Cαligulα's Horsε - Momεnts From Ephεmεrαl City (2011)

An amazing, Australian modern prog. rock gem that escaped my gaze last year, but WOWZAHZ! Catchy as hell too -- somewhere between Pain Of Salvation and Midlake as far as a hypothetical musical spectrum goes, but sounds even better than either of those groups in brilliant spurts.

Will be watching these fellas' future output like a hawk, that's for bloody sure!

Try It
Buy It

Kεn Nαvαrro - Drεαming Of Trαins (2010)

Known predominantly for his easy listening, smooth jazz output back in the late 80's and through the 90's, Drεαming Of Trαins is a whole different kettle of fish entirely for jazz guitarist Ken N. Technical, lush and full of beautiful, ethereal arrangements not unlike some of the best records of the Pat Metheny Group, these are some really gorgeous jams that do much good for contemporary jazz's credibility!

Try It
Buy It

Dεniεcε Williαms - Whεn Lovε Comεs Cαlling (1979/2010)

Co-produced by David Foster and featuring an all-star cast of Westcoast luminaries (drummer Jeff Porcaro, Steve Lukather, etc.), this was a transitional record for the underratedly talented Niecy 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 Whitney Houston seem awfully weak in comparison, lodged amidst the more upbeat, funk-oriented numbers for the jam oriented among thee.

Fans of the soul/funk/Westcoast hybridization of bands like Earth, Wind & Fire...welcome home.

Try It
Buy It

Smoliк - Smoliк 3

A late summer jazz pop smorgasbord from Poland, featuring lots of cool songs and guests!

Try It
Buy It

Aмвяosiα - One Eighty (1980)

Whilst not as overtly progressive as this group's legendary self-titled from 1975, 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.

Essential listening for fans of both Westcoast pop and crossover progressive rock!

NOTE: The below video is just the best I could find. My upload is a CD rip, not vinyl.

Try It
Buy It

Tαtsuro Yαmαshitα - For You (1982)

My favorite album from this guy by a decent margin. As good as 1983's Melodies is (posted here on TWE eons ago), For You is the king of Japanese Westcoast records: from the infectious guitar line of 'Sparkle' to the shimmering Beach Boys-esque closing number 'Your Eyes', Tatsuro-san pulls no punches. Oceanic surf-pop doesn't get much better than this!

Try It
Buy It

Lloyd McNeill - Asha (1969)

Chilled. Out. Jazz. Flute. Madness.

Try It
Buy It