A Thank You from Rush
Ok, this really got to me. Love these guys, and I have since 1981. Thank you, Geddy, Alex, and Neil.
A huge thanks to Dan Bell for first posting this–it comes from the official Rush website.
Steven Wilson Remixes Yes FRAGILE
Taken straight from yesworld.com
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YES’s ‘Fragile’ Remixed and Remastered in 5.1 Surround & Stereo Mixes – out 30th Oct
Fragile is the fourth in a series of remixed & expanded Yes Classics. The album has been mixed for 5.1 Surround Sound from the original studio masters by Steven Wilson & is fully approved by Yes.
Release date: Oct 30th 2015
image: http://yesworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Fragile-460.jpg
BLURAY/CD
The Definitive Edition Blu-Ray Disc features:
– Album mixed in 24-96 5.1 PCM Surround Sound & in DTS-HD MA 5.1 from original multi-track sources.
– New Album mix in High Resolution Stereo
– Original Album mix (flat transfer) in High Resolution Stereo
– Six additional tracks
– Original Roger Dean artwork expanded & restored with material from the Roger Dean archive & with full approval of the artist.
– Presented as a 2 x digi-pack format in a slipcase with new sleeve notes by writer Sid Smith along with rare photos & archive material.
Blu-Ray exclusives
– Full album instrumental mixes by Steven Wilson
– Two additional alternate takes
– A full album needle-drop of an original UK vinyl pressing
– US promo singles edits as needle-drops.
image: http://yesworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Fragile-460.jpg
DVD-A/CD
The Definitive Edition DVD-A Disc features:
– Album mixed in 24-96 5.1 DTS vLossless Surround from original multi-track sources.
– New Album mix in High Resolution Stereo
– Original Album mix (flat transfer) in High Resolution Stereo
– Six additional tracks
– Original Roger Dean artwork expanded & restored with material from the Roger Dean archive & with full approval of the artist.
– Presented as a 2 x digi-pack format in a slipcase with new sleeve notes by writer Sid Smith along with rare photos & archive material.
TRACK LISTING
Original Track Listing
01 Roundabout
02 Cans & Brahms
03 We Have Heaven
04 South Side of the Sky
05 Five Percent for Nothing
06 Long Distance Runaround
07 The Fish
08 Mood for a Day
09 Heart of The Sunrise
Additional Tracks
10 We Have Heaven (full mix)
11 South Side of the Sky (early version)
12 All Fighters Past (previously unheard)
13 We Have Heaven (acapella) mixed by Steven Wilson
14 Roundabout (rehearsal take/early mix)
15 Mood for Another Day (alternate take of Mood for a Day)
In addition to the main album, Steven unearthed a virtual treasure trove on the multi-track tapes, allowing him to mix full length & acapella versions of “We Have Heaven”, an earlier take of “South Side of the Sky” & – in perhaps the most exciting discovery of this series to date – a previously unheard segment of a piece now called “All Fighters Past” which incorporates ideas that would later form parts of “The Revealing Science of God” (Tales from Topographic Oceans) & “Siberian Khatru” (Close to The Edge) performed in the style of Roundabout! With a further two additional tracks – alternate takes of “Roundabout” & “Mood for a Day” & numerous exclusive to Blu-Ray edition features, including the complete album in instrumental form mixed by Steven Wilson, this is the definitive edition of Fragile.
PERSONNEL
Jon Anderson: Vocals
Bill Bruford: Percussion
Steve Howe: Guitars, Vocals
Chris Squire: Bass, Vocals
Rick Wakeman: Keyboards
ABOUT FRAGILE
“I wanted to hear something inspiring…”
– Jon Anderson
(from the sleeve-notes)With Fragile – the fourth album by Yes, Jon Anderson’s wish was fulfilled. Recorded in September 1971 following rehearsals a month earlier Yes was, by this point, on something of a roll. The Yes Album had been a chart success in the UK & had started to make inroads in the US album charts following a highly successful tour there. The challenge – to take the band to the next level of success – had to be met quickly to build on that momentum. The Yes Album was both the peak & natural end point of the first period of Yes album recordings.
It had marked the arrival of Steve Howe, the expansion into long-form material & with a final date at London’s Crystal Palace Bowl, the departure of keyboardist Tony Kaye. His replacement, ace session player & Strawbs member, Rick Wakeman, completed what came to be regarded as the first classic Yes line-up. Wakeman brought with him an expanded array of keyboards, including a Moog synth & Mellotron & proved every bit as strong a soloist & arranger as Steve Howe. With this line-up, Yes was ready for the big league.
Released in Late 1971 in the UK & at the beginning of 1972 in the USA, the album reached the Top 10 in both countries (7 UK, 4 USA). With additional impetus from the hit single “Roundabout” in the USA – a track which became a radio staple – the album quickly reached platinum status & went on to sell millions over the past 44 years. The album’s long form pieces were presented in a running order which allowed for the placement of solo led tracks by each of the five members, a novel way of presenting an album that merely enhanced the reputation of the band as a group where each member could be viewed as band member & star soloist in their own right.
Tracks such as “Roundabout” & “Heart of the Sunrise” have rarely been out of the live set-list & the album was performed in full by Yes in venues worldwide in recent years to unanimous standing ovations. Another key factor in Yes’ history was the fact that the album occasioned the arrival of sleeve artist extraordinaire, Roger Dean, a man who would go on to design logos for the band – including the famous ‘bubble logo’ – stage sets & numerous album sleeves & and artist who, despite having provided equally dramatic sleeves for numerous other bands, is always most readily associated with his work for Yes.
A NOTE ABOUT AUDIO SOURCES
In keeping with earlier releases in this series, Steven Wilson’s approach to this album for new stereo & 5.1 mixes is to faithfully retain the spirit & sounds of the original album mix, while applying modern mix techniques to bring further clarity to the individual instrument, vocal & overdubs for each track. The songs, instantly familiar to a multitude of Yes fans, remain so, with the new mixes – especially in 5.1 form – providing a greater sense of space for each voice to be heard, Anderson’s voice seems to join the listener in the room, Howe & Wakeman’s solos glisten with clarity & Bruford/Squire remind all that they were unmatched as a rhythm section during that period.
The Charge: Acid in my Veins
The single, ‘Acid in My Veins” – was released to a ravenous audience on July 17th and the new videoclip premiered yesterday on themusic.com.au.
The clip was shot on location in the forests and hills surrounding Melbourne and in a warehouse space featuring the band.
Drummer from the band, Ben Cuthbert is enthusiastic about the upcoming album. “This is just a first taste of this record. We wanted to give it all we have in this clip – Order of the Owl is our way of making a statement about the world and we want to connect with people through the clip and the album.”
The belting, rollicking single is all about the concept of Rebirth and will be a part of their forthcoming album, “The Order of the Owl.” The album’s release date is yet to be set and an east coast tour will follow.
“The Order of the Owl” as an album is a narrative created by The Charge and the artwork will centre around “Moloch” – an ancient god-like figure worshipped or feared – Moloch is described as a watcher, with an over-arching view of world events and has been used in literature as a person or thing demanding or requiring a very costly sacrifice.
Formed in 2008 around the talents of guitarist/vocalist Ashley Jones, drummer Ben Cuthbert, bassist Julian Crupi, and guitarist/vocalist Hamish Mills. One of the more notable New Wave of Australian Progressive Rock/Metal acts, a genre spawned in the mid-‘00s by bands like COG, The Butterfly Effect, Karnivool and Dead letter Circus, The Charge’s innovative, lyrically astute blend of 90’s grunge, hard rock, progressive rock and metal has helped position the band as one of the prominent hard rock acts on the Australian scene.
The Charge’s newfound popularity eventually landed them several high profile shows and tours, and saw them share the stage with several long time influences Bugdust, Dead Letter Circus, King Parrot, Floating Me, Over-Reactor and The Nerve, as well as three consecutive years in a row performing at Rock the Bay and Rock N Load as well as Brewtality Festival.
The single is available on iTunes and from thecharge.com.au and The Charge will be playing at The Evelyn in Melbourne on August 21.
THE CHARGE – LIVE DATES
Friday August 21 – Melbourne, VIC
The Evelyn Hotel
with Engine Three Seven, High Side Driver, Entropy and Hammers
$20 ENTRY – Tickets at evelynhotel.oztix.com.au
Cruise to the Edge: Register Now
Cruise: CRUISE TO THE EDGE, the third annual YES fan cruise and ultimate prog rock experience
Ship: Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,394-passenger Norwegian Pearl
Promoter: On the Blue Cruises (otblue.com)
Itinerary: Pre-cruise event on Saturday, November 14 in Miami before setting sail along Bahamian waters Sunday, November 15 through Thursday, November 19, visiting Key West and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.
Lineup: Legendary progressive rock bands YES and Marillion will lead an all-star lineup of over 25-plus bands
Booking: Cabins aboard the full-ship charter are now only $499 USD per person. For booking and more information, visit: CruisetotheEdge.com and connect on Facebookand Twitter.
On course to sell out for the third-year-in-a-row, the 2015 CRUISE TO THE EDGE–the annual YES fan cruise and ultimate prog rock experience sailing the Caribbeanthis November 15-19–announced a few updates today (8/6), including: the addition of Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse Band and Haken to the artist line-up; confirmed an all-star tribute and musical farewell to beloved bassist and founding member of YES, the late Chris Squire; and two new payment options designed to make it affordable for prog rock enthusiasts to attend this historic event. Fans may secure their spot aboard the cruise for only $499 USD per person (details outlined below).
The third annual five-day, four-night cruise will feature multiple stages of progressive rock music from the iconic and GRAMMY-winning rock band YES, special guest Marillion and 25-plus bands, aboard the NCL Pearl. A new addition to this year’s cruise itinerary is a special pre-cruise event, complimentary to all cruisers, on Saturday, November 14 at Magic City Casino in Miami, before setting sail to crystal clear Bahamian waters, visiting Key West and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The special pre-cruise concert will feature an IPA beer tasting, artist meet and greets, performances from Martin Barre of Jethro Tull, Three Friends and Lifesigns, as well as an after-hours “Electric Prog Jam,” where passengers become the stars, playing instruments to selected prog rock songs.
Legendary progressive rock bands YES and Marillion will lead an all-star lineup aboard this year’s cruise (with most artists playing at least two sets), including the just-added acts (iconic drummer Mike Portnoy; Neal Morse Band and Haken), plus Anathema; Allan Holdsworth; Three Friends; PFM; Saga; Martin Barre, Caravan; Spocks Beard; Nektar; Änglagrd; Lifesigns; IO Earth; Airbag; Casey McPherson; Messenger; Dave Kerzner; Moon Safari; Barracuda Triangle; Jolly; Enchant; Thank You Scientist; Steve Rothery; Bad Dreams; and AHEPJ. It will all be hosted by UK journalist and preeminent YES expert, Jon Kirkman.
Portnoy will act as official “music director” for an all-star tribute to beloved bassist and founding member of YES, the late Chris Squire. Portnoy will be joined on stage by many friends of Chris in this musical farewell to one of Progressive Rock’s Greatest Performers.
Besides the great musical performances, prog-rock music fans will get a chance to participate in special events and activities, including: “Storytellers” style concertsfeaturing behind-the-scenes stories from select bands, showcasing their writing/recording style and process, band history; Prog Panel Q&A Sessions; Meet & Greets; Bon Voyage Sail-Away Concert and more. In addition, Multiple Performance Stages throughout the ship will keep the action going into the wee hours with a surprise or two along the way. Finally, cruise attendees will be able to enjoy the ship’s 13 bars and lounges, various eateries, casino, spa, fitness center, basketball and volleyball court, bowling alley and more.
CRUISE TO THE EDGE has announced two new payment options (beyond the standard payment plan):
– EZ PAY PLAN: This special no interest installment plan is designed to assist fans who need an extended installment option in order to attend. While supplies last, fans may secure their spot aboard the cruise for ONLY $499 USD per person down (double occupancy), with the remaining balance payable over twelve equal monthly installments beginning the month after the initial reservation is completed and debited on the 15th day of each month (or next business day). Click here for more information.
– PAID IN FULL PLAN: For those who prefer to pay their cruise fully in advance, a 5% discount off the base fare is available. Fans will save money and have the peace of mind of knowing that their cruise is squared away and fully paid for.
CRUISE TO THE EDGE has been carefully designed to meet the discriminating requirements of the most avid music fan/cruise vacationer, producing a true fan and artist experience in a surreal and relaxing setting. Produced by On the Blue Cruises, CRUISE TO THE EDGE is a playground for the serious fan where music and a luxury cruise hook up for the vacation of a lifetime. For more information, visit CruisetotheEdge.com and connect on Facebook and Twitter.
The Gift Working Titles
Mike Morton, the Peter Gabriel of our generation, has the following update on social media. And, the picture for the new album–a cross between a Ray Bradbury scene and a Glass Hammer album cover!
The Gift have a big lump of music ready to finesse and record. The next release will be an album, not an EP! Working titles are: Pandemonium, Lost In Echoes and Sacred & Profane. The first one decribes this summers, the second is where we go to more often as we lose people, the third is what rehearsals with the boys can feel like! Artwork being scoped out already. Here’s a tease…
Trailer for Glass Hammer DOUBLE LIVE.
Progarchy.com says. . . “Glass Hammer is nothing less than astounding.”
For more information, go to Glass Hammer’s official website: http://glasshammer.com
Godsticks: Emergence
Emergence posed a bit of a challenge for me.
I am not familiar with the musical genre known as “grunge,” but I was intrigued when hard rock/grunge band Godsticks contacted me to ask if I would review their new album, slated for release on September 4. (Perhaps “grunge” is not the ideal or even the most accurate word, but I will use it for consistency’s sake). Thanks to a suggestion from fellow Progarchist Carl Olson, I discovered the musical talent of Soundgarden, and in particular their album Superunknown. This provided a solid starting point from which I could better appreciate and understand Godsticks’ newest release.
The three Welshmen of Godsticks play with as much dexterity – and power – as any “mainstream” alternative/grunge band. Darran Charles can shred on guitar, and his edgy vocals remind me of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell, although his voice is deeper. Steve Roberts (drums) and Dan Nelson (bass) make up the rhythm section, and both men prove more than capable of matching Charles’ frenetic playing. The album is high octane and high energy, but most of the songs may be considered “radio friendly.” And like the albums of more prominent grunge bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam, Emergence is noticeably pessimistic in tone, although not overwhelmingly so (see Ruin, Much Sinister, Hopeless Situation, etc.). An underlying sense of hope can be detected in the music, although this hope must be searched for, and may best be described as gritty. Take, for instance, this excerpt from the title track:
“They pray that we won’t form a tribe
Let’s leave all that bull**** to one side
It’s clear that when the place gets stormed
We’ll find the strength to emerge reformed”
Each song is excellent, and I would recommend reading the lyrics while listening to each tune. All That Remains is a beautiful ballad, the softest song on the album. Charles demonstrates his skills on acoustic guitar on this tune, but he truly shines on the electric guitar. The title track is a frenzied rocker, and from the opener Below the Belt to the closer Lack of Scrutiny, this album will hold – or more likely command – your attention. Although Roberts and Nelson no doubt contribute to the album’s overall quality, Charles is the driving force behind the band, his guitar, vocals, and lyrics taking centerstage. I highly recommend this album for anyone interested in a creative hard rock/grunge band. Godsticks deserves more attention not just from the progressive rock world, but also from the larger music world, and hopefully this album will only propel them forward to even bigger things.
Wow, double-live Glass Hammer coming
And, it looks beautiful. What a captivating cover. To go to the actual site, click here.
Two CDs – One Bonus DVD
Recorded at RoSFest 2015, Glass Hammer “Double Live” marks the bands first live album in over ten years.
Prog Magazine declares Glass Hammer’s RoSfest 2015 performance, “…the boldest set of the weekend. Steve Babb and Fred Schendel have always succeeded in creating an ensemble that fully complements their sense of musical grandeur.”
Stay tuned! Release date to be announced soon.
Progarchy. com declares Glass Hammer, “. . .awesome.”
Progarchy 
