreciate his music. And of course, Jimmy Buffett's live shows are legendary for their fun party atmosphere and good times. And their are loads of high quality Live shows available for listening, thanks to Jimmy's Radio Margaritaville Broadcast Channel. Just look around and you can find dozens of wonderful shows. I've chosen this one today because it combines a great Jimmy Buffett show with my Chicago Cubs, as this was recorded from Wrigley Field, in waht were the first series of concerts ever to be played there, in 2005. And Jimmy makes plenty of references to the Cubs, baseball, and the great Steve Goodman throughout the show. Enjoy.<br /> </p><p>Tracklist:<br />1. Ernie Banks intro > National Anthem<br />2. Hot Hot Hot intro<br />3. Piece of Work<br />4. Pascagoula Run<br />5. Hey Good Looking *<br />6. Changes in Latitude<br />7. I Will Play For Gumbo<br />8. Come Monday<br />9. Last Mango in Paris<br />10. Woman Going Crazy on Caroline Street<br />11. License to Chill<br />12. Son of a Son of a Sailor<br />13. Cheeseburger in Paradise<br />14. Volcano<br />15. Brown Eyed Girl<br />Intermission <br />16. Go Cubs Go intro<br />17. Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw<br />18. La Vie Dansante<br />19. Banana Republic <br />20. Southern Cross<br />21. School Boy Heart<br />22. A Pirate Looks at Forty <br />23. Take Me Out to the Ballgame<br />24. The City (w/ Mac)<br />25. It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere<br />26. One Particular Harbor<br />27. Margaritaville <br />First Encore<br />28. Fins<br />29. Last Man Standing<br />Final Encore<br />30. City of New Orleans <br />31. Glory Days<br /><br />* 21 sec dropout at beginning and various glitches through the first minute of the song<br /><br />Second concert EVER at Wrigley Field (First was the previous night's show).<br /></p><p></p><p>MP3 - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/gwRyvN6lPsB8/jimmy-buffett-2005-09-05-wrigley-field-chicago-mp3-rar#!ZGx4BGR2ZJDmAwuuZzEwZGplAQAvZwuPp1OlJJZlszS5ZQSxBN==">Jimmy Buffett_2005-09-05_ChicagoIL_Mp3.rar</a></p><p>FLAC - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/ML9fBhSsX6fH/jimmy-buffett-2005-09-05-wrigley-field-chicago-flac-rar#!ZGx4AwR2A2D5LmSzLmSwATAzMwV5Z0uzAyuOZHf4EzWkrwR4Mt==">Jimmy Buffett_2005-09-05_ChicagoIL_FLAC.rar</a></p><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-31960659831666409222023-09-11T10:35:00.004-04:002023-09-11T10:35:37.492-04:00Jimmy Buffett - Legendary American Singer-Songwriter (R.I.P - 1946-2023)<p><b> Sail On, Jimmy!</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96hda2g-0DM7TnSHDJJJ-rSrmu0hwWnnx66X6knIEEXW7DF47llYY3nq7mpkRGq1EYOOE_K4on_HcNl8fCHg31Bg9N7QJn5L7I29Avs8JOkT8yJX860vlq7Tf7EIjVF_tlcMDMcnYV9bnZycPTe4TxEMtjxGnKrrcsZtyfYnpTaVscoZqXr4B4cPuX7E5/s1200/Jimmy-Buffett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96hda2g-0DM7TnSHDJJJ-rSrmu0hwWnnx66X6knIEEXW7DF47llYY3nq7mpkRGq1EYOOE_K4on_HcNl8fCHg31Bg9N7QJn5L7I29Avs8JOkT8yJX860vlq7Tf7EIjVF_tlcMDMcnYV9bnZycPTe4TxEMtjxGnKrrcsZtyfYnpTaVscoZqXr4B4cPuX7E5/w400-h266/Jimmy-Buffett.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b>Last week we lost another legendary musician from my younger days (the seventies), as is happening ever more frequently as these music icons age, but I was still surprised to hear about the passing of <b>Jimmy Buffett</b>, who seemed like he would just keep going on indefinitely. But Jimmy Buffett died on Sept 1 of Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, at the age of 76, and which apparently he had been battling the last few years. I have a long history with Jimmy's music, as I have all his albums from the '70's and '80's, and he holds a special place for me. However, I was not planning on posting anything about his passing as I didn't think I had much to add to the accolades he would be receiving. But after seeing and hearing most of the lame 'tributes' and memoriam segments about his passing in the media I knew I had to at least say a few words about what his true legacy and enormous contributions to music are. Not surprisingly, most of the reports focused on the sort of carefree island music and lifestyle he was known for and his legion of fans that made his concerts famous for their party atmosphere, and of course, they mainly noted his biggest hit, 'Margaritaville', and the lifestyle it represented, as well as a few other humorous or party songs. But a disturbing number of the segments I saw also highlighted his business deals and how he parlayed his one (and only) big hit single, 'Margaritaville', into a billion dollar empire of restaurants, resorts, and cruises, etc., and even went on to say that that those businesses may be his greatest legacy, more so than his music career. What? And what I didn't hear any reports talk about was his legacy as a songwriter, and one of the great songwriters of our time. Yes, Jimmy wrote many fun, whimsical, and humorous songs, but also wrote wonderful truly touching, heartfelt songs about people and the human condition, and whether humorous or heartfelt, always featured clever, insightful, well-constructed lyrics. Other songwriters praised his songwriting. Like a couple of his good songwriting friends, Steve Goodman and John Prine, who were also known to write both humorous and deeply moving songs, Jimmy wrote compelling story songs with heart and meaning, and excellent wordplay. He was also one of the favorite songwriters of another legendary songwriter, one Bob Dylan, who admired his engaging and efficient storytelling in many of his songs. As Jimmy himself would often say when he was asked about going into his various business dealings, 'I'm not a great singer and only a so-so guitar player, so I need to have something to fall back on'. But what he left out was his value as a great songwriter, and in addition to his great personality and admirable spirit and attitude, what he should be known for is as a great songwriter. <br />I first saw Jimmy Buffett live way back in 1974, not long after 'Come Monday' came out, which was his first song to receive any radio play. After seeing his wonderful performance, I started buying all his albums as they came out and they always contained numerous great songs. I generally like all his songs, but especially the more sincere and thoughtful ones, and those early albums had great ones, whether they were his own personal stories, such as 'Come Monday', 'The Captain and The Kid', 'Wonder Why We Ever Go Home', or 'Son of a Son of a Sailor', or relating the stories of others, such as 'He Went to Paris', 'A Pirate Looks at Forty', 'Havana Daydreamin' and many others. And my all-time favorite Jimmy Buffett song is 'Death of an Unpopular Poet', from his first major label album, <b>A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean </b>(1973), and it is not found on any of his compilation albums, or in any of his live shows, but it is a simple, moving story about a modest poet who became famous after his death, and it shows the beauty and efficacy of his storytelling and songwriting. This was one of the songs that Dylan singled out as being great songwriting. But he has many songs that capture that unique moment, spirit, or style, and express it beautifully in song. Even his humorous songs are very well-crafted and often have a core of heart or deeper meaning, such as 'Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season', Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes', 'Boat Drinks', and 'Fins'. He has released many excellent albums over the years, and all of his albums have a mixture of fun songs and more serious, thoughtful songs that are quite moving. My favorite albums are still probably those early ones throughout the '70's, <b>White Sport Coat (1973), Living and Dying in 3/4 time (1974), A1A (1974), Havana Daydreamin' (1976), Changes in Latitudes (1977), Son of a Son of a Sailor (1978), </b>and<b> Volcano (1979)</b>, but most of the others still contained some really great songs, right up to the present. And Jimmy did finish another album before his death, <b>Equal Strain on all Parts</b>, to be released later this year (November 2023), and the just released single from that album, 'Bubbles Up', looks to be another classic Buffett song, once again showing his great songwriting style. So, there is still some more Jimmy Buffett music yet to come, but the musical legacy he has left behind means so much to so many people, and will be embraced and remembered for generations to come. Thank you Jimmy, and sail on for that final voyage. <br /><br /><p></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-62664465057382662382023-08-30T20:42:00.002-04:002023-08-31T09:26:15.608-04:00Genesis - 1978-04-15 - Sports Arena, San Diego, CA (Millard Master Recording)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7ShQahNcVSJXhBUBCgFQ-zBDZbyEQFBTXxctclwCKv1MDnh4zPB1dIsoG9wutNufsA2kbI9N4p3UC0fPAhi9MB4Ac9wbrpLB_THl2EfJvatGigsRvsnrkiuC6BfUhZFl2el6lHUKIP1HS0V-lLknBvd4DgBEH6T4TbUT-J3LfbZwLIR5Ic4wa_dOwebD/s1416/Genesis%201978-04-15%20San%20Diego%20FRONT%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="1405" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7ShQahNcVSJXhBUBCgFQ-zBDZbyEQFBTXxctclwCKv1MDnh4zPB1dIsoG9wutNufsA2kbI9N4p3UC0fPAhi9MB4Ac9wbrpLB_THl2EfJvatGigsRvsnrkiuC6BfUhZFl2el6lHUKIP1HS0V-lLknBvd4DgBEH6T4TbUT-J3LfbZwLIR5Ic4wa_dOwebD/w398-h400/Genesis%201978-04-15%20San%20Diego%20FRONT%20(2).jpg" width="398" /></a></div><b>Genesis<br />1978-04-15<br />Sports Arena, San Diego, CA<br /></b>Audience Recording (Mike Millard Master Tapes via JEMS), very good quality<br />The Lost and Found Mike the MICrophone Tapes Volume 175<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions<br /><p></p><p>Here's another great <b>Genesis</b> show from Yesteryear, and another show from taper Mike Millard's Lost and Found Master Collection, and also a show that had not been previously available until Mike's original recordings were uncovered a few years ago. This tour, of course, was their first without guitarist extraordnaire <b>Steve Hackett</b>. So, at this point the band consisted of just the trio of <b>Phil Collins, Tony Banks</b>, and <b>Mike Rutherford</b>. For the tour, which was in support of their latest album, <b>And Then There Were Three</b>, which makes an obvious reference to the band personnel changes, they are joined by the able support of guitarist Darryl Stuermer and ace drummer Chester Thompson. Once again, they had a lot to prove, after losing another key member of the band. But once again, they put on a great concert and show. I saw them on this tour, and although I was really disappointed not to get to see Steve with the band, it was a great show nonetheless, featuring songs from throughout their catalog. <br /><b> </b></p><p><b>Tracklist:</b><br />01 Eleventh Earl of Mar<br />02 In The Cage<br />03 Burning Rope<br />04 Ripples<br />05 Deep In The Motherlode<br />06 The Fountain Of Salmacis<br />07 Down And Out<br />08 One For The Vine<br />09 Squonk<br />10 Say It's Alright Joe<br />11 The Lady Lies<br />12 The Story Of Romeo & Juliet<br />13 Cinema Show<br />14 Afterglow<br />15 Follow You, Follow Me<br />16 Dance On A Volcano<br />17 Drum Duet<br />18 Los Endos<br />19 I Know What I Like<br /></p><p>FLAC - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/qlFnJXwBU9yl/genesis-1978-04-15-san-diego-ca-millard-flac-rar#!ZGAzAmR2ZwRmMGD2ZJDjMTH1AGt1ZJk5BIICoR5fAUcwEzHkLt==">Genesis_1978-04-15_SanDiegoCA(Millard)_FLAC.rar</a></p><p>Mp3 - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/q6HkkYuOv8Yu/genesis-1978-04-15-san-diego-ca-millard-mp3-rar#!ZJR3LwR2ZwOvZGV4ATLlAJD2LwL4MKIMBUMaD35cFmumHmAuMN==">Genesis_1978-04-15_SanDiegoCA(Millard)_mp3.rar</a></p><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-85111818396355081652023-08-24T19:56:00.000-04:002023-08-24T19:56:46.513-04:00Genesis - 1976-05-01 - Starlight Amphitheatre, Butrbank, CA (Millard Master)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQiJipGhS3yPA93CnXT-fdV0lYvkRfEMFByQiFL4ptJrJPniJPNKoEpsh8RDSFRCqZwb-uALD9CSVFsVeahsKANnR8acGijk-ha3MIatHYg_EfKpjg9VkJTnDLALvCTx9fP1YLrN5kkWpvmqnvKxE8i3udAkzgQ3Ikis3Ul6qDz-jV9oq8nDOvWPcyH1m/s1441/Genesis%201976-05-01%20Burbank%20FRONT%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1441" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQiJipGhS3yPA93CnXT-fdV0lYvkRfEMFByQiFL4ptJrJPniJPNKoEpsh8RDSFRCqZwb-uALD9CSVFsVeahsKANnR8acGijk-ha3MIatHYg_EfKpjg9VkJTnDLALvCTx9fP1YLrN5kkWpvmqnvKxE8i3udAkzgQ3Ikis3Ul6qDz-jV9oq8nDOvWPcyH1m/w400-h393/Genesis%201976-05-01%20Burbank%20FRONT%20(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>Genesis<br />May 01, 1976<br />Starlight Amphitheatre, Burbank, CA<br /></b>Audience Recording (Mike Millard Original Master Tapes via JEMS), very good quality<br />The Lost and Found Mike the MICrophone Tapes Volume 23<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions<br /><p></p><p>OK, I'm back with some more classic progressive rock shows. Over the past year or so I've featured several shows from the Mike Millard Masters collection (high quality audience recordings taped by Mike Millard), and today I have another gem from that series, a classic Genesis show from 1976. The 1976 tour was their first without former lead singer <b>Peter Gabriel</b> (who left the band the previous year) and thus the first with <b>Phil Collins</b> as frontman, and that featured music from their first Gabriel-less new album <b>Trick of the Tail. </b>And proving to their critics and fans that not only could they carry on, but thrive as well in their new incarnation, was vitally important to the band. For this tour they brought along legendary drummer <b>Bill Bruford</b> (Yes, King Crimson), the only time he played with Genesis, so Phil could spend most of his time up front of the band. And of course, both the album and tour was a raging success. Borrowing Bruford was a one-time only a temporary thing. For subsequent tours, the also legendary <b>Chester Thompson</b> (<b>Zappa, Weather Report)</b> toured with them on drums. So, this was the only chance to see and hear Bruford with Genesis. And it was a great show, featuring a mix of earlier songs (with Collins on lead vocals for the first time) and the new songs from Trick of the Tail (which were woven together perfectly), showed that Phil could handle the task beautifully. Anyway, here is a great shoe from that tour.<br /></p><p><b>Tracklist:</b><br />01 Dance On A Volcano<br />02 The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway<br />03 Fly On A Windshield<br />04 Carpet Crawlers<br />05 The Cinema Show<br />06 Robbery, Assault and Battery<br />07 White Mountain<br />08 Firth Of Fifth<br />09 Entangled<br />10 Squonk<br />11 Supper’s Ready<br />12 I Know What I Like<br />12 Los Endos<br />13 It<br />14 Watcher Of The Skies<br /></p><p>FLAC - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/1R7UtHAl9F0f/genesis-1976-05-01-burbank-millard-master-flac-rar#!ZJLlAmR2ZGNkZwt2LmWxAwZ4LGNlZzLjEwycszt2DzAxEwD0Aj==">Genesis_1976-05-01_Burbank,CA(Millard)_FLAC.rar</a></p><p><br />Mp3 - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/07gu4PGQL0Q7/genesis-1976-05-01-burbank-millard-master-mp3-rar#!ZGMyAmR2ZGyxZzAvLGMvBTIvZJEyLwqEZRkfqJ5lLaOXIQSuBN==">Genesis_1976-05-01_Burbank,CA(Millard)_Mp3.rar</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpTQpvHciNo9bzHOm4gxFYETudWu3Drnj8CzzYywAVLC6lMC4bUDJ-5Z-vwqLGVvX22oh8uPbnVnPo-xNKPWUzV5elQnXs-CZ6YeVKQ1OzwLi80q1ZNbT40qewU8sF3TvL6fkVASfvjnpfhhs1b81XjdxycUKzDSjGjSYXdvzT2X4DUb2dqO6FqhMu4mh/s2711/DSCF0337ps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2711" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpTQpvHciNo9bzHOm4gxFYETudWu3Drnj8CzzYywAVLC6lMC4bUDJ-5Z-vwqLGVvX22oh8uPbnVnPo-xNKPWUzV5elQnXs-CZ6YeVKQ1OzwLi80q1ZNbT40qewU8sF3TvL6fkVASfvjnpfhhs1b81XjdxycUKzDSjGjSYXdvzT2X4DUb2dqO6FqhMu4mh/w400-h265/DSCF0337ps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-74724208201542856112023-08-04T15:37:00.005-04:002023-08-04T15:37:48.114-04:00Missing in Action<p>Sorry for the lack of posts this summer. Just been quite busy, and so ended up taking some time off from posting any new content. But I will be back soon and have plans for some great old live shows, some new album reviews. and more. have started re-upping some of the dead links, with more being added all the time. So, just sit back, enjoy your summer, maybe check out some of the older stuff here you haven't gotten around to trying out. I'll be back with more soon. Thanks for dropping by, even if there wasn't anything new yet. Cheers. <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-4339316492735432302023-07-11T20:31:00.001-04:002023-07-20T20:05:35.857-04:00OOP Vinyl Curiosities: James Lee Stanley - Three's The Charm (1974) (Wooden Nickel Records) <p><b>OOP Vinyl Curiosities: </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiBlyNc12UyF6Wo-ZYxMWh7tZJLAS_6TTbzvWAexvFX26QnXm2GjboIHsflVhOHUAYoN-Hn5jzMYR97Lj5Bvxdd0oTvgj0P_zE4W9yXWi5dtkuH4RBJPZRcgar4A09MVahD4lQBZ9QhmRSkJVaYARKyJEGDKPQzGUtRI7ac9NsUE3muoDLa8A83aQR28Q/s710/JLS3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="710" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiBlyNc12UyF6Wo-ZYxMWh7tZJLAS_6TTbzvWAexvFX26QnXm2GjboIHsflVhOHUAYoN-Hn5jzMYR97Lj5Bvxdd0oTvgj0P_zE4W9yXWi5dtkuH4RBJPZRcgar4A09MVahD4lQBZ9QhmRSkJVaYARKyJEGDKPQzGUtRI7ac9NsUE3muoDLa8A83aQR28Q/w400-h399/JLS3.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><b>James Lee Stanley - Three's The Charm (1974)<br />(Wooden Nickel Records) <br /></b>Singer-Songwriter folk-rock<br />Mp3@320 kbps<br /><br />Here is where I feature an underrated, relatively obscure out-of-print (OOP) vinyl-only release. Today, we have the third album from the wonderful singer-songwriter <b>James Lee Stanley</b>, released on Wooden Nickel Records in 1974.<br />Wooden Nickel Records was a small Chicago-based record label (distributed by RCA) that started in 1971 and featured mainly Chicago area artists. Their biggest name artist was the Chicago prog-rock band <b>Styx</b>, whose first 4 albums (1972-1974) were released on Wooden Nickel. Some of the other artists on Wooden Nickel were the <b>Siegel-Schwall Band</b> (blues-rock), <b>Megan McDonough</b> (folk singer), and singer-songwriter <b>James Lee Stanley</b>. The label folded not long after <b>Styx</b> left for A&M records in 1975.<br /> <br /><b>James Lee Stanley</b> was/is a very talented singer-songwriter-troubadour, whose first 3 albums were on Wooden Nickel. Stanley signed a 10-album (!) contract with Wooden Nickel, but after being frustrated with the lack of support and promotion from the label, left after his wonderful third album, <b>Three's the Charm</b>, in 1974. And that third album, should have been his breakthrough as a commercially viable and successful artist, receiving critical acclaim, but remaining unheard by the music-buying public. I first heard of James Lee Stanley around that time (1974-75), as he toured around college campuses and coffeehouses. He played at the college I was attending (Bradley University, Peoria, IL) a couple of times, and put on a great show. He has a very entertaining presence and stage show that is quite humorous as well as great musically. His songwriting and singing is top-notch, but he also tells many humorous stories and anecdotes about his songs and life. Pretty much anyone who has seen him perform becomes a fan. James has gone on to be a steady presence in the music and entertainment world, although never quite achieving stardom. Over the years he has released a total of 34 albums (most through his own Independent label, Beachwood Recordings), and has been an opening act for numerous more famous musicians and comedians, such as Bonnie Raitt, Nicolette Larson, Robin Williams, Steven Wright, and Bill Cosby, as well as released albums in conjunction with Peter Tork (Monkees) and John Batdorf (Batdorf and Rodney), among others. He has always toured regularly around the coffeehouse and club circuit and continues to tour occasionally to this day. So, the album featured here today is that third album from Wooden Nickel Records, Three's the Charm (1974), only released on vinyl in the day, and never reissued or released on CD. It is a genuinely great album, filled with great songs, great arrangements, great vocal performance, and top-notch production. James is backed by an All-Star lineup of quality session players, including Russ Kunkel (drums), Michael Omartian (keyboards), Jim Horn (sax), and Larry Carlton (guitar), as well as some lush string arrangements (by Jimmie Haskell). This album also features what is one of the first, and possibly the very first, appearance of the Chapman Stick on a commercial recording, and it is played here by the inventor of the instrument, Emmett Chapman, on the track 'Eclipse', where it can be heard most prominently soloing in the song's outro (The Chapman Stick instrument, which I've featured before (<a href="https://bbchron.blogspot.com/search/label/Kittyhawk">Kittyhawk album</a>), was invented by Chapman around 1969, but the first commercially available model was not released until 1974, and this album was recorded in 1973). But, back to the album, which features a variety of songs from gentle acoustic crooning to catchy pop to folk and rock stylings, and some humor, including a latin-styled groove that uses terms from a medical dictionary as lyrics (because they are derived from 'latin'). A wonderful album and a fine showcase for his talents, and should have garnered him more success and acclaim, but he still managed to carve out a decent career in music over the years. Going back to this album, and re-listening for the first time in about 20 years was a delight, as I had forgotten just how good it is and what a talent he has. And now this early OOP album is still around and here for all to enjoy. <b>Best Tracks</b>: Windmill, Eclipse, The Round Round, Growing Panes, Plenty of Reason. Check it Out. If you are at all a fan of 70's singer-songwriter-type albums, this is a must listen. You can also check out more of his later music through his website (<a href="http://jamesleestanley.com">jamesleestanley.com</a>) and on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_P9rWtmCEs4G23evVLn_Ug">Youtube</a>. <br /><br />Note: This needle-drop recording was made directly from my nearly 50-year-old vinyl copy of the album (Wooden Nickel Records - BWL1-0430) using Audacity. Thus may contain various vinyl clicks and pops. <br /><br />Tracklist:<br />1. Windmill<br />2. Eclipse<br />3. Plenty of Reason<br />4. Tale From a Blue Comet<br />5. Growing Panes<br />6. The Getaway<br />7. Caduceus Blues (Cortisone)<br />8. Every Reason<br />9. The Round Round<br />10. Come On In<br />11. Star<br /><br /><a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/15436813/James_Lee_Stanley_Three_s_the_Charm_1974__OOPvinyl.rar.html">James Lee Stanley_Three's the Charm_1974_OOPvinyl.rar</a><br /><br /> <p></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-76295069979040062422023-06-26T22:40:00.004-04:002023-06-27T19:55:45.330-04:00New Album Reviews - Spring 2023<p><b>New Album Reviews - Spring 2023</b></p><p>We're already almost halfway through the year, and there have been numerous notable new music releases. Here are some of the albums I have been listening to from this Spring (March-June), with some brief capsule reviews. <br /></p><p><b>Nickel Creek - Celebrants. </b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz9qTLEXxStiOxCZPhRqe6KRgfu4dADAlpsB9OtUNPs5DZpM6aU8FzmaNin8ftKbt-vZ-f2JFAjoQ581Sah7krvKtyMCqa2cF-M1Z8cfq6UfG64eNjqq18acGRrsVrKyvQoEi3eF1Cvs6iA2oEgr4whhI-XfdgECSRxRuVrQBuDaHsiwCdM672qLJE-WE/s316/Celebrants.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAz9qTLEXxStiOxCZPhRqe6KRgfu4dADAlpsB9OtUNPs5DZpM6aU8FzmaNin8ftKbt-vZ-f2JFAjoQ581Sah7krvKtyMCqa2cF-M1Z8cfq6UfG64eNjqq18acGRrsVrKyvQoEi3eF1Cvs6iA2oEgr4whhI-XfdgECSRxRuVrQBuDaHsiwCdM672qLJE-WE/s1600/Celebrants.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><p></p><p>Nickel Creek is an American contemporary bluegrass trio consisting of Chris Thile (mandolin, vocals), and siblings Sara Watkins (fiddle, vocals) and Sean Watkins (guitar, vocals), formed in 1989 in Southern California. They are known for their blending of traditional bluegrass with more modern aspects of indie and folk rock. They released a couple albums in the 90's, but really started to attract attention and acclaim after working with <b>Alison Krauss</b>, who produced their breakthrough self-titled album in 2000 and the follow-up, <b>This Side</b> in 2002. This was the period that I was familiar with for the band. They released a couple more albums over the next several years (that I have not heard), but had not released any new music since 2014, until this new album, <b>Celebrants</b>. And I have to say that it is just FANTASTIC! I love the more progressive approach they took and the more complex song structures and edgier arrangements, as well as the jazzy influences. The album has a cohesiveness to it and some thematic elements running through it, such as the strategic use of dissonance in some songs and arrangements. They have shown in the past that they can do sweet and catchy pop bluegrass, but this goes well beyond that, into some more interesting territory. Yet, there is still enough of the traditional bluegrass spirit and style that it is remains familiar, just goes in some different directions. A full album with 18 relatively short songs and just under an hour length, an hour of of wonderful music. Its' hard to pick out the highlights because every song is so good. Certainly one of the best albums of the year so far, and one that should appeal to music lovers well beyond the traditional bluegrass and folk audience. <b>Best Tracks:</b> Holding Pattern, Where the Long Line Leads, Stone's Throw, To the Airport, Failure isn't Forever, Strangers. <b>Weak tracks: </b>none. Rating: <b>4.5<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b><br /><br /><b>Exploring Birdsong - Dancing on the Face of Danger -EP (2023), </b>as well as <b>The Thing with Feathers -EP (2019)</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzBYIqaEVfzogxwE0hx0jOmhIbmbfBIR1_bohd6NS-XGWM6V1dQXL3DuT2-5D1n4Ig-MWcjR2-3WT6EoI7ZaffrjGw2ApXu2fReiPhSUr8PEtx0eX1Ol188tqjev6ea0i0xY4RPooLnzIq3WoaFlLPQusPombTlr7qlGOR1yF8gFVC4mVUuY3wCvilFY1/s2081/BirdsongEPs.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2081" data-original-width="1043" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzBYIqaEVfzogxwE0hx0jOmhIbmbfBIR1_bohd6NS-XGWM6V1dQXL3DuT2-5D1n4Ig-MWcjR2-3WT6EoI7ZaffrjGw2ApXu2fReiPhSUr8PEtx0eX1Ol188tqjev6ea0i0xY4RPooLnzIq3WoaFlLPQusPombTlr7qlGOR1yF8gFVC4mVUuY3wCvilFY1/w270-h540/BirdsongEPs.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>Exploring Birdsong is an exciting, relatively new progressive rock trio out of Liverpool, UK, consisting of Lynsey Ward (vocals, piano), Johnny Knight (bass, synths), and Matt Henrison (drums), that features a soaring keyboard-driven prog style with great female vocals and bold, dynamic songs, and featuring a unique blend of classic and modern Prog with jazz and pop touches. So far, they have only released 2 EPs, their first in 2019, <b>The Thing with Feathers</b>, and just released earlier this year, <b>Dancing in the Face of Danger</b>. Both are excellent. The first EP features more piano and is a bit more acoustic, with strong jazz influences but set in a Neo-Prog soundscape, whereas the new EP features more synths and a slicker production style, but both deliver great songs and dynamic prog arrangements with intricate keyboard lines, driving rhythms, and odd time signatures. They have aspects that are somewhat like a mixture of <b>Magenta, Renaissance, Big Big Train</b>, and <b>Porcupine Tree</b>, with some <b>Chuck Leavell</b> and <b>Dave Brubeck</b> and even maybe some <b>Fleetwood Mac</b> thrown in. Each EP has 5 main songs (about 25 min. total), with great riffs and rhythms, and an aggressive approach, yet still always quite melodic and engaging. I actually prefer the earlier EP a bit more, with its more dynamic piano-centric sound, but both EPs are great. Although they do not yet have a full album release, these 2 EPs go together very well to make a nice full-length album. Highly recommended to check out (Their music is available through Bandcamp). <b>Best Tracks: </b>(From <b>Feathers</b>) the River, The Sinking Question, The Baptism, (From <b>Dancing</b>) The Way Down, Bear The Weight, Ever The Optimist. Rating: <b>4.5<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b><br /><br /><b>Jethro Tull - RokFlute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVXlFpYmEfLWKjotTdi8k3Y3yv3eliWxV37Yv1f-B086MRmChhrJPZMbmQ9__llOuXxkjvbjvg39g3tHJLc9RrUQXSnxKi7i3HQqkwqUaZe99QJokiEYDRxWvT5-eWxnvNY3ULuT8iy85-_rTtVt7uVamoqgmG-VY_RyZw3QsQVi42SDLjGlx7n7_CuKj/s316/Jethro_Tull_Rokflote.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVXlFpYmEfLWKjotTdi8k3Y3yv3eliWxV37Yv1f-B086MRmChhrJPZMbmQ9__llOuXxkjvbjvg39g3tHJLc9RrUQXSnxKi7i3HQqkwqUaZe99QJokiEYDRxWvT5-eWxnvNY3ULuT8iy85-_rTtVt7uVamoqgmG-VY_RyZw3QsQVi42SDLjGlx7n7_CuKj/s1600/Jethro_Tull_Rokflote.jpg" width="316" /></a></div></b><p></p><p>OK, so this is the second album from Jethro Tull within the last 15 months, when it had been nearly 20 since their previous album before <b>The Zealot Gene</b> (2022). Overall, this new one is a fair bit better than Zealot Gene, with great flute work and some really nice instrumental sections. But I think it still falls into a similar category, in that it is a good album, but not great. It is fine, and quite pleasant to listen to, but not much more than that. Many quite nice melodies and arrangements, but never quite takes off. Reportedly, this album was originally intended to be an all instrumental album, featuring the flute, but then Ian became fascinated with Norse mythology and wanted to incorporate that into his songs, which resulted in some new songs and vocals added to previously existing ones. However, the vocals are the weakest part of the album, and I think at least some of the songs should have been kept as instrumentals, particularly Cornucopia and Gaurdian's Watch, as the vocal sections are not really needed and actually detract from the inherent beauty of the songs. And although the backing tracks and arrangements are better here than the last album, I still don't hear a real band, it still seems like another <b>Ian Anderson</b> solo album (which is fine, but it's not fully Tull). Another oddity here is that Anderson's wonderful acoustic guitar work is completely missing from this album, nowhere to be found. Not sure if this is one I will come back to very often, but it is an enjoyable listen and worth checking out. However, it is quite telling that although this album only came out a couple months ago, it already seems to be virtually forgotten, which doesen't bode well for it achieving classic status. <b>Best Tracks</b>: Wolf Unchained, The Perfect One, The Trickster (And the Mistletoe), The Navigators, Cornucopia. <b>Rating: 3<b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b>. <br /><br /><b>Yes - Mirror to the Sky</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfda_fSp6w93u-prcIBXMKFei4PMdj85zu0d-2-yfJHD7DrOqGZ0UwRqH9JnRh61T6BMZBneCE6-CoUuEGkjPNffhM6Sg17m8sZ04ybr5RwtUrQdBLj-7ndcmAhRQ3exyw23BCQJm5aveS3UcA6tlTWUC8FfSkVejFSaroRRB0NHvkG1z3Yb9JHgtRLKbf/s316/Mirror_To_The_Sky_Yes.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfda_fSp6w93u-prcIBXMKFei4PMdj85zu0d-2-yfJHD7DrOqGZ0UwRqH9JnRh61T6BMZBneCE6-CoUuEGkjPNffhM6Sg17m8sZ04ybr5RwtUrQdBLj-7ndcmAhRQ3exyw23BCQJm5aveS3UcA6tlTWUC8FfSkVejFSaroRRB0NHvkG1z3Yb9JHgtRLKbf/s1600/Mirror_To_The_Sky_Yes.jpg" width="316" /></a></b></div><b></b>With this, the 23rd studio album from prog legends <b>Yes</b>, and following on the heels of their somewhat underwhelming 2021 album, <b>The Quest</b> (which didn't sound much like Yes at all), there was some cause for concern. However, this album follows more closely to the traditional Yes style and sound, has some great songs, and delivers their best album in many years. Of course, the band composition is quite a bit different from their earlier days, with both Chris Squire and Alan White having passed away, and Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman not a part of the band anymore, leaving guitarist Steve Howe in charge, leading singer Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood (bass), Geoff Downes (keybpards), and Jay Schellen (drums) as the current Yes incarnation. Howe, once again, dominates the album (with his guitar, as well as primary songwriter and producer), but with better results than the previous album. The highlight of the album is the wonderful and beautiful title track, also being the longest song, at nearly 14 minutes, and featuring multiple sections, beautiful melodies, an orchestra, and classic Yes songwriting and performance. There are a couple lesser, more pop-oriented songs, such as the straight-forward pop-rock of Living Out Their Dream and the closing Davison ballad Circles of Time, but the bulk of the album follows in the classic Yes style. There is also a bonus disc containing 3 additional songs that is included with some forms of the album, which also veers more towards a lighter, poppier sound, but is nonetheless pleasant, although perhaps a bit too cutesie. Overall, a fine album, and although still cannot measure up to the greatness of their classic days, is nonetheless their best album in probably 20 year. Best Tracks: Mirror to the Sky, Luminosity, Cut From the Stars. <b>Rating: 3.5<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b><br /><br /><br /><b>Mystery - Redemption. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjc1xBAfScI1vZTzjD8orF_Ns0l8ZoMqNLHfTNKelRjlUKp6pZLaia0-ecHOtfNom3oKQ6KmncYJs-YhMsIDu7eaIr8M4dzwIF-IezYlAHlONFJIAG9-9l6ofAY6OTPioPhXNj8Sga0QD6Czj1ZbAeJ4vir8mJgCYYMdxL457YFmcr-VoECNBQ86QTR6Ny/s1000/cover_2132111032023_r.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1000" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjc1xBAfScI1vZTzjD8orF_Ns0l8ZoMqNLHfTNKelRjlUKp6pZLaia0-ecHOtfNom3oKQ6KmncYJs-YhMsIDu7eaIr8M4dzwIF-IezYlAHlONFJIAG9-9l6ofAY6OTPioPhXNj8Sga0QD6Czj1ZbAeJ4vir8mJgCYYMdxL457YFmcr-VoECNBQ86QTR6Ny/s320/cover_2132111032023_r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b><br /><b>Mystery</b> is a veteran French-Canadian Progressive rock band, formed by multi-instrumentalist (guitars, keyboards, bass) Michel St-Pere back in 1989, and with a changing backing lineup over the years. Their sound features a melodic symphonic prog approach with liberal doses of 80's AOR (<b>Styx, Asia, Rush, Saga</b>) and 90's Neo-Prog styles mixed in, creating a melodic and accessible type of symphonic prog with slick production, catchy melodies, soaring ballads, and proggy instrumental flourishes. Their first album, <b>Theatre of the Mind</b>, came out in 1996, and this new album, their 8th follows their previously most recent, <b>Lies and Butterflies</b> (2018). The current lineup, which has been steady since 2014 consists of St-Pere, Frances Fournier (bass) Sylvain Moineau (guitar), Jean-Seastian Goyette (drums), Jean Pageau (lead vocals), flute, and Antoine Michaud (keyboards). Now, I have to admit that although this band has been around a long time, and plays in a style that is right up my alley (melodic symphonic prog), I was not familiar with this band before this album. But, after hearing several rave reviews of this new album in Prog circles (Prog Corner, Nathan on Shuffle, Prog Archives, etc.), I just had to check them out. And well, yes, this is a very good, solid album. It has all the things you expect from this style, and musically very well done. It checks all the boxes, as it has majestic anthems and themes, soaring ballads, virtuoso soloing and proggy instrumental intricacies, great vocals and harmonies, and emotional peaks and valleys. However, even with all that, it just didn't fully connect with me. It just wasn't quite compelling and engaging, just not something I can get very excited about, and I couldn't help but feel disappointed with it. For me, overall, it was a bit too much of the same old stuff, and just seemed somewhat generic Neo-Prog, too similar to other stuff I'd heard before. Still enjoyable, but there were no real surprises or 'Oh Wow!' moments. The melodies and themes were fine, but not stellar, and I just didn't feel the excitement or emotion of it, more like just going through the motions of creating a symphonic prog classic, perhaps succeeding, but not quite excelling. They seemed to be playing it safe, not trying anything very new or different, just sticking with what has worked for them before. It seemed to be like throwing in dozens of 80's and 90's AOR and Neo-prog albums and homogenizing them into a new album. After that first listen, I thought maybe I was being too harsh and it will grow on me after repeated listens, so I listened to it a couple more times over the next week, but still felt the same. I will say that the epic closing track, 'Is That How the Story Ends?', is great (showed more variation in sound and style, cool feel), had everything I wanted in an epic (19 min.) song and lifted the rest of the album up quite a bit. If the whole album would have been as good as that closing epic, I would have been very happy with the album. It is quite a long album, coming in at ~75 minutes long, and by the time I got to that epic closing track, I was already a bit worn-out, but that final track was great. Some of the other tracks, particularly the two ballads, Every Note and My Inspiration, just go on a bit too long, and could be cut sown. Overall, for me, I can only rank the album as very good, but still somehow disappointing. <b>Best track:</b> Is That How the Story Ends?. <b>Rating: 3.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> <br /><br /><b>K'Mono - Mind out of Mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpti8i7dLS8coYeVy6CGp4D2BR8or25vD7AgrFGsbjRjoyg2fHbKf5y2gjzcYhoKXmCWyXOOpL6lB2PvPttbYHbyRcdenc3nJbVoGCZuRTKol4CLU1DmxChWMxZpX8-d3d78o0oPurfXWQHAqW53s-F7iUh0w4_PVWsOrv0aEp7vqcslh_p6W3m3-rhpj/s1000/cover_739182952023_r.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpti8i7dLS8coYeVy6CGp4D2BR8or25vD7AgrFGsbjRjoyg2fHbKf5y2gjzcYhoKXmCWyXOOpL6lB2PvPttbYHbyRcdenc3nJbVoGCZuRTKol4CLU1DmxChWMxZpX8-d3d78o0oPurfXWQHAqW53s-F7iUh0w4_PVWsOrv0aEp7vqcslh_p6W3m3-rhpj/s320/cover_739182952023_r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </b>Another relatively new band, this Minneapolis-based Progressive rock trio takes their inspiration from the classic 70's prog masters, such as <b>Yes</b> and <b>Pink Floyd</b>, but add a whole lot more into their sound. Featuring elements of space-rock, psychedelia, and funk sprinkled throughout, as well as some more modern touches in addition to their classic prog approach, which gives the band a fresh and lively style and sound. This is their 2nd album, following <b>Return to the 'E'</b> (2021). There is much diversity throughout the album, as they can create something right out of the <b>Yes</b> style songbook, such as Tell Me the Lore, but other tracks take very different approaches. On songs like In the Lost and Found and Answers in the Glass, they start by laying down a funky groove, then build on it and see just where they can take it, and they take them to some amazing places. Good-Looking seems to be their play for a more mainstream pop-oriented single, but still with their own unique spin. Overall, just a unique and wonderful album that is both somewhat familiar but also unlike anything you've heard before. A truly great find and certainly a band to watch going forward. <b>Best Tracks:</b> In The Lost and Found, Tell Me The Lore, Answers in the Glass, Mind Out of Mind. <b>Rating: 4.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b><br /><br /><b>Kite Parade - Retro<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfVV4R2_t7a6SPV0GtPuileblI_EtJibUsYeRNmYCM5xkHro3IZRTuX37uTf-H620m0-kkEzl948nXTqtP4tud_VJ20_4mEUC6D0UayiW7LpW3x_cAmUTyLNHZGS0F02GNpe9gt3tFJMcQeIcGqmv8ludJM93_5DZgqI1-R9OEOjXIv9ewFy54cEBmBsD/s751/336555949_1267818543814186_6317853125340409057_n-740x751.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfVV4R2_t7a6SPV0GtPuileblI_EtJibUsYeRNmYCM5xkHro3IZRTuX37uTf-H620m0-kkEzl948nXTqtP4tud_VJ20_4mEUC6D0UayiW7LpW3x_cAmUTyLNHZGS0F02GNpe9gt3tFJMcQeIcGqmv8ludJM93_5DZgqI1-R9OEOjXIv9ewFy54cEBmBsD/s320/336555949_1267818543814186_6317853125340409057_n-740x751.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br />Kite Parade</b> is also a fairly new progressive pop-rock band (First album, <b>The Way Home</b> was released in 2022), and is primarily the work of multi-instrumentalist Andy Foster, as the music and vocals are basically all done by him, just with some additional guest artists on drums ( notably <b>Big Big Train's Nick D'Virgilio</b>) and some selected instrumental solos. Last year's <b>The Way Home</b> was very well-received, and Andy seems to have gone even bigger and better with this new release. The album kicks off with a couple of slickly produced energetic pop-rock ditties that are good, but go on a bit too long for what they are (6-7 min each), but the album really steps it up with the third track, Wonderful, which is just that, a charming and beautiful ballad that steadily gains momentum to reach a soaring and majestic finish, and that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Wonderful vocals, majestic themes and delightful riffs continue throughout, leading up to the crowning achievement of the album, the closing 14-1/2 minute epic, Merry-Go-Round. Starting off with an atmospheric Pink Floyd-esque instrumental opening leading into the first vocal section and main themes, building into a musical tour-de-force, ultimately culminating in a soaring and satisfying finish that wraps up the album on a high. Overall, a very satisfying album (and succeeds in ways that the Mystery album just does not manage). <b>Best Tracks:</b> Merry-Go-Round, Wonderful, Shadow Falls, Under the Same Sun.<b> Rating: 4</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> <br /><p></p><p><b>BB’s Rating scale:</b></p><p></p><p></p><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>1</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b> </b>– Terrible, torturous to have to listen to</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>1.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> - Poor, not worth your time<br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>2 </b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but
sub-par overall</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>2.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>3</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not
spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very
often</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>3.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very
enjoyable overall</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>4</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b></b> – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you
will want to come back to over and over again</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>4.5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b> </b>– Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every
way, just short of a masterpiece </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>5</b><b><b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span class="style-scope"><span style="font-family: "Wingdings 2"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: "Wingdings 2";">ó</span></span></span></span></b> </b>– A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its
type, and has stood the test of time</div><p>Well, that's it for now. There are a bunch of other new albums released in the last few weeks that I wasn't ready to include here, but will try to get to next month maybe. There also were many other new albums I listened to, but just don't have time to get to or don't have much to say about. perhaps I will try to put some of them into an addendum of quick take reviews or something. Lots of great stuff to listen to. What are some of your favorite albums from this Spring? Let me know in the comments.</p><p> <br /></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1433840551679215712.post-64171491990390832012023-06-19T17:38:00.003-04:002023-06-20T14:16:29.275-04:00Peter Gabriel - 2023-05-24 - Stade Pierre Mauroy, Villaneuve d'Asq, France - i/o tour<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjDCsmOAMKUTFOV0TxgeCkI9nM28EDIadL71EMrMBaZdJkGqKMYYBKJpdAOLLSMN5-NxtCEFBg_xvnHuYElJEcfoXWF5-eq_4_y2wWjpi-TfUNJprPQEljAPHwwpGsIuW51ZpwO4XBv87FTJRlV46gs8-Y1tf81DTQSwtPDnsKU4AYsGBsex8FJGJadqY/s2000/Peter-Gabriel.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="2000" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjDCsmOAMKUTFOV0TxgeCkI9nM28EDIadL71EMrMBaZdJkGqKMYYBKJpdAOLLSMN5-NxtCEFBg_xvnHuYElJEcfoXWF5-eq_4_y2wWjpi-TfUNJprPQEljAPHwwpGsIuW51ZpwO4XBv87FTJRlV46gs8-Y1tf81DTQSwtPDnsKU4AYsGBsex8FJGJadqY/w400-h254/Peter-Gabriel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>PETER GABRIEL<br />Wednesday 24th May 2023<br />Stade Pierre Mauroy, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France<br /></b>Audience recording (TakerRecords), very good sound quality<br />Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and Mp3 (320 kbps) versions<br /><p></p><p>Last month I posted a recent show from legendary progressive rock vocalist and icon <b>Jon Anderson</b> from his current tour, and this month I have a great show from another legendary progressive rock vocalist and icon <b>Peter Gabriel</b> from his current<b> i/o Tour,</b> which features 11 songs from his upcoming new album,<b> i/o</b>. Peter has been slowly releasing new songs this year, with one song coming out on each full moon. Thus, so far this year, 6 of the new songs have been released, but on this tour he plays 11 of the new songs, so several more are featured here. This is a big deal, because it has been over 20 years since Peter's last new album of original songs (<b>Up</b>, 2002). Already, the album is stacking up as one of the year's best, even before it is released. In addition, he plays several favorites from his previous albums on this tour, including several from <b>So</b> (his biggest-selling album), and numerous crowd favorites. As usual, he has a top-notch 8-piece band backing him, and the show is just sensational. There have been several shows with decent audio recordings, and a few that also have video (and are available to view on YouTube), and if you are a fan, I would suggest checking out some of the videos of the show, as they are great as well. Great songs and a great performance from this master of melodic progressive rock. <br /></p><p><b>Tracklist:</b><br />1. Intro<br />2. Washing Of The Water<br />3. Growing Up<br />4. Panopticom<br />5. Four Kinds Of Horses<br />6. i/o<br />7. Digging In The Dirt<br />8. Playing For Time<br />9. Olive Tree<br />10. This Is Home<br />11. Sledgehammer<br />--- Intermission ---<br />12. Darkness<br />13. Love Can Heal<br />14. Road To Joy<br />15. Don't Give Up<br />16. The Court<br />17. Red Rain<br />18. And Still<br />19. Big Time<br />20. Live And Let Live<br />21. Solsbury Hill<br /><b>--- Encore ---</b><br />22. In Your Eyes<br /><b>--- Encore 2 ---</b><br />23. Biko<br /><br />Running Time : 02:35:23<br /><br />Band:<br />Peter Gabriel - Vocals, Piano<br />Tony Levin - Bass<br />Manu Katche - Drums<br />David Rhodes - Guitars<br />Don-E - Keyboards<br />Richard Evans - Flute, Guitars<br />Ayanna Witter-Johnson - Cello, Piano, Vocals<br />Marina Moore - Violine, Vocals<br />Josh Shpak - Trumpet, French Horn, Keyboards, Vocals<br /><br />mp3 - <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/15357126/Peter_Gabriel_-_2023-05-24_-_Villeneuve_d_Ascq__France.part1.rar.html">Peter Gabriel_2023-05-24_Villaneuve d'Asq France_mp3.part1.rar</a><br /> <a href="https://www.upload.ee/files/15357127/Peter_Gabriel_-_2023-05-24_-_Villeneuve_d_Ascq__France.part2.rar.html">Peter Gabriel_2023-05-24_Villaneuve d'Asq France_mp3.part2.rar</a><br /><br />FLAC - <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/xVeB6SItdkFP/peter-gabriel-2023-05-24-villeneuve-d-ascq-france-d1-rar#!ZGD4BGR2A2R4LzR2AGquAwyvMGyzZIOTn2EFMRgupKugpGx4ZN==">Peter Gabriel_2023-05-24_Villaneuve d'Asq France_FLAC_D1.rar</a><br /> <a href="https://ulozto.net/file/z1kn4dA1ZsWV/peter-gabriel-2023-05-24-villeneuve-d-ascq-france-d2-rar#!ZJIwMQR2A2MwLmV3ATWzLwDmAQAzL1MKp1bmHyMOoaxlGmuyZt==">Peter Gabriel_2023-05-24_Villaneuve d'Asq France_FLAC_D2.rar</a><br /> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jk6zjCncpJin0U8M7F4rVaIV_WSQhN6qe5TRcW5GpZn9H-3UIjqoncS_zh1dKeqaGoeowJd1K1dKfokDnmXxxMwOQ0LR6RNPaetC9nFihqGNi5aGfFwFZtez5_m4mlTlOnmynTQ98CXeoLHrcgfkCiJ1uFSXdxy31F9jTXHxTtZXwxSD4_PMAYMuEBNh/s1280/Peter-Gabriel-Tour-2023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jk6zjCncpJin0U8M7F4rVaIV_WSQhN6qe5TRcW5GpZn9H-3UIjqoncS_zh1dKeqaGoeowJd1K1dKfokDnmXxxMwOQ0LR6RNPaetC9nFihqGNi5aGfFwFZtez5_m4mlTlOnmynTQ98CXeoLHrcgfkCiJ1uFSXdxy31F9jTXHxTtZXwxSD4_PMAYMuEBNh/w400-h300/Peter-Gabriel-Tour-2023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>BBKronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08119845946010281893noreply@blogger.com5