Tαиgεяiиε Dяεαm - Uиdεrwαtεr Suиlight (1986)

Probably my favorite latter period record from this classic electronic outfit: the keyboard-laden sound of it amidst a seemingly infinite plethora of keys and synth texturing is comparable to being suspended in the oceanic depths alluded to in the title of the record and songs, yet the guitar work of Edgar Froese on pieces such as 'Song Of The Whale (Pt. I)' is in and of itself a wonder to hear too.

As far as ambient-oriented New Age goes, this record holds more edge than most, so enjoy thoroughly!

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Nεш Editioи - Hεαяτ Brεαk (1988)

Wait, a GOOD Boy Band album? With major New Jack Swing vibes? IMPOSSIBLE!

Yessir, this is some prime ribbage from R&B's chunkier plastic pile of the late 80's. Sure the cheese meter is going into overdrive on multiple instances and everyone looks like a reject from someone's ghetto rendition of Kraftwerk, but when style and substance come together this well in this particular niche, the results are fantastic. Killer harmonies, sick beats, and some very solid songwriting all packaged together under the premise of outright commercialism -- who woulda' thunk it?

Listen Here - "N.E. Heartbreak"


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Kip Шiиgεя - This Coиvεяsαtioи Sεεms Likε A Drεαm (1997)

The debut solo masterpiece from this great former hair-metal singer/songwriter's 90's alternative rock period, done in the wake of the death of his wife. Regardless of whether he's doing harmonic walls-of-sound shredders such as 'Kiss Of Life' and 'Monster' or more atmosphere oriented knives in your emotional belly like 'Here' and the acoustic 'Naked Son', K.W. treats his voice as if it were the only candle he possesses against the vast darkness of the world. However, he also takes advantage of his dynamic vocal power as a textural instrument to complement whatever grandiose designs he chooses to lay around it.

Great men make great music, ladies and gents, so pick this up and experience it for yourself.

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Τнε Kαnε Gαng - Mιяαclε (1987)

R&B-drenched power pop meets New Romantic musings and some fantastic ear grabbing ditties in the second half of the 1980's. And, if nothing else, these guys were optimistic: romance and the promise of a golden age were the order of the moment, and it shows in groove-worthy kickers such as "Motortown' and "What Time Is It?"

Listen Here - "Motortown"


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5tεvε Millεr Bαnd - Fly Likε Aи Eαglε (1976)

Time keeps on slippin...slippin...slippin...into the future....

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Яusн - Poшεя Шindoшs (1985)

Along with Permanent Waves and Grace Under Pressure, this is my favorite release from Canada's most popular prog. power trio export.

While its abundance of synths is not typical for the band compared to a lot of their other output, the heavy emphasis upon them (even moreso than their other 80's releases) makes for a terrific atmosphere that you don't really get on their other records. Geddy Lee in particular is marvelous throughout this disk: when he isn't laying down bass lines that would make a jazz-funk band blush, he's singing like a motherfuckin' angel.    From the low-key anthemic hair metal flirtations of 'Middletown Dreams' to the aptly titled 'Mystic Rhythms', weak cuts here are like polio in 2011: non-existent.

Not all prog-related stuff three decades ago sucked, and this album is living proof of it.

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Kit Walker - Dancing On The Edge Of The World (1987)

Wicked jazz-fusion debut of the late 80's, primarily led by various keyboard textures, bass and flute. It also holds the unique distinction of being one of the few smooth jazz releases on par with first few classic Rippingtons recordings or Pat Metheny's late 80's/early 90's material, so get diggin' fellas!

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