tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4949336436295981972024-03-14T11:49:11.743-07:00The Widening EyeDrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.comBlogger355125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-80208713370211017662014-04-23T10:03:00.001-07:002014-04-23T13:28:30.313-07:00Heavy Bones - Heavy Bones (1992)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/4/3/3/34335.jpg?5812" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/3/4/3/3/34335.jpg?5812" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">How is it that one of the best glam metal albums of all
time (if not the best ever?) has yet to get a review 'round the blogosphere?
A crying shame I say, but all the more reason to give it a proper
spotlight here.<br />
<br />
The story of sleazemeisters <b>Heavy Bones</b> is an interesting one, if not all that surprising: Warner Bros wanted to form a "supergroup" around guitar prodigy <b>Gary Hoey</b> (a studio favorite of some random guy named <b>Ozzy Osbourne</b>.
Maybe you've heard of him, lol) and ended up surrounding him with a
surprising cast of faces, including W.A.S.P and Quiet Riot drummer <b>Frankie Banali</b>
and an obscure but extremely talented singer named Joel Ellis, who kind
of sounds like Axl Rose but with a lot more range and versatility. Dude
had one helluva snarl to go with his unconventionally diverse range,
but that's just more to the listener's benefit.<br />
<br />
Still, 1992 was far too late in the game for a major play at the radio.
No matter how great the songs might be, something this consummately 80's
was bound to hit a wall in light of all the "hair" metal backlash.
After lead single (and what an awesome single it was I might add) '4:AM
T.M.' flopped commercially despite a brief rotation on the Headbanger's
Ball, Warner dropped Heavy Bones like a sack of manure and everyone
involved went their separate ways. The hard truth that stellar music
doesn't always lead to success is a difficult pill to swallow, but take
these guys as a prime real world example even before the advent of the
digital age in the grunge era.<br />
<br />
These facts aside, this is splendid music by any measure, a cool 40+
minutes of explosive fun with a tantalizing hint of "something more"
that distinguishes this production's methodology from others in the same
territory. Listen to the opening Crue-esqe 'Hand That Feeds', that
breakdown in the second half of the previously mentioned 4:AM T.M. or
the off-the-wall slammin' on 'Where The Livin' Is Easy'....this is an
album that knows exactly what it wants to do and manages to outclass
most of its more commercially successful brethren with frightening ease. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The real kicker is just how much diversity is packed in here amidst the obvious headbangers though, with the obvious elephant-in-the-room being the epic Led Zeppelin/Aerosmith throwback 'Where Eagles Fly'. For those of you familiar with the big epic sound of John Sykes' <i>Blue Murder</i> album from 1990 or his work with <b>Whitesnake</b>, this song is throttling around in that arena. Songs starts off in an acoustic frame of
mind before erupting like a volcano about midway through into something
compellingly fierce and awe inspiring. Probably Ellis's best
performance on the whole recording too, and that's quite a feat
considering how on dead-on he is on all the other songs too. Dude's a
freak in the best way a frontman can be.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">From my perspective, heavy metal is general is more
interesting when the songs display a spark of dynamism that doesn't get
them all caught in the same time signature or a uniform pacing that
dominates the entire running time. We can pick and choose our favorite
numbers for our streaming playlists, personal collections, IPod
playlists, etc...but the album experience when it comes to metal almost
always benefits when there's the perfect blend of consistency, energy
and variety, with all the peaks and valleys that come with it. <i>Heavy Bones</i>
not only has a lot of great songs, but as an album it flows better and
hits harder than most could hope to, and even when they slow down
they're still top notch.<br />
<br />
If you enjoy heavy metal with some sleaze, some polish and a whole lot
of personality...well, that's between you and the Gods Of Metal. I say
just get it and enjoy. :)</span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-1jnmW2Uho?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Bones/dp/B000008GH3/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_aud?ie=UTF8&qid=1398272582&sr=8-1&keywords=heavy+bones" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Buy It Here! </span></b> </span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.musicbanter.com/1442389-post48.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Originally Reviewed Over On My MusicBanter Journal - Click Here To See My Original Review! </span></a>
DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-74021104782858682972014-04-05T20:07:00.000-07:002014-04-05T20:07:08.119-07:00Fresh News, Upcoming Reviews & A Really Cool Home Inspection SiteHey guys, sorry for not making posts the last year or so: I've been doing reviews on other websites and also working a full time job. That being said, two things I'd like to mention:<br />
<br />
1. My schedule has stabilized to the extent where I'll start doing reviews again. I'll also take requests, so post in the Comments or Shoutbox if you have any album review requests. <br /><br />2. A bit random, but I've actually got something cool to plug here: I had to get my house inspected recently, which is a whole lot more goddamn work than you'd think to get arranged. My friend who became an inspector recently got a job over at <a href="http://bestvaluehomeinspections.com/" target="_blank">http://bestvaluehomeinspections.com</a> and hooked me up with a great guy, so I'd recommend checking them out too while they are finishing renovating their site. :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've got a few albums in the queue for you guys, so keep an eye on things! And it's good to be back. :)<br /><br />Yours truly,<br /><br />~DrakeSinisterDrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-89619042024827391792013-09-02T21:12:00.002-07:002013-09-02T21:13:23.405-07:00V/A: Midnight In L.A. - The Best Of Westcoast Vol. 2 (2013) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8-9kyopH_ZNdnirGMSSSwVd-y_pY0F9K-q1baSXNCoIUoU4r3UNTEqDv3gw7JVqtN0Drem1ZtE4YecEFqWYxvNhlazJ0z8UfdeT7Q893nIxMkjIaCNlEkXkTQjtcQyZ4w7x0QNxv6I0/s1600/Midnight+In+L.A..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8-9kyopH_ZNdnirGMSSSwVd-y_pY0F9K-q1baSXNCoIUoU4r3UNTEqDv3gw7JVqtN0Drem1ZtE4YecEFqWYxvNhlazJ0z8UfdeT7Q893nIxMkjIaCNlEkXkTQjtcQyZ4w7x0QNxv6I0/s320/Midnight+In+L.A..png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For fans of my last 70's-to-modern-day Westcoast compilation, I've assembled a completely new cast of killer gems from the 70's through the present day for the second volume in this series. Whether you like your L.A. yacht rock with a Hammond spiced dash of prog. rock ('Between The Lines'), atmospheric horn-drenched ballads ('You Are The Light', 'No Way Out') or even if you just need a groove to burn the highway down ('Let It Go', 'Simone', the instrumental 'Midsummer Drivin'), there's something here for everyone!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Tracklist</u></b><br />
<br />
1. 'Between The Lines' by Lake<br />
2. 'Time Out Of Mind' by Steely Dan<br />
3. 'Get U 2 Stay' by Brian McKnight <br />
4. '1978 (Leave The Radio On)' by Ed Motta<br />
5. 'You (Are The Light)' by George Duke<br />
6. 'Shakin' The Ground' by Ole Børud<br />
7. 'Melanie' by Player<br />
8. 'Reach Out Richard' by Mayer Hawthorne<br />
9. 'Simone' by Boz Scaggs<br />
10. 'The Colours Of Your Love' by Stylus <br />
11. 'Hard Goodbye' by State Cows<br />
12. 'Give Some More' by Solution <br />
13. 'No Way Out' by Paul Anka<br />
14. 'Brother To Brother' by Gino Vannelli<br />
15. 'Let It Go' by Toto<br />
16. 'Midsummer Drivin' by Toshiki Kadomatsu<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0VzAJWP6dpM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/sakbuo50u10gshy/Midnight_In_L.A._The_Best_Of_Westcoast.rar" target="_blank"><b>Get It Here!!</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-35810190878688527802013-06-21T13:15:00.001-07:002013-06-22T14:59:11.367-07:00REVIEW: Queensrÿche - Queensrÿche (2013)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8pzt5gTvj6zXGXDnOeh5zvsejcyYmPlrj6RAbuKibN0VhmYIxNsasgsKMDrXJvELBYGOnk81AGi_n_ZuaCEVRmN6KIGLB7QlsmPMwIT8mf8hi8eLsT_FS5m0pDPiOgOcLhYrQ2UvwG0/s1600/Queensr%C3%BFche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8pzt5gTvj6zXGXDnOeh5zvsejcyYmPlrj6RAbuKibN0VhmYIxNsasgsKMDrXJvELBYGOnk81AGi_n_ZuaCEVRmN6KIGLB7QlsmPMwIT8mf8hi8eLsT_FS5m0pDPiOgOcLhYrQ2UvwG0/s320/Queensr%C3%BFche.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's official folks: after what feels like centuries, one of progressive metal's pioneers are finally back on track! And I'll be damned if it's not one of the best comeback albums I've ever had the pleasure to listen to, much less own. No more drama, no more <b>Geoff Tate</b>....just a great bunch of guys doing the music they know and love.<br />
<br />
But I digress: I just got this sucker not too long ago in the mail, but I've spun it enough to say with 1000%
confidence that it's the best album these guys have done since 1994's
<i>Promised Land</i>, possibly even <i>Empire</i>. <br />
<br />
And speaking of <i>Empire</i>,
that's the album that came to mind most when listening through this new
self-titled (the cover art being a nod to it as well): <b>Michael Wilton</b>
(the founding guitarist alongside <b>Chris DeGarmo</b>) was a big factor in
that particular album's more anthemic cuts like 'Resistance' and the
title track, and he's gotten to stretch his riffage muscles more here
than he's gotten to in ages! Furthermore, <b>Scott Rockenfield</b>, guitarist <b>Parker Lundgren</b>, <b>Eddie Jackson</b> and
drummer-turned vocal powerhouse <b>Todd La Torre</b> have a chemistry that
rivals anything we've had since '91...and that's not something you can
say about just any ol' comeback record!<br />
<br />
Despite lacking a bit of
the diverse, nuanced touches of variety that DeGarmo brought to the QR
table with his more classic pop/rock tastes back in the late 80's/early
90's, there's a helluva lot to like here: a great deal of it might even
work on radio (the <i>Rage For Order</i>-ish 'Don't Look Back', <i>Operation: Mindcrime</i>-reminiscent stomper 'Redemption' and the blistering 'Fallout' being my three main picks) but you also,
surprisingly enough, get a foray into power metal with the sizzling
'Vindication' and two really snappy, cinematic mid-tempo hair raisers in
the form of 'A World Without' and closing number 'Open Road'. Nothing
overstays its welcome...hell, you might find yourself salivating for
more as the last notes fade out.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_2001450121"></span><span id="goog_2001450122"></span>Going back to Todd for a moment:
this is his debut album as a vocalist, and he really brings the bacon
here. Others have likened him more to original <b>Crimson Glory</b> frontman
<b>Midnight</b> (R.I.P.!) and a younger <b>Bruce Dickinson</b> more than Tate as far
as intonation and delivery goes, and after you've spent some time with
the album, you'll probably find yourself in agreement. He's got a lot of
range and power, but he isn't emulating anyone in particular: if
anything, he's a chameleon of sorts, an amalgamate of every great 80's
metal pioneer and then some. Any of today's heavier outfits would be
lucky to have him: we're just doubly fortunate that he happens to be in
Queensrÿche's present!<br />
<br />
In conclusion: there was no way that this
album was going to please everyone, but it really is interesting to
hear, for the first time in fifteen years or more, QR actually
sound alive, vital and most importantly, relevent in today's musicscape. They've brought everything
we loved sonically from the <i>EP</i> through <i>Promised Land</i> and spiced things
up with some 2000's melodic metal sensibilities. What more could you
want really, especially when the QR brand itself is at stake in
November?<br />
<br />
PS: For those of you who will undoubtedly complain
about the short running length....the band is already at work on the
next record. Which will, according to them, have longer material that
they couldn't finish in time for the self-titled. Definitely looking
forward to that!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/saiLGixoyzw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Queensryche-Deluxe/dp/B00CM9JKQM/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1371845644&sr=1-1&keywords=queensryche+amazon" target="_blank">Buy It Here!</a></b> DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-7309116943904433262013-02-14T20:28:00.002-08:002013-02-14T20:29:22.514-08:00REVIEW: Shadows Of Our Souls - Sea Of Gold EP (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRjb6J1_rcL8IopOJ12r5a72Lw4x0Zb3WZ5va02VhHVDh1DeGo3Qr7JzCAv42xG9GUdWNTpUkDjekomJ-8A-1yoF7e4Z4AOUzeQfCis6qOWxe0GgvZmOME0YTypGi778xEhJQvAG4cEs/s1600/Sea+Of+Gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRjb6J1_rcL8IopOJ12r5a72Lw4x0Zb3WZ5va02VhHVDh1DeGo3Qr7JzCAv42xG9GUdWNTpUkDjekomJ-8A-1yoF7e4Z4AOUzeQfCis6qOWxe0GgvZmOME0YTypGi778xEhJQvAG4cEs/s320/Sea+Of+Gold.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A truly fantastic New Jersey reggae-rock project between two musically inclined brothers (Jeffrey and Jeremy King respectively), <b>Shadows Of Our Souls</b> put out this little gem of an EP, <b><i>Sea Of Gold</i></b>, on Soundcloud last year for any intrepid listener to experience. And if its of any indication, they're going to be a force to be reckoned with before a whole lot more time passes!<br />
<br />
To elaborate, this set of tunes numbers seven, and even in that short space of music, its hard not to get taken in by their unique, laid back fusionized take on relaxation -- acoustic guitar idyllically riveting around some hip-hop texturing and the dazed, summery hip-hoppish banter and singing of the brothers themselves. 'The Crashing Tide' even featuring some nice, stoned out harmonizing that rises above some busy drum work and homegrown production. Incredibly promising stuff really, and yet another indication that some of the best stuff floating around there isn't being paraded around on Facebook giveaways or slick websites -- its the stuff being recorded by chill bros and thrown onto Soundcloud independently that the guys at the top need to be wary of...cause one day it'll rise up!<br />
<br />
All that being said, anyone with a taste for something snazzy to smoke your next joint to would be wise to let Shadow Of Our Souls pay your browser (and your mind) a visit. Hell, you might even get hooked....you just never know!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fYWVg3KnbWk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/shadowsofoursouls/sets/sea-of-gold-ep"><b><br /></b></a>
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/shadowsofoursouls/sets/sea-of-gold-ep"><b>Check It Out Here!!!</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-16940863015010921612013-02-05T15:13:00.003-08:002013-02-05T15:16:09.740-08:00Attention Bands, Artists and Singer/Songwriters: Want Free Advertising and Money?Sorry I haven't been updating as much as I used to, everyone. Life keeps me busy even when I'm not having fun, lol. Do not worry though: The Widening Eye remains watchful, and more content shall be added as time goes on. :) <br />
<br />
That being said, I'm now in a position to offer a rather intriguing opportunity for all of you readers who are in a band, going solo, whatever. Basically, I'm currently interning with a company who is building this really interesting website that's going to launch in early June. This company is co-owned by some prominent celebrities, and its going to be reaching thousands upon thousands of people across the world....and these guys need a Music section for promising bands and artists to contribute to!<br />
<br />
Basically, this site is going to have a Music section where you, (the band, the artist, etc.) can advertise your stuff for free. All you need to do is upload a song you want others to listen to/download. As more and more people listen to your song, it rises in rank in the Music section. Once it hits the #1 spot on page one, you'll get paid 99 cents a download (like ITunes). Here's the cool part though: if your song stays in that top spot for 5-7 days...you win $10,000 in cash to use any way you want, no strings attached. And this is a weekly thing, so there's always another chance to win.<br />
<br />
That being said, it doesn't cost any money or resources on your part to participate: all you need is a song to show off your talent. And even if you don't win, your getting free exposure and advertising to thousands of people who wouldn't know about you otherwise....so its definitely worth it either way.<br />
<br />
I don't care what genre or style you consider yourself to be. If you are interested in participating and taking advantage of this opportunity to further your own musical careers...please email me at houlgrave0(at)gmail(dot)com. Be sure to include the contact information you prefer to be contacted through and whatever band name/artist name, etc. you want to be doing this as.<br />
<br />
I'm not a musician myself, but this is part of me giving back to all of you for doing what you guys do best: playing your asses off and making great tunes in the process. Thanks for reading, and don't be afraid to drop me a line!<br />
<br />
~DrakeSinisterDrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-2105348830770258122013-01-24T20:21:00.001-08:002013-01-24T20:31:48.709-08:00REVIEW: Riverside - Shrine Of New Generation Slaves (2013)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KJbc3P1YJev04q22LfanCi0xn1XIl7tgU0uaULVuOC-FH_j8U2aXSpUtgjQCLIv2-J6lisPJB76ffiXrMmN8Yhyz2l5B_gAB-klMEa7G0vUwY-nCAi8GE-gg2o4g-qRg3dst69vyoQA/s1600/Shrine+Of+New+Generation+Slaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KJbc3P1YJev04q22LfanCi0xn1XIl7tgU0uaULVuOC-FH_j8U2aXSpUtgjQCLIv2-J6lisPJB76ffiXrMmN8Yhyz2l5B_gAB-klMEa7G0vUwY-nCAi8GE-gg2o4g-qRg3dst69vyoQA/s320/Shrine+Of+New+Generation+Slaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Progressive Rock: a genus of rock n' roll which embodies instrumental, lyrical, compositional....progress through complexity I suppose. Bombastic suites, time changes, jazz and classical progressions: this is how we've boxed in many a great band since the style's heyday of the early-to-mid 70's. And yet this definition has been changing ever since the 80's: more kids today have been introduced to the "proggier" side of alternative musical styles by bands like <b>Porcupine Tree</b>, <b>Muse</b> and <b>The Mars Volta</b> since Y2K as opposed to <b>Yes</b> or <b>Van Der Graaf Generator</b>. These newer bands are simply better at incorporating other contemporary styles into the classic prog. rock architecture, and that's what moves merchandise. Overall result? The 2000's and beyond have been kinder to the genre than any other decade since the golden era, if not downright affluent.<br />
<br />
And yet, we are living in a musical era where the old becomes new and vice versa, a trend never more prevalent or clear to see than in Poland's top progressive rock export, the magnificent and ever prodigious <b>Riverside</b>. Their <u>Reality Dream Trilogy</u> of albums (<i>Out Of Myself</i>, <i>Second Life Syndrome</i> and the particularly fantastic <i>Rapid Eye Movement</i>) are considered to be contemporary classics in the early 2000's 'nu-prog' canon, with each album being a vehicle for the gorgeous vocals of <b>Mariusz Duda</b> and his psychedelic blend of alternative rock atmospherics with a certain edge more akin to modern metal groups like <b>Tool</b> or <b>Deftones</b>. <br />
<br />
So here we are in 2013 with long awaited opus <i>Shrine Of New Generation Slaves</i> (or S.O.N.G.S.), an absolutely gorgeous LP sitting somewhere between a condemnation and a concept record, a way station for sounds and ideas heading towards the modern world from an antiquated small town somewhere far behind where people still sing about fairies and jam on Hammond organs. And boy when it works.....you can hear the Earth's crust shifting beneath your speakers.<br />
<br />
The past is inescapable, and its hard to deny that <b>Pink Floyd</b> is all over these wicked songs by accident, design and perhaps well-meaning coincidence. Less drugged out spaciness, more snow blind melancholia and the sort of luscious guitar contemplations that paint a sky grey, but I digress. The title track is bluesy, repetitive, and even fires up a bit about midway through. The blood really starts flowing when we come to 'The Depth Of Self Delusion' and 'Celebrity Touch' though: the former is chill yet armed to the teeth with a bassline that could crack concrete and the latter is a woodland headbanger with a killer chorus and some beautiful bridges to burn. What's not to like?<br />
<br />
By the time we get to album anthem 'Feel Like Falling' and very dreamy 'Deprived (Irretrievably Lost Imagination)', I'm goddamn elated. Mariusz goes into falsetto of all things on 'Falling', and they bring in some glorious saxophone on the last couple of minutes on the latter of these two tracks....and I'm just wondering why the whole world can't be celebrating this album as much as I want to when these fantastic songs sweep over my room.<br />
<br />
We close off S.O.N.G.S with a <i>suite-de-grace</i> in the form of 'Escalator Shrine' (which is what you're seeing on that thar album cover if I'm not mistaken). It's the penultimate statement of the record, a 12 minute promenade of lip-smackin' guitar solos, spacey Hammond mediation and enough jam to soak your toast from crust to crumble. Whew!<br />
<br />
I could have asked for a better album to start 2013 off with nor a more splendid collection to introduce other people to the musical institution that is <b>Riverside</b>. Go buy the damn thing: they deserve every penny for something of this caliber. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gYIFOFanwp0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shrine-New-Generation-Slaves-Riverside/dp/B00AJLHUWQ">Buy It Here!</a></b>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-39598259861459504192012-12-24T19:19:00.001-08:002012-12-24T19:29:03.929-08:00REVIEW: KingBathmat - Truth Button (2013)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfChnonPBJumlOnPnhI9zq9vfcjDRU75TCks_QTy122QOBfa9tYh0jpxxyeqDrGosR0Euv6lJ0UdDNtD0SL3_QAdVnVPuuXrmiCgdhyiaRYvhAbvVprzH-5iW4T5JJDjPJbPElRSD0I0/s1600/Truth+Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfChnonPBJumlOnPnhI9zq9vfcjDRU75TCks_QTy122QOBfa9tYh0jpxxyeqDrGosR0Euv6lJ0UdDNtD0SL3_QAdVnVPuuXrmiCgdhyiaRYvhAbvVprzH-5iW4T5JJDjPJbPElRSD0I0/s320/Truth+Button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
From the ominous looking logo to the gorgeous, yet heavy psychedelia that characterizes their core sound, <b>KingBathmat</b> are as good a heir to the early 70's heavy metal throne as any contemporary group I've had the pleasure of knowing in the past: think <b>Black Sabbath</b> colliding with the pop sensibilities of a group like <b>Jellyfish</b> or <b>ELO</b> with the force of a cannon fired, tabasco-studded enchilada. The result is delicious, messy and glorious all at once. 'Dives And Pauper' zips along its Eastern scaled riffage and rolling drum work, beating to the ticking of a clock and some nifty synthwork throughout, whilst opening number 'Behind The Wall' might be the best lead off epic I've heard in years. <br />
<br />
Technophobia may be the thematic order of the day here within <i>Truth Button</i> and the tunes that comprise it, but these boys certainly know no fear in studio: the album sounds beautiful, and the mixing is a thing of wonder as well. Furthermore, the songs are mindbendingly magnificent, melodic without an ounce of compromise on weight or intensity: such characteristics almost seem like an endangered species at times, even in today's oft crowded world of modern progressive rock.<br />
<br />
2013 is already looking up in many a genre, but this release sits right up there with the best of it. <b>Go get it!</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: yellow;"><b><a href="http://kingbathmat.bandcamp.com/album/truth-button">TRY IT/BUY IT HERE </a></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/_xUiSBG8RoM/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_xUiSBG8RoM&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_xUiSBG8RoM&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-48576352422235574562012-12-09T21:42:00.001-08:002012-12-09T21:43:27.267-08:00Cαndlemαss - Psαlms For The Deαd (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa76mUZVoCPvBFgD7Qo9wjSzUZuApGWMcYuNs14dVtL4oCh1OUasU2nWvqq8Vq9l_mr-mVcljwCYNj5ECgq6CmjdRco-vr_g2aZv_j0HmiB1eG6DKFGk2y4K9DYg0vi_W-C5l8KA1sYQ/s1600/Psalms+For+The+Dead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZa76mUZVoCPvBFgD7Qo9wjSzUZuApGWMcYuNs14dVtL4oCh1OUasU2nWvqq8Vq9l_mr-mVcljwCYNj5ECgq6CmjdRco-vr_g2aZv_j0HmiB1eG6DKFGk2y4K9DYg0vi_W-C5l8KA1sYQ/s320/Psalms+For+The+Dead.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With one weathered hand full of graveyard soil, you squeeze your nails into it's palm til' blood starts dripping down your arm. This record is such a rite in and of itself, full of ravenous tunes that bring glorious little blisters to eardrums aplenty. It is also a corpse ridden-boat being cast off into the great river of closure, a farewell to arms for the band that exemplified the golden age of 80's doom metal. The very least you can do is salute as your speakers spew some glorious riffage from the boys who did it best of all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qb9tjjJ8dyg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nvrzvn.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Dead-Candlemass/dp/B007MY7SSE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355118028&sr=8-1&keywords=candlemass+psalms+for+the+dead">Buy It</a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-85251608674237333312012-12-01T09:13:00.002-08:002012-12-01T09:14:31.139-08:00Tεn - Thε Namε Of Thε Rosε (1996)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajcizqFMeHwmGA2xe8YlMyYd7TzD_Jqn4YW-z4pRSJE5CYuk7_Jcagn_hRfgPjHD1VVLSGxDPxqRrIrhXqRmaVVUlO_OztTpGVa_MT5mQhzEHT5ruGqkGtynEm0miGFdARELr1IN1x_0/s1600/The+Name+Of+The+Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajcizqFMeHwmGA2xe8YlMyYd7TzD_Jqn4YW-z4pRSJE5CYuk7_Jcagn_hRfgPjHD1VVLSGxDPxqRrIrhXqRmaVVUlO_OztTpGVa_MT5mQhzEHT5ruGqkGtynEm0miGFdARELr1IN1x_0/s320/The+Name+Of+The+Rose.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
Perhaps the best AOR band to come out of the U.K. in the 1990's, <b>Ten</b> is something of a supergroup led by powerhouse singer/songwriter <b>Gary Hughes</b>, a thinking man's <b>Whitesnake</b> if you will.<br />
<br />
Layered and unusually sonically diverse for an 80's styled melodic rock record, 1996 sophomore release <i>Thε Namε Of Thε Rosε</i> is considered to be the band's creative apex in a number of ways: Hughes's soaring tenor is put to marvelously good use from start to finish, and the songs vary from insanely catchy mid-tempo and single ready material ('Wait For You', the glammy 'Wildest Dreams') to full-blown epics straight out of the AOR/Progressive Rock crossover sphere ('Through The Fire', 'Goodnight Saigon'), complete with celestial synthesizers and odes to mankind's various follies.<br />
<br />
Something like a distant cousin to prog-tinged AOR projects such as the 1990 self-titled by <b>Blue Murder</b> and <i>Out Of The Silence</i> by <b>Dare</b>, this record's got more punch than a party bowl can hold, so come 'n get it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hRA7l96DYxs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nvcmnr.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ten-Name-Rose/dp/B0000365MD"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-51992283883104418502012-11-14T16:47:00.002-08:002012-11-14T16:54:56.058-08:00Stεfαn Guииαrsson - S/T (2010)<iframe bordercolor="#000000" class="ibhkklqceqritgqjdzzc" frameborder="0" height="150" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6695283.3892;sz=180x150;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463973;pid=sku1098001;usg=AFHzDLueiLE_We-T6WA2t4_0ylxAPc0fxQ;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.samsclub.com%252Fsams%252Fapple-ipod-classic-160gb-black%252Fprod1180317.ip%253Fpid%253D_DoubleClick_Affiliates%2526ci_src%253D15781033%2526ci_sku%253Dsku1098001;pubid=597673;price=%24228.97;title=Apple+160GB+iPod+Class...;merc=Sam%27s+Club;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d2.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fsamsclub%2Fs7product%2F0088590934132_A.jpg;width=85;height=85" vspace="0" width="180"></iframe><iframe bordercolor="#000000" class="ibhkklqceqritgqjdzzc" frameborder="0" height="200" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6695283.4589;sz=200x200;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463973;pid=sku5574339;usg=AFHzDLu6h0_6iOa0Imhuy96KlaBIVS1xqw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.samsclub.com%252Fsams%252Fapple-ipod-touch-32gb-white%252Fprod5150432.ip%253Fpid%253D_DoubleClick_Affiliates%2526ci_src%253D15781033%2526ci_sku%253Dsku5574339;pubid=597673;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fs7d2.scene7.com%2Fis%2Fimage%2Fsamsclub%2Fs7product%2F0088590949724_A.jpg;width=200;height=200" vspace="0" width="200"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjMr1exu9NaD4fnqfS9_daJCtKhmSmTqVmurqQD3hIbj1G21Yd6GJlbmvgnoYUJOtaU1FECVaVvYF-VHG38TuDT0-IJgR0JSLIcK7Et8th2_qbEqeIL75KqN54I0jiqlgGbw6_g6F58w/s1600/Stefan+Gunnarsson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjMr1exu9NaD4fnqfS9_daJCtKhmSmTqVmurqQD3hIbj1G21Yd6GJlbmvgnoYUJOtaU1FECVaVvYF-VHG38TuDT0-IJgR0JSLIcK7Et8th2_qbEqeIL75KqN54I0jiqlgGbw6_g6F58w/s320/Stefan+Gunnarsson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of those incredibly elusive post-Y2K debuts that endeavors mighty hard to bring back the age of smooth L.A. pop, Stefan is no stranger to his Scandinavian homeground: he's been featured on T.V. as a musical prodigy at a variety of instruments...and he's got a fine set of pipes to match.<br />
<br />
The songwriting he employs is rather classy too: like <b>Stevie Wonder</b> trying to cross over the soul-inflected poppiness of early 90's <b>Go West</b> with a band like <b>Airplay</b> or perhaps <b>Boz Scaggs</b>. Several songs in particular, such as 'Words Are Not Enough' and 'Gotta Find It', feature old school Clavinet soloing, and those horns sound right out of the arrangement modus operandi of <b>David Foster</b> and his ilk. Smooooooove.<br />
<br />
Catchy and expertly produced while still hearkening back some to days long past, this is a great modern Westcoast record for the nostalgic among ye...so get to listening!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/lsP4R0h_QEg/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lsP4R0h_QEg&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lsP4R0h_QEg&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nvmmkr.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://cdon.eu/music/gunnarsson_stefan/stefan_gunnarsson-8669723"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-21422981068894379272012-10-30T17:55:00.002-07:002012-10-30T17:56:57.208-07:00Cαligulα's Horsε - Momεnts From Ephεmεrαl City (2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMbkZRpqOZ59ceQBN0bwv8mEvl9Cs_X0KT14sciYlt3f_gJTMpVKjNPL8pdpFLSvD-tbsNQsQDfA-CH0Q_ODHO2F84C-AYKi511mI8iP2RGEsi5L9jKa6tQbaRInhCl3lN7tGS34h8BQ/s1600/Moments+From+Ephemeral+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMbkZRpqOZ59ceQBN0bwv8mEvl9Cs_X0KT14sciYlt3f_gJTMpVKjNPL8pdpFLSvD-tbsNQsQDfA-CH0Q_ODHO2F84C-AYKi511mI8iP2RGEsi5L9jKa6tQbaRInhCl3lN7tGS34h8BQ/s320/Moments+From+Ephemeral+City.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
An amazing, Australian modern prog. rock gem that escaped my gaze last year, but WOWZAHZ! Catchy as hell too -- somewhere between <b>Pain Of Salvation</b> and <b>Midlake</b> as far as a hypothetical musical spectrum goes, but sounds even better than either of those groups in brilliant spurts.<br />
<br />
Will be watching these fellas' future output like a hawk, that's for bloody sure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/q4fbvdEmkRw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="http://nvvxwv.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://samvallen.com/"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-87213283215485379322012-10-16T09:47:00.001-07:002012-10-16T09:47:50.763-07:00Kεn Nαvαrro - Drεαming Of Trαins (2010)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJHtNKkpIsU8BvKsFyp9CemaWTpflS_MgTML3tWz35iHX7YixJWj29IvIIE6KcQzeghW7xO7hwgmh_mP3ND6SSOiDizns61MQ0SOnnd2xuzi4BY8cWt-8wiD6n-V8uFSbtTJ4xZTY1mw/s1600/Dreaming+Of+Trains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJHtNKkpIsU8BvKsFyp9CemaWTpflS_MgTML3tWz35iHX7YixJWj29IvIIE6KcQzeghW7xO7hwgmh_mP3ND6SSOiDizns61MQ0SOnnd2xuzi4BY8cWt-8wiD6n-V8uFSbtTJ4xZTY1mw/s320/Dreaming+Of+Trains.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Known predominantly for his easy listening, smooth jazz output back in the late 80's and through the 90's, <i>Drεαming Of Trαins</i> is a whole different kettle of fish entirely for jazz guitarist <b>Ken N.</b> Technical, lush and full of beautiful, ethereal arrangements not unlike some of the best records of the <b>Pat Metheny Group</b>, these are some really gorgeous jams that do much good for contemporary jazz's credibility!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LyET8RYByJA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nwckwv.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dreaming-Of-Trains-Ken-Navarro/dp/B002ZXZJDI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350405947&sr=8-1&keywords=ken+navarro+dreaming"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-88418348697506452732012-10-05T09:08:00.003-07:002012-10-05T09:09:43.588-07:00Dεniεcε Williαms - Whεn Lovε Comεs Cαlling (1979/2010)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sNdq7atXHsZ_c5GsA_vkm0wA2jsx0ymfrECm5BFzlrIBCaZAdhvyt7GeNaej2NRKDaYdrhgTHrkvDDVMnmRPyiIH1v0wuciG9D-CstyA3gU3gb9zXEdVRqHioTX9X7BD5soLI__moWI/s1600/When+Love+Comes+Calling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sNdq7atXHsZ_c5GsA_vkm0wA2jsx0ymfrECm5BFzlrIBCaZAdhvyt7GeNaej2NRKDaYdrhgTHrkvDDVMnmRPyiIH1v0wuciG9D-CstyA3gU3gb9zXEdVRqHioTX9X7BD5soLI__moWI/s320/When+Love+Comes+Calling.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Co-produced by <b>David Foster</b> and featuring an all-star cast of Westcoast luminaries (drummer <b>Jeff Porcaro</b>, <b>Steve Lukather</b>, etc.), this was a transitional record for the underratedly talented <b>Niecy</b> and comes with a couple of really killer cuts ('God Knows', 'Why Can't We Fall In Love', among others) that makes even balladeer queen <b>Whitney Houston</b> seem awfully weak in comparison, lodged amidst the more upbeat, funk-oriented numbers for the jam oriented among thee.<br />
<br />
Fans of the soul/funk/Westcoast hybridization of bands like <b>Earth, Wind & Fire</b>...welcome home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/uc6X1sAA_aQ/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uc6X1sAA_aQ&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uc6X1sAA_aQ&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nwmznw.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Comes-Calling-Deniece-Williams/dp/B0040U8XSM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349452781&sr=8-1&keywords=deniece+williams+when+love+comes+calling"><b>Buy It </b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-71085573610413884602012-09-26T22:04:00.003-07:002012-09-26T22:05:11.161-07:00Smoliк - Smoliк 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1llAikpQPTPo9Oztx_D2_Q04v_iiml-sfa_vFurCHMuo_imxRrOg1Zialqza42UOkMWmqJ0PY9w6s7hQkJ41EvRwImnmT1oFdr0hWw5Z3Bw0k36cfUGdMkVUWApSnfR69MQ-z0rqiiFc/s1600/Smolik+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1llAikpQPTPo9Oztx_D2_Q04v_iiml-sfa_vFurCHMuo_imxRrOg1Zialqza42UOkMWmqJ0PY9w6s7hQkJ41EvRwImnmT1oFdr0hWw5Z3Bw0k36cfUGdMkVUWApSnfR69MQ-z0rqiiFc/s320/Smolik+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A late summer jazz pop smorgasbord from Poland, featuring lots of cool songs and guests!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/d0RjUq1zRiM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nwvwxr.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smolik/dp/B000VGRUSI"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-85593897531822719812012-09-21T18:48:00.001-07:002012-09-21T18:49:05.241-07:00Aмвяosiα - One Eighty (1980)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73ByLDT1owO0cQhadMUICXDgqT_JNk3B4cHC8Q8SWtftfBQRaw2mmRAqpOflUyC2Hw9zGklTrxw7FvpUPpS_2337Ube8NWFUmuvKTErAGzqUUn_me2PJfainN-_ge-FOaplboakMu3O4/s1600/One+Eighty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73ByLDT1owO0cQhadMUICXDgqT_JNk3B4cHC8Q8SWtftfBQRaw2mmRAqpOflUyC2Hw9zGklTrxw7FvpUPpS_2337Ube8NWFUmuvKTErAGzqUUn_me2PJfainN-_ge-FOaplboakMu3O4/s320/One+Eighty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Whilst not as overtly progressive as this group's <b><a href="http://thewideningeye.blogspot.com/2012/03/aosi-st-1975.html">legendary self-titled from 1975</a></b>, this turn-of-the-decade LP is probably their best pure Westcoast record: the biggest singles from here, 'You're The Only Woman' and 'Biggest Part Of Me', are both gorgeous FM radio staples and rank as two of the best songs to come out of the entire damn genre during its heyday. Their grand, proggy past rears itself on a number of great other songs too though, as the killer bass groove of 'Livin' On My Own' and the eerie keyboard chug of 'Kamikaze' demonstrate in spectacular measure.<br />
<br />
Essential listening for fans of both Westcoast pop and crossover progressive rock!<br />
<br />
NOTE: The below video is just the best I could find. My upload is a CD rip, not vinyl. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/7_hMCVvN3Uk/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7_hMCVvN3Uk&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7_hMCVvN3Uk&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nxsrsx.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Eighty-Ambrosia/dp/B00003TKGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348278338&sr=8-1&keywords=ambrosia+one+eighty"><b>Buy It </b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-82723091125096835382012-09-16T15:54:00.002-07:002012-09-19T19:34:12.872-07:00Tαtsuro Yαmαshitα - For You (1982)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_XiVlqza5EpkHuUdSsj9HWVWhWBd0wPhN4mbt5pYfzHR30ZCasrkNk1aFbgrf5x0iHvlM3RdOESArvTjDIMoJMYsbTWSSQTpWqx6otq_NB6yDFffuOywVUp12BC-Q55BEhHHju1yY18/s1600/For+You.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_XiVlqza5EpkHuUdSsj9HWVWhWBd0wPhN4mbt5pYfzHR30ZCasrkNk1aFbgrf5x0iHvlM3RdOESArvTjDIMoJMYsbTWSSQTpWqx6otq_NB6yDFffuOywVUp12BC-Q55BEhHHju1yY18/s320/For+You.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite album from this guy by a decent margin. As good as 1983's <i>Melodies</i> is (posted here on TWE eons ago), <i>For You</i> is the king of Japanese Westcoast records: from the infectious guitar line of 'Sparkle' to the shimmering <b>Beach Boys</b>-esque closing number 'Your Eyes', Tatsuro-san pulls no punches. Oceanic surf-pop doesn't get much better than this!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zb6LNu8hi1Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nxrkwr.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/For-You-Tatsuro-Yamashita/dp/B00005UD3X/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1347836051&sr=8-6&keywords=tatsuro+yamashita+for+you">Buy It</a> </b>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-25150515715615145642012-09-11T20:45:00.001-07:002012-09-11T20:45:37.713-07:00Lloyd McNeill - Asha (1969)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7UIZZ-gPugcv-4B1pd6F4_CXvlnbNQcHSDznXKZdUidWY3s8zTGlACwgtquf3Bu5FPFuPvGTTWpTWvjhtewBpyqqHu800afIpJqKx7XPkVlu4bXYKhuOeue09L7IoXh47Nfjorm6l7M/s1600/Asha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7UIZZ-gPugcv-4B1pd6F4_CXvlnbNQcHSDznXKZdUidWY3s8zTGlACwgtquf3Bu5FPFuPvGTTWpTWvjhtewBpyqqHu800afIpJqKx7XPkVlu4bXYKhuOeue09L7IoXh47Nfjorm6l7M/s320/Asha.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Chilled. Out. Jazz. Flute. Madness. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bBlRIZv0-BA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nxcwzn.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Asha-Lloyd-Quartet-Mcneill/dp/B003CTCFRM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347421293&sr=8-1&keywords=lloyd+mcneill+asha"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-74109975385974917242012-09-07T21:02:00.001-07:002012-09-07T21:02:57.136-07:00Hαrold Bυdd - Lovεly Thυndεr (1986)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGQS11tYs8ePMqD6uAURfF1pDRCub_XjBjS2IvR_eJht7oR5AT81rPLIweIgB7-NQZil5kiP4u6wzMV59n7K8CVgUAmmAc85XAxuKOgzpfI0H1m2Ot_84A2PP27QQ1Iell1Pm8VcagGI/s1600/Lovely+Thunder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGQS11tYs8ePMqD6uAURfF1pDRCub_XjBjS2IvR_eJht7oR5AT81rPLIweIgB7-NQZil5kiP4u6wzMV59n7K8CVgUAmmAc85XAxuKOgzpfI0H1m2Ot_84A2PP27QQ1Iell1Pm8VcagGI/s320/Lovely+Thunder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Classy deep ambient record straight outta the synthesized, fantastical side of the mid 80's. Budd treads some interesting ground here, as if trying to one up both <b>Brian Eno</b> and <b>David Sylvian</b> simultaneously in a single fell swoop of the keyboard. <br />
<br />
In other words, not a bad soundtrack to someone's hypothetical alternative take on <u><i>Blade Runner</i></u>. Makes for a helluva sleeping aid too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/pPLYXn_W-X4/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPLYXn_W-X4&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pPLYXn_W-X4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="http://nxzccs.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Thunder-Harold-Budd/dp/B000026GJ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1347076835&sr=8-3&keywords=harold+budd+lovely+thunder"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-77435563571913124292012-09-02T21:08:00.001-07:002012-09-02T21:09:32.286-07:00Pεt Shop Boys - Bεhaviour (1990)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OkhtF10kawyUHGXHEPH4CSAWrlaWzpBjHp93RD6PVCw9ruzZT505s2tRiEU1QRBIXhy1ycAx9PTGmggs0xUTAbYZlskPkZlMWFFO1TtUWaoe91gmJPs52fYFTaudl4DQ7PO6O_1zoQk/s1600/Behaviour.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OkhtF10kawyUHGXHEPH4CSAWrlaWzpBjHp93RD6PVCw9ruzZT505s2tRiEU1QRBIXhy1ycAx9PTGmggs0xUTAbYZlskPkZlMWFFO1TtUWaoe91gmJPs52fYFTaudl4DQ7PO6O_1zoQk/s320/Behaviour.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a point of contention I suppose, but I personally consider this turn-of-the-decade album one of the best synth-pop excursions ever crafted and the magnum opus of the Boys from the land of ice and snow. Those gorgeous keyboard textures, dem early 90's beatz, all the slick orchestral flourishes on tracks such as 'My October Symphony'...its a stone cold classic, ladies and gents. Opening number 'Being Boring' features the ever popular <b>Johnny Marr</b> on guitar as well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zY-WtRNIe9M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nxmnrz.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Behaviour-Pet-Shop-Boys/dp/B001O304UI/ref=tmm_acd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1346645176&sr=8-1"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-50660867333391763022012-08-31T21:01:00.001-07:002012-08-31T21:01:53.905-07:00Fridriк Kαrlѕѕon - Chillout Hεavεn (2007)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XodZtZY8O7SIfptPmoh2mBpSarsRJj7gOM4VpUk3xQufSmXmpI8l3A3IEoMepGOqsBXkBS-woQRusMX0aHbwXeLbKOwtLQ8A-_-bsRSqCc2GApl-QM2zS_oHOTGlnxflyhq3xsUwhSA/s1600/Chillout+Heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XodZtZY8O7SIfptPmoh2mBpSarsRJj7gOM4VpUk3xQufSmXmpI8l3A3IEoMepGOqsBXkBS-woQRusMX0aHbwXeLbKOwtLQ8A-_-bsRSqCc2GApl-QM2zS_oHOTGlnxflyhq3xsUwhSA/s320/Chillout+Heaven.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
New Age chillzak to the extreme-o. Most of this bro's output is the stuff of dentist offices and message parlors, but this particular record tries a bit more on the composition front and thus comes rather recommended to the particularly laid back among you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/L6SyiFbrW70?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nxmmks.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Good-Collection-Chillout-Heaven/dp/B001AWV2GS/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1346472019&sr=1-1&keywords=fridrik+karlsson"><b>Buy It</b></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-88266137227276254342012-08-27T20:26:00.000-07:002012-08-27T20:26:18.021-07:00T-Squαrε - 33 (2007)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AI9Ss3fpWh_wrTsZU3jmfgxrc_fuU18nk7UP5K8IxBmGRNh9MffVjiq_b3qtW4wYcQDIw9Fe_2X6UrOECL_h4Ca_54Nm84QeUHtu1qEW7DYN3PfWs1zxQHJ9VnMd3dPAJmnjDvkDAmY/s1600/33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AI9Ss3fpWh_wrTsZU3jmfgxrc_fuU18nk7UP5K8IxBmGRNh9MffVjiq_b3qtW4wYcQDIw9Fe_2X6UrOECL_h4Ca_54Nm84QeUHtu1qEW7DYN3PfWs1zxQHJ9VnMd3dPAJmnjDvkDAmY/s320/33.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Japan's top smooth fusion commodity released this excellent set of cuts back in 2007, and its got the chops to make it the ideal entry point into their mindbogglingly large back catalog. It's got a bit of everything: breezy synthesizers, acoustic and shred-friendly electric guitar, all kinds of percussion and plenty of brass for the purists too. Lots of fun improv going on here...and there's even a catchy melody or two ('Flying Colors') to keep the more casual jazz fan interested.<br />
<br />
Pretty high up there on the quality front as far as smooth/contemporary jazz is concerned, and an excellent addition to any cruise catering playlist you've got on hand!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lpnMORtpooE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="http://nxkkzw.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/33-T-Square/dp/B000QFBVCU/ref=tmm_acd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1346123811&sr=8-5"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-90288985973642077062012-08-24T21:13:00.001-07:002012-08-24T21:14:19.631-07:00Tнrεshold - Woundεd Laиd (1993)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbugzMK2R3hVNq1_PC4vqV5dn5o7udQeb5GRlCwhVYOfz9YTYMps9G6z4eCBxIN-mX8RtM4grxXSzgmsFHQpOS3ahbCnmUCXZVEx_x2DtD-rWXzEfNlHIb9GhjHA91uAxXPxudXqPafKw/s1600/Wounded+Land.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbugzMK2R3hVNq1_PC4vqV5dn5o7udQeb5GRlCwhVYOfz9YTYMps9G6z4eCBxIN-mX8RtM4grxXSzgmsFHQpOS3ahbCnmUCXZVEx_x2DtD-rWXzEfNlHIb9GhjHA91uAxXPxudXqPafKw/s320/Wounded+Land.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Merry old England's ecologically-minded answer to <b>Dream Theater</b>'s <i>Images & Words</i>, and even in retrospect I find it a rather entertaining beginning for one of the world's mainstray progressive metal giants. The keyboards aren't pushed into the forefront quite as much as some of their contemporaries were prone to, and the guitar work here is wonderfully thrashy even at its most melodic.<br />
<br />
Cult classic anyone?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/URGlQos8Rx0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nxvwsx.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Land-Threshold/dp/B000068C84"><b>Buy It</b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-33081413055657626942012-08-21T17:17:00.002-07:002012-08-21T17:18:29.799-07:00DOCUMENTARY: Prog Rock Britannia - An Observation in Three MovementsBloody excellent documentary detailing the golden years of Progressive Rock in the U.K. from the late 60's through the late 70's. 'Tis a bit lengthy I admit, but nevertheless a fascinating journey into a much-maligned genre.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/iyPnNsY_0Pc/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iyPnNsY_0Pc&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iyPnNsY_0Pc&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494933643629598197.post-8475147164176346262012-08-19T20:40:00.001-07:002012-08-19T20:43:35.454-07:00Thε Claus Ogεrman Orchεstra - Gatε Of Drεams (1977)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxev88oW96xowK_0CwX001ZPJFPfpGM0rqVBOTVN4WBI-22hInjxPWwuJvGhhWna3xA_vQW86fyoIMPp3UAci-NQvi7Rhnm-OVSOlVafkiMvjgtRiTadUoMj7rq0ZEOYbJEeIp-3pvEk/s1600/Gate+Of+Dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxev88oW96xowK_0CwX001ZPJFPfpGM0rqVBOTVN4WBI-22hInjxPWwuJvGhhWna3xA_vQW86fyoIMPp3UAci-NQvi7Rhnm-OVSOlVafkiMvjgtRiTadUoMj7rq0ZEOYbJEeIp-3pvEk/s320/Gate+Of+Dreams.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the loveliest sounding Third Stream albums ever made by one of the coolest cats around, <b>Claus Ogεrman </b>is considered top rate as far as classical composers and arrangers of the last half century go, particularly in his contributions to the studio work of <b>Antonio Carlos Jobim</b> and <b>Frank Sinatra</b>.<b> </b><br />
<br />
In all honesty though, Claus's own projects and less prominent collaborations are far more interesting to these ears, with <i>Gatε Of Drεams</i> being premier among his own select works. Romantic and enthralling in equal measure, cuts like opening suite 'Time Passed Autumn'are on par in some ways with anything <b>Bill Evans</b> ever did, swelling under the bridge in some darkened town with spacious strings, leading into a nostalgic guitar sequence midway through the game to seal the deal.<br />
<br />
Part jazz quartet, part romantic classical, part bossa nova and 100% class, albums like this paved the way and inspired the works of modern composers such as the renowned <b>Joe Hisaishi</b> and <b>Yoko Kanno</b>, and there aren't too many things out there in the vast sea of music that measure up to this when the hour is right.<br />
<br />
Hope you all enjoy this essential recording as much as I do!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6bcNNW7drBU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="http://nxwzkr.link-protector.com/"><b>Try It</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gate-Dreams-Claus-Ogerman/dp/B000002KGS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345433962&sr=8-1&keywords=claus+ogerman+gate"><b>Buy It </b></a>DrakeSinisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05301985000440758982noreply@blogger.com0