Captain Beyond Captain Beyond 1972

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
It's a compelling listen as always and the band keep the quality up. It always reminds me of a heavier Jethro Tull at times.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?
I've always thought "Dancing Madly Backwards" and "Armworth" as great tracks.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?
Not as strong as the earlier tracks.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?
Rod Evan always has the stigma attached to him, as the man that made way for Ian Gillan in Deep Purple. That aside he was always a competant vocalist and passes with flying colours here.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?
The album is such a mixed bag of styles and influences at times, but the whole thing is presented in a cohesive feel and yes it greatly appeals to me.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
I always enjoy this album immensely and along with their second album Sufficiently Breathless they two essential listens from the 1970s.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
The album explores the meaning of existence and they do it well.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?
One of the strengths of the album, as the band members were in effect 'a supergroup' having already made a name for themselves elsewhere such as in Deep Purple and Iron Butterfly, but I would say that the instrumentals are the highlight of the album.

9. What did you think of the production?
It's a strong production by the band and it has real volume and clarity throughout.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?
Very well and they only ever put out three studio albums.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?
That's hard but at a push hard rock/progressive rock. The album has rhythm changes and diversity but the songs tend to be short and go against the flow of your typical prog album of that era.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
This is not an album for a casual listen as you'll miss how refined it is. It's a somewhat complex sounding album due to its influences of hard rock, prog rock, jazz and space rock. Switch off whilst listening and you'll miss its brilliance.

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

14. And the one you liked least?
Some of the later bitty tracks on the B-side.

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?
As the band had all been involved in other well known bands and projects before, I don't think this point is overly valid here.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?
This and their second are equally outstanding works.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?
The album is about existence and I think the band capture this by taking us on a voyage.

18. Did the album end well?
It finished on "I Can't Feel Nothing Part 2" which had the same energy as some of the opening tracks.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
Possibly some longer tracks, but on second thoughts no, as it would have changed the style of the album.

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

Ovarall Album Rating:
9/10 (as it's such a unique piece of work)

I have got to get it together to listen to this album! Just so much happening right now.
Ok, Wednesday for sure. Or Thursday. Friday at the latest.





Maybe Saturday.

But definitely by Sunday.

Or the beginning of next week.
:shycouch:

It was decided that a maximum of two weeks good be given to each album.

So I've still got a week, right? Seems like it's an album you don't want to just rush through, and I'll be up all night tonight....:beer:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbz6dk34yT...ccf2f_full.jpg

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
Great production, particularly when it comes to how the drum were mixed. Bombastic yet technical: heavy prog. right up my alley!

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?
'Dancing Madly Backwards (On A Sea of Air)' and 'Myopic Void' are both minor classics in early 70's canon: changing time signatures abound, but groovy and even poppy in a sense. If you wanted a couple o' spacy sounding singles for a proto-prog mixtape, you've come to the right album.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?
Nothing stands out quite as much as the two opening tracks in my mind, but the suiteish approach of 'Thousand Days Of Yesterdays' got me grinning like a fool: if I were going to pick a third essential cut from this album to round out the proceedings, I'd pick this sucker.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?
Rod Evans has a very interesting voice: he's not particularly energetic, but there's a presence to his voice that adds that extra special something to an already trippy sounding record. On top of that, he's fairly flexible and can vary his range depending on the track, which is always a good thing.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?
I've owned this record for quite a long time prior to this review, and I most definitely love it. People cite Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin as being heavy metal's biggest precursors in the following decade, but I'd be just as likely to cite this debut as being equally influential in some respects: it certainly sounds a bit different from most of the blues based hard prog. coming out around the same year.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
Neither: Captain Beyond is a consistently strong LP from start to finish, and that opinion hasn't changed since my initial listen back in high school.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
Appropriate. Nothing mind blowing or life changing mind you, but it definitely works.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?
Yep, particularly the guitar work in conjunction with the drums.

9. What did you think of the production?
Interesting for the era: you have the drums higher in the mix than your typical rock record while Evans's vocals are pushed a bit further back behind the instruments to emphasize a sense of space. Sounds great overall!

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?
I've owned the debut for a few years now, so I'm decently familiar with the band and it's history.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?
Space Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock, Proto-Metal...pick a card, any card. xD

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
More. As the saying with fine wine goes...*motions*

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?
'Thousand Days Of Yesterdays'.

14. And the one you liked least?
Probably 'I Can't Feel Nothin'. Not because its terrible, but it's very typical of the early 70's.

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?
That kind of thing never really plays into my evaluation of any album I've ever listened to. Some bands really hit their stride after a couple of shrug-worthies and others begin their careers guns blazing only to burn themselves out within two to three years. In any case....a fine debut.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?
At some point, yeah. 1973's 'Sufficiently Breathless' is allegedly just as good as this first LP, but I've never sought it out. I shall be rectifying that in the near future, lol!

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?
Captain Planet...he's a hero..gonna take pollution down to zero...?

18. Did the album end well?
I'd say so. 'As The Moon Speaks' was my 4th favorite track, and the percussion that closes out the cut is awesome!

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
More song variety might have been a good thing for this record (a principle that solidified King Crimson's debut as a classic among classics three years prior to this LP). Otherwise, it's fine as it is!

20. Do you think the album hung together well, IE: was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
When you have at least four very strong songs out of eight, that's a mark of cohesiveness in my book!

Overall Album Rating:
8.3/10

Okay well here's my take on the album. Strap yourselves in, it's gonna be a bumpy ride! No hate mail after this, please... :D

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in? A lot heavier than expected, almost Zep-like. Quite raw I found.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks? Did not like the first one much at all. Second, “Armworth”, and third “Myopic void”, a lot more down my street. The opener had too much of the heavy rock about it, few if any keys, whereas the next few were a little more keys-driven. Nice guitar too, very laidback, slide-ish. Liked it.

3. What did you think of the later tracks? Well then it went into “Mesmerisation eclipse”, which I didn't like at all, followed by “Raging river” which was little better. Sort of got a feeling of Purple's “Highway star” in places on that song. Never really recovered after that for me.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions? At first, not really, but as the album wore on I got to accept his style more, though I never got to actually like him as a singer. Initially I thought he was more suited to southern rock or something of that nature. I can see how Purple decided to replace him: couldn't exactly see him singing “Child in time” or “Speed king”...

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not? Mostly, but considering there are supposed to be two piano players, I hear very little in the way of keys. It's a bit heavier, raw rock than I would expect from a band labelled as progressive. Even the short instrumental, “Thousand days of yesterday (intro)” was guitar-driven, albeit acoustic. Finally got to hear some piano in “As the moon speaks” but it was quickly brushed aside by acoustic guitar. Nice enough track though. Didn't like the faster ending, however.

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

7. What did you think of the lyrical content? It was a little hard for me to make out, but I don't think I was sufficiently interested to concentrate really.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts? Some, but not all.

9. What did you think of the production? For an album produced in the early seventies it's probably typical of the style but I found it a little muddy, a little heavy-handed in places.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist? Not at all; was not even aware of their existence till now.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to? Heavy rock really; don't see the progressive elements here.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?n/a as as I only listened to it the once, but probably wouldn't give it a second spin personally.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one? Really don't have one. Maybe the intro to “Thousand days of yesterday”, but even then, not really impressed.

14. And the one you liked least? Probably “Mesmerisation eclipse”, but there were more than one.

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? No. I don't know the band so I had few preconceptions coming to it, except I expected more in the way of progressive rock. The fact that it's a debut here doesn't really enter into it. Evans had been in Deep Purple, the other two in Iron Butterfly and the drummer had been with Johnny Winter, so they're not exactly amateurs coming to this.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist? Absolutely not.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one? Wasn't interested enough to bother.

18. Did the album end well? Well, it ended! :D Thought it was ending well but then that big fretnetic guitar and drum thing at the end, meh, ruined what could have been a decent ending. So no, it didn't end well.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved? Utilise the keys more, have some slower songs/passages. Felt it was very much on the heavy side of heavy rock, not so much of the progressive (I know, I've said that once or twice before).

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss? I have to say, I really don't care enough to answer that question. I was just waiting for it to come to an end so I could put the experience behind me.

Overall Album Rating: 4/10 (sorry US!) Not my thing at all.

Even though I disagree with most of what you've written , it was still a very good review and of somebody looking at the album from a very different perspective.

Not progressive you say, well it has various musical styles and plenty of unusual time signatures. Just because it's heavy doesn't mean it can't be progressive.

I know you haven't the time, but it's an album that needs quite a few listens, I don't remember liking it that much when I first heard it either, then after a few listens it hit me as they say.

Yeah I think the thing is, cliched as it may be, and even wrong perhaps, I always expect my prog rock to feature a lot of keyboards, long instrumental pasages and definite changes in the melody, which I felt this didn't really show.

Add to that the fact that, since I was working off a YT one-track thing, I had to calculate up each track's time, so that I'd know when one changed to the other, and that took some of the potential enjoyment out of it too. But this sort of more heavy style of prog, if that's what it is, really isn't for me. Definitely felt more like early Purple or Zep, and there's nothing wrong with that, but for prog I prefer the likes of Genesis, Rush, Pendragon, that kind of thing. This didn't fit well within those boundaries, though I understand they're my own personal ones.

I'm sure it's a good album, just as I'm sure load of people love "Dark matter" or "Brain salad surgery": I just couldn't get into it and totally lost interest.

Sorry man!

Hey, the whole idea of the club if for listeners to write how they really feel about an album with honest opinions. If we all agreed on what what was good, the club would be quite boring.

BTW just to let you know, that if you ever submit a Phil Collins era Genesis album, I'll have the knives out for it asap.

What, even "Wind and wuthering"? ;)
Nah, I wouldn't do Genesis or Marillion; I always look on this club as being an opportunity to offer up albums you guys may not have heard (of), and what prog fan hasn't heard Genesis or Marillion? Anyway, BBT is up next, after that it's back to me I think... heh heh.

I read everybody's comments with interest. Here are mine:


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

Hard to remember, as I heard it when frst released, but probably as a masterpiece of restraint (even a decade before the over-production of the nineteen-eighties).

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Dancing Madly Backwards (On a Sea of Air) is probably their best known track and exemplifies their subtleties.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

I absolutely love all of them. I could eulogise for hours.

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

Rod Evans was cruelly treated by Deep Purple and is a criminally underrated singer in my view.

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

No, I specifically love every track.

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

Captain Beyond starts on a high, which is maintained throughout.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

A good question. The lyrics are ethereal and do not really mean anything, but are effective nevertheless. When drummer and co-writer Bobby Caldwell left the band, they were cast adrift without him.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Indeed. They play as a band, all excellent, with no-one stealing the limelight. Larry Reinhardt on guitars is a paragon of good taste, Caldwell is all-pervasive on drums and bassist Lee Dorman adds one nifty riff after another.

9. What did you think of the production?

If I have a criticism, it sounds slightly dated. Even in 1972, it was dated! The echo-y vocals and the Fifth Dimension harmonies are more a product of 1968, but the band's playing throughout pre-dates many bands who followed in their wake. If nothing else, they were highly influential.

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

They were one of the first hard rock bands I ever heard in the early seventies.

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

Captain Beyond do their best to defy classification, but they are hard rock, with psychedelia, progressive rock, space-rock and careful harmonies.

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

More. It rewards repeated playing and I never tire of hearing the album. It is brimful of ideas.

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

Thousand Days of Yesterdays (Time Since Come and Gone) and both parts of As the Moon Speaks. They have infectious melodies, intricate harmonies and an indefinable sense of other-worldliness.

14. And the one you liked least?

I honestly cannot think of a weak track on the album.

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?

They debuted on a high-point, which they could never reach again.

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

I might listen to the follow-up, but really this is all I need. I would like to hear other material by the members of Captain Beyond, such as Iron Butterfly.

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

With hindsight, one can see what they intended, with lots of variety and experimentation - all of which worked.

18. Did the album end well?

Very abruptly and probably appropriately.

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

Not really. Although influential, it was a product of its time. A remaster would not go amiss in my opinion.

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

The album is one hundred percent cohesive. Cohesion being the key word here. Without it, they were finished.

Overall Album Rating: 9 out of 10. Nothing's perfect, but this comes close.

I have drafted a review, which I will post in my journal.

If I write another diatribe against Collins-era Genesis or his solo stuff, I'll explode!

Just a point: I think question (5) was misunderstood. I didn't mean did only the music appeal to you and not the lyrics. What is meant by that question is, putting the lyrics aside (even if you love them) were you impressed by the music on the album too? In other words, there are album whose lyrics are great but the music is a bit pedestrian, or that lets it down, just as it can happen vice versa. So I guess what I'm asking is, were this an instrumental album, would you like it just as well/hate it as much?

Just so everyone's clear.
:)

I love the lyrics/vocals and instrumentation equally. Rod Evans is a great singer, but the music is full of ideas and constantly changing. This contrasts with many modern progressive rock bands, who tend to be instrumentally adept, but are let down by poor singers.

Good to see you back, sometimes when newbies disappear they're never heard from ever again.

Will do.

I also think Sufficiently Breathless is as good as the debut.

Thanks US. I've been busy, but I'm still here. I might give Sufficiently Breathless another listen.

Yeah welcome back BE. Great review of the CB album in your journal, even if I did hate it (must be the only person on the planet who doesn't like it).

Are we on for Big Big Train next then? :)

Edit: I mean hate the album, NOT your journal, of course.... ;)

Thank you TH. I'm ready for Big Big Train, if everyone else is happy.

Okay, I think we've all had our say on the Captain. Time to move on.

In the absence of the insect-devouring one, here's our next project, suggested by him:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._One_cover.jpg

Seventh album from British progrock band Big Big Train, "English Electric (Part One)" released last month.

Anyone who doesn't have it drop myself or Anteater a PM and we'll set ya up!

Here goes:


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

I did not like the album at first, it was too Genesis-like and too gentle.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

It (the opening track) is the most Genesis-like and exemplified the problems I had with the album. Having said this it is catchy and D'Virgilio's drumming is excellent. Thankfully, on the second track, they move away from the overt Genesis influences.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

Uncle Jack tries to be evocative, but is too cold and clinical. I like the device of repeating associated compound words.

Winchester From St Giles' Hill is a bit overwrought, but is influenced by the Bee Gees, as were Genesis, and employs a George Benson-style guitar solo for good measure.

Judas Unrepentant has some sparkling keyboards and strong use of strings.

Summoned By Bells is my favourite track. Lead singer David Longdon finally has a good shout. The use of brass is outstanding.

Upton Heath is probably my next favourite and is beautifully sung.

A Boy In Darkness, cleverly uses instruments to portray dark and light.

Hedgerow is almost a Genesis SEBTP bookend as it returns to Uncle Jack.

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

Peter Gabriel-like, with greater technical ability, but less 'character'.

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

The playing is technically adept, but needs more oomph.

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

It definitely improved - a lot.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

In some cases very faithful to the story and they make a refreshing change to all the love songs.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Yes. Nick D'Virgilio's playing stood out. The instrumentation is very meticulous as you would expect from this band, but the clinical production made it seem flat. The band need a punchier bass player in my opinion.

9. What did you think of the production?

Clear and sharp, but too cold.

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

I know them moderately well and have heard other albums. This was the first time I have worked at listening to them.

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

To me, they are new progressive. They describe themselves as part progressive and part post-rock. I have no idea what post-rock means. It strikes me as jargon, but perhaps someone could enlighten me.

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

Definitely more. I had to work at this album. Early on, I switched to Heaven and Hell's Devil You Know as I was desperate for music with bite.

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

Summoned by Bells, the album's epic, and Upton Heath, the opposite in being quiet and gentle.

14. And the one you liked least?

There wasn't one.

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?

I am not certain if this band is improving by becoming more Genesis-like.

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

I am looking forward to part two, but whether I continue listening to this album, remains to be seen.

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

Yes, the Victorian notion that the countryside is redemptive, is one I agree with wholeheartedly. However, their attempt at being pastoral tended to fail with the clinical production. This is what you get when you sing about the countryside and record with computers.

18. Did the album end well?

They almost used the Simon and Garfunkle, Carpenters and Genesis bookend technique. It worked reasonably well.

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

In three words: add more punch.

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

The album is very cohesive in that it is thematic. The band like to throw in abstract ideas and it works very well.

Overall Album Rating: 7.5 out of 10. I would like to give it 8, but it is just too soporific.

I have drafted a review, which I will post in my journal.

Was it something I said?

:shycouch:

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. :thumb:

Hang on in there mate! :)

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

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.

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)

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. :D

A couple o' samples for the adventurous among ye-

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.

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. :thumb:

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.

http://www.progarchives.com/progress...5372572009.jpg

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.

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

Welcome Goofle to our little club! :beer: Feel free to post your thoughts when you've listened to the album. Or not. :thumb:

Certainly will do... :)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._Om_Ringen.jpg

Bo Hansson - Sagan Om Ringen

Really like this album. Prog and psyche mixed in with each other to great effect to create a divine musical landscape that suits the title (Lord of the Rings). Need to give it another listen though.

Okay, are we all done with BBT? If we go with Alphataurus as the last album for 2012, we should be able to get our reviews/thoughts in just before Christmas crashes down on us. So let's say, for argument's sake, the last week before Christmas? December 17-23rd? Ok with everyone?

I've got the album so I'm happy with the choice. The 17th-23rd may be a bit tight for me, but would it matter if I was late?

I happen to have the album also, so I'll write up a snappy little review fairly soon. :D

No it doesn't matter. It's just that obviously we'll all be off doing what we do over Christmas, so you could post if you're around, sure. I guess we'll just stretch it to the end of December, then we can start over again for 2013.

Just to check, we are reviewing Alphataurus at the moment?

We are, those of us whose bellies allow them to move in the direction of the computer! :laughing: Yeah, whenever you want. I think we gave it up to the 31st?

ok well I'll be giving it a twirl this weekend.

Alphataurus --- Alphataurus --- 1973
http://www.progarchives.com/progress...5372572009.jpg

1. Le chamadere (Peccato d'Orgoglio)
2. Dopo l'Uragano
3. Croma
4. La mente vola
5. Ombra muta

Band:
Vocals ---Michele Bavaro
Guitar --- Guido Wasserman
Bass --- Alfonso Olive
Keyboards --- Pietro Pellegrini
Drums --- Giorgio Santanderea

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

I thought the bassline initially drove the tune, and was very hypnotic. Then it broke down into a soft acoustic guitar piece, quite pastoral, followed by the first vocal, which I certainly liked. Thought it had a vague sense of Mexican about it, for some reason, as the vocal and music got harder. Very strong singer, even if I couldn't tell what he was singing about. Some great organ and synth work, touches of Santana and even Uriah Heep in there. And that's all in the first five minutes!
2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Only five on the album, so let's concentrate on the opener, "Le chamadere (peccato d'Orgoglio)" --- I thought it was quite varied in styles and a good opener, progressive and psychedelic rock elements, and certainly highlights the expertise of the band.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

Track two, "Dopo l''Uragano" gets much heavier, with more guitars as Guido Wasserman asserts himself more, and an almost doomy sort of feel to the track, touches of Sabbath and Purple. "Croma"'s a nice little instrumental quite in the mould of the later Alan Parsons Project. It's also the shortest track on the album, with the others coming in at nine minutes, five and twelve, working backwards. I love the keyboard work in the opening four minutes of "La mente vola", and then it only gets better.

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

I did like him, though I couldn't say I love him. Hard to be too objective when the singing is not in English, but I thought he had a strong, engaging and powerful voice.

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

Yes, very much so, especially the keyboard work, which I found quite fantastic. Very seventies (not surprising as it's an album from 1973) and very proggy. Kind of takes over though, and I wonder how the band would have sounded without Pietro Pellegrini on keys? He's certainly the musical focal point of the band.

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

It evolved a lot, so in that sense it got better as I listened.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

N/a as I don't speak Italian so couldn't understand the lyrics.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Excellent. Very powerful, quite spacey in places, and very much what you'd expect from a progressive rock band of the seventies, ie, banks and banks of keyboards and synths.

9. What did you think of the production?

Can't really say. It sounded fine to me.

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

Not at all. This was the first and only release of theirs I listened to. I believe they made a second record but have not heard it personally. They're broken up now, apparently; in fact, they broke up soon after the recording of this.

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

Progressive rock, maybe with a hint of space/psychedelic in there too.

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

About the same. It's not what I'd call a grower: you either like it or not first time round, and if you do, then you'll continue to enjoy it on repeated listens. If you don't like it first time though, I'd say it's unlikely you'd get into it on subsequent listens, though of course I could be wrong there.

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

I think overall I really rate "La mente volta" as the best track. It starts well with a big keyboard passage and then develops into a powerful, emotional mid-paced song. Great vocals and some fine guitar work, though like all of the tracks it's driven and hangs on Pellegrini's keyboard athletics. Nice bit of vibra or even xylophone in this too. Just great.

14. And the one you liked least?

I don't think there was one. Out of five, what are the chances? No, I think they were all pretty good.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated? (Note: if the album is or was NOT a debut, ignore this question or put "n/a")

For a debut, and as it turned out, last album before they split, sort of, it's a pretty impressive effort. I can't help wondering what Alphataurus might have achieved had they stayed together and continued making music.

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

They only have the one other. I'd listen to it, sure, but I'm not putting it at the top of my list. Then again, it's not at the bottom either...

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

See question 7.

18. Did the album end well?
Yes, very well. "Ombra muta" veers between soft blues ballad and total psychedelic workout. Slows down the action nicely while at the same time throwing in some great keyboard solos and keeping things fresh. Also Wasserman gets to finally kick out the stays and show us what he could do on the guitar; shame he wasn't cut loose earlier.


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

Perhaps more use of the guitar, which I feel was pretty much a bit-player for most of the album. Also I'd like to have had an idea what the lyrics were about, but that's my fault for not knowing Italian I guess.

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

Hard to say really when you don't understand the lyrics, but I don't think it wandered off on any tangents and there weren't any songs that I feel didn't fit in to the overall body and structure of the album.

Overall Album Rating: 7 out of 10.