New Album Roundup - Winter 2026 (Jan-Mar)

New Album Roundup - Winter 2026

Well, here we are, with the first 3 months of 2026 already behind us, winter is gone and springtime ahead. Although I haven't been posting to the blog over that time, I have been busy and listening to all the new music coming out. So, it's time once again to highlight some of the best new albums that have been released over the past 3 months (January-March 2026). I've listened to some 30+ new albums in these early months of 2026, and there have been many quite good ones, and a few that really stand out as something really special. Anyway, these are the albums that I think are notable and have liked the most thus far. 

Big Big Train - Woodcut

Have to lead-off with this, as Big Big Train is one of my favorite current bands, and they have done it again with this fantastic new release. Of course, BBT is a UK Prog band known for their beautiful pastoral melodies, soaring instrumental passages, evocative narratives, and sweeping majestic symphonic Prog, maintaining effective use of strings and horns, as well occasional bursts of heavier prog instrumental sections. BBT has now fully emerged from tragedy and turmoil earlier this decade with a new lineup that has evolved into perhaps their strongest ensemble thus far. And here, the band presents their first fully immersive concept album, 16 interrelated tracks (66 min. of music) that tell the story of a woodcarving artist, exploring the themes of creative obsession, struggle for recognition and the emotional highs and lows of the creative process. But, as always, it's the music that is most important here, and the songs play out in a wonderful sequence of beauty, style, and emotion from beginning to end, covering a variety of musical styles from beautiful melodic sections to thunderous, energetic rock. Vocals are superb throughout, led by Alberto Bravin, but each of the various vocalists in the band get their chance to shine on different songs. Overall, a wonderful cohesive album that is sure to remain among the very best albums of the year. Best Tracks: The Artist, Chimaera,  Cut and Run, The Sharpest Blade, Counting Stars. Rating: 4.5 stars.

Neal Morse Band - L.I.F.T.

The latest from prolific U.S. Progger Neal Morse is a return of the Neal Morse Band, and it is fantastic. Neal releases a lot of albums (35+ since 2000) in many forms and various collaborators, and with various degrees of success (ranging from ho-hum to the greatest Prog classics), but for me at least, his output with the Neal Morse Band has always been among his best albums, as this ensemble, with Eric Gillette (guitars), Bill Hubauer (keyboards), Randy George (bass), and Mike Portnoy (drums) joining Neal, brings out the best in them all. But after Mike Portnoy left to rejoin Dream Theater in 2024, the future of NMB was in doubt, yet here we have a new NMB album, their first since Innocence and Danger (2021) and 5th overall, and it is a joy from start to finish. It is a fully fleshed out concept album, with each song delivering a powerful punch, perfectly blending classic rock with great prog. The songs all work here and all fit together to make a most satisfying album experience, filled with great melodies and instrumental virtuosity. 13 songs (70 min. runtime), and although no epic-length tracks, there's still plenty of opportunities for proggy instrumental sections and for each band member to shine. Love this album, sure to be one of the best of the year, and best from Neal in many many years. If you've liked Neal's work in the past but haven't been impressed with his more recent albums, be sure to check this one out, as it is ranks up there with his best.  Best Tracks: Reaching, Carry You Again, Gravity's Grip, Fully Alive Part 2, Love All Along. Rating 4.5 stars

Spirergy - Whenever Forever

Third album from this UK Progressive rock outfit, which is a project of multi-instrumentalist Dave Allen, and it's a wonderful journey through 70's-style classic melodic symphonic prog. Nice blending of vocal and instrumental sections, and mix of guitars and keyboards as lead instruments. Best tracks tend to be the longer ones, where Dave gets a chance to really stretch out in extended instrumental sections. I particularly love the prevalent incorporation of acoustic instruments (piano, acoustic and 12-string guitars) amidst the electronics (electric guitars, synthesizers). Songs and styles are very reminiscent of the usual classic bands (Genesis, Yes, ELP, Rush, etc), and most reminds me of Starcastle, but also still forge their own way. Songs include a mix of shorter and longer tracks, including the epic-length (16 min) title track, and The vocals fall somewhere between Jon Anderson and Geddy Lee (for better or worst). Overall, a wonderful and very entertaining album that fans of classic Prog should definitely check out. Best Tracks: Carry Me Home, In the Small Hours, See it in Your Eyes, Whenever Forever. Rating: 4 stars 

Rope and Ladder - This Is Wild

2nd album from this Indie rock duo (Jay Clark and Ryan Dolen) from Boston, with a unique sound that I would call Power Folk or heavy folk-rock, in that their songs have somewhat of a Folk aesthetic, but are presented with a powerful, theatrical rock approach. Their songs are somewhat melancholic and uplifting at the same time. Often start off with mellow acoustic guitars before building to powerful anthemic and sometimes symphonic arrangements, and with beautiful vocals and harmonies throughout. But they also feature a variety of different styles, from the stark acoustic gloom of I Watched You Watch Him Die to the power blues of Holy Ghost, to the channeling of The Kinks in the delightful power pop title track, to the angelic Lemon Twigs-style harmonies of Still, and at other times resembling the symphonic Folk of Cloud Cult. Every song is a winner on this surprising and delightful album. Best Tracks: This is Wild, Grandfather, Fight or Flight, No Hard Feelings, Wasted on Me. Rating: 4 stars. 
  
The Dear Hunter - Sunya

This genre-defying U.S. alternative progressive pop band's much anticipated follow-up to their fantastic 2022 album, Antimai, is finally here. This concept album continues to flesh out the world presented in Antimai, featuring a similar sound palette, mixing in jazz, funk, soul textures to their unique sound. Whereas Antimai explored the physical and social structure of the city-state, Sunya ventures out beyond the city to the people and places of the outlying regions. Although not quite as sonically bold and dynamic as its predecessor, Sunya features rich and sumptuous soundscapes - there's a lot going on here - with complex, layered, and intricately detailed arrangements and instrumentation, creating lush and encompassing sonic landscapes. Once again, Casey Crescenzo's vocals, as well as the backing harmonies, are superb, with Casey's voice seeming to fit right in with whatever style of song they present. Wonderful songs throughout, from the opening Wastelands, Marauders, the most rockin' track, the 3-part heart of the album, The Glass Desert, with Glass Desert III showing a Tears for Fears-style lush pop, and concluding with the dreamy title track. A Great album, with the only complaint being that it is too short, just as the full ambiance seems to be in full swing, it's over, and we want more. Can't wait for the next phase and where they will take us next. Best tracks: Marauders, The Glass Desert I, II, III, Sunya. Rating 4 stars

Hallas - Panorama

This 4th album from Swedish prog band Hallas takes us back to the 70's. The first half of the album is a brilliant epic-length (21 min) early 70's style symphonic prog masterpiece, Above the Continuum, that is just sensational. It features everything you could want in a prog rock epic, from the gentle melodic sections to thunderous rocking, grand majestic themes, and instrumental acrobatics, with no lulls or lapses throughout its extended runtime. Takes you back to early 70's symphonic prog, and certainly with glimpses of the prog greats (Genesis, Yes, ELP, Moody Blues, etc.) abound, yet the overall style and sound is squarely their own on this masterpiece. Absolutely fantastic and sure to be among the very best epics of the year. However, for the second half of the album, they switch to 4 shorter songs and a more straight-forward 70's melodic hard rock style, driving rock with heavy riffs and catchy melodies. Still very well-done, but just not that special or interesting, at least for me. If whole album was as good as the first half, it would be one of the best of the year, but overall, still a very good album. Best Track: Above the Continuum. Rating: 3.5 stars

Legs on Wheels - Gobble

2nd album from this unique eclectic alternative progressive/art rock band from the U.K. that features a fun, energetic, all-over-the-place style, incorporating aspects of many different genres. As for what they sound like, imagine a mixture of early Split Enz (especially the vocals), XTC (quirky off-kilterness), Gentle Giant (for the progginess and complexity), and maybe some 10 cc and They Might Be Giants (for the silliness), something like that. Lyrics seem to be mostly nonsense, and the music features many odd time signatures, rhythms, and abrupt changes between sections, but still remains melodic. There's some musical magic here, and it mostly works. The album closer, Masteroid, is longer (11 min) and gives the band a chance to stretch out a bit more instrumentally, and also has some sections that resemble a more proggy Steely Dan, among other highlights. An album with lots of fun quirks and oddities. Best Tracks: Masteroid, Waiting for his Drowning, Centipede, Winner Winner. Rating: 3.5 stars

Motorpsycho - Gaia II Space Corps

Versatile and prolific prog band Motorpsycho is back and goes full-on Psych-Rock/Space rock with this latest release, with only occasional glimpses of their Prog influences (such as on The Oracle). They deliver a solid rockin' album of psychedelic hard rock propelled by repeating heavy guitar riffs, solid melodies, and soaring solos. They add some of their usual flair to the proceedings, but overall, they stick to the script of bringing back the sound of 70's psych rock with fun, jammy style for this album. Best Tracks: The Oracle, Gaia II Space Corp, TSMcR, The Great Stash Robbery.  Rating 3.5 stars

Major Parkinson - Valesa Chapter II: Viva the Apocalypse!

Norwegian Prog pop/rock. I really wanted to love this quirky genre-defying band and their mix of jazz, pop, rock, funk, prog, and metal, as their no-holds-barred approach is similar to bands I love such as The Dear Hunter and Moron Police, but sadly, I just could not. Musically this is some really cool stuff with funky complex beats, rhythms, and intricate and inventive arrangements. There's a lot going on here. But the shouty, growly, talk-singing lead vocals and annoying lyrics are terrible, and greatly detract from every song. That plus the unevenness of the album (First half or so is great, second half plummets bad, especially the extended annoying metal nonsense of Karma Supernova and Maybelline) really weaken what could have been a great album. The album then bizarrely closes with a straightforward sweet pop song (Kiss Me Now) for a weak finish. If you can get past the poor vocals and couple weak tracks, there is a lot to like about this band and album, but given the weaknesses I can't score it as anything above a good rating. Best Tracks: Superdad, Father Superior, Showbiz, Viva the Apocalypse. Rating: 3 stars 

Tigran Hamasyan - Manifeste

Exceptionally talented Armenian jazz pianist and composer goes all out on this release with an ambitious, sprawling 14 track, 72 min, album that is stylistically all over the place, featuring interpretations of Armenian folk tunes and hymns, smooth jazz, jazz-rock fusion, freeform jazz, Prog and Prog-metal, and polyrhythm math-rock, and everything in between.  Mostly instrumental, but  lyric vocals on a couple tracks, and non-word vocalizations on several more. Best known for his staccato rhythms and intricately pulsing melody lines creating dynamic technically complex compositions. At times reminiscent of the melodic jazz of Pat Metheny Group, at others more freeform or avant jazz forms.  However, due to the vastly different style and tone of the varying tracks, the sprawling album becomes a somewhat uncomfortable listen, as one listener is not likely to fully appreciate all the different styles here (for example, I didn't care much for some of the slower hymn-like tunes). This is one of those albums where best to pull out your favorites in a playlist rather than listen straight through, but there is no denying the talent here. Best Tracks: Manifeste, Ultradance, Dardahan, War-time Poem, Prelude for All Seekers. Rating 3.5 stars

Perfect Beasts - Perfect Beasts

New hard rock band fronted by everywhere vocalist-guitarist John Mitchell (Karmakanic, Frost, It Bites, Kino, Arena, Lonely Robot, Asia) that features melodic hard rock and classic rock, with just a touch of Prog. The sound is dominated by heavy guitar riffs and catchy melodies and choruses, with Mitchell's soaring vocals the best part of it. There's some pretty good songs here (but also some duds), but it seems like they are trying a bit too hard to put a heavy hard rock edge to most of the songs that doesn't always blend well with the melodies. Some nice instrumental touches, overall, quite well done, but just not a style that resonates much with me. But if you're looking for some more tuneful hard rock, this might be for you. Best Tracks: Genie's Out the Bottle, Non-Stop to the Moon, On a Curve, Undertow. Rating: 3 stars

Hamasaari - Pictures

2nd album from this French Prog band features moody, atmospheric, melancholic modern Prog. Especially adept at juxtaposing lighter acoustic melodic sections with heavier, powerful, grungey, prog-metal passages, while maintaining a somber, haunting feel.  Best Tracks: Frames, Home, Our Head Spinning, Under the Trees. Rating: 3.5 stars

Plantoid  - Flare

2nd album from this eclectic UK Prog band follows-up their acclaimed debut, Terrapath, with their own distinctive brand of modern Prog. Although they have lots of interesting moods and sounds, for some reason it just doesn't work for me. The songs don't really go anywhere or amount to much. In this case, the lack of melody or cohesive structure undermines its effectiveness, and I just can't quite get into it. Rating: 2.5 stars

Quick Hits

Soft Machine - Thirteen
Legendary UK psychedelic Canterbury scene band that evolved into a premier Avant jazz-rock fusion band returns with more quality instrumental experimental improvisational jazz-rock. Rating: 3 stars

Gong - Bright Spirit
Another legendary UK psychedelic Canterbury scene band returns with their own trippy, spacey, middle-eastern influenced jazzy psychedelia, updated with some modern touches. Rating: 3 stars

Dina Ogon - Manniskobarn
Swedish indie pop-rock. Kind of like a mellow Swedish Fleetwood Mac. Nice, pleasant. Rating: 3 stars

Squeeze - Trixies
Veteran UK new wave pop band are back (after 9-yr gap) with this interesting concept album about the people in and around a local bar. Overall, some quite good songs, some unmemorable songs, in a variety of styles. A nice listen, but just never really soars. Rating: 3 stars

Weedpecker - V
Polish rock band delivers cool, compelling space-rock/psych-rock. Somewhat reminscent of Motorpsycho, but also with their own style and sound. Rating: 3 stars. 

Buck Meek - The Mirror
Solo album (his 4th) from Big Thief guitarist-backing vocalist Meek. Nice, basic lo-fi sound, but overall, the songs are a bit lackluster and underdeveloped, and Meek's meager vocals don't help. Just OK. Rating 2.5 stars.  

Melissa Etheridge - Rise

Solid album from this veteran American singer-songwriter. Shows she can still really rock and deliver powerful, emotional classic rock and Americana. Rating: 3 stars 

Angine de Poitrine - Vol II

Lastly, I feel I need to weigh on this outrageous French-Canadian duo who have become internet sensations with their wild circus costumes and look, and intricate microtonal math rock sounds. First, you have to admire how they have made themselves essential pop culture icons, and  I applaud their ability to bring attention and acclaim to what is basically a very esoteric musical form that normally would only be of interest to music theory nerds. However, it still is basically a novelty act, and one that would seem to have a quite short lifespan in the public eye. The act, both visually and musically, wears thin pretty fast. Musically, it is different and unique, at least for a while. It sounds kinda cool at first, but then grows tedious and repetitive. It's just not very sustainable. For me, the novelty didn't even last for the whole album (or even through whole songs, as each songs seems too long by at least half). It was a chore to make it through the entire album (I still haven't made it through an entire video). Despite all the complex microtonal flourishes and rhythms, the songs are basically monotonic drones with repetitive riffs and soloing over the top. Some have claimed this to be the future of music. No. Now, it may spur the next 'bad trend' of music, as people and bands rush out to buy microtonal guitars and experiment with them, with mostly dismal results, but other than that, it will likely remain just a curiosity. Perhaps when artists can incorporate microtonal techniques to create real musical compositions, then maybe that could lead somewhere, but this as it is, is just an interesting curiosity. And as an album, it is just OK. Rating: 2.5 stars 

BB’s Rating scale:

1 star – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to

1.5 stars - Poor, not worth your time

2 stars – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but sub-par overall

2.5 stars – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either

3 stars – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very often

3.5 stars – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very enjoyable overall

4 stars – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you will want to come back to over and over again

4.5 stars – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every way, just short of a masterpiece 

5 stars – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its type, and has stood the test of time

OK, so that's what I have for the first quarter of 2026. Some really good stuff in there. What did I miss? What were your favorite new albums so far in 2026? Let me know in the comments.

New (recent?) Album Reviews - Summer 2023

New Album Reviews - Summer 2023 

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.  

Ben Folds - What Matters Most

American singer-songwriter Ben Folds returns for his 6th album outside of the Ben Folds Five, and his 1st album in nearly 8 years (So There-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 (A Dream About Lightning Bugs: A Life of Music and Cheap Lessons), 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. Best tracks: Clouds with Ellipses, Kristine from the Seventh Grade, Back to Anonymous, What Matters Most, Winslow Gardens, Moments. Rating: 4ó

Comedy of Errors - Threnody for a Dead Queen

Comedy of Errors 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, The Time Machine, but takes a very different approach, with wonderful results. Threnody For a Dead Queen 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. Best Tracks: Threnody for a Dead Queen, Summer Lies Beyond, The Seventh Seal, Jane. Rating: 4ó

The Guess Who - Plein D'Amour

The Guess Who? in 2023? Are you kidding? No, this is not the the same 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 (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 Badfinger or Cheap Trick, and especially the '90's style power pop of Jellyfish (a couple tracks here sound like they could almost be lost Jellyfish songs). But the band also works through several different styles ranging from the Crosby Stills & Nash-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 Queen-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.
Best Tracks: The King, Across The Lines, People Around Me, Headlines, Free, Plein D'Amour.  Rating: 4ó

Motorpsycho - Yay!

Motorpsycho 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 Motorpsycho. 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 Simon & Garfunkel-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. Best tracks: Hotel Daedelus, Dank State, W.C.A., Loch Meaningless & the Mull of Dull, Real Again. Rating: 4.5ó


Dream the Electric Sleep - American Mystic

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 Styx, Boston, REO Speedwagon, and Journey, but with more of a hard rock edge. There are several other classic bands that I get some glimpses of in different songs, including Aerosmith, Wishbone Ash, and Rush, 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. Best tracks: The Lessons They Bring, Lay Down the Cross, Beyond Repair, American Mystic, Steal the Love. Rating: 4ó   

I am the Manic Whale - Bumper Book of Mystery Stories

I am the Manic Whale 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 Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard) in writing and creating Ryo's wonderful 2022 solo album The Myth of the Mostrophus, 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 Spock's Beard and Big Big Train. 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 Big Big Train 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 Kansas, culminating in dueling solos between keyboards and guitar, and with guest artist Ryo Okumoto 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. Best Tracks: Nautilus, Secret Passages, Fortune Dream, Erno's Magic Cube. Rating: 4ó  

BB’s Rating scale:

1ó – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to

1.5ó - Poor, not worth your time

2 ó – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but sub-par overall

2.5ó – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either

3ó – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very often

3.5ó – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very enjoyable overall

4ó – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you will want to come back to over and over again

4.5ó – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every way, just short of a masterpiece 

5ó – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its type, and has stood the test of time

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!