Oh, one other thing. . .

A brilliant piece of pop (“prog pop” would go too far; but more than mere pop; pop in a SKYLARKING kind of way), EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING, came out 10 years ago on September 14.  

Roland, where art thou?  Please write something more.  And, soon.  The world needs your infectious progressive pop.

Well, at least, I need it.

The best TFF album since Elemental, 2004's EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING.
The best TFF album since Elemental, 2004’s EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING.

Tears for Fears, EVERYBODY LOVES A HAPPY ENDING.

 

The Gods of Music Have Spoken

What else to title this post?  What a wonderfully crazy few days of music.

Here’s The Cure performing Hello Goodbye:

Is it just me, or does Robert Smith look a bit like Neil Peart crossed with the Joker? [Thanks, by the way, to Paul Watson for pointing out the new song on FB]

Robert-Plant-lullaby-and-The-Ceaseless-Roar_638Robert Plant has an incredible new album out.

Phish-FuegoPhish has an interesting new album out.

u2 songs of innocenceAnd, U2 released a full album, free, today, courtesy of Tim Cook.

haken restoration epOh, and Haken is releasing an EP.

Am I missing anything?  Should I head to the Fallout Shelter?  Are the gods done?

Dave Kerzner, STRANDED–forthcoming

tumblr_inline_nbn4ieQSpa1qec1d7September 9th, 2014, Miami, Florida – Dave Kerzner, former member of the Progressive Rock band “Sound of Contact”, is gearing up for a late October release of his debut solo concept album, “New World”. The first single off the album, “Stranded”, has just been released as a digital download from iTunes®, Amazon®, Google Play® and other on line stores. “Stranded” is a 10 minute “rock opera” comprised of 5 parts. It features Kerzner on vocals and keyboards with special guests Steve Hackett of Genesis, Durga McBroom of Pink Floyd, Nick D’Virgilio of Spocks Beard, Jason Scheff of Chicago and it was mixed by legendary engineer Tom Lord-Alge.

A shorter edited version called “Stranded Part 1 – Isolation” has been made as a “mainstream radio-friendly single” and will be available as a free download to anyone who signs up on the mailing list at davekerzner.com this month. Additionally, the full length album version will be made available through Kerzner’s bandcamp page: http://sonicelements.bandcamp.com/

Stream Stranded (Single) On Sound Cloud.

Lyric Video On YouTube 

Download Full Press Package. Includes Photos/Mp3 Download of track:

Radiant Records Sale: Neal Morse’s Autobiography TESTIMONY

Neal Morse's autobiography, TESTIMONY.
Neal Morse’s autobiography, TESTIMONY.

I devoured Morse’s autobiography a few years ago.  It’s excellent.  This week, Radiant is offering it in a variety of formats for very reasonable prices.

To order it, go here: http://www.radiantrecords.com/products/314-testimony-the-book.aspx

Progstravaganza: Beyond Frontiers CD

In August 2010, Prog Sphere released its first ever Progstravaganza compilation. After four years, twenty compilations, over 460 bands showcased, and more than 65,000 downloads, Prog Sphere Promotions is ready to release its first physical compilation CD. Progstravaganza: Beyond Frontiers, is ready for pre-order Progify store, and will be released on October 14th, 2014. This new compilation includes twelve progressive rock and metal bands from all around the world who are itching to show their talent to global audienceProgstrav Beyond Frontiers.

From the very beginning, Prog Sphere Promotions has sought to bring the very best upcoming progressive rock and metal bands to its audience, while also offering a presentation that the discerning prog lover has come to expect from his or her collection. To this end they have enlisted the talent of Frank Gingeleit of Living Tunes Mastering to master the newest compilation. For those with an eye for beautiful album covers, Prog Sphere Promotions have retained the services of the talented Chris van der Linden of LindenArtwork for the artwork and six-page digipak.

In addition to being the first physical release of the Progstravaganza series, Beyond Frontiers will also be accompanied by Prog Sphere’s first printed magazine. All of the artists from Progstravaganza: Beyond Frontiers will be featured in this issue with reviews and interviews. All of the artists will also be featured in an upcoming documentary about Progstravaganza: Beyond Frontiers.

Naturally, the first physical release of a Progstravaganza compilation is only the beginning! Prog Sphere plans to continue releasing Progstravaganza compilations into the far future. Interested artists can get in touch with Prog Sphere for inclusion in future editions. In addition to be included on a future compilation, interested parties will receive a six month PR campaign through Prog Sphere Promotions

The track list for Progstravaganza: Beyond Frontiers, is as follows:

01. Seconds Before Landing – I’m All Alone (USA)

02. Fughu – Quirk of Fate (feat. Damian Wilson) (Argentina)

03. Traffic Experiment – The Weight of the World (UK)

04. Machines Dream – Broken Door (Canada)

05. The Moonling – Backstage (Switzerland)

06. Rolf Remlinger – Corrosive Exponent Too (USA)

07. Riccardo Sandri – Campi Verdi (Italy)

08. Cea Serin – The Victim Cult (USA)

09. Overhaul – Three Judges (The Netherlands)

10. Celluloid Winter – Feigning Insanity (Part I) (USA)

11. The Amber Herd – Tin Man (UK)

12. Fred Colombo – Midgar (France)

 

 

Progstravaganza: Beyond Frontiers is out on October 14th, 2014 and is available for pre-order from Progify Store.

 

Bergen Proves, Yet Again, Its Wonderful Insanity: DSO

Det Skandaløse Orkester (The Scandalous Orchestra), is at satirical music group from Bergen, Norway. Since 2011 they have garnered a reputation for being an exeptional live band with a lot of energi, humour and antics. This spring they have played at lot of concert, one of them being “Nattjazz”, one of the biggest jazz festivals in Norway.

In June 2014 they released their debutalbum “NO HAR DE LAGET SKANDALE IGJEN!”, an albumtitle which is based on a typical catchphrase in the norwegian media and tabloids. An english translation of this would be something like “Yet another scandal!”

Their main influence is the music of Frank Zappa, something which becomes clear when you hear this exotic blend of musical madness and inappropriate blending of genres. Other important referances are Yes, Pink Floyd and music from cartoons, all of which reveals the ambitions of the music itself and the level of musicianship within the band.

More about the lyrics and concepts behind “NO HAR DE LAGET SKANDALE IGJEN”:

The album functions as a sosial commentary on how the media and the society we live in perceive and react to people who don’t fit into the mainstream. The lyrics make a point on how easily we transform a small and seemingly insignificant event into a scandal of epic proportions in the media. This is exemplified in stories about various public figures that in some way or another have felt the mercilessness of being scrutinized in the media. If you want more information about the lyrics let us know.

Download or stream the album here: https://skandalose.bandcamp.com/album/no-har-de-laget-skandale-igjen

Music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YPCvSVrnpc&index=1&list=PLKI2ATKv8-UuTkeL7yC5kWyEvP_iJjF1d

Love in concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jgj-xHyx9o&list=PLKI2ATKv8-UuTkeL7yC5kWyEvP_iJjF1d&index=4


—————————————-

Press foto: Thomas Owren

Cover Art: Sondre Jørgensen
—————————————-

Contact info:


Sondre_jorgensen@hotmail.com
Det Skandaløse Orkester

www.skandalose.noDSO Pressebilde

Video from the new Dodson and Fogg album

New Dodson and Fogg video, from upcoming album… 

 

And, COMING SOON… Chris Wade’s acclaimed recording project continues with ‘In A Strange Slumber’. the sixth release by Dodson and Fogg. The album centres around the concept of dreams and death, and the connections between both subjects. At times a collage of nightmarish and dream-like imagery, the songs weave around colourfully, mixed in with short stories narrated by acclaimed British actor Nigel Planer (young Ones, Comic Strip), as if to give the listener a bed time story crackling away on an old record player. Surreal, varied and mixing numerous musical styles, including folk, rock, prog, blues and more. The album features Canadian musician Kevin Scott on piano and other instruments, Ricky Romain returns on the sitar, and appearances are made by Trees’ legend Celia Humphris and Mellow Candle’s Alison O’Donnell.

 

 

For info visit: wisdomtwinsbooks.weebly.com

 

Email at: wisdomtwinsbooks@hotmail.com

Mighty News: Arjen Lucassen’s New Project

Yesterday, our favorite Dutch rocker and master of sci-fi prog, Arjen Lucassen, announced the name of his new project: Gentle Storm.  I have no doubt it will be incredible.  I’m sure–genetically!–Lucassen is constitutionally incapable of anything less than perfection.  Equally exciting, Gentle Storm will be performing live.

Here’s hoping they come to Red Rocks!

The Gentle Storm

We are excited to announce that Arjen’s collaboration with Anneke van Giersbergen will be called The Gentle Storm. The album is planned for release in early 2015.

Arjen likes to say that his touring days are over, but he’s helped Anneke form a stellar band for live dates in support of the album. You can find out more at your favorite social media pitstop:

www.facebook.com/TheGentleStorm
www.twitter.com/gentlestormband
www.instagram.com/gentlestormband
https://www.facebook.com/annekevangiersbergenofficial
https://www.facebook.com/arjen.a.lucassen

More details to follow!

 

Lego Ayreon: Into the Electric Castle.
Lego Ayreon: Into the Electric Castle.