Friday13th: Prog - A Beginning - Discovery Rd 8

Friday13th 07.07.21	Voting ends next Wednesday, July 14.
Divaman 07.07.21	Ho boy. I'm ready.
Inoculaeted 07.07.21	Just as Spain gets knocked from the Euro...
Mythodea 07.07.21	Let's do it!
Divaman 07.07.21	Hey, did you guys all see this?: https://www.sputnikmusic.com/news/42882/Yes-To-Release-The-Quest/
e210013 07.07.21	Nice to see two Spanish albums of the 70's, two albums of my neighbours. Two another Latin albums. I'm very curious about them. Let's see what we have here.
Jethro42 07.07.21	I've tried Tarantula lately, and I liked very much what I've heard.
Inoculaeted 07.07.21	“But while Tales of Topographic Oceans are nice…” Round of applause for Friday. Love that blurb. And don’t think I didn’t catch that loose Procol Harum nod in the last sentence. Well done.
TwigTW 07.07.21	Spotify, yay, my scrobbles thank you.
bgillesp 07.07.21	I knew it and I am very upset
bgillesp 07.07.21	I love both of these too much
Divaman 07.07.21	Chilling my sangria as we speak.
Mythodea 07.07.21	https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_me5vavxPqbKuf6D9DoyfsWJFQWpDknVD0 YT playlist for Ibia
Inoculaeted 07.07.21	Both are on Apple for my people there.
Divaman 07.07.21	You rule, Mythodea. I like YouTube the best. Bandcamp would be OK, except by the third listen they try to guilt you with that broken heart symbol when you don't want to buy it.
Mythodea 07.07.21	My thoughts exactly
MrSirLordGentleman 07.07.21	COÑO nice, will check asap
Jethro42 07.07.21	Ibio is really festive. It bloody celebrates music. It's gonna be a tough round, I feel.
Divaman 07.08.21	OK, I purdied up both of their band pages.
Friday13th 07.08.21	@Divaman yeah new Yes album is definitely big prog news, even though part of me is apprehensive. I enjoyed Heaven and Earth more than some, but it’s was not great.
Divaman 07.08.21	I enjoyed it too. I'm a little apprehensive, but not as much as for the new Jethro Tull album scheduled later this year.
e210013 07.08.21	I didn't know that. I'm also curious and apprehensive about both albums. We'll see it.
e210013 07.08.21	After a first listening of Tarantula I liked it very much. It was a very nice surprise. Let's see the other.
e210013 07.08.21	After a first listening of Ibio I also liked it very much. It's a very happy album that joins the symphonic prog with Asturian folk in a very good mesure. It was a very nice surprise too. Undoutedly we are going to have another very tough round.
bgillesp 07.08.21	Thanks Diva for the band page work! Also, I am 4 listens in to Ibio and 7+ in to Tarantula. I know it is very early for the vote but I have made myself very familiar with these albums already because I anticipated this matchup from the beginning. While I love Ibio’s lightheartedness and whimsy and find track like Pastor to be sheer works of beauty, I really think my Tarantula pick is lined up too much with my tastes to vote against. My vote is for Tarantula with regrets for having to vote against Ibio
TheIntruder 07.09.21	Two Spanish albums. Nice. I am not familiar with Spanish prog. I am very curious. Let us see what they can bring. It seems to me that I am going to have another very busy week, which is not a bad thing.
Mythodea 07.09.21	I'm trying to follow this tournament, Park published his thrash list and I'm following that one as well, and there's also that pop list... Thank god Dewinged stopped his daily update on '21 albums, or I'd be completely lost
Zig 07.09.21	Hey proggers! I'm back for this week's round. Thanks for your beautiful messages at previous round. Spanish prog, eh? Will check these as well as those from rd 7.
Divaman 07.09.21	So far, these are both pretty good.
Jethro42 07.10.21	The very first Ibio's drum beat reminds me so much of the one found in the song ''Autumn'' by Strawbs. Same atmosphere too. Album is not only folk music. It has a hint of gypsy music. It's up tempo and very melodic. Tarantula is more enticing symphonic prog. It makes me think of the eponymous Maxophone album, mainly in the organ and electric guitar interplays, but also in overall soundings (using different instruments). There's also a tarantula on my album's cover art. I can't decide as of now.
Mythodea 07.10.21	there was also a tarantula on last round's Pig Views...
e210013 07.10.21	@ Jethro It's not gypsy music. These guys are from the north of Spain, not of Andalusia. What you have heard is the influence of the folklore of Asturias. It has a sound of similar to the bagpipes, a typical instrument traditionaly used in Asturias. About Tarantula, you're completely right. These guys are strongly influenced by the Italian symphonic prog and not for the more typical Spanish prog, the Andalusia Gypsy folk, as happened with Triana. But, somehow, it isn't so strange. Triana are from Seville and Tarantula are from Valence, two very different regions of Spain. And Spain is a country with very strong regionalisms.
bgillesp 07.10.21	Interesting info y’all. Thanks! Triana is still my favorite Spanish prog band so it’s cool to know why their sound is different from my pick this round.
Jethro42 07.10.21	@e21, it was just to see if you were attentive LOL @Myth, that's what I meant :)
Mythodea 07.10.21	Oh hahah ok, yeah, I thought you had some special edition of the Tarantula album
Jethro42 07.10.21	It could have been the case :)
e210013 07.10.21	And guys, don't forget Carmen. Despite they're an American/British band, they're also influenced by the Andalusia Gypsy folk. in spite of brothers Allen were born in USA, the origins of their parents were from Seville. So, we can see that the music of Triana and Carmen have many things in common. This is all to remember that the debut album os Carmen, "Fandagos In Space" won the antepenult Friday's tournament. So, as you can see Jethro, I'm a very attentive guy. Lol.
Jethro42 07.10.21	I'm ready to vote. Ibio has a good sense of beauty. Mellotrons help to that. ''Cuevas De Altamira'' is a good example. ''Las Chicas De Laredo'' would not be out of place in an Il Volo album. Songs are built around beautiful bass patterns. It's spoiled by unecessary guitar and keyboard solo all around instead of being melodic, and because of that, album drags a bit. It's funny that the two singers have operatic voices. Tarantula is symphonic, more melodic, and has good Hammond, good harmonic interplays. Songs are more built, with more cohesion. Vocals are convincing. Music is similar to classic Italian prog. While well crafted, my only little complaint is the rock and roll segment which seems misplaced in the middle of the other songs. ''Un Mundo Anterior'' is such a great song. Both albums contain pretty much the same amount of good songs, but I see myself come back to Tarantula more often. My vote goes to Tarantula.
Jethro42 07.12.21	Ibio grew on me big time lately. The balance could have leaned in a side or the other, really.
MrSirLordGentleman 07.12.21	I'll vote for Ibio Both are pretty cool albums, but Ibio is a little bit closer to what I'd expect from spanish prog
Jethro42 07.12.21	''Cuevas'', some parts of ''Virulencia'', ''Las Chicas'', and ''La Baila De Ibio'' are the tits.
Mythodea 07.12.21	I'm a bit burnt out lately, so no long paragraphs this time. I think I'm going with Ibio (3.5), although the opening track on Tarantula (3.5) has my favourite vocal melody so far in the tournament, and I really dug the bluesy parts later on. However, as MrSir said, I like the way Ibio infiltrate Spanish folk in their prog, having a more distinct sound. So, Ibio
zakalwe 07.12.21	Hard one for me I like both.
Zig 07.12.21	Ibio gets my vote
TwigTW 07.12.21	I don't usually let production influence my decision. Most of the albums in this contest were made a long time ago, and they are mixed for vinyl. Having said that--Ibio--turn down the treble! I spent every listen of Cuevas De Altamira adjusting the soundboard in my head. Musically the albums are not that different. Ibio goes a little heavier on the guitar, but they are both mining the same vein of prog. The big difference for me was the production. Tarantula sounds warm, sunny, and pleasing to my ears, while Ibio sounds shrill--too shrill imho ...My vote goes to Tarantula.
TwigTW 07.12.21	Oh, voting ends Wednesday ...I was wondering where everyone was. XD
Divaman 07.12.21	I'm ready to vote. This was a pretty tight decision for me, as I liked both of these albums. I liked a lot of what Tarantula did with the synths, and I definitely heard a bit of a King Crimson influence in parts. This is definitely classic prog rock. I didn't always love the vocals, but they weren't horrible. I liked Ibio's prog rock twist on Spanish music a lot. I also loved the way they used their synth. Like I said, it was a tough choice. But my vote goes to Ibio.
bgillesp 07.12.21	Oof, looks like this will be the second time I lose the Spanish prog opening round
wham49 07.13.21	the Tarantula album was freakin awesome I dig it and vote for it
e210013 07.14.21	After 4 auditions of both albums: Tarantula - Tarantula: Tarantula is a band strongly influenced by the Italian symphonic prog and not for the more typical Spanish prog, the Andalusia Gypsy folk, as happened with Triana. They have a more traditional appraoch, in the same line of many Latin bands of the 70's, as happens with Portuguese Tantra. They have a very melodic sound supported by a lush keyboard work, especially the Hammond work is amazing. I also love the dramtic vocal work in the same line of Banco and Le Orme. Ibio - Cuevas De Altamira: This is a very good prog/folk album, very happy, which joins the symphonic prog with the Asturian folk in a very good mesure. These guys are from the north of Spain, so their native influence is from Asturias, a folklore closer to the Celtic music. That made that Ibio has an interesting, uncommon and original sound. It has great melodies, few but pleasant vocals, a nice acoustic and electric guitar works, abundance of several keyboards and some intricated drumming. "Tarantula" rated with 4.0. "Cuevas De Altamira" rated with 4.0. These are two nice albums, both well represetatives of the Spanish prog in the 70's. Ibio's album is a more ethnic, an Iberian album, while Tarantula's album is closer to the Italian prog. I've no problem with that. Besides, I love Italian prog. So, despite I like both, my vote goes to Tarantula's album. It's more akin with my symphonic prog taste.
zakalwe 07.14.21	I’m going to go with Ibio by a whisker.
MiloRuggles 07.14.21	Fuck, late to the party cause of the site crash. But hey, I listened this time! I wasn't in love with either of these, but certainly enjoyed both of them. Honestly, the moments where Tarantula stumble into Floydisms should act as marks against them, but I think they actually helped to shape something of a larger vision that I thought Ibio lacked somewhat. So yuhp, Tarantula here
Inoculaeted 07.14.21	Ibio production is fkin sliiiiick
e210013 07.14.21	Yeah, it's not great. It was taken from the vinyl recordings in those years. A common problem with many albums of those times.
TheIntruder 07.14.21	I liked both albums. Both are great and this was another tough journey. But I prefer the album of Tarantula. It is better produced and is more in vein with my style of prog. My vote goes to Tarantula.
Pangea 07.14.21	i like both albums quite a bit, but my vote goes to Ibio
e210013 07.14.21	It seems this will be a very tight one.
Jethro42 07.14.21	@e21, it's funny you find similarities with both Banco and Le Orme for Tarantula (which I can agree). I find song ''Cuevas'' being similar to ''750,000 Anni Fa'' (Banco)...There are so many good moments on Ibio.
Divaman 07.14.21	Unofficially, I've got the count right now as 8-6 in favor of Tarantula.
Jethro42 07.14.21	8:6 bgillesp Jethro Twig normaloctagon wham e21 Milo Intruder Gentleman Mythodea Zig Divaman zakalwe Pangea
Inoculaeted 07.14.21	Ibio for me and it’s not close. I loved it dearly. Tarantula is fine but disjointed, though ten years Ibios senior gives it a lot less to build off of for inspiration. It’s eerie and vibey yes, but I don’t feel it’s special for any reason. The drum production on Ibio is enough to keep me coming back but it’s also such a trip compositionally.
Jethro42 07.14.21	I agree for Ibio to being a trip compositionally. I was by a hair to vote for it, and as far as i'm concerned, I now prefer Ibio over Tarantula, but the games are done.
Jethro42 07.14.21	8:7 bgillesp Jethro Twig normaloctagon wham e21 Milo Intruder Gentleman Mythodea Zig Divaman zakalwe Pangea Inoculaeted
SharkTooth 07.14.21	Just got back from work, gonna jam and vote soon
e210013 07.15.21	Curious thing Jethro. My comment is especially about the first track on Tarantula. But, I really like of both vocalists on both albums.
Jethro42 07.15.21	Yeah I can hear you, e21. It's true, the first Tarentula track is close to Banco, and probably to Le Orme. Song ''Cuevas'' is also close to Banco (song ''750,000 Anni Fa''). Anyway, both Ibio and Tarentula feature operatic vocalists, so it helps a lot, given Banco is also operatic.
bgillesp 07.15.21	Is Friday okay?
Jethro42 07.15.21	I have no idea, I ask myself the same thing. Maybe is he busy.
SharkTooth 07.15.21	I can appreciate 1, but I love the compositions in 2 way more so I'm voting 2 It just feels more lively and creative sonically
Friday13th 07.15.21	Sorry y'all, and thanks Jethro for doing the vote tally. I have been very busy. I did listen to the albums last night. They are both very good. I loved the keyboard playing in 1. Ultimately though, I thought 2 was more polished and (only slightly) more memorable. I am voting 2. 8:9 bgillesp Jethro Twig normaloctagon wham e21 Milo Intruder Gentleman Mythodea Zig Divaman zakalwe Pangea Inoculaeted Sharktooth Friday Let's give the vote until the end of the day. This is a very close one.
bgillesp 07.15.21	😢
Friday13th 07.15.21	Innoculaeted said it best: "Ibio production is fkin sliiiiick" The production is kinda perfect tbh. The best production from the 1970s is my favorite. Makes me wanna grab a vinyl copy.
Friday13th 07.15.21	@bgillesp Tarantula is a great album, it's just too bad we have to choose. The keyboard playing especially was outstanding.
Zig 07.15.21	"The best production from the 1970s is my favorite. Makes me wanna grab a vinyl copy." True :)
Jethro42 07.15.21	''Sorry y'all, and thanks Jethro for doing the vote tally. I have been very busy.'' It's a pleasure, Friday, and welcome back! We started to worry about you!
Divaman 07.15.21	Amen. Having just had that recent health care myself, I was starting to get concerned. Glad to see you back, Friday.
e210013 07.15.21	Yeah, I thought the same and was also worried because it's not normal with you. But, thanks God that is everything ok with you Friday. So, let's prossegue.
Friday13th 07.15.21	Thanks y’all, I am fine. @Divaman you feeling well now?
Divaman 07.15.21	Much better, thanks, although there are some lingering issues. I took an X-ray yesterday, and I still have some fluid the one lung. So they're trying to figure out what they're going to do about it. But at least I'm out of the hospital, breathing better, etc.
Jethro42 07.15.21	You're getting much better, Divaman, nice!
bgillesp 07.15.21	I’m not actually upset Friday. I just always seem to pick the lesser favorite Spanish prog album and go out in the first round
Friday13th 07.16.21	Yeah, it’s tough to accurately judge other’s tastes and win these things. These contests also cannot give an accurate impression of what one might find satisfying with many repeated listens. I encourage repeated listens for the knocked out albums just as much. Sometimes that’s what it takes to realize the genius of music. I’m going to call it for Ibio.
Jethro42 07.16.21	Tarantula's ''Un Mundo Anterior'' and the opener are such great songs.
Friday13th 07.16.21	They really are. Some songs on Tarantula remind me of some of the best Italian prog scene.
Friday13th 07.16.21	Listening again today, and both are absolutely albums I will come back to.
e210013 07.16.21	Absolutely, I agree with you my friends. Both are really two great albums in their own way.
Jethro42 07.16.21	''Some songs on Tarantula remind me of some of the best Italian prog scene.'' You're right, Friday. For Both Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso and Le Orme at least. I revisit Tarantula while paying more attention.
Jethro42 07.16.21	I can hear some Campo Di Marte as well...an album/band I was by a hair to choose.