Friday13th
07.10.18 | Voting ends next Monday. |
Divaman
07.10.18 | And away we go! |
e210013
07.10.18 | Yeah, away we go again and with two more obscure things to me. |
Papa Universe
07.10.18 | I withdraw from voting this round. |
bgillesp
07.10.18 | Don't pull that crap again Papi |
Papa Universe
07.10.18 | oh I will pull that crap again, alright. |
SCREAM!
07.10.18 | Don't pull that crap again Papi[2] |
Papa Universe
07.10.18 | oh I will pull that crap again, alright.[2] |
TwigTW
07.10.18 | well... from the covers these look like two very different albums. |
Jethro42
07.10.18 | I already know Portal since a couple of years. I've just listened to 1. I already have a clear preference. |
Divaman
07.11.18 | Wow. Two really different styles to compare here. |
gagnonov
07.11.18 | didn't get a chance to give last week's albums a spin, it's been a pretty fucking chaotic week for me. however these 2 i've already listened to, and while 1 was pretty good, i absolutely despise 2 and would give it 0.5 if i could |
TwigTW
07.11.18 | That's how I feel about the covers... |
gagnonov
07.11.18 | it's just some glorified Three Days Grace |
Papa Universe
07.11.18 | nah, Portal ain't that bad, bub |
smaugman
07.11.18 | this fucking retarded gagnonov, time to die |
SCREAM!
07.11.18 | woa there lets all simmer down why dont we |
bgillesp
07.11.18 | I'm certain I've heard "The Globe Inn" off 1 before this but I have no idea where or why. |
TwigTW
07.11.18 | Listening to Portal now, not my usual thing, but not half bad |
Divaman
07.11.18 | Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised by it. I'm not always a fan of prog metal, but there's a lot I like here. |
bgillesp
07.11.18 | Yeah, Portal is a bit out of place compared to the rest of the tourney but is pretty awesome so far to me. Jamming now |
smaugman
07.11.18 | "it's just some glorified Three Days Grace"
what does this even mean |
Jethro42
07.11.18 | For Blood Red Tape, I wish all the songs were as strong as the first three ones. After that I tend to lose interest. Enemy is also a good song. |
Divaman
07.11.18 | It's biggest enemy is that it could be shorter. At least that's my impression after 1 listen. |
bgillesp
07.11.18 | I agree with Diva. It's pretty great but very long. It'll be a tough call for me, another couple "4"s for me this round |
TwigTW
07.11.18 | Yeah, I lose interest by the end too, but it might grow on me with more listens. |
Divaman
07.11.18 | Btw, did anyone actually find 1 on YouTube? I don't think the full album is up there. |
TwigTW
07.11.18 | I listened on Spotify, Diva. I'm comparing them now, and it's the same 9 songs. |
gagnonov
07.11.18 | "it's just some glorified Three Days Grace"
"what does this even mean"
guy's vocals are the embodiment of alt rock, lyrics are pretty fucking cringeworthy, and the music is something that wouldn't even sound out of place on a MTV hard rock top 10 list |
Jethro42
07.11.18 | While more spacey and atmospheric, Who is This Who is Coming reminds me of Pink Floyd meets Novalis (Sommerabend), thanks to the synths, keys and to the overall mood, but composition-wise, it's reminiscent of Steve Hackett in many ways, mainly for the guitar playing, of course. That music is spellbinding, to borrow a Friday's word. I came to like both albums for different reasons assuredly. |
smaugman
07.11.18 | "I came to like both albums for different reasons assuredly."
lmao |
TwigTW
07.12.18 | You guys might have already seen this. (But in case you didn't), the box set of Steven Wilson's Yes remixes is now on Spotify. |
Friday13th
07.12.18 | woa there lets all simmer down why dont we [2] |
Friday13th
07.12.18 | @Divaman if you copy the link it should pull up a 9 video playlist on youtube |
e210013
07.12.18 | I agree with most of you. Both albums are good but by opposite reasons. Because I like prog metal I don't have any kind of problems with the second one. Perhaps too much lengthy, I agree too. The first one is a very pleasant surprise. It has some originality, despite its retro prog sound. |
e210013
07.12.18 | Thanks Twig, for the information. For a hard Yes' fan like me, that is a great news. We needed a remastered edition of those albums, really. |
Jethro42
07.12.18 | Yeah thanks Twig. Steven Wilson did a great job. Yes sounds crystal clear there, like if they were playing live in my living room.
|
Sabrutin
07.12.18 | Checking 1 now, the description intrigues me |
Divaman
07.12.18 | I'm really hoping I won't be the deciding vote in this contest. For me, so far, this one is pretty much a coin toss. |
Sabrutin
07.12.18 | 1 was a lot more on the atmospheric side than what I expected, but I didn't dislike it |
Divaman
07.12.18 | "it's just some glorified Three Days Grace"
Not hearing Three Days Grace, although I don't hate them the way some people on Sput do anyway. Sounds more like a mixture of Tool and Incubus to my ears. |
Jethro42
07.12.18 | Blood Red Tape is an inoffensive alternative metal with barely a little of prog, in the vein of OSI and Amplifier. It's not bad, but it often requires my patience. When it comes to metal, I'm more fond of pure prog metal such as Fates Warning, Pain Of Salvation, Psychotic Waltz, Indukti, Symphony X, Ayreon, etc... Here I find the songs drag a bit, and at the end, it sounds samey.
Who Is This Who Is Coming is more of the kind of prog i enjoy. Since I consider its similarities with Pink Floyd meets Novalis with a hint of Steve Hackett thrown in, it's still easier to appreciate. I'm not neither a fan of the ambient first three minutes of the title track nor the opener, but luckily, they're short excerpts. i'm never tired to listen to it.
My vote goes to Who Is This Who Is Coming. |
Papa Universe
07.12.18 | You are who is coming. Bless thee! |
Jethro42
07.12.18 | Yeah Diva, but Tool is more corrosive... |
Divaman
07.12.18 | I'm repeating this post from Round 6. I posted it on the last day there, so some of you may have missed it:
Two albums coming out that some of you may be interested in:
1. Robert Berry has reworked some things he was working on with Keith Emerson before Emerson's suicide as the next 3 (Emerson, Berry & Palmer) album. He's calling the band 3.2 and the album "The Rules Have Changed" due out August 10; and
2. The Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman version of Yes is releasing a live album, called "Live at the Apollo" on September 10. |
Divaman
07.12.18 | I agree, Jethro. |
bgillesp
07.12.18 | I'm voting for 1. Papi just vote or I'll accuse you of preferring 2 and not voting strictly for pride purposes |
Jethro42
07.12.18 | Interesting, Diva...The Robert Berry thing was recorded before Greg Lake's death or after? I mean I wonder why Lake is absent there. |
Papa Universe
07.12.18 | @bgillesp, and what if I do? |
Divaman
07.13.18 | I don't think Greg Lake was ever a part of this project, Jethro. From what I can tell, Carl Palmer, who was part of the original 3, doesn't seem to have been involved this time around. |
smaugman
07.13.18 | Some of the songs on blood red tape are quite proggy tho. They remind me somewhat of fair to midland |
tmthycnnlly
07.13.18 | 2 is really taking me back to my early high school days where I listened primarily Alt-Metal. It really reminds me of Seether/A Perfect Circle. Back then I would have probably really dug this but not really my thing anymore. I'm going to have to get a couple more listens to see if it grows on me |
e210013
07.13.18 | @ Diva
Thanks for the information about both releases, too. It might be interesting. |
Sabrutin
07.13.18 | Checking 2 and it does have the alt metal / post-grunge sound but it's played much more smoothly than any Three Days Grace-like band does. The transition from verse to chorus in Splitzkrein destroys that kind of bands |
TwigTW
07.13.18 | Happy Friday13th, I hope ;-) |
Papa Universe
07.13.18 | yuppie yay |
Friday13th
07.13.18 | Well would you look at the date! haha
Today calls for some extra prog jamming. |
bgillesp
07.13.18 | Papi is a cheat! I declare it! Just want to say that even though I'm changing my vote to 2. 1 is like a 3.9 and portal is about a 4.1 for me but I don't feel portal has enough prog elements to justify it being in here so an arbitrary -.2 makes it a toss up, but I'll give it to them anyway this round.
I (changed) vote 2 |
Papa Universe
07.13.18 | "Papi is a cheat!"
I'm doing the exact opposite of that, though, you skanky, treacherous measle. |
smaugman
07.13.18 | I think portal is quite proggy, maybe not true prog, but at times rather experimental |
Jethro42
07.14.18 | @smaugman; Album makes me think of some Cog at places. They are considered progressive metal among others. I would say more like alt metal with a prog flavour, just like Portal. You've made a good choice, but because of its metal edge, it seems a bit like a black sheep, a misplaced entry. |
smaugman
07.14.18 | Perhaps. I know it’s a prog tournament, but we mustn’t be too nazi when labeling |
Jethro42
07.14.18 | People here seem to be enthusiastic about Portal until now, so it's all fine. I like the majority of the songs now. Some of them have good ideas, but tend to extend and drag. My least favorite and the only skippable is probably ''The Simple Things'' I think about bumping the album up to a 4. |
Divaman
07.14.18 | I don't really hear it as prog, myself, but I won't worry about that. Once Friday has declared an album as validly prog, all I worry about is which album I like better. |
Divaman
07.14.18 | The Skanky Treacherous Measles -- weren't they a punk band from the CBGB days? |
Divaman
07.14.18 | Yes updates:
So apparently, the deal w/Yes these days is that the version of the band with Steve Howe, Alan White and Geoff Downes is simply calling themselves "Yes", and the version with Jon Anderson, Rick Wakeman and Trevor Rabin are calling themselves "Yes, Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman". Might go see the Howe version later this week, which may or may not (depending on if you believe Wikipedia) include guest performances by Tony Kaye and/or Patrick Moraz.
In further news, I think that later this year, myself, Jethro and e will be touring together as "Yes, featuring divaman, Jethro and e, with special performances by Friday". I'll be playing the kazoo. (My kazoo lessons commence this coming Wednesday). |
Sabrutin
07.14.18 | Can I play the intercom as a guest in a couple of dates? |
TwigTW
07.14.18 | It's interesting because both versions of Yes are playing here this summer. The Anderson/Wakeman version is playing in a hall 2-3 times larger than the Steve Howe version. It shows which version of Yes the fans are behind, I think.
Oh no, now there's three versions of Yes... Looking forward to Close to the Edge on the kazoo, lol. |
Divaman
07.14.18 | Absolutely, Sabrutin. We can use the extra help.
It will be sublime, Twig. But not as much as the kazoo version of all 4 sides of "Tales of Topographic Oceans".
Seriously, I'm kind of torn. I'm not a Rabin fan. To me, both versions are kind of Yes-lite. |
Jethro42
07.14.18 | ''Oh no, now there's three versions of Yes... Looking forward to Close to the Edge on the kazoo, lol.''
It may sound like a demo lol. I'll be playing triangle and guimbarde (in English, it's either old crock, old banger or Jew's harp), a small musical instrument formed of a steel tongue mounted on a ring curved blade. |
Divaman
07.14.18 | Excellent. I can't wait to hear what e will be playing. |
Friday13th
07.14.18 | @Divaman LOL I can play the bird chirps opening and closing CTTE. That or sing the cha-chas during Sound Chaser. I look forward to our first rehearsal! XD |
Jethro42
07.14.18 | Arrgh you put the cha-chas in my head! Let Diva play the kazoo for that part instead! |
wham49
07.14.18 | I could care less of the labels, not sure of the def. of Prog anyway, some bands have the label for weird reasons and others who are prog IMO are labeled something else
plus Todd I think won the tournament some years ago because TR is associated with the genre, so if you can convince the powers that be; it is good enough for me,
with that said I would like to vote for 2, very underrepresented sub genre in this tournament |
Sabrutin
07.14.18 | "very underrepresented sub genre in this tournament"
I believe we discard metal when we choose our picks for these tournaments, but well we could always have a prog tournament with heavier music if there is enough request |
smaugman
07.14.18 | it's prog discovery, not prog rock discovery |
Sabrutin
07.14.18 | Yeah but I remember that at least one time there was "progressive rock" in the list description and anyway it's unlikely for someone to pick metal when nobody else does. I guess it has become an unwritten rule |
smaugman
07.14.18 | guess im a revolutionary then |
Jethro42
07.14.18 | @wham; sorry for my broken English;
Prog label is used in so many different cases. In the 70s, it was easier to identify, because it was either a movement in the rock genre that emerged from psychedelic forms of the 60s, or a more sophisticated rock style developed through the 70s, adopting jazz element, blues, folk, classical and/or any genre, consisting of adventurous, challenging nature, thanks to the odd time signatures, changing tempos, use of uncommon instruments for a rock band, and the creation of epic suite songs and surnatural, donjons and dragons kind of lyrics.
Now, with modern prog, we have a multitude of prog related bands often centered around keyboards and imitating proggers of the past or innovating, often to the point that it has barely traces of prog in it. Only because they use violin, flute, mellotrons or harpsichord, they can be considered prog acts even if there are not really prog elements into it. And I didn't talk about prog metal yet. Again, that label is overused. When a metal band is melodic and has original broken riffs, Metalheads call it prog whatever the subgenre. I think prog is an abused term.
|
Friday13th
07.15.18 | We have had several progressive metal albums recommended in the past, such as Dysrhythmia and the Odious from the first list. White Arms of Athena, wham?
I could have been harsh with Portal, since sources differed on whether it was simply "alternative metal" or progressive rock (this was apparently argued on progarchives), but my standard has always been fairly low. It is allowed if it is reasonable for someone to call it prog, not necessarily clear or unanimous. Several sources say it is prog and sounds like Tool or Oceansize, so that made it passable. |
Friday13th
07.15.18 | 0:2
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2 |
zakalwe
07.15.18 | Now the world cups concluding I can commit myself back into the one true tourney. 1 gets my vote. |
Jethro42
07.15.18 | I already voted for 1, Friday. |
Friday13th
07.15.18 | oops
2:2
Jethro: 1
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2
zakalwe: 1 |
Friday13th
07.15.18 | Yeah, have fun watching the world cup, y'all. In honor of the great French prog, you know where my loyalty lies. Anyone know of any Croatian prog? :] |
wham49
07.15.18 | not complaining 13 but just occurred to me, the line of prog and psych and fusion sometimes are blurred to me, I think that is a good thing actually, For instance I think that Zappa the Grateful Dead are progressive in their own way, or Bitches Brew, or The first few Chicago records, As is Anthem of the Sun and Sabotage. Is Hawkwind Prog or psyche? or what about Can? Anyway I do not really care to be honest just moving conversation, interested in others thoughts. I gues my only issues come when bands try to stick to a certain genre too rigorously and don't explore other venues that they can move
As Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Jerry GArcia were known to say, " there are 2 kinds of music; good music and the other kind" |
Sabrutin
07.15.18 | I think there is the music that defies the average with intelligent writing and makes you think "mmm could this be called prog?", and then there is the music that was born to be "prog" by sticking to boundaries that ironically tries to break |
tmthycnnlly
07.15.18 | Alright my vote goes to 1.
As for the genre discussion I tend to just use lower case progressive as a way to describe any band in any genre that's trying to push boundaries, experiment etc. Then you can use Capital "P" Progressive for the literal genre label but again where to draw that line is not easy. It's really the problem with genre names as a whole where they're a useful guide but trying to stick things in rigid boxes isn't helpful.
|
Frippertronics
07.15.18 | mark me down for 1 |
gagnonov
07.16.18 | 1, easily |
Friday13th
07.16.18 | 5:2
Jethro: 1
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2
zakalwe: 1
tmthy: 1
Fripper: 1
gagnonov: 1 |
hansoloshotfirst
07.16.18 | yeah, "Who Is This Who Is Coming?" is the winner here for me. "Blood Red Tape" isn't bad, it's just not my cup of tea.
|
Friday13th
07.16.18 | 6:2
Jethro: 1
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2
zakalwe: 1
tmthy: 1
Fripper: 1
gagnonov: 1
hansolo: 1 |
e210013
07.16.18 | The Future Kings of England - Who Is This Who Is Coming?:
"Who Is This Who Is Coming?" is an excellent album and a truly great surprise for me. It seems the English prog remains still alive and with good health. It's a conceptual album that is seems is based in a chilling short story. I really don't know the story but I can imagine, according with the music, that it's really scary. Musically the album is very original despite its clear influences of the classic prog music, mainly the psychedelic influences. It made me curious about the other three remaining albums of the band. This is one of the nice surprises of this tourney.
So, my rating is 4.0.
Portal [CAN] - Blood Red Tape:
"Blood Red Tape" is a very good album. When smagman published his review about it, I wasn't very attracted by it at the time. However, I regret that, in this moment. Still, I was almost a newbie here on Sputnik. I haven't many negative points to mention on this album. But I agree with some of you that this is more an alternative metal album than a truly prog metal album, despite it has some clear prog lines. But, I've no problems with that. My only negative point about the album is that it begins very well but it loses some "gas" all over it. Maybe because it's too much lengthy, I don't know.
So, my rating is 3.5.
So, naturally, my vote goes to the album of The Future Kings of England. |
e210013
07.16.18 | As for the genre in discussion I need to say some things.
I absolutely agree with Jethro when he explains his point of view about prog. He proves, once more, that he is one of the best authorities of prog, here, on Sputnik.
About the prog metal, it's true that many prog heads don't pay much attention to this sub-genre, which is a pity. As you know, I don't have any problems with it. I learned to love and respect many prog acts. I even dare to say that many of the best prog albums, since the 90's, where made by some prog metal bands. I'm going only to mention two of them, Dream Theater and Fates Warning. As you know, both were pioneers of this prog sub-genre and made some of the best masterpieces of it. And, as Friday said, we are free to bring to his tourneys the prog albums we wish, no matter its prog sub-genre. I pay homage to him, indeed. Long life to Friday's prog tourneys
But above all, as Jethro wrote, is increasingly difficult to define what is prog, nowadays. For me, a truly prog band is a band that progresses in the two sences of the word. It must progresses all over their entire career and their albums must progress all over the music made on each one. Their music should not sound equal from album to album and inside the album itself, too.
But, as happen with Friday, I'm not a fundamentalist of prog. My standard, in terms of prog, has always been fairly low, too. For instance there are many bands and artists that despite aren't properly prog, their contribution to prog was invaluable. I'm talking about Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Doors, Queen and David Bowie, only to mention a few of them.
To conclude, this is what turns prog so beautiful and loved for all of us in this tourney.
Cheers, my prog friends. Long life to prog. |
Sabrutin
07.16.18 | 2 is a valid take on a sound that many artists play in a very lazy way, so it must get some credit by me. However it is definitely a bloated album.
1 is very atmospheric and ambient(?) in places, and that's a risk because ambience music can become just background noise. However the ambience in this particular album is balanced by busier tracks. Not to mention that the atmosphere is spot-on, I took my daily 40-minutes stroll in a grey windy day and I knew what to play.
I vote for 1 |
wham49
07.16.18 | e, I agree with you. It is a good thing for a band when you can not pin down the genre, and prog can be so difined as to include almost anybody with an original thought and more than 3 chords, sorry Ramones can not squeeze you in, but you get my point, and psyche I would say was trhe forerunner of prog along with the jazz fusion movement of the 60's
however, I would say the band that made the prog metal genre is IM but to add to your list with DT, and and FW is Iced earth, Helloween, imo |
Divaman
07.16.18 | This contest has been a virtual coin toss for me. As I like both albums about equally, for very different reasons, and as the vote, by my count, currently sits at 8-2, I'm going to indulge myself in voting for the underdog and vote for 2. |
Friday13th
07.16.18 | 8:3
Jethro: 1
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2
zakalwe: 1
tmthy: 1
Fripper: 1
gagnonov: 1
hansolo: 1
e21: 1
Sabrutin: 1
Divaman: 2 |
Friday13th
07.16.18 | Alright, time to jam some alternative metal :P |
e210013
07.16.18 | I'm a bit surprised with your choice, Diva. It seems you're a truly sportsman, bro. Lol. |
TheIntruder
07.16.18 | I am divided with both albums. Like Diva, I also like both albums for different reasons. So, like Diva I also vote on 2. I am a bit indulgent in this moment too. Lol. |
Friday13th
07.16.18 | 8:4
Jethro: 1
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2
zakalwe: 1
tmthy: 1
Fripper: 1
gagnonov: 1
hansolo: 1
e21: 1
Sabrutin: 1
Divaman: 2
Intruder: 2 |
Friday13th
07.16.18 | I do hear a few moments here and there in Blood Red Tape of a odd-time signature, interesting percussion, or cool texture that sound prog. The 4 longest songs especially "Your Kettle" was the most prog you get. A good song actually. Still, I wouldn't call the album prog. To compare it to Tool is understandable but a bit of an overstatement. It does sound a bit too much like mainstream post-grunge rock. I used to listen to that stuff a lot.
I'm still gonna have to vote for the Floydish Future Kings of England. Much more prog and more my style.
9:4
Jethro: 1
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2
zakalwe: 1
tmthy: 1
Fripper: 1
gagnonov: 1
hansolo: 1
e21: 1
Sabrutin: 1
Divaman: 2
Intruder: 2
Friday: 1 |
Papa Universe
07.16.18 | "Friday: 9"
que? |
Friday13th
07.16.18 | oops haha yeah 9th vote for 1. Fix'd |
SCREAM!
07.16.18 | Wasn't able to listen to either as much as I would've liked this week but 1 was my immediate preference. Was never a fan of that post grunge style that 2 is pretty heavy on |
e210013
07.17.18 | With Scream!, it seems we have a clear winner. Let's go to the last tourney of this phase. |
Friday13th
07.17.18 | 10:4
Jethro: 1
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2
zakalwe: 1
tmthy: 1
Fripper: 1
gagnonov: 1
hansolo: 1
e21: 1
Sabrutin: 1
Divaman: 2
Intruder: 2
Friday: 1
SCREAM: 1 |
Jethro42
07.17.18 | I confess that I was close to giving my vote to Portal with couple more listens. Not much prog to be found, but pretty much every songs have something to offer, and I ended up digging their alt metal nature. |
TwigTW
07.17.18 | I see it's already over, but i'll cast my vote for 2 anyway. |
Jethro42
07.17.18 | It's always a pleasure to read your expanded reflexions, e21. Cheers!... I really like to read your points and analysis too, Friday. Divaman and Sabrutin bring a lot to the table too. I couldn't do without naming Scream with his sense of judgement. All of you guys captivate me with your comments. I read you all with interest. |
bgillesp
07.17.18 | The 10 minute kettle song on 2 keeps it from being truly amazing to me. I love a lot of the tracks on it by now though |
Jethro42
07.17.18 | Twig too of course, with all your credible comments and good sense of analysis. Again, thank you all to be a part of that game p/ |
Friday13th
07.17.18 | 10:5
Jethro: 1
bgillesp: 2
wham: 2
zakalwe: 1
tmthy: 1
Fripper: 1
gagnonov: 1
hansolo: 1
e21: 1
Sabrutin: 1
Divaman: 2
Intruder: 2
Friday: 1
SCREAM: 1
Twig: 2 |
Friday13th
07.17.18 | @bgillesp Interesting. I really liked the symphonic elements on that one. The other 3 longest were good too. |
TwigTW
07.17.18 | 2 is my metal album for 2018. I won't listen to another one until 2019. I am sorely lacking in this area.
Thanks Jethro, I can say the same to you too. |
Friday13th
07.17.18 | Yeah, nice to hear the opinions. Even some very harsh opinions...ehem gagnonov lol |
Friday13th
07.17.18 | Alright, so no surprises. The Future Kings of England win the match. |
gagnonov
07.17.18 | i just don't see it |
