The Prog Rock Album Club

Big Ears · 12-02-2012, 04:47 AM

Was it something I said?

Trollheart · 12-02-2012, 05:11 AM

Not at all. A great review, though I don't necessarily agree with it. I'm getting mine ready, but I'm also working on "25 of the worst Christmas albums --- ever!" for my journal, as well as many other things, so expect my thoughts soon.

I do agree with some of your conclusions, but not with others, so at any rate I'll, as they say, publish my findings soon.

Hang on in there mate!

Unknown Soldier · 12-04-2012, 04:36 AM

Been a bit tied under but will review this album today or tomorrow latest.

Trollheart · 12-04-2012, 05:11 PM

Okay then, here are my thoughts...

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

It's 1973, and Peter Gabriel is in the house! Seriously, if someone had handed me this as an unnamed track I would have sworn it was an undiscovered Genesis track from about the "Nursery cryme"/"Foxtrot" era!

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Must say I loved the opener. It has some great flute (which again reinforces the Genesis comparisons) but it has a great hook and really, er, hooked me from the beginning. The guitar work is exquisite and David Longdon's vocals, though almost a carbon-copy of PG, are superb.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

I think in general it stays to the same basic theme, with obvious exceptions being "Uncle Jack" and "A boy in darkness". Generally speaking I liked just about every track here, with the possible exception of the second one. As Big Ears said, it tries to be too clever but just looks and sounds out of place.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Loved him. I don't care that he sounds like Gabriel; that's a compliment in my book. And I loved the gentle English cultured sound of his voice. Very relaxing and comforting.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

Yes, I thought all the musicians did their job superbly, especially Greg Spawton and Andy Poole.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Started well, dipped a little with "Uncle Jack", picked up after that like a locomotive charging down the tracks, or in the case of BBT, steaming and puffing contentedly along.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

Very pastoral in general, again very Genesisesque, though "A boy in darkness" is an interesting diversion from the rest of the lyrical content, much darker and mature.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Yes, absolutely. This band know how to lay down a musical background and soundscape that perfectly complements David Longdon's voice.

9. What did you think of the production?

I'm never that clear on production, unless it's really bad. This did not sound bad.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Getting slowly through their catalogue. "Gathering speed" is a great album, as is "From the river to the sea" and "Bard", and their last one, "The underfall yard" was excellent.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

I would just say progressive rock. They're too like Genesis to be considered neo-prog. Folky elements too. I might coin a new sub-genre, and call them Countryside-Progressive, or maybe Rural Prog?

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

Much more. Every time I hear it I like it more.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

I love the opener, "Upton Heath" is great, as is "Summoned by bells", and I really like "Winchester from St. Giles Hill"; of course you have to give a nod to "A boy in darkness".

14. And the one you liked least?

Probably "Uncle Jack" or the closer, "Hedgerow" (the two are sort of linked anyway)

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

Not applicable, as I meant that ONLY to apply to a debut, which this is not.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

Definitely. Can't wait for part two, and I want to go listen back to their other albums.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Yes, returning to the simpler life and enjoying what nature has to offer.

18. Did the album end well?
I'm not crazy about the more psychedelic "Hedgerow", and would have preferred a better track to close with. But too like the Byrds for me. So I'd have to say no, but it's a low point in an otherwise fine, fine album.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Not really. Perhaps a bit more piano and less horns? Oh and a better closing track. Always important to end well, which I feel this didn't quite achieve.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

Mostly hung together well. It's not quite a concept, unlike some of their others, but the general theme running through it is mostly maintained, with a few little diversions here and there.

Overall Album Rating: 9 out of 10.

Unknown Soldier · 12-05-2012, 03:45 PM

Here's my opinion:

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

As has been said, just how progressive is an album that still actually sounds like a Peter Gabriel era Genesis album!

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Once you get past the obvious Genesis sounding stuff, the songs have a gentle swaying feel by a band that are confident with what they're putting out here.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

If anything, the later tracks seemed to diversify slightly musically and some more modern elements were drafted into the mix.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

He certainly grew up listening to Peter Gabriel and he does an accomplished job on the album.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

Certain aspects of the album really appealed to me, in the end I saw the album as a kind of tribute to Genesis in a strange sort of way, which is a surprise because the Genesis taint usually put me off these days. If I want a Genesis fix, I'll listen to the "Real McCoy" but this did appeal to me in the end.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Seemed to be consistent throughout, but if I had to choose, it actually got better around the midway point, just before it slumped again into a couple of slower tracks which dragged things out a bit.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

The lyrics fitted the concept and feel of the album.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

One of the highlights of the album and the instrumentals created a lovely backdrop at times.

9. What did you think of the production?

The production sounded as I expected it would, but I'm no expert on what very good, good or just average production really sounds like in some cases. But I know how to spot bad production. This sounded crisp and clear to me and so very good.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Had never heard of them before, I'm somewhat out of touch with modern day progressive acts.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

I suppose old school progressive rock with a modern type of sheen added to the whole package. But saying this, just what is modern day progressive rock actually meant to sound like?

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

I listened to it twice and wasn't overly impressed the first time round, on a second listen I found it a much more accomplished album and liked it.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

No clear winner here, but I did find "Judas Unrepetant" a really enjoyable track.

14. And the one you liked least?

There was nothing really bad, but I'd say "Uncle Jack" was the weakest effort here.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

Not applicable as I don't know their discography.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

I've pencilled them in and I'm wondering what their earlier albums sound like....I'm guessing they could be like Genesis. Was surprised they had so many albums.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Something to do with an easier rural based lifestyle? At times the album also reminded me of some of the middle to later period XTC discography with its rural type feel.

18. Did the album end well?

I liked "Hedgerow" and it did at times seem like a strange mix of the Byrds meets Kinks era "David Watts" outside of that sound it was less interesting and despite liking the song, I think they could've had a better album closer.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Seemed tight all round and the band seemed to set out what they wanted to do, which was to sound like Genesis in 2012.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

The consistency of the album was its strongpoint and the band really are a fully cohesive unit.

Overall Album Rating: 8 out of 10. (would have got a higher mark had it been more original)

Anteater · 12-05-2012, 10:22 PM

I've made no attempt to hide the fact that I pretty much adore the hell out of Big Big Train and most of their recent output, but to those who are a tad put off by their very Genesisian shift in direction since The Underfall Yard....go back and check out 2007's The Difference Machine. Lots of electronic and ambient influences, and I'd warrant it would appeal to you guys here looking for something a little less derivative sonically.

A couple o' samples for the adventurous among ye-

Trollheart · 12-06-2012, 04:24 AM

I must say (and have, elsewhere) that I really liked their first two albums. Okay, so "From the river to the sea" is only a demo, but the soft yet raw sound on that and "Bard" is quite a bit removed from their later work. Also, "Gathering speed", with its concept of the Battle of Britain, has so far worked itself up into close to top spot in their discography for me.

Ant, they seem to have had a female singer on "Bard" --- any ideas?

Good reviews anyway guys; I'll be hitting ya with my next choice later.

Trollheart · 12-07-2012, 12:25 PM

Hey guys! We just passed 4000 views on the thread, and coming up on 190 replies! That's not bad, for a thread which was considered in intensive care with little chance of survival just a few months ago! Well done all, say I! Proof that if we want to, a handful of people can make something like this work.

Now, before we all break up for Christmas and lose our interest in reviewing albums for a little while, let me suggest our final album for 2012. It's a weird one.

VERY weird.

Alphataurus --- Alphataurus --- 1973

Alphataurus were an Italian progressive rock band (they're mentioned as RPI too, but I don't know much about that) who recorded the one album, then split while recording their second in 1974. That album was released later, after they had split, but reports say it was unfinished. I don't know, as I've only heard this one. Oddly, the pages at ProgRockArchives show a new album released this year, but I have no idea what that's about.

Anyway, I'm sure everyone will need a link, as these are hardly the most prolific or famous prog rock band of the 70s, so here's one...
http://www.trollheart.com/alphataurus.rar

It's a short album, only 40 minutes long and with only 5 tracks. Some are instrumental but when there are vocals they're in Italian, just to make things that much more interesting!

I'll be intrigued to see what people think of it.
Oh, since the vocals are not in English, you can obviously leave blank any references to lyrics, themes etc (unless you speak Italian, in which case, knock yourself out, and enlighten the rest of us while you're at it!)

Unknown Soldier · 12-07-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

Hey guys! We just passed 4000 views on the thread, and coming up on 190 replies! That's not bad, for a thread which was considered in intensive care with little chance of survival just a few months ago! Well done all, say I! Proof that if we want to, a handful of people can make something like this work.

Now, before we all break up for Christmas and lose our interest in reviewing albums for a little while, let me suggest our final album for 2012. It's a weird one.

VERY weird.

Alphataurus --- Alphataurus --- 1973

Alphataurus were an Italian progressive rock band (they're mentioned as RPI too, but I don't know much about that) who recorded the one album, then split while recording their second in 1974. That album was released later, after they had split, but reports say it was unfinished. I don't know, as I've only heard this one. Oddly, the pages at ProgRockArchives show a new album released this year, but I have no idea what that's about.

Anyway, I'm sure everyone will need a link, as these are hardly the most prolific or famous prog rock band of the 70s, so here's one...
http://www.trollheart.com/alphataurus.rar

It's a short album, only 40 minutes long and with only 5 tracks. Some are instrumental but when there are vocals they're in Italian, just to make things that much more interesting!

I'll be intrigued to see what people think of it.
Oh, since the vocals are not in English, you can obviously leave blank any references to lyrics, themes etc (unless you speak Italian, in which case, knock yourself out, and enlighten the rest of us while you're at it!)

Interesting and a band and album I don't know. The Italian vocals shouldn't be too much of a problem as I'm almost a fluent Spanish speaker and can normally understand quite a bit of Italian.

**Goofle** · 12-07-2012, 07:26 PM

I need to get into more prog. Shall be checking this out.

12-02-2012, 05:11 AM	#182 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,970	Not at all. A great review, though I don't necessarily agree with it. I'm getting mine ready, but I'm also working on "25 of the worst Christmas albums --- ever!" for my journal, as well as many other things, so expect my thoughts soon. I do agree with some of your conclusions, but not with others, so at any rate I'll, as they say, publish my findings soon. Hang on in there mate! __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

12-04-2012, 05:11 PM	#184 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,970	Okay then, here are my thoughts... 1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in? It's 1973, and Peter Gabriel is in the house! Seriously, if someone had handed me this as an unnamed track I would have sworn it was an undiscovered Genesis track from about the "Nursery cryme"/"Foxtrot" era! 2. What did you think of the opening tracks? Must say I loved the opener. It has some great flute (which again reinforces the Genesis comparisons) but it has a great hook and really, er, hooked me from the beginning. The guitar work is exquisite and David Longdon's vocals, though almost a carbon-copy of PG, are superb. 3. What did you think of the later tracks? I think in general it stays to the same basic theme, with obvious exceptions being "Uncle Jack" and "A boy in darkness". Generally speaking I liked just about every track here, with the possible exception of the second one. As Big Ears said, it tries to be too clever but just looks and sounds out of place. 4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions? Loved him. I don't care that he sounds like Gabriel; that's a compliment in my book. And I loved the gentle English cultured sound of his voice. Very relaxing and comforting. 5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not? Yes, I thought all the musicians did their job superbly, especially Greg Spawton and Andy Poole. 6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)? Started well, dipped a little with "Uncle Jack", picked up after that like a locomotive charging down the tracks, or in the case of BBT, steaming and puffing contentedly along. 7. What did you think of the lyrical content? Very pastoral in general, again very Genesisesque, though "A boy in darkness" is an interesting diversion from the rest of the lyrical content, much darker and mature. 8. Did you like the instrumental parts? Yes, absolutely. This band know how to lay down a musical background and soundscape that perfectly complements David Longdon's voice. 9. What did you think of the production? I'm never that clear on production, unless it's really bad. This did not sound bad. 10. How well do you already know the band/artist? Getting slowly through their catalogue. "Gathering speed" is a great album, as is "From the river to the sea" and "Bard", and their last one, "The underfall yard" was excellent. 11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to? I would just say progressive rock. They're too like Genesis to be considered neo-prog. Folky elements too. I might coin a new sub-genre, and call them Countryside-Progressive, or maybe Rural Prog? 12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less? Much more. Every time I hear it I like it more. 13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one? I love the opener, "Upton Heath" is great, as is "Summoned by bells", and I really like "Winchester from St. Giles Hill"; of course you have to give a nod to "A boy in darkness". 14. And the one you liked least? Probably "Uncle Jack" or the closer, "Hedgerow" (the two are sort of linked anyway) 15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? Not applicable, as I meant that ONLY to apply to a debut, which this is not. 16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist? Definitely. Can't wait for part two, and I want to go listen back to their other albums. 17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one? Yes, returning to the simpler life and enjoying what nature has to offer. 18. Did the album end well? I'm not crazy about the more psychedelic "Hedgerow", and would have preferred a better track to close with. But too like the Byrds for me. So I'd have to say no, but it's a low point in an otherwise fine, fine album. 19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved? Not really. Perhaps a bit more piano and less horns? Oh and a better closing track. Always important to end well, which I feel this didn't quite achieve. 20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss? Mostly hung together well. It's not quite a concept, unlike some of their others, but the general theme running through it is mostly maintained, with a few little diversions here and there. Overall Album Rating: 9 out of 10. __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

12-06-2012, 04:24 AM	#187 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,970	I must say (and have, elsewhere) that I really liked their first two albums. Okay, so "From the river to the sea" is only a demo, but the soft yet raw sound on that and "Bard" is quite a bit removed from their later work. Also, "Gathering speed", with its concept of the Battle of Britain, has so far worked itself up into close to top spot in their discography for me. Ant, they seem to have had a female singer on "Bard" --- any ideas? Good reviews anyway guys; I'll be hitting ya with my next choice later. __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

12-07-2012, 12:25 PM	#188 (permalink)
Trollheart Born to be mild Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 404 Not Found Posts: 26,970	Hey guys! We just passed 4000 views on the thread, and coming up on 190 replies! That's not bad, for a thread which was considered in intensive care with little chance of survival just a few months ago! Well done all, say I! Proof that if we want to, a handful of people can make something like this work. Now, before we all break up for Christmas and lose our interest in reviewing albums for a little while, let me suggest our final album for 2012. It's a weird one. VERY weird. Alphataurus --- Alphataurus --- 1973 Alphataurus were an Italian progressive rock band (they're mentioned as RPI too, but I don't know much about that) who recorded the one album, then split while recording their second in 1974. That album was released later, after they had split, but reports say it was unfinished. I don't know, as I've only heard this one. Oddly, the pages at ProgRockArchives show a new album released this year, but I have no idea what that's about. Anyway, I'm sure everyone will need a link, as these are hardly the most prolific or famous prog rock band of the 70s, so here's one... http://www.trollheart.com/alphataurus.rar It's a short album, only 40 minutes long and with only 5 tracks. Some are instrumental but when there are vocals they're in Italian, just to make things that much more interesting! I'll be intrigued to see what people think of it. Oh, since the vocals are not in English, you can obviously leave blank any references to lyrics, themes etc (unless you speak Italian, in which case, knock yourself out, and enlighten the rest of us while you're at it!) __________________ Trollheart: Signature-free since April 2018

12-02-2012, 04:47 AM	#181 (permalink)
Big Ears Music Addict Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 434	Was it something I said?