Jethro42: Prog epic Rd 4

Jethro42 05.31.23	Voting ends June 7th. Good match y'all!
e210013 05.31.23	This can be an interesting match. Two Latin albums, one from Europe and the other from South America, a confrontation with two different music roots, despite some resemblances. Again we are going to have both albums with no English lyrics, which seems to be one of the main carachteristics of this tournament. I know relativelly well both, since I already checked both. Besides, I knew already Jorge's album, but I didn't listen to it for ages.
Jethro42 05.31.23	Good analysis, my friend. It's true, most of the candidates are non English. Here, they are latin. One from South America and the other one at the other side of the Atlantic. Two different cultures with differences and similarities. Gonna be nice.
TheIntruder 05.31.23	I am curious with these two. But it is a pity that one is so long.
Jethro42 05.31.23	So long, so long... It doesn't help. It can play against the contestant.
TheIntruder 05.31.23	It is true Jethro. A difficult task for those who work hard. Lol.
e210013 05.31.23	Lol.
Jethro42 05.31.23	Yes, you're right Intruder. One listen each will be sufficient!
SlothcoreSam 05.31.23	It may be long, but you'll enjoy every inch of it! In all honesty, it didn't feel that long once you start enjoying it.
Jethro42 05.31.23	Yes, but it's a risk to take a candidate that long. Album is phenomenal, no doubt. But it's hard to fully absorb due to its lenght.
Jethro42 05.31.23	''It didn't feel that long once you start enjoying it'' I get your point.
Koris 05.31.23	"It may be long, but you'll enjoy every inch of it!" Do tell ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
kalkwiese 05.31.23	I thought the same thing. It's a thicc boi
Zig 05.31.23	Portugal vs Argentina is a classic. good luck, Sloth!
SlothcoreSam 05.31.23	Oh I didn't realise that Zig. It was the dream world cup final that never happened, poor Christiano.
bgillesp 05.31.23	Ooh, these seem like my jam
Donchivo 06.01.23	Wow, another exciting match up! I start feeling like an outcast thou, because my knight has English lyrics....
e210013 06.01.23	Lol.
Scheumke 06.01.23	Just had a first listen of Jorge Palma and had a really great time with it! The piano and his voice are def the star of the show here but I think there is enough meat here to have it not feel stale. Really good stuff!
e210013 06.01.23	And it's a pity that you cannot understand the lyrics. They're great addressing the social and the religion themes in our society and particularly in Portugal at the time.
Jethro42 06.01.23	I instantly had a coup de coeur for Jorge Palma. Arco Iris got a lot of killer songs, but I get tired to listen to them.
Mythodea 06.01.23	Wow, two intriguing albums, one of which I was keen on listening when it was first recommended! It's going to be a great week! > "It may be long, but you'll enjoy every inch of it!" Do tell ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) lel
Sabrutin 06.02.23	I can totally believe that Jorge Palma went on to be a notable pop artist (he has a new album out btw!). Listening to 1 right now and it's very pleasant, although reading the description I have the feeling 2 will be a different beast for my tastes
Sabrutin 06.02.23	wow ok 2 isn't the quickest listen ever, but I really like this one too. The long 17 minutes track was great
Jethro42 06.02.23	There are pretty little ditties as well. I tried to make a good match for that beast.
Jethro42 06.02.23	double post.
manosg 06.04.23	Damn, missed featuring this one on time. Feel free to shoot me a message next round if you wish. Happy progging!
Jethro42 06.04.23	Oups! I forgot to check out myself. You're such a clock, manosg. No need to shoot you a message :) Many thanks for the feature! Keep on P/
Sabrutin 06.04.23	I vote for Arco Iris.
Jethro42 06.04.23	0:1 Sab
Jethro42 06.04.23	A reminder; Only 3 days to vote.
zakalwe 06.04.23	Yep Arco for me as well, it’s quality but by Christ it’s long.
Jethro42 06.05.23	0:2 Sab zak
Koris 06.05.23	I'll go with Arco as well. Really interesting album with lots of diversity, although I'll only jam it once in a blue moon due to its length... but I do have to respect the ambition :]
Jethro42 06.05.23	0:3 Sab zak Koris
Jethro42 06.05.23	Arco is not a fair affair. Anyone would lose against that beast. It's a flawless album with only depth and richness. It's made to win. Its con is its lenght.
Scheumke 06.05.23	Honestly, Arco Iris didn't really grip me. I had fun with it for about 50 minutes and then the next 48 just took forever for me. As a first listen it was a slog to get through. I can hear it's all quality music and well thought out, but it really overstayed its welcome for me, again on first listen. It might win this bout and then I'll come back to it and see it evolve, but for now my vote goes to Jorge.
Donchivo 06.05.23	Arco Iris is a mixed bag for me. Many moments of greatness. The way Jazz, some bits of Psych and different kinds of latin american music are interwoven into the prog lead to awesome parts and songs, but on the other hand they are scattered throughout these 98 minutes which also have a lot of parts that did not really grip me. The highs (like the epic 'Hombre') are high for sure, but I agree with Scheumke on the notion that with this album the length is an issue. Gotta get back to Jorge Palma for one or two more spins, but I have to say that the first spins did not sound that promising to me.
Zig 06.05.23	Arco is a great prog rock record with some jazzy and psych folk influences, its length may be a con and it might get bit boring sometimes. but I must stay loyal to my knight. I really like that record, musically and lyrically. It has some well-known songs, which he still sings today, very piano and flute based, with some incursions into rock and experimentation. for the remainders, Jorge was 25 when he did that record. so, my vote goes to Jorge Palma.
e210013 06.05.23	I agree with Scheumke and Don. "Arco Iris" is an album with some great moments but is an hard album for me due to its length and variety. But don't get me wrong. I've no problems with lengthy albums, I even love most of them especially when they've a concept. But, in this case, maybe due to its variety be too much scattered throughout the album, apparently without a big thread, it became a bit harsh for me to listened to it the 4 times. Still, I sustain this is a great album with great moments and I like the South American music parts on it. About Jorge's album I'm much more comfortable with it. It's also very diverse but it has a clear concept with he's visions about society and religion. Of course it can only be felt for someone who knows well the Portuguese language and Portugal, especially in the 70's. I also love his piano style all over the album, his voice and his lyrics. Besides, Jorge is an artist I know very well and I alwyas liked his riot's spirit, an appanage throughout his personal and music life. Thus, maybe my decision be a bit suspect due to my feelings about Jorge, but I really prefer "Com Uma Viagem Na Palma Da Mão" an album that gave me more pleasure to listened to and I'll return to it more times. So, my vote goes to it.
Jethro42 06.05.23	3:3 Scheumke ZIG e21 Sab zak Koris
Jethro42 06.05.23	Something from Jorge Palma reminds me of Italian band Locanda Delle Fate, and it's a good thing. It's mainly for the piano and the vocals. I also like the theatrical nature of Palma, besides, the third song could fit in any Roxy Music album. It's playful, joyful. I think it's the ideal one to rivalize with the flawless Arco. Musically, Palma is a toe tapping thing. Arco is hard to absorb in one shot, but it's true it has killer tracks. I have more pleasure to listen to Jorge Palma. It makes me of good humor. So Palma for me.
Jethro42 06.05.23	4:3 Scheumke ZIG e21 Jethro Sab zak Koris
Jethro42 06.05.23	@e21; Good analysis as usual. It's not surprising you like the South American parts of Arco Iris. And it's not surprising you're bias for Palma. Thanks for the historical parts of it.
SlothcoreSam 06.05.23	I gotta stick with my Arco Iris, unlike all your whippersnappers, I have a great attention span.
Jethro42 06.05.23	I was by a thin margin to advice you it's not a good idea to choose a 99 min album. 4:4 Scheumke ZIG e21 Jethro Sab zak Koris Sloth
SlothcoreSam 06.05.23	It was a risk worth taking Jethro, everyone needed to hear these Argentinians
Koris 06.05.23	High risk high reward, I like it :]
Jethro42 06.05.23	@Sloth; Seen under that angle, I agree, hombre.
Jethro42 06.05.23	Yeah Koris, Sloth is subtle.
Donchivo 06.06.23	I gave Jorge some more spins and it did grow on me. Beside the Roxy Music association, quite some parts made me think of chanson too, a certain Jacques Brel or Serge Gainsbourg atmosphere and melodies. I am torn now and will likely give both another spin before deciding. Not sure the weaknesses I see with Arco Iris can be attributed to attention span. There are quite some albums I enjoy from start to finish that are the same length or even longer than this. eg. (In order not to waste this golden opportunity for name dropping cool albums): https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/81685/Neptunian-Maximalism-Eons/#a https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/81059/Spectral-Lore-and-Mare-Cognitum-Wanderers-Astrology-of-the-Nine/ https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/26149/Electric-Masada-At-the-Mountains-of-Madness/
wham49 06.06.23	i choose 2
Jethro42 06.06.23	@wham: you listen to both albums more than once? Your votes always seem precipitated.
kalkwiese 06.06.23	I listened to both and loved both tbh I vote for 2 because I can see it growing on me even more
Jethro42 06.06.23	4:5 Scheumke ZIG e21 Jethro Sab zak Koris Sloth kalk
porcupinetheater 06.06.23	It's Jorge Palma for me. Luscious and vibrant, all the instrumentals wind themselves together really elegantly, and it has that super tangible humid summer atmosphere in spades. It'd be my vote even if the albums where similar in length. But lord if Arco Iris doesn't patter on for far too long. Marathon length albums work best when they aren't hyperfocused on doing a lot, all the time, with the songwriting. It's why the 7+ hour length of something like Natural Snow Buildings' Daughter of Darkness is superb - the length allows it to hone in on a single, very specific and repetitive sound to such an extent that it becomes a singular transportive experience. Likewise why 2 hours is a much simpler ask for drone, ambient, or whatever the hell the Caretaker's Everywhere at the End of Time is. And why it doesn't work here. What would be solidly written pieces of progressive folk in a more restrained format are exhausting at this length, with so many mood, dynamic, and melodic switches that it starts to feel like so much white noise by the time you reach the 17 minute behemoth, with still almost half an hour to go afterwards. At marathon length, repetition breeds atmosphere, where intensive songwriting just breeds repetitiveness. Obviously there're exceptions, but Arco Iris isn't one of them. Bits that are just different percussion and nothing else are great though
menawati 06.06.23	Got to be 2 anything with honky tonk piano is a turn off for me
Jethro42 06.06.23	Hello menawati. You can participate in the measure that you listen completely to both of the albums. At least once, but encouraged still more.
menawati 06.06.23	I can immediately sense what is worth listening to for me, a gift I have established due to getting fucking old and treasuring my free time more and I will listen to 2 completely but not the other one.
Jethro42 06.06.23	5:5 Scheumke ZIG e21 Jethro porc Sab zak Koris Sloth kalk
menawati 06.06.23	haha discounting my vote due to lack of dedication, love you jethro
Jethro42 06.06.23	@menawati, you miss something. Also, it's a part of the rules. Rules; Eligibility: You must be a regular/non-alt sputnik user to submit a progressive rock album. The album must have fewer than 30 votes/ratings on Sputnik and cannot be a repeat from the past Prog tourneys. The album must also be readily available through a free, online streaming resource (like youtube, bandcamp or spotify). HOW TO SUBMIT: Comment with your band and album name and WITH A SHORT DESCRIPTION ON WHY YOU LIKE THE ALBUM. PLEASE POST A LINK TO THE ALBUM STREAM. I will upload the information given on the list to confirm your admission. General Rules: You must listen to each album at least once before voting. You may vote for your own album when matched up. There will likely be 16 contestants locked into this tournament. By entering, YOU ARE SAYING “I’M GONNA JAM ALL OF THESE AND PARTICIPATE IN VOTING.” Failure to participate may lead to you being kicked out of the contest. "Spectators" can vote as long as they hear both albums, aren't alts, etc. Schedule: Each discovery (first time, head-to-head) match will last a week long. Should be about nine-ten weeks. I encourage jamming the album multiple times, researching other similar albums, or commenting with your thoughts on the albums.
menawati 06.06.23	ok i'll bow out as im not regular but 2 is far better
Jethro42 06.06.23	It's up to you. It's fun what's going on here. It's not easy to be the host, but we have to follow the rules for it has to be the same way to everybody. You're still welcome despite the rules, my friend.
zakalwe 06.06.23	lol. One of the all time best blokes is back for five mins and ya throttling him with the rules Jethro. I for one bow to your absolute authority.
menawati 06.06.23	respect Jethro o/
Jethro42 06.06.23	Things work the same for mena, and you're right, it's one of the all time best blokes, and he is a good reference for progressive rock. I'm missing him. It's a rare visit, and he's always welcome. I'm not authority per see, I'm having fun as anybody. It's my pleasure. If necessary, I'm doing what I think is fair.
Jethro42 06.06.23	Respect, my friend!
Jethro42 06.07.23	Late call vote for wham. The benefit of the doubt. For Arco Iris 5:6 Scheumke ZIG e21 Jethro porc Sab zak Koris Sloth kalk wham
Donchivo 06.07.23	I vote for Arco Iris. Tough call here. Arco Iris has the higher ceiling but also the lower floor compared to Jorge. I go with the daring, explorative nature of it.
Mythodea 06.07.23	I'll be voting soon, as well!
Mythodea 06.07.23	Okay, it's a tough call, as Jorge Palma is very enjoyable and to the point, but Arco Iris sounds broader and more adventurous - if only it takes to long to reach to the end. However, I believe norms and comfortability should never be the way for prog, so I feel semi-inclined to vote for Arco Iris, although I believe both albums are beautiful, and with many things to discover. Arco Iris, then
Jethro42 06.07.23	5:8 Scheumke ZIG e21 Jethro porc Sab zak Koris Sloth kalk wham Don Myth
Jethro42 06.07.23	We still have a possible tie with bgill, bnelso and Intruder. I sent them a shout. Let see.
Helentroy 06.07.23	I vote for Palma.
Jethro42 06.07.23	@Helentroy, just to make sure, have you listened to at least once each?
Helentroy 06.07.23	Of course, twice. I rated both. I never do that without the listenings. If I'm here I'm here.
TheIntruder 06.07.23	Sorry to be a bit late. I was busy. These are not two of my fav records on this tourney. The first is not truly prog and the other has some inconsistency. I agree with Donchivo, Arco Iris has the higher ceiling but also the lower floor compared to Jorge. My vote goes to Arco Iris.
Jethro42 06.07.23	That's good Helentroy, thank you. I won't ask you that kind of question anymore.
Helentroy 06.07.23	No problem Jethro.
Jethro42 06.07.23	6:9 Scheumke ZIG e21 Jethro porc Helentroy Sab zak Koris Sloth kalk wham Don Myth Intruder
e210013 06.07.23	It seems to me that we have another winner. Isn't it right Jethro?
Jethro42 06.07.23	With the eventual vote from bgill and bnelso, we would reach 8:9 at best. So I'm calling it. Congrats Sloth. It was very tight ZIG. Best chance next time!
Jethro42 06.07.23	Yes e21, I prepare the next match.
e210013 06.07.23	Ok. I'm very curious about the next round. Let's see it. Congrats Sloth and patience Zig. Both were two very interesting knights.
TheIntruder 06.07.23	Yes, congrats to SlothcoreSam and better luck next time to Zig.
Zig 06.07.23	great round indeed! congrats Slothcore
SlothcoreSam 06.07.23	Thanks Zig et.al., great round and great battle.
bnelso55 06.07.23	Great round. Arco ultimately takes it for me. I really like both records.
bgillesp 06.08.23	So sorry, was a very busy week. Just got off a night shift but my vote is for 2. It’s length made me get behind a bit but I enjoyed the whole thing!
Jethro42 06.08.23	No problem, bgillesp.