We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge this drumming legend, an unfortunate victim of suicide. I am not aware of the demons Mr. Trucks may have been battling, but I hope his family will find peace in this difficult time.
Author: Connor Mullin
John Wetton,1949-2017
In memory of a prog legend. May he rest in peace.
(Belated) Best of 2016
Please forgive my late entry, for I did not listen to as many new albums as I should have in 2016; I suppose I still have an affinity for the “classics.” Anyway, here is my all too brief list (in no particular order) of the best albums of 2016:
A Moon Shaped Pool (Radiohead): This was my first exposure to Radiohead, and I was impressed. The atmospheric, almost hypnotic vocals of Thom Yorke, supported by Jonny Greenwood’s haunting string arrangements, make this a work of eerie beauty. Burn the Witch and Daydreaming are the two stand out pieces, but the album overall is excellent.
Say So (Bent Knee): Not as well-known as the other two, but a gem nonetheless. This innovative band from Boston features the in
credible vocals of Courtney Swain, whose range will impress prog and non-prog lovers alike. You can check out my review of their first album here.
Your Wilderness (The Pineapple Thief): I must admit that I enjoy just about anything created by Bruce Soord. The man is quite the talent – as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. His latest effort is no exception; it is filled with well-crafted and accessible songs. Overall, it is a great followup to 2014’s Magnolia. 
I Believe In Father Christmas
In honor of Greg Lake and the Christmas season. May everyone have a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
Addendum: In what was possibly his last interview, Lake explains the meaning of his hit Christmas song:
http://teamrock.com/news/2016-12-09/greg-lake-talked-christmas-hit-in-last-interview
Happy Halloween!
Here’s a Peter Gabriel classic that will send a chill up your spine on All Hallows’ Eve!
Bob Dylan: Poet Laureate
If you have not heard the news by now, Bob Dylan, an American icon, became the first musician to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. The decision, not surprisingly, ignited a firestorm of debate. Is Dylan worthy of the honor? I am curious to hear what fellow Progarchists and others have to say.
Black Sabbath: The End
The boys in black have embarked on their final tour, and I was fortunate enough to see them perform at the MGM Grand Garden Arena last night. Geezer, Tony, and Ozzy (still missing Bill Ward!) played all the hits (“Black Sabbath”, “Snowblind”, “Iron Man”, “War Pigs”, etc.) before ending the night with the classic “Paranoid.” The original members were not the only standouts, however: young drummer Tommy Clufetos rocked as hard and played as well as Geezer and Tony. His lengthy and frenetic drum solo about halfway through the show was certainly a highlight.
After Tony Iommi’s recent cancer scare, it’s good to see the group back together one last time. They will be missed, but I wish them the best in retirement.
Below: my one grainy shot, and some video from the concert. Spot the tune!
Heroes
In memory of those who lost their lives fifteen years ago today…
A Fish Out of Water That Swims On
I have been meaning to write in praise of Chris Squire’s solo album Fish Out of Water for some time now. In fact, I wanted to publish a review after his sudden passing last June, but I feared I would not do his album justice (or something to that effect). I suppose now would be as good a time as any to call attention to this somewhat obscure gem of an album. As I write this, I am listening to “Silently Falling”, a hauntingly beautiful, eleven minute masterpiece featuring dramatic and complex keyboards, a driving bass guitar, and the melodic vocals of Mr. Squire, whose voice lies somewhere between Jon Anderson’s and Peter Gabriel’s. The album also features the talents of Yes alums Bill Bruford and Patrick Moraz, King Crimson‘s Mel Collins, and a small orchestra conducted by Squire’s friend Andrew Jackman.
If you are not already familiar with this album, I suggest you give it a listen. Here are brief notes on each song:
“Hold Out Your Hand” – The album opener is driven by Moraz’s organ and Squire’s melodic Rickenbacker bass. It’s a relatively fast-paced tune, but it transitions smoothly to the softer…
“You by My Side” – A well-orchestrated piece that features a beautiful flute solo. The next song,
“Silently Falling” – I have already discussed, but I’ll mention the name again in case you forgot it! Squire then switches gears to the jazzier…
“Lucky Seven” – A tune which features the talented Mel Collins on alto sax. Squire shifts gears one more time before the grand finale…
“Safe (Canon Song)” – A majestic fifteen minute piece that deserves a spot among some of prog’s better epics.
Fish Out of Water is without question the finest solo album by a Yes member, and I would go so far to say it is one of the best prog albums of the early 1970s. Unlike the solo albums of other Yes members (Anderson and Howe, in particular), Fish Out of Water has a distinctive sound, and it has aged well. If you do not yet believe me, watch the promo video below:
LMR – Back to the Machine
The first music video from the Law Offices of Levin Minneman Rudess.
You can order the new album here: http://www.lazybones.com
Progarchy 